Larry E. Homan ('67) of Fulton has been selected to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the 12-member panel that oversees the state's eight publicly supported universities.

Recommended by Gov. Kirk Fordice and approved by unanimous vote of the other 11 board members, Homan will complete the term of the late J.P. "Jake" Mills, who died in April.

Homan is president and CEO of Homan Industries in Fulton. His business interests include Tri-State Lumber Co., Homan Wood Products, Homan Forest Products, American Cellulose Corp., and the Mississippi Railway.

"I think it is the responsibility of the board-and of any board member-to look at what is best for the eight universities, the state of Mississippi, the students, and the taxpayers," Homan said. "That's who we are working for. Of course, I want to bring a business approach to the board. I also want to be objective and open-minded."

Under state law in the case of a vacancy on the board, board members select someone to fill the post until the next legislative session. The governor then nominates a replacement, who must then have Senate approval.

Fordice will submit Homan's name to the Senate for confirmation next year, and if confirmed, he will serve on the board through May 2004.