Editorial: Has AU’s Board of Trustees become too football-centric?

Auburn University is an academic institution first. Granted, athletics create plenty of spirit and excitement – and generates millions in revenue – but schools are just that … schools.

News of Randy Campbell’s appointment to the university’s board of trustees comes with a mixed bag of feelings. Campbell was obviously a leader on the football field, quarterbacking the Tigers to the 1983 SEC championship and working as signal-caller on Pat Dye’s upstart 1982 team whose performance served notice that this team would be one to be reckoned with for the remainder of the decade.

Campbell, a 1984 AU graduate, was a gutsy, gritty player. He was a leader. He was well liked by Auburn faithful during his career on the Plains and well after his departure.

Considering Campbell’s success beyond college – he’s the president of Campbell Financial Partners and Harlan Partners in Birmingham – he certainly brings a great deal of business knowledge to the table.

There’s no reason to think that Campbell will not apply the same principles to the board as he did on the field and in the business world.

Like any other academic institution, Auburn University is a business that sells education.

With business brains and a dedicated love for Auburn, Campbell is a fine choice to replace outgoing Paul Spina as the trustee for District 6. But of 12 trustees on the board, discounting Gov. Bob Riley who serves as chairman, three played football at Auburn.

That’s one-fourth.

Byron Franklin of District 9 was a wide receiver under Doug Barfield. District 5’s Gaines Lanier, of J. Smith Lanier and Co., played defensive tackle for Shug Jordan. Both have also been successful businessmen.

Is Auburn’s board too football-centric?

Perception of such can be a big issue. One thing Auburn has suffered from in the past is that its board was too involved in athletics. SACS recognized this, among other issues, and put the university on probation.

Auburn needs to be viewed more as a school that stresses academics, not just athletics. Perception does matter.