By By Steve Gillespie/staff writer
Jan. 29, 2002
LIVINGSTON, Ala. The University of West Alabama will search for a new president after Ed D. Roach resigns effective Feb. 28.
With no discussion, the 15-member UWA Board of Trustees accepted Roach's resignation in a meeting on Monday that lasted less than five minutes. They also voted to hire him as a consultant through February 2003.
Roach, who has a doctorate in management, was not at the board meeting and could not be reached for comment Monday. Board members at the meeting declined to comment.
Four board members Dwight Duke of Scottsboro; Lena Hardaway of Livingston; Robert D. Keahey of Grove Hill; and Paul Hamerick of Montgomery, chief of staff to the governor were absent from the meeting.
UWA trustees originally voted at their regular quarterly meeting in December not to renew Roach's contract. His contract expires Feb. 28, the same day his resignation takes effect.
A board resolution to hire Roach as a consultant did not reflect specific responsibilities he will be expected to perform. The resolution was recommended by chairman Preston C. Minus of Livingston and passed by the board
It states, "the university has determined that it would be in the university's best interest to employ Dr. Roach for the period of time from March 1, 2002, until Feb. 28, 2003, to provide consultation and advice to the board of trustees."
Details of Roach's consulting contract were not available. Shelly Stapp Findley, a university spokesman, said attorneys were going over the paperwork late Monday afternoon.
Roach's future with the university was in question in 2000 after spending two years as president of the university. Roach was given a 17-month contract in October of 2000.
Large crowds of Roach supporters attended board meetings when rumors circulated his job may be on the line because of differences with some board members.