WILKES-BARRE -- In anticipation of University President Joab Thomas' retirement next fall, the University Board of Trustees announced Friday the trustees who will help search for his successor.

The committee's formation brings the University one step further in the long and arduous process of finding a replacement for Thomas, who announced his retirement in May.

The group will be comprised of 10 board members and one consultant, with board President William Schreyer presiding.

The committee will consist of the following trustees: H. Jesse Arnelle, Charles C. Brosius, Donald M. Cook, Marian U. Coppersmith Fredman, Ed Hintz, Edward P. Junker, Don Lamuth, David A. Morrow, Barry K. Robinson and Obie Snider.

During discussion about the committee, Trustee Ben Novak said he wanted the board to elect committee members based on nominations made from the floor, instead of Schreyer making the appointments.

This would prompt discussion among trustees about who would be most qualified to serve on the committee, Novak said in an interview Saturday.

The board has "to start taking responsibility," and one way to do that would be to allow trustees to play a more active role, instead of just spending a day and a half going to meals and approving resolutions without discussion, Novak said Saturday.

Novak's motion to add an amendment to the presidential search committee member selection process was ruled out of order by Schreyer during the meeting.

"The bylaws provide that all committees are to be appointed by the president," said Delbert McQuaide, legal counsel for the board, Saturday.

Trustee Edward Zemprelli also made a motion to have nominations given by the full board, but it was voted down, McQuaide said.

Zemprelli said he did not want the board to become a "rubber-stamp group."

Schreyer said he will form another search and screen committee that will include various University members. Schreyer said he hoped to work closely with this search and screen committee during the final selection.

In addition, Schreyer said there would be a workshop held before the next trustees' meeting in September to focus on what is important when searching for the next president.

The board met Thursday and Friday at the Wilkes-Barre Campus.