(a) There is established the Board of Optometric Scholarship Awards which shall establish scholarships to provide for and further optometric training in pursuance of an optometric degree, of qualified applicants for admission to the University of Alabama School of Optometry.

(b) The Board of Optometric Scholarship Awards shall be composed of all of the following members:

(1) One optometrist from six components of the component societies of Alabama Optometric Association whose terms of office shall be staggered, two optometrists being elected for a term of two years; two optometrists being elected for a term of three years; and two optometrists being elected for a term of four years, with each successor being elected for a term of four years.

(2) The secretary of the Alabama Optometric Association, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chair of the board.

(3) The Dean of the University of Alabama School of Optometry, or his or her designee.

(4) The Chair of the University of Alabama School of Optometry Admissions Committee.

(5) The Executive Director of the Alabama Optometric Association.

(6) Two community representatives appointed by the Governor.

(c) The membership of the board shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state. The board shall annually report to the Legislature, by the second legislative day of each regular session, the extent to which the board has complied with the diversity requirements of this subsection.