Air University BOV meets, members receive awards

Published Dec. 16, 2013
By Phil Berube
42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- -- The Air University Board of Visitors met with university officials in mid-November and left with a better understanding of how sequestration, civilian furloughs and faculty travel restrictions have and continue to impact the university.

The board chair meets annually with the secretary of the Air Force, chief of staff of the Air Force and chief master sergeant of the Air Force to report on the board's recommendations.

The board can be comprised of up to 35 eminent authorities in the field of air power, defense, management, leadership and academia. This year's board included 15 such representatives, 13 less than last year's board; a reduction caused by budget constraints, said the Air University Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Bruce Murphy.

During this visit, three of the board members' eight-year terms expired, and Lt. Gen. David Fadok, AU Commander and President, and Dr. Murphy presented each of them the Air Force Commander's Public Service Award.

Receiving the awards were Dr. Stephen Fritz, dean of the Honors College, Texas Tech University; retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. J. Gary Cooper, chairman of CNB Bankcorp and a former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica; and retired Air Force Gen. Charles Boyd, former president and CEO of Business Executives for National Security.

Dr. Murphy stated: "The contributions of these three members have significantly enhanced the quality of Air Force education. Their time, energy and wisdom have provided thoughtful and significant recommendations for three AU Commanders over the years. It is this external, unbiased nature of the Board which makes it a valuable body that brings a unique perspective to all areas of Air University."

The BOV's next visit to Air University is scheduled for April 2014.

The board has been meeting since 1946, when Gen. Muir S. Fairchild, the first Air University commander, established the BOV just 15 days after the university was established. For more information, visit www.au.af.mil/au/bov/index.asp.