Lincoln University's alumni want more cooperation with their alma mater's governing board.
Interim National Alumni President Alfred Harris, of Memphis, read a statement at Thursday's curators meeting, recognizing "change is inevitable" and asking alumni have a voice in that change.
"We (are) ready to take on a more direct level of responsibility and to participate in larger numbers than ever before," Harris told the seven curators attending Thursday's meeting.
"We are here seeking to align ourselves with the leadership and authority that will mold the future of Lincoln University into the next century."
According to Harris, that alignment should always include having the national alumni president "be a member of the search committee that vets candidates" for LU's president.
With current President Kevin Rome starting a new job July 1 as president of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, a new search process will soon be underway for his permanent successor.
Harris added, "In certain situations, the curators might seek to have time-sensitive input and feedback from multiple alumni. We believe this is a good time to open discussions about how our organizations might mutually benefit each other by improving relations via formalized communication."
Harris also said LU alumni would like the national association president to have "an ex officio seat on the Board of Curators (that) would also strengthen that line of communication" with the alumni.
The curators didn't vote on any of the alumni requests during its open session.
However, state law would seem to prohibit the alumni seat at the board's meetings, since the law doesn't allow for a non-voting, "ex-officio" person to sit at the board's tables.
The law defining LU operations says Lincoln's board of curators should "consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate."
There are currently two board vacancies.
Those serving on the board for six-year terms must be U.S. citizens and Missouri residents for at least two years before the governor's appointment.
State law also allows for a non-voting student representative who also must be a U.S. citizen and Missouri resident, as well as a full-time student.
The student representative must also be appointed by the governor - from a list of three names submitted by LU's Student Government Association - and must be confirmed by the Missouri Senate.
Harris asked the curators to "undertake a discussion" about the alumni requests, "to strengthen the line of communication and working relationship between the Board of Curators and the Alumni Association."