(a) The Board consists of the following five members:
(1) four members with expertise in higher education, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate from a list provided by the Maryland Higher Education Commission:
(i) who are not officers or employees of a State institution of higher education or an employee organization;
(ii) who are known for objective and independent judgment; and
(iii) two of whom have knowledge of labor issues; and
(2) one member of the general public, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate from a list provided by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, who is known for objective and independent judgment.
(b) Before taking office, each member shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(c) With the advice of the governing boards of State institutions of higher education, the Governor shall designate a chairman from among the members of the Board.
(d) (1) The term of a member is 6 years.
(2) The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on July 1, 2001.
(3) A vacancy shall be filled for an unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment.
(4) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(5) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the remainder of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(e) The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.
(f) In making appointments to the Board, the Governor shall ensure, to the extent practicable, that:
(1) the ratio of male to female members and the racial makeup of the Board is reflective of the general population of the State; and
(2) each major geographic area of the State is represented on the Board.