AU BOV out-brief’s SECAF Published March 8, 2016 By Senior Airman William Blankenship 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala -- Air University Board of Visitors out briefed Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah Lee James, Jan. 28, 2016. The purpose of the meeting was to provide her independent advice and recommendations on educational, doctrinal, and research policies and activities of the Air University. "This was an electrifying session," said Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Air University commander and president. "Our Board of Visitors representatives were involved in a lengthy dialogue with Secretary James to support AU initiatives and discover new ways to help us on our transformational journey." The Board met on two occasions during the 2015 academic year to review aspects of AU and how to continue to improve the institution. According to the bylaws, BOV members are to review and consult on all aspects of Air University's program to include financial support, planning and evaluation processes, guidelines and procedures, the use of technology and educational programs and policies. After the review process, the board makes recommendations for improvements to not only Air University leadership, but to the secretary of the Air Force. Throughout the year, the Board provided the university with 14 recommendations, 10 requests, and 15 observations. This past year, there has been multiple successful adjustments based off of the Board's inputs. The Air War College and Air Command and Staff College have embraced a standardized academic schedule that allows for shared electives and shared faculty expertise as well as expansion of collaborative-learning opportunities. Along with that, the eCollege for Officer Professional Military Education has completed its initial planning for an entirely new approach to Officer PME that will provide a true continuum of learning across an officer's career. Learning opportunities will be provided both on-line and in resident to meet individual and organizational learning requirements. "I have always been impressed with Abraham Lincoln's ability to deal simultaneously with the crisis of the moment yet to keep his eye on his nation's future," said Dr. Matthew Stafford, vice president for Air University Academic Affairs. "In the midst of the American Civil War, he pushed for land-grant colleges and the transcontinental railroad. At the BOV out brief I saw a similar phenomenon: With our nation at war and the senior leaders of the world's preeminent Air Force carrying the bulk of the fighting and reconnaissance responsibilities, they took time to look beyond the challenges of the day to focus on creating a brighter future for all Airmen. One does not witness such moments often; it was an honor to be a part of this." Board members serve for a period of no more than eight years and are nominated by present or former board members, Air University personnel or other Air Force personnel. Nominees are then vetted through the Air University president. Nominations are then presented to the secretary of the Air Force for selection. Two board members were presented with the Distinguished Public Service Award by James, Muriel Howard and Norman Augustine. Both members have served on the Board for eight years. Howard is the President of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C., and served as the president of Buffalo State College from 1996-2009. While serving on the BOV, she held the positions of the Chair Elect and Chair of the BOV. Augustine is a former chairman and principal officer of the American Red Cross as well as previous president and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation. While serving on the BOV, he held the positions of the Chair Elect, Chair, and Past Chair.