Though Amy Gutmann is officially only the presidential nominee, she is assured of receiving endorsement as the next president of the University of Pennsylvania during next week's University Board of Trustees meeting.
The vote on Gutmann, scheduled for next Friday at about noon, will secure the Penn presidency for the current Princeton provost. Gutmann needs approval from two-thirds of the trustees, who number approximately 60 in total.
Although a vote is necessary to officially approve Gutmann for the presidency, the Board of Trustees has already tacitly agreed to have Gutmann serve as Penn's next president.
"Theoretically, people could vote against the candidate," University Secretary Leslie Kruhly said. "I think that that's highly unlikely -- in fact, completely implausible."
Since the Board of Trustees is so large, an Executive Committee determines many key decisions. This committee is comprised of trustees who have been nominated by the chairman and then elected by the full body of trustees in yearly elections. The chairman is selected by the full group of trustees.
Currently, James Riepe serves as chairman, and as part of his office, led the Consultative Committee for the Selection of a President. According to statute, when the committee selected Gutmann, they made a recommendation to the Executive Committee.
"The trustees have been advised that the Executive Committee approves the nomination of Dr. Gutmann," Kruhly said.
Even though all trustees did not participate directly in the search process, the group endorsed the selection committee before the commencement of the search. Additionally, trustees were notified of Gutmann's selection before any official announcements were made.
"The trustees, upon hearing the Executive Committee nomination in a conference call, have all enthusiastically responded to the nomination," Kruhly said.
Trustee David Cohen agrees that the unity among trustees with regard to Gutmann's nomination is clear.
"This is one of those grand-slam, home-run choices," Cohen said. "The level of enthusiasm among trustees, among members of the faculty ... is just electric," he said.
However, Kruhly does note that a trustee could possibly vote against Gutmann's approval.
"We don't anticipate it," Kruhly said. "But if some trustee did not agree, then they would not have to vote in favor."
Still, if such an event -- however unlikely -- did occur, Gutmann would still be ensured board approval. Many trustees have already indicated their support for her nomination, and the official selection does not require a unanimous vote.
"The Executive Committee made its recommendation to the trustees, and then -- with much enthusiasm -- her nomination was announced," Kruhly said.
Cohen confirmed other trustees' confidence in Gutmann through informal contact with them, and they agreed with his impressions of the nominee.
"She's just a spectacular nominee," Cohen said. "She has great presence, obviously great academic skill and she has a passion and enthusiasm for this job and coming to Penn that is just incredible to watch."
