(a)

1. (1) The Division of Higher Education shall administer the Governor's Scholars Program within the policies set by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
2. (2) All formal communications shall be addressed to or signed by the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee.
3. (3) The Governor's Scholars Advisory Council shall provide advice to the division regarding the administration of the program.

(b) Governor's Scholars Program Advisory Council.

1. (1) The Governor's Scholars Program Advisory Council shall consist of ten (10) members appointed by the board for staggered two-year terms and shall represent the public and private sectors of postsecondary education and secondary schools.
2. (2) The Governor's Scholars Program Advisory Council shall advise the division in the determination of guidelines and rules for the administration of this program.

3. (3)

   1. (A) The commissioner or his or her designee shall serve as presiding officer of the Governor's Scholars Program Advisory Council and shall ensure that staff services for the Governor’s Scholars Program Advisory Council are provided.
   2. (B) The final responsibility for selecting scholarship recipients shall rest with the commissioner pursuant to the provisions of Arkansas Code § 6-82-301 et seq.
   3. (C) When functioning under Arkansas Code § 6-82-301 et seq., the division shall follow the provisions of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201 et seq.