ANNAPOLIS – Gov. Parris N. Glendening has chosen not to name Eastern Shore poultry magnate Frank Perdue to a second term as a University of Maryland System regent.
Glendening also declined to reappoint two other board members, Albert Whiting and Ilona Hogan, whose five-year terms will expire in June. Whiting, a Columbia resident, was nominated to the Maryland Higher Education Commission and Hogan was recently elected to the Frederick County Board of Commissioners.
Chuck Porcari, Glendening’s deputy press secretary, said Tuesday that the governor had spoken with Perdue on his decision.
“The governor felt he wanted to have the opportunity to insert people of his choice in the positions,” Porcari said.
On Perdue’s behalf, Richard Auletta, corporate spokesman for Perdue Farms, said, “He is proud of the contributions he made to the board, but felt it was time to move on.”
Perdue, whose national name recognition gave him a high profile on the board, was appointed in 1991 to complete the term of a regent who died.
Glendening’s nominees to fill the vacancies are Nathan Chapman, chairman and chief executive officer of a minority- controlled investment banking firm in Baltimore; Edwin Crawford, senior vice president for a securities firm based in Baltimore and Washington; and Lance Billingsley, a partner in a Baltimore- based law firm.
“The governor feels these people are experienced, diversified and well qualified to sit on the Board of Regents,” Porcari said.
Milkia Singleton, a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, was nominated to be next year’s student member.
The Eastern Shore’s interests will still be represented by ex officio member Lewis Riley, the secretary of agriculture, Porcari said.
The nominees must be approved by the General Assembly before beginning their terms on July 1.
System Chancellor Donald Langenberg said he could not predict what changes the turnover would bring to the board.
“It is perfectly normal for a new governor to bring in people of his own choice,” Langenberg said. “I expect we will continue to have a fine, cohesive Board of Regents.”
Roland King, public information officer for the College Park campus, said Perdue had been a strong supporter of the higher education system. “Frank Perdue has certainly been a very good friend of this university,” King said. “He has served the state and higher education well.” -30-