Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the principal governance authority of «Ƶ Methodist University. It governs the University by establishing policy and exercising fiduciary responsibility for the long-term well-being of the educational institution.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the election of the President and oversees and aligns the University’s strategic direction, educational policy, finances and operations with its charitable mission.
The trustees dedicate their expertise and resources to the advancement of «Ƶ and play an integral role in the implementation of the mission and strategic plan of the University.
The Board of Trustees meets four times a year (in February, May, September, and December).
Board Composition
- The Board is composed of 48 trustees.
- With the exception of the ex officio trustees, trustees serve four-year terms.
- Under the Bylaws’ Nomination of Methodist Trustees provision, seven of the trustees shall be members of the United Methodist Church, including one bishop of the United Methodist Church recommended by the College of Bishops of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church.
- The Board has four ex officio trustees: (i) The President of the University, (ii) a representative of the University Faculty Senate, (iii) a representative of the University Student’s Association, and (iv) a representative of the University Alumni Association. The ex officio trustees hold their respective trusteeship by virtue of their position at the University.
Inquiries
Inquiries concerning the «Ƶ Board of Trustees may be directed to the Office of the Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
We appreciate your interest in «Ƶ Methodist University.
Board of Trustees
Jay C. Hartzell proudly serves as the 11th president of «Ƶ. A visionary and nationally renowned leader, with an extraordinary record of accomplishment inside and outside academia, President Hartzell was appointed by the «Ƶ Board of Trustees, beginning his tenure June 1, 2025. He leads the University during an unprecedented era of opportunity and momentum, inspiring the future direction of «Ƶ.Trustees Emeriti
Linda Pitts Custard ’60, ’99
Trustee Emerita
Alan D. Feld ’57, ’60
Trustee Emeritus
Milledge A. Hart, III
Trustee Emeritus
Gene C. Jones
Trustee Emerita