School board: chancellor must have PhD

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The State Board of Education has voted to require candidates for the 2-year college chancellor post to have an earned doctorate from an accredited college or university.

The proposal to include that requirement passed 4-3 at the board's meeting Thursday. Two members were absent.

The board has been debating the qualifications for the job, with some suggesting that only a bachelor's degree is necessary. Others objected, saying that would set the bar too low.

An attempt to comprise by making a masters degree the minimum requirement and saying a doctorate is preferred failed.

The board also hired an executive search firm.