Board approves term sheet for President Brian Noland after debate over rolling renewal

The East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees voted to approve a term sheet outlining a new employment agreement for President Brian Noland, effective Jan. 1, 2027, and authorized the board chair to work with university counsel to finalize a definitive contract.

Trustees discussed the contract's structure at length before the vote. One trustee raised governance concerns about a rolling or "evergreen" renewal provision that automatically adds a year to the contract unless the board acts to stop the renewal. That trustee argued the arrangement was inconsistent with common practice and guidance from the Association of Governing Boards (AGB), saying the structure "makes it a 10 year contract" in practical effect and reduces annual board involvement. A different trustee defended the proposed structure as providing continuity for a proven leader and said the agreement includes oversight and evaluation mechanisms.

Chair Stegall Jones called the question after discussion and the board approved the recommendation from the finance committee. The chair asked the record to show that Trustee Allen voted no. The board also directed the chair to finalize and execute the definitive employment agreement consistent with the approved term sheet.

"We recommend approval of the term sheet and authorize the chair to finalize the agreement," the chair said as the motion was presented.

The action follows a finance committee recommendation earlier in the day and will move next to final negotiation and execution by the board chair and university counsel.