MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
AUGUST 8-9, 2019
1. Roll Call
Present
- Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair
- Ms. Amelia Counts, Governor
- Mr. Craig Frazier, Vice Chair
- Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner, Governor
- Mr. William Miller, Student Governor
- Mr. Kendall Seal, Governor
- Ms. Carol Silvey, Governor
- Mr. Gregory Spears, Governor
- Ms. Carrie Tergin, Governor
Also Present
- Clifton M. Smart III, President
- Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development & International Programs
- Donna Christian, Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management
- Jeff Coiner, Chief Information Officer
- Ryan DeBoef, Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations
- Rachael Dockery, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Legal Affairs and Compliance
- Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
- Frank Einhellig, Provost
- Stephen Foucart, Chief Financial Officer
- Stacey Funderburk, Director of Editorial and Design Services
- Jessica Heinz, Director of Web Strategy and Development
- Robert Hornberger, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Services
- David Hough, Dean, College of Education
- Tammy Jahnke, Dean, College of Natural and Applied Sciences
- Dennis Lancaster, Dean of Academic Affairs, West Plains Campus
- Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
- Matt McFadden, Simpson Scarborough
- David Meinert, Interim Dean, College of Business
- Letitia White Minnis, Associate Dean, McQueary College of Health and Human Services
- Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics
- Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services
- Andrea Mostyn, Director of University Communications
- Joye Norris, Associate Provost for Access and Outreach
- Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer
- Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
- Alec Smith, Simpson Scarborough
- Mark Smith, Dean, McQueary College of Health and Human Services
- Kelly Wood, Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition
- Kristan Gochenauer, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding
The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri.
3. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Gore mentioned that the first item of business was the approval of the minutes
for the open and closed meetings of June 21, 2019. Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner so
moved, receiving a second from Mr. Gregory Spears.
Motion passed 8-0.
4. Consent Agenda
Mr. Gore noted that the next item of business on the agenda was the approval of the Consent Agenda for this meeting. The items included in the Consent Agenda are:
President
Approval of FY2019/2020 Employment Agreements for Assistant Coaches and Administrators
(Human Resources No. 1624-19).
West Plains Campus
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Academic Employees (West Plains
Campus Personnel No. 436-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Non-Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 437-19).
Procurement and Financial
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the Period June 5, 2019, through July
24, 2019 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 480-19).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the Month of June 2019 (Activity Report No. 309-19).
Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Law Enforcement Services with Missouri State University for Fiscal Year 2020 (Agreement No. 431-19).
Human Resources Items
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1625-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1626-19).
Mr. Craig Frazier moved to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Ms. Carol Silvey.
Motion passed 8-0.
5. President’s Report
President Clif Smart shared that the University recently met with Big Brothers Big Sisters. All 13 Big Brothers Big Sisters have committed to be a part of a scholarship program with Missouri State University. Today, a meeting was held with St. Louis Community College regarding students transferring to Missouri State University. Dr. Joye Norris will serve as the point person moving forward.
President Smart gave an overview of the meeting noting a focus on marketing, recruitment and retention. He then introduced three new team members to include:
- Mr. Jeff Coiner, Chief Information Officer
- Dr. Mark Smith, Dean, McQueary College of Health and Human Services
- Dr. Rob Hornberger, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Services
6. Presentation on Updates to University Websites (Springfield and West Plains Campuses)
Ms. Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, shared the history of the University website. In 2017, an admitted student survey was done. Survey results showed areas of importance to students where the University rated low. Following this survey, Ologie was hired to help with a website refresh to provide a more engaging experience for students. Ms. Shaw showed the Board the live website for both Springfield and West Plains campuses noting the increased page interaction and engagement and how these changes and updates make a huge difference in how the University looks to prospective students. Ms. Shaw then introduced staff members Ms. Jessica Heinz, Director of Web Strategy and Development; Ms. Andrea Mostyn, Director of University Communications; and Ms. Stacey Funderburk, Director of Editorial and Design Services.
7. Presentation on Marketing Survey Results (Springfield Campus)
Ms. Shaw introduced Mr. Matt McFadden, Vice President for Strategy & Account Planning, and Mr. Alec Smith, Account Executive, both with Simpson Scarborough. Mr. McFadden reviewed the history of Simpson Scarborough. He then discussed their visit to campus in March, which included data gathering to gain a better understanding of Missouri State’s strengths and opportunities. Mr. Smith shared the data outcomes noting that internal audiences rate Missouri State’s academic quality as excellent and as having a high value in relation to affordability. Mr. McFadden then provided more detailed information about what students are looking for in a university and Missouri State’s strengths, which include location in a college friendly town, affordable tuition and safe campus.
8. Recruitment and Retention Updates (Springfield and West Plains Campuses)
President Smart updated the Board on recruitment and retention. He provided data
on enrollment from fall 2011 to fall 2018, which shows that as a system, the University
had an overall increase in enrollment of 14.5%. Missouri State is the only Missouri
public institution that has grown in the last five year; overall growing 20 of the
last 22 years.
President Smart then discussed challenges ahead which include fewer new undergraduates,
transfer students, international students and underrepresented students. In addition,
students are graduating earlier (four-years) and high school graduate growth is stagnant.
On a high note, graduate enrollment continues to grow and is projected to be up 7%.
Overall, the University is projecting a 6.8% drop in enrollment for fall 2019.
Ms. Kelly Wood, Executive Director for the Center for Academic Success and Transition, reported an increase in retention of first time/full time students in cohorts. She then reviewed retention data for the last five year, which shows a correlation in first term GPA and loss of students. President Smart reported that fall 2020 undergraduate enrollment is projected to be down over 830 students. If nothing changes, this has a potential $5 million fiscal impact. Dr. Jim Baker then briefly discussed international student enrollment. Numbers reflect more students are studying at home and there is an expectation that this trend will continue.
Dr. Shirley Lawler, Chancellor, and Dr. Dennis Lancaster, Dean of Academic Affairs, West Plains campus, discussed enrollment and retention on the West Plains campus. Dr. Lawler pointed out that the number one priority is to stabilize enrollment and increase retention. They are looking at strategies to employ moving forward. Dr. Lancaster reviewed six-year enrollment data which show a decline in first time degree seeking students. Currently, fall 2019 enrollment is down 5% overall. An analysis was done showing factors that affected student retention from 2013 to 2017. The West Plains campus believes it needs to have front-end career counselor services available for students and shared a number of retention strategies to include intrusive advising, the Grizzly Guard system, removal of degree barriers and pathway projects.
9. 2019-20 Planning (Springfield and West Plains Campuses)
Dr. Lawler highlighted the 2019-20 Action Plan for West Plains. This includes stabilizing and increasing enrollment through expanding the technical and health programs on campus to include allied health and GOCAT and promotion of the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.
President Smart then shared the Springfield campus 2019-20 Action Plan focus which includes enrollment, recruitment and graduation rates. Dr. Rob Hornberger, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Services, provided an overview of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan (SEM). He defined the SEM plan as a coordinated collaborative process that needs buy in from stake holders across campus and needs to be aligned through research, retention, enrollment and structure. The dual purpose is to create a long-range plan and work on current goals and ideas. A retreat is planned for September and the University will be working with EAB, a research consulting firm that addresses challenges within the education industry. SEM is an opportunity to retool committees to allow for new ideas and thoughts. Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, shared that the Dean’s Retreat was recently held. At the retreat, ideas were shared and planning steps in departments are underway. President Smart then discussed dual credit recruitment strategies and the promotion of undergraduate certificates as well as the restructuring and enhancement of scholarships. In addition, he pointed out improvements in technology, enhanced partnerships and pro-active advisement across campus.
Mr. Gore recessed the August 8-9, 2019, Board of Governors’ Retreat at 5:11 p.m. on August 8, 2019.
The Board of Governors’ Retreat returned from recessed on August 9, 2019 at 8:28 a.m.
Under Academic Profile, President Smart highlighted items from the 2019-20 Action Plan including the promotion of educational and research opportunities through certificates and entrepreneurships through the eFactory. He pointed out the importance of microcredentialing to help students promote their skills to prospective employers under Student Success and Experience. As part of Diversity and Inclusion, President Smart shared that results from a recent climate study will be available soon. Results will help identify areas to work on. Under Globalization, the University is working on recruitment strategies with a concentration on study away. In relation to Infrastructure, the JVIC expansion continues to move forward, construction is complete in multiple areas, technology continues to meet the needs of the University community and sustainability has been incorporated into campus operations. Funding highlights include the launch of a comprehensive campaign, continued affordability of tuition, and discussions on improvements to the campus bookstore. Athletics continues to have the same goals as last year.
10. Old Business
A. IDEA Commons Project Update – Dr. Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development & International Programs, updated the Board on the IDEA Commons project. He showed the JVIC phase 4 office building rendering and schematics. The local tax increment financing (TIF) plan is underway. The key now is receipt of the new market tax credits (NMTCs). Dr. Baker also updated the Board on the eFactory expansion which includes a roof-top terrace. Phase II is the Cooperative Engineering Expansion of 11,054 square feet at a cost of $1.4 million. Phase III includes 7,000 square feet of additional leasable tenant space; and 9,800 square feet of conference, collaborative and flex space at a cost of $2.5 million. The target completion date is June 2020. Dr. Baker then briefly discussed the MoExcels Workforce Initiative. In FY2020, Missouri State was awarded $3,111,250 to fund the Ozark Region Nursing Collaboration. For FY2021, Missouri State has submitted a request for $2,851,000 for the IDEA Commons Applied Learning Expansion.
B. Comprehensive Campaign Update – Mr. Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, updated the Board on the Onward, Upward comprehensive campaign. This is the fourth campaign in the history of the University. The company Bentz Whaley Flessner completed the feasibility study in May 2018. The public phase will be from fall 2019 through 2022. Mr. Dunn is pleased with what has been raised to date. October 26, 2019 is the It’s On! campaign event kick-off.
11. New Business
A. Office of Research Year-End Report – Dr. Baker presented the June 30, 2019, year-end activity report for the Office of Research. He reported that 336 total proposals were submitted, with $32,802,989 funds awarded for a record-breaking year, demonstrating that faculty are engaged and worked hard to generate resources. Federal agencies remain the leading source of grants and contracts. Other funding sources include state, non-profit, county/city, international, business and other.
B. Foundation Year-End Report – Mr. Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, presented the June 30, 2019, year-end report of the Missouri State University Foundation. The total gifts received in FY2019 totaled $20,083,060. This is the first time the University has seen back to back $20,000,000 million-dollar years.
C. Auxiliary Bond Strategy – Mr. Steve Foucart, Chief Financial Officer, shared that the strategy is to maximize bond payment savings by FY2022. This strategy will put the University in a better financial position while achieving an annual debt savings of $1.8 million beginning in FY2023. A Board reimbursement resolution for the purchase of the Holland House will be requested at a future Board meeting.
D. Approval of G11.02 Facility Rental Policy Resolution – Ms. Rachael Dockery, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Legal Affairs and Compliance, recommended approval of the G11.02 Facility Rental Policy (Board Policy No. 123-19). She stated that the new policy will help negotiate terms with renters and all rentals must comply with all other policies. Ms. Silvey moved the resolution, receiving a second from Ms. Amelia Counts.
Motion passed 8-0.
E. Discussion of 2020 Board of Governor Officers – Mr. Gore stated that the Board needed to discuss a possible slate of officers for the 2020 calendar year. Mr. Gore then proposed Mr. Craig Frazier as Chair and Ms. Amelia Counts as Vice-Chair. Both individuals stated they would be willing to serve and other members of the Board accepted these proposals. The election of officers will be held at the October 25, 2019, Board meeting.
F. Other Procedural Issues – Mr. Gore thanked everyone for coming to St. Louis. President Smart stated that he expects three new Board members by the end of the year. He then shared that he participated in the first student send-off in Jefferson City earlier in the week.
12. 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. Mr. Gore 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 during a recess of this August 8-9, 2019, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:
- R.S.Mo. 610.021 (1). “Legal actions, causes of actions, 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...”; and
- R.S.Mo. 610.021(13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment…”
Ms. Carrie Tergin moved the approval of the resolution and Ms. Miller Keltner seconded the motion.
A roll call vote on the motion was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Counts, Frazier, Gore, Miller Keltner, Seal, Silvey, Spears, and Tergin; those voting against – none.
Mr. Gore declared the resolution passed unanimously. The open meeting was recessed at 11:30 a.m. to go into closed session.
The open meeting was reconvened at 1:53 p.m.
13. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, October 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. on the Springfield Campus.
14. Adjournment
Mr. Gore adjourned the meeting at 1:54 p.m.
Kristan Gochenauer
Secretary