In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the Frederick Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology Governing Board. “Commission” means the Maryland Higher Education Commission. “Frederick CREST” means the Frederick Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology. “Site” means a 4–year institution of higher education that offers Commission–approved undergraduate and graduate programs at Frederick CREST.

There is a Frederick Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology that is governed by the Frederick Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology Governing Board.

The Board consists of the following voting members: One representative of each of the 4–year institutions of higher education offering a Commission–approved program at Frederick CREST and at a site, appointed by the institution; The following nine representatives, appointed in accordance with the bylaws of the Board: Five members of the Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education Executive Committee who are appointed as representatives from the following groups: The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce; Frederick Community College; Frederick County Public Schools; Frederick County Office of Economic Development; and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (operating contractor); Two representatives of regional businesses, industries, or corporations; and Two representatives chosen from the community at–large; The President of Hood College; and The President of Mount St. Mary’s University. Each member serves for a term of 3 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member may not serve more than two full consecutive terms. A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the chair of the Board shall be elected by the Board from among its members. A member who is a representative of an out–of–state institution may not serve as chair. The voting members may elect other officers and establish committees, including advisory committees, as needed. In addition to the voting members, the following individuals shall serve as ex officio, nonvoting members: The Senior Mission Commander of Fort Detrick; The representative from Fort Detrick on the Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education Executive Committee; The National Cancer Institute’s senior mission leader for the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, or the leader’s designee; and The Director of Frederick CREST. Each member of the Board: Serves without compensation; and Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.

In addition to the other powers expressly granted and duties imposed by this subtitle, and subject to the authority of the Commission, the Board has only the powers and duties set forth in this section. The Board shall: Operate and exercise general control over Frederick CREST; Assist and support the development of higher education in the Frederick region; Assist in setting the missions of and accomplishing the goals and objectives of the sites in Frederick County; Assist in establishing a Frederick regional higher education center to be named the Frederick Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology; Provide guidance and support in identifying institutions and programs to serve higher education and workforce needs in Frederick County; Assist with the marketing and promotion of programs offered at Frederick CREST and sites; Facilitate interactions among the business, nonprofit, education, military, and Frederick National Laboratory communities; Keep separate records and minutes; and Adopt reasonable rules, regulations, or bylaws to carry out the provisions of this subtitle. The Board may fix the salaries and terms of employment of the Director and other employees of Frederick CREST. The Board may purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire any property it considers necessary for the operation of Frederick CREST. The Board may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of assets or property of Frederick CREST. The Director of Frederick CREST or the chair of the Board may execute a conveyance or other legal document under an appropriate resolution of the Board. The Board shall ensure that all academic programs and policies of Frederick CREST and sites are in compliance with the policies of and approved by the Commission for regional higher education centers in accordance with § 11–105 of this article. The Board shall submit an adopted mission statement to the Commission subject to the policies and guidelines of the Commission. The Board may apply, accept, and expend any gift, appropriation, or grant from the State, county, or federal government or any other person. The Board may make agreements with the federal, the State, or a county government or any other person if the Board considers the agreement advisable for the operation of Frederick CREST. The Board may adopt a corporate seal. In addition to other reports that may be required by the Commission, the Board shall: Keep records that are consistent with sound business practices and accounting records that use generally accepted accounting principles; Cause an audit by an independent certified public accountant to be made of the accounts and transactions of Frederick CREST at the conclusion of each fiscal year; and For any State money, be subject to an audit by the Office of Legislative Audits, in accordance with §§ 2–1220 through 2–1227 of the State Government Article.