OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Stare Caprrot MonTcoMERy, ALABAMA 36130 Rosert BENTLEY i (334) 242-7100 GOVERNOR, Fax: (334) 242-3282 STATE OF ALABAMA November 3, 2015 Via Email Mr. Andre Taylor President Pro Tempore Alabama A&M University Post Office Box 1357 Normal, Alabama 35762 Re: — Alabama A&M University Dear President Taylor: ‘On October 27, 2015, I reviewed the published meeting notice for Alabama A&M University’s Board of Trustees’ meeting set for Friday, October 30, 2015 at 8:30 am. at the Westin Ballroom, Birmingham, Alabama. No agenda was attached to the notice posted on the Open Meetings Act website. I directed my Chief Legal Advisor, David B. Byrne, Jr., to contact the Board's counsel, Rod Steakley, to obtain a copy of the agenda. Later that day, David Byrne wrote Rod Steakley via email and requested a copy of the agenda, together with any other issues to be addressed by the Board. Mr. Steakley responded the same day and provided a copy of the agenda, which made no mention of the fact that Dr. Hugine’s contract with the University might be extended. It is my understanding that the Examiners of Public Accounts are again conducting an audit of Alabama A&M University. The exit briefing for the Examiners and members of the A&M Leadership Team is set to occur on or after the first week of December 2015. Mr. Steakley also provided David Byme with a copy of Dr. Hugine’s contract which runs through July 15, 2017. 1 was concerned about the rumors that suggested that there may be an effort at the Board meeting to renew Dr. Hugine’s contract for an extended period prior to the time the audit is completed.Under separate cover, Rod Steakley assured David Byrne that Dr. Hugine’s contract was not on the agenda nor was it to be addressed during the Board Meeting on Friday. David Byrne was told that all that may occur regarding the President was his annual review. ‘Over the weekend, I learned that Ginger Harper made the recommendation to extend Dr. Hugine’s contract, which was not on the published agenda and in violation of Roberts Rules of Order. Considering Dr. Hugine’s term does not expire for at least a year and a half, why was it necessary to extend the President’s contract prior to completion of the audit? I respectfully suggest that the Board’s action on Friday was premature, May I hear from you at your earliest convenience? Sincerely, allot Robert Bentley Governor ce: David B. Byme, Jr., Chief Legal Advisor