Some of the most prominent members of Morgan State University's Board of Regents have routinely missed meetings since at least 2000, a pattern of absenteeism that critics say robs the Baltimore school of key oversight at a time when it is under criminal investigation by the Maryland attorney general for its fiscal practices.
Board members U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, former congressman Kweisi Mfume and prominent science education advocate Shirley M. Malcom have missed dozens of meetings in recent years, according to minutes from the board meetings that The Sun obtained through a public information request. Maryland law requires members of state boards and commissions to attend at least 50 percent of meetings within any 12-month period - or else "be considered to have resigned."
In response to questions about the absences, Gov. Martin O'Malley has asked appointments secretary Jeanne D. Hitchcock to look into the matter, including whether any of the absences constitute a violation of the state's law, said spokesman Rick Abbruzzese.
"There's no question that Morgan State University benefits by having people like Congressman Cummings and Kweisi Mfume serve on their board," Abbruzzese said. "But the governor does expect that members will participate fully in the process."
A legislative audit published in February found that Morgan State officials padded construction contracts and evaded oversight by the state Board of Public Works, among other issues. University officials acknowledged mistakes but said they had taken steps to prevent them in the future. Still, Annapolis lawmakers punished the school by withholding millions in state construction funds until it overhauls procurement processes.
Service on public university boards of regents, which are unpaid positions in Maryland, has long been considered one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the governor. But regents also have a responsibility to oversee millions in state funding.
"Board positions, even at nonprofit and government entities, no longer can be seen as sinecures or tributes or ceremonial," said Jeffrey A Sonnenfeld, a professor at the Yale School of Management who focuses on leadership and governance issues. "Mismanagement in the public sector is no less an issue" than in the corporate world, he said.
