(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.