The paper presents an overview and analysis of the selection process of public college and university trustees and regents, examining the experiences of three states--Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Kentucky which use screening committees to assist governors in the selection of regents. The discussion also covers two statewide trustee orientation and in-service programs in Oklahoma and Kentucky. The report, based on interviews and analysis of legal documents and policy papers, finds that: (1) formally established screening committees can make a positive difference in the quality and integrity of regent and trustee appointments; (2) politics can be lessened but cannot and should not be removed from the process by the screening mechanisms; (3) required time commitments and open-meetings laws can hamper the work of screening committees; (4) statewide in-service and orientation sessions make a difference in how board members perceive their roles and responsibilities, maintain collegiality, and assist members in becoming more effective advocates for higher education; and (5) a crisis in the board appointment process can lead to significant changes in the process. (Contains 26 references.) (DM)