(a) There is established a committee to be known as the Critical Needs Minority Teacher Scholarship Program Committee.
(b) The committee shall consist of five (5) members to be appointed by the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
(c) The appointed committee members shall be:
(1) Individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to education; and
(2) Residents of the State of Arkansas at the time of appointment and throughout their term.
(d) The members shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years.
(e)
(1) If a vacancy occurs in an appointed position for any reason, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the chancellor.
(2) The new appointee shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(f) The chancellor shall designate one (1) of the members to serve as chairperson.
(g)
(1) The committee shall meet at times and places the chairperson deems necessary, but no meetings shall be held outside of the State of Arkansas.
(2) Three (3) of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business.
(3) All action of the committee shall be by approval of a quorum.
(h) The committee shall:
(1) Select the recipients of the Arkansas Teaching Fellows forgivable loans; and
(2) Perform other duties or functions regarding the Critical Needs Minority Teacher Scholarship Program as may be requested by the chancellor.
(i)
(1) The university shall provide staff and office space to the committee.
(2)
(A) Members of the committee shall serve without pay.
(B) Members of the committee may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902, to be paid with funds appropriated for administration of the program to the extent money is available.