So in recent years there's been an increase in the time and effort spent by trustees at the Legislature on behalf of the U, an initiative that had been discussed, thought out, then implemented. Typically the contact has been informal, and where we have trustees who are skilled in such activity it makes sense to use them. The president, however, will always be the primary spokesperson. By statute, the board of trustees cannot initiate action but only approve or vote down the items brought before it by the president. Most presidents want feedback and perspective about important, sometimes controversial decisions.
Trustees play a unique and critical role in the success of any president.
They are regularly asked about a president's character, personality, and performance. The enthusiasm with which they respond begins to affect the public perception of a president. It's important that the issues trustees care about get on the president's agenda. Before his departure from the U, former president Smith had expressed frustration with the so-called dual governance in Utah higher education, a structure which includes boards of trustees at individual institutions as well as a State Board of Regents. Smith felt that presidents lacked direct access to the regents, which restricted a personal presentation of their views.