Board Chairman Dr. Constantine Curris acknowledged that a violation of the Open Meetings Law did occur at a gathering that took place at a Regents' home the night before the March 14 meeting. Dr. Curris voiced his recollection of the night and invited other board members to follow suit in an effort to have "a full and open discussion of what happened" and to "clear the air."
After public recollection and discussion between the board, they were asked by the Board Chairman to vote "anew."
"Is there a motion to extend President Dunn's contract past June 30, 2014?" Curris asked.
The question was asked three times consecutively before Regent Susan Guess broke the silence and let it be known that she is proud of the work completed by Dr. Dunn and is in favor of keeping him.
Dr. Renee Fister, who was sworn in a as a new Regent at the beginning of the meeting, said that Dr. Dunn has "moved this university forward" and "unified its direction." She concluded, stating that Dr. Dunn is "well respected."
After discussion and all opinions had ceased, a vote was taken, with four Regents voting in favor of extending Dunns' contract and seven voting against it.
Following the vote, a motion was made to adopt a policy for the search of a new President for Murray State University. That motion passed, with all Regents agreeing on the policy.
The Board of Regents "voted in what we believe is in the very best interest of Murray State University."
