Tuesday, October 22, 2007

Dear Members of the Eastern Kentucky University Community:

Since he was unanimously selected by the Board of Regents as EKU President for an interim period, Dr. Doug Whitlock has only confirmed over these past 10 weeks that he is, indeed, perfectly suited to lead this University at this important time in her history.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and his progressive vision for the University, the Board voted unanimously at a special meeting today (Monday, Oct. 22) to name Dr. Whitlock as EKU’s 11th president and extend his appointment to a total of three years, ending July 31, 2010.

Dr. Whitlock is extraordinarily skilled, exceedingly trustworthy, and exceptionally devoted to EKU. Many of you have called or written to express your support of our initial decision in August, and as a Board we appreciate all your comments. The Board is pleased that Dr. Whitlock’s tenure has, in a very short time, already produced progress on many fronts and a spirit of teamwork that bodes well for the future.

Dr. Whitlock is well known throughout Madison County and the region, well versed in the legislative and budgetary world of Frankfort and widely respected by this campus community. We are most grateful for his willingness to serve his alma mater.

Because of our decision to remove the interim label and extend President Whitlock’s contract, the Board has postponed any presidential search activities until the fall of 2009.

The Board’s action today is similar to a very successful approach taken by the University of Louisville in 2002, when it named Jim Ramsey as interim president and three months later appointed him as president.

As we express our confidence in President Whitlock’s leadership today, the Board also wants to thank you for your continuing contributions to the University. By working together, we will reach even greater heights of excellence.

Hunter Bates, ’89
Chair
Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents