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Board develops stronger community

The Executive Board of the University of La Verne Board of Trustees includes (front row) Steve Reenders, Jerry Laird, Bev Rupel, Steve Jeffers, (back row) Jim Long (Chair), Don Wilson, Ben Harris, Steve Martin and Bill McIntyre. On Monday, the board came together in the west dinning room to interview a prospective new member. / photo by Michael P. Bailey
The Executive Board of the University of La Verne Board of Trustees includes (front row) Steve Reenders, Jerry Laird, Bev Rupel, Steve Jeffers, (back row) Jim Long (Chair), Don Wilson, Ben Harris, Steve Martin and Bill McIntyre. On Monday, the board came together in the west dinning room to interview a prospective new member. / photo by Michael P. Bailey

by Angelica Martinez
Arts and Entertainment Editor

Currently comprised of 30 members, one honorary member and 4 emeritus trustees, the University of La Verne’s Board of Trustees is the largest association deemed to the University.

With all facets of the University broken into separate committees, the Board meets regularly, bi-monthly and quarterly, pending the requests of the committee, to ensure proper development for the University and its overall community.

The meetings are designed to update the executive board, but also to discuss any changes which may affect the University.

Jean Bjerke, vice president of University Relations, and executive secretary for the Development committee, said the Board of Trustees has broad backgrounds of expertise.

Each of the Trustee members is independent from the University. Their emphasis allows for “a broad range of expertise,” Bjerke said.

The Board, according to Bjerke, is essentially “legally responsible for the University.”

Jim Long, chair of the Board of Trustees, says the Board’s goal is “to continue to make private school one of the best in Southern California, and certainly in the Inland Empire.”

Recently, the Board directed a major portion of its efforts toward achieving American Bar Association (ABA) approval for the University’s College of Law.

This change, according to Bjerke, will ultimately affect students who attend the University of La Verne.

“It is a major decision with significant impact for the University, because it will be necessary for us to make major changes in order to go for this accreditation,” said Bjerke.

However, Long says the plans for the ABA approval have not yet been finalized.

“We are not sure yet. This is a long process and an expensive process,” said Long.

In addition to such decisions, the Board also settles many other types of issues which may affect the University of La Verne in any way. Most recently, they have also settled issues concerning a tuition increase, as well as a salary increase for employees of the University.

“After consulting with Steve Morgan and key leaders, recommendations are made,” said Bjerke, regarding the process in which the Board finalizes any of its decisions.

Steve Grey, chief financial officer for ULV and liaison to the Board for the audit, investment and finance and executive committees, said “they are performing very well.”

The trustees “bring to their position varied expertise” which help in making the University’s decisions, he said.

According to Grey, the Board has “empowered the finance committee,” and has kept constant communication, agreeing on decisions without much trouble. Members are “very in-tune” with the University’s concerns.

Based on bylaws, elections for the 35 positions are subject to the Board. Every three years, memberships may be renewed by any current members of the Board.

Faculty promotions, tenures and salaries to all employees of the University are also determined under their discretion.

The Board has been dedicated to its responsibilities by holding extensive meetings and donating money for purposes of further education.

Grey said that the finance committee meets at 7 a.m. to convene. Although this duty may not be desirable, he admits that it is part of the job, being on the Board.

“[It has] made me learn how to prepare better for presentations,” said Grey. “I gotta do it, but it has helped me become a better manager, a better presenter.”

“The board is very committed and loyal,” said Bjerke. “We have a very strong Board in terms of quality. All of them are very generous; they are all donors.”

“Last year, $330,000 was the total donated.”

Bjerke affirms that the Board “believes in the mission, and the University.”

“If the Board of Trustees doesn’t support the University, then we’ve got a problem,” said Long.

Angelica Martinez, Arts Editor
Angelica Martinez
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