MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
MAY 12, 2011
1. Roll Call
Present- Ms. Elizabeth Bradbury, Chair of the Board
Mr. Michael Duggan, Governor
Mr. Gordon Elliott, Vice Chair of the Board
Mr. Brian Hammons, Governor
Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Governor (by conference call)
Ms. Mary Sheid, Governor
Mr. Brandt Shields, Student Governor
Ms. Cathy Smith, Governor
Ms. Phyllis Washington, Governor
Mr. John Winston, Governor
Also
Present- James E. Cofer, Sr., President
Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Belinda McCarthy, Provost
Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services
Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Nila Hayes, Chief Financial Officer
Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
Clifton Smart, General Counsel
John McAlear, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Ms. Elizabeth Bradbury, Chair of the Board of Governors. She called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Traywick Parliamentary Room in the Plaster Student Union on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
3. Approval of Minutes:
a. Board of Governors’ Meetings --- Ms. Bradbury asked if there was a motion for the approval of the minutes for the open and closed meetings of April 1, 2011. Ms. Sheid so moved, with the second provided by Mr. Duggan.
Motion passed 9-0.
b. Executive Committee Meetings --- Ms. Bradbury next asked if there was a motion for the approval of the minutes for the open Executive Committee meeting of April 21, 2011. Mr. Elliott so moved, receiving the second of Ms. Smith.
Motion passed 3-0.
4. Consent Agenda --- Ms. Bradbury noted that the next item of business on the agenda was the approval of the Consent Agenda for this meeting. She stated that she needed to withdraw the resolution relating to Dr. and Mrs. Cofer’s travel to China. She has asked the Cofers to postpone this trip. Ms. Bradbury then touched on the following points: 1) This board remains fully committed to the University’s China program - it is one of the things that is highly distinctive about Missouri State. The China program is a shining example of the demonstration of our mission for cultural competence. 2) The publishing of the travel plans of the Cofers’ upcoming trip to China by the News-Leader was irresponsible. Anyone would be appalled to have his/her personal travel schedule published in advance in the newspaper due to safety and security issues. 3) Mrs. Cofer is a tremendous asset for this University. Her talent, dedication, and demonstrated ability to work effectively and without pay in a university setting and representing a university in multiple venues are all extremely valuable to Missouri State. The items included in the Consent Agenda, after removing this resolution are:
April 21, 2011 Executive Committee Meeting
Professional services in conjunction with the repairs to the exterior of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center (Architects & Engineers No. 672-11); Structural Engineering Associates, for a fixed fee of $66,700 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $10,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
West Plains Campus
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 323-11).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus non-academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 324-11).
Approval of Activity Report dated April 25, 2011 (West Plains Campus Activity Report No. 88-11).
Approval of Purchasing Activity Report dated April 25, 2011 (West Plains Campus Purchasing Activity Report No. 29-11).
Springfield Campus Purchases/Contracts
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the period April 1, 2011, through April 28, 2011 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 357-11).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the month of March 2011 (Activity Report No. 220-11).
Repairs to the exterior decks at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (Bids & Quotations No. 1360-11); MTS Contracting, only bid received of $112,000; total project budget set at $170,000.
Human Resources Items
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1342-11).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1343-11).
Mr. Hammons made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda receiving a second from Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 9-0.
5. President’s Report --- Dr. James E. Cofer, Sr., President, began his report by providing an update from Jefferson City. He remarked that our appropriation reduction was only 5.7%, which is much less than we anticipated. We are also very thankful that $2 million has been appropriated for the UMKC College of Pharmacy which will lead to a branch program at Missouri State. He anticipates that the first class will be the Fall of 2012. Dr. Cofer added that the Fine Arts Academy funding was restored in the budget so we are looking forward to continuing that program. He also reported that a bill was passed that will keep the number of voting governors at Missouri State at nine even though Missouri has lost one congressional district.
Dr. Cofer next reported that the first draft of the narrative of our long-range plan has been posted on the internet. We continue to refine and focus the long-range plan. We plan on providing the board members a final version in the next couple of weeks and will ask for approval at the June 17th board meeting. Mr. Hammons asked if there would be dashboard measurements with this plan. Dr. Cofer indicated that we will distill the many performance measures in the plan into a smaller set for a dashboard. We are focusing our priorities on student learning outcomes.
Mr. Kyle Moats, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, next gave an annual report on the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The four areas of review were: 1) Competitiveness; 2) Academics; 3) Financial; and 4) Attendance. He reported that, overall, we are currently in second place in the MVC All-Sport Standings. We still have a chance to come in first and this is a tremendous feat based upon our funding. He reported that in Fall 2010, 39% of our student-athletes received a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher; 52% received a 3.00 cumulative GPA or higher; and 55% received a semester GPA of 3.00 or higher. He then indicated that we have a $1.5 to $2.0 million challenge in the 2011 budget due to reduced ticket sales and decreases in Bears Fund donations. This number should decrease by about $300,000 to $400,000 by the end of the fiscal year due to some endowment fund transfers. This situation has existed for several years due to the economy, the performance of our teams, and the debt expense of JQH Arena. We have to do a better job of selling tickets. In 2011, we reduced operating expenses of our sport teams and athletics administration by $600,000. We did not rehire three positions. Other initiatives to address this deficit include: with Dr. Cofer’s approval, we reinstituted tuition waivers for 2012 to make us more consistent with other MVC institutions; and, a second football away game was scheduled with a large game guarantee. Mr. Moats provided the Auxiliary System Fund-Intercollegiate Athletics FY12 projections/budgets of: revenues - $6,969,703; expenses - $11,586,027; and transfers - $4,621,877; resulting in a net excess of $5,553. He added that a “Team Fundraising Campaign” has been established with a goal of $400,000 of new revenue (not included in the 2012 budget) which could be in the form of gifts, ticket sales, seat assessments, etc. He reported that Football, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Basketball rank, respectively, in overall 2010 attendance – 5th of 10, 4th of 10, and 2nd of 10.
Dr. Cofer next commented that Mr. Brent Dunn, Chair of the JQH Arena Task Force, gave a very thorough presentation of their report in the Finance Committee meeting earlier today.
Dr. Cofer remarked that the Learning Center at the Darr Agricultural Center is fast coming to completion. He then presented a resolution (Facilities No. 37-11) that to honor Senator Christopher S. Bond’s long and distinguished career in public service and in recognition of his advocacy for agriculture in Missouri and at Missouri State University, the Board names this new facility the Christopher S. Bond Learning Center. Moved by Mr. Elliott and seconded by Mr. Kimbrough.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Cofer announced the opening dedication of this new facility, with Senator Bond in attendance, will take place on June 17, 2011. The board’s next meeting and their committee meetings will take place in this facility on that same date.
6. Academic Affairs:
a. Academic Affairs Committee --- Mr. Elliott, Chair of the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee, reported that the process used for faculty equity adjustments was described in today’s meeting.
b. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Rebecca Woodard, previous Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, first summarized the two resolutions passed by the Faculty Senate at their April meeting – Resolutions on: Curricular Proposals for Outsourcing Courses; and, In Support of Graduate Education. She also announced that new Faculty Senate officers were elected at that meeting – Dr.’s Christopher Herr and Cynthia Hail were elected as, respectively, Chair-Elect and Secretary.
Dr. Terrel Gallaway, Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, next reported on the May 5, 2011, Faculty Senate meeting. Actions passed included a resolution commending Dr. Frank Einhellig’s service as an Academic Administrator and a resolution concerning pay raises within the Provost’s Office. He added that the Budget and Priorities Committee presented a report on the distribution of and changes in both full-time equivalent positions and budgeted salaries by Job Families for the fiscal years 1993, 2004, and 2010, which shows that the number of administrators has increased while the number of ranked faculty has remained flat. Ms. Bradbury asked that the issue be referred through the administration for appropriate action.
c. Report from the Provost --- Dr. Belinda McCarthy, Provost, reported that this year we have been able to reallocate $1.3 million for equity adjustments for the faculty. She then presented a resolution of appreciation for Dr. Rebecca Woodard for her exemplary service as Chair of the Faculty Senate for the 2010-2011 academic year. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Elliott
Motion passed 9-0.
She then presented the following resolutions:
Approval of a revision of the Policy on Honorary Doctoral Degrees (Faculty Policies No. 127-11).
Approval of a Policy on Honorary Undergraduate Degrees (Faculty Policies No. 128-11).
Moved by Ms. Washington and seconded by Mr. Duggan.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Gloria Galanes, Chair of the recent Public Affairs Conference, next reported on the success of this year’s Conference that had the theme – Leading in a Global Society. She thanked Mary Ann Wood and Candace Fisk for their outstanding assistance.
7. Research and Economic Development --- Dr. Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, reported that, through March, we have been awarded about $1 million more than at the same time last year. He next related a China program success story of a graduate from Qingdao University last year who was hired by an American corporation in Shanghai. He was so appreciative of the education he received from Missouri State University, that corporation is having a College of Business student from Springfield spend two weeks at his company, all expenses paid.
8. West Plains Campus --- Dr. Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus, reported the Aspen Institute surveyed 1,200 community colleges and announced last week that MSU-West Plains has been selected as being in the top ten percent of community colleges in the nation based on retention and graduation rates data. He also reported that MSU-West Plains has the largest number of students eligible for graduation this year – 302 students.
Dr. Bennett next presented a resolution (West Plains Awards 1-11) approving Kennoth G. Gammill as the recipient of an Honorary Associate of Applied Science Degree from Missouri State University-West Plains. Mr. Gammill is the first recipient of this award. Motion was made by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Elliott.
Motion passed 9-0.
He then presented the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
Approval of a new academic program for the Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health (West Plains Curriculum No. 34-11).
Approval of a new academic program for the Certificate in Law Enforcement (West Plains Curriculum No. 35-11).
Approval of the Certificate in Basic Business Studies (West Plains Curriculum No. 36-11).
Approval of the renaming of the Certificate in Small Business Development to Small Business Management (West Plains Curriculum No. 37-11).
Approval of the deletion of the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Technology (West Plains Curriculum No. 38-11).
Approval of revised academic program for the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics and Programming with Web Development Emphasis and Game Development Emphasis (West Plains Curriculum No. 39-11).
Moved and seconded, respectively, by Ms. Smith and Mr. Hammons.
Motion passed 9-0.
He then presented the following two resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
A resolution (West Plains Land Purchase No. 31-11) approving the purchase of property located at 208 Missouri Avenue, West Plains, Missouri. The purchase price is at the appraised value of $150,000.
A resolution (West Plains Agreement No. 29-11) for the approval of a lease agreement for apartments that will provide student housing once the Grizzly House is filled to capacity.
Moved by Mr. Duggan and seconded by Mr. Hammons.
Motion passed 9-0.
9. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President --- Mr. Jacob Swett, former President of the Student Body, summarized some of the successes of the Student Government Association this past year. Included in his summary were the SGA resolutions concerning course transformation, the allocation of the Student Security Fee, the creation of a social entrepreneurship course, and the expansion of the Readership Program.
Mr. Scott Turk, President of the Student Body, first introduced the newly elected Vice President of the Student Body – Emily Bernet. He reported that they will participate in every SOAR session this summer to orchestrate and work with incoming Freshmen. He summarized some of the projects they will be researching this summer, including, providing an expanded eating service to Brick City and the Library, allowing student organizations a service to send text messages to their members, and exploring ways to assist transfer students.
b. Report from Vice President for Student Affairs --- Dr. Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs, first presented a resolution to commend Jacob L. Swett for outstanding service as Student Body President of Missouri State University from May 2010 through May 2011. Moved by Ms. Washington and seconded by Mr. Duggan.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Doman then presented a resolution to commend Justin P. Mellish for outstanding service as Student Body Vice President from May 2010 through May 2011. Moved by Mr. Duggan and seconded by Mr. Hammons.
Motion passed 9-0.
He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 41-11) for the approval of former Missouri State University employees to be added to the Wall of Fame. Those former employees honored this year are: J.H. “Speedy” Collins; Irene A. Francka; John A. Patton; and Robert F. Wilkinson. Moved by Mr. Duggan and seconded by Ms. Washington.
Motion passed 9-0.
Dr. Doman then presented a resolution (Future Projects No. 71-11) for the approval of Wyrick Fund expenditures for projects passed by student vote in April 2011 to be implemented in FY2012. Those projects approved this year are: $11,000 for renaming/installation of parking lot signage; and $75,438 for the renovation and upgrade of university sand volleyball courts. Moved and seconded, respectively, by Mr. Duggan and Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 9-0.
10. Staff Senate --- Ms. Tabitha Haynes, Chairperson of the Staff Senate, reported that they elected new officers at their May meeting. Dixie Williams was elected Chair-Elect and Matthew Stublefield was elected Secretary. She added that Michael Frizell will step up from Chair-Elect to be the new Chair. She mentioned that one of their accomplishments this year was the revision of their Bylaws.
Mr. Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, next read a resolution to commend Ms. Haynes for her outstanding services as Staff Senate Chair for 2010-2011. Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Hammons.
Motion passed 9-0.
11. Financial:
a. Finance Committee --- Mr. Hammons, Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee, stated that they heard two major reports in their meeting earlier today – an update on the FY2012 Internal Operating Budget by Ms. Nila Hayes and the JQH Arena Task Force Report by Mr. Brent Dunn.
b. Development Report --- Mr. Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, reported that total gift dollars received through April 30, 2011, of $14.2 million are up about $1.5 million when compared to last year at this time. He reminded the Board that the amount received for the twelve months ending June 30, 2010, was an all-time record of $15.5 million.
Mr. Kimbrough left the conference call at this time.
c. Financial Report --- Ms. Nila Hayes, Chief Financial Officer, presented a resolution (Purchasing Activity Report No. 358-11) for Office of Procurement Services activities from April 28, 2011, through May 11, 2011. Moved by Mr. Hammons, receiving the second of Ms. Sheid.
Motion passed 8-0.
12. Facilities and Equipment --- Mr. McClure presented the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
Reroofing of a portion of Plaster Student Union (Bids & Quotations No. 1361-11); MTS Contracting, low bid of $378,000; total project budget set at $475,000.
Repairs to the Crystal Room, Kentwood Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1362-11); DeWitt & Associates, low bid of $329,800; total project budget established at $450,000.
Moved by Ms. Sheid and seconded by Mr. Winston.
Motion passed 8-0.
13. Closed Meeting --- It was determined that the Board of Governors needed to meet in a closed session to consider items of business provided in the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Ms. Bradbury asked if a resolution authorizing a closed meeting of the Board was prepared. Thereupon, the following resolution was presented for consideration:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Governors for Missouri State University that a closed meeting, with closed records and closed vote, be held immediately following this May 12, 2011, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:
R.S.Mo. 610.021(1). “Legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving a public governmental body…”
R.S.Mo. 610.021(3). “Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body…”
Mr. Hammons moved the approval of the resolution and Ms. Sheid seconded the motion.
A roll call vote on the resolution was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Bradbury, Duggan, Elliott, Hammons, Sheid, Smith, Washington, and Winston; those voting against – none; those absent – Governor Kimbrough.
Ms. Bradbury declared the resolution passed unanimously.
14. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, June 17, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at the Darr Agricultural Center in Springfield.
15. Adjournment--- Ms. Bradbury adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m. on the motion of Ms. Sheid, the second of Ms. Smith, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
John W. McAlear
Secretary