College Board picks earn Senate panel’s approval

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/10/8

Two of Gov. Haley Barbour’s picks to serve on the state College Board were approved unanimously today by voice vote in the Senate Universities and Colleges Committee.

C.D. Smith Jr., 55, of Meridian and Dr. Douglas Rouse, 57, are expected to come before the full Senate Friday.

College Board members are appointed to 10-year terms and though they are volunteers, they are paid $40 per day for meeting days and mileage expenses. The term of the four new members, if all are confirmed, will begin in May.

Sen. Gary Jackson, R-Kilmichael, drilled both Smith and Rouse on a controversial topic — whether the selection process for university and college presidents should be more inclusive and open.