February 21, 2020

MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS’
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 21, 2020, 1:00 P.M.
ROBERT W. PLASTER STUDENT UNION, ROOM 313

1. Roll Call
Present- Mr. Craig Frazier, Chair
Ms. Amelia Counts, Governor
Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair
Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner, Governor
Ms. Lynn Parman, Governor
Ms. Carol Silvey, Governor
Ms. Carrie Tergin, Governor
Mr. Jay Wasson, Governor
Mr. Chris Waters, Governor

Absent - Mr. William Miller, Student 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
Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
Frank Einhellig, Provost
Steve Foucart, Chief Financial Officer (by conference call)
David Hough, Dean of the College of Education
Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics
Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services
Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant to the President
Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
Rowena Stone, Secretary of the Board

2. Presiding – The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Craig Frazier, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 1:00 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 – Mr. Frazier mentioned that the first item of business was the approval of the minutes, with one correction, for the open meeting of December 12, 2019. Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner so moved, receiving the second from Ms. Amelia Counts.

Motion passed 9-0.

Governor Frazier took a moment to welcome the new members of the Board and asked that each take a moment to introduce themselves. Governors Lynn Parman, Chris Waters, and Jay Wasson provided brief introductions.

4. Consent Agenda – Mr. Frazier 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 FY2020/2021 Employment Agreements for Assistant Coaches for Football (Human Resources No. 1637-20)

Approval of Employment of Steven McRoberts, Head Volleyball Coach (Human Resources No. 1638-20)

Academic Affairs
Approval of Academic Calendar for 2021-2022 (Curriculum No. 393-20)

West Plains Campus
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 443-20)

Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 444-20)

Procurement and Financial
Approval of Procurement Activity Report (Purchasing Activity Report No. 486-20)

Approval of Renaming the Basketball Office Complex at JQH Arena (Facilities No. 43-20)

Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Bids and Award of a Contract for the Graduate College Suite Renovation (Bids & Quotations No. 1581-20)

Human Resources
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1639-20)

Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1640-20)

Ms. Carol Silvey made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Ms. Carrie Tergin.

Motion passed 9-0.

Making Our Missouri Statement Moment – Carnegie Classification – Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, provided an overview of the Carnegie Classification and shared that in addition to the “all-inclusive” classification Missouri State received, the university was also awarded the elective community engagement classification. He then introduced Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs to share additional information.

Dr. Darabi shared that the Carnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement is an elective and voluntary classification that involves data collection and documentation of important aspects of institutional mission, identity and commitments, and requires substantial effort invested by participating institutions. This classification is not an award, but rather an “evidence-based documentation of institution practice to be used in a process of self-assessment and quality improvement.” Carnegie reviews the documentation to determine if an institution qualifies for recognition as a community engaged institution. Dr. Darabi thanked Ms. Mary Ann Wood, Director of Public Affairs Support, and Dr. Kathy Nordyke, Director of Citizenship and Service Learning, for completing the application. She concluded her report by stating that Missouri State University is extensively engaged with the community on all levels and that we are preparing educated citizens who will be engaged in their communities.

5. Committee Reports
A. Mr. Frazier reported on the Executive Committee meeting held on January 15, 2020. He reported that during the meeting, Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, presented on and asked for approval of the a new bachelor of science program in intercultural communication. Mr. Steve Foucart, Chief Financial Officer, then presented the procurement activity report requesting approval of renewal of a contract for student health insurance for international students. Mr. Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services, presented two resolutions. The first resolution was for approval of consultant and authority to enter into an agreement for professional services in conjunction with the Darr Agricultural Magnet School Building to Arkifex Studios. The second resolution requesting approval to enter into an agreement for professional services was for approval of consultant and authority to enter into an agreement for professional services in conjunction with the outdoor performing arts pavilion at Craig Hall with Patterhn Ives. The Executive Committee approved all four requests. In closed session, the Board approved a separation agreement with the university’s former football coach and approved an employment agreement with Bobby Petrino, Missouri State’s new football coach.

B. Ms. Counts stated that the Risk Management and Audit Committee held a meeting on February 19, 2020. Ms. Kim Hamm and Ms. Kristen Bright, BKD, presented on the NCAA Independent Accountants report on applying agreed upon procedures. Ms. Donna Christian, Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management, provided a report on statistics regarding records requests to the university’s custodian of records. In closed session, the committee discussed a report on vending machine services contracts and an audit follow-up report. These reports are publicly available on the internal auditor’s webpage.

C. Ms. Tergin discussed the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, which met earlier in the day. She shared that President Clif Smart presented on the Governor’s proposed FY2021 budget. Discussion involved the level of tuition increases for the next year, enrollment projections, anticipated state appropriations and the University’s strategy for dealing with an anticipated loss in revenue. President Smart then shared that the university’s year to date financials are in great shape and that the university is hitting targets. He also shared that the Foundation is having a tremendous year and is on pace to set a record. Lastly, Mr. Morris provided an update on the outdoor performing arts pavilion at Craig Hall. Mr. Morris introduced Mr. Eric Hoffman of Patterhn Ives who is completing the master plans of the art park. Mr. Hoffman shared the progress of the project, highlighting that the space will be flexible and used through any different offerings throughout the year.

D. Ms. Carol Silvey then reviewed the Programs and Planning Committee meeting, which met earlier in the day. Dr. Rob Hornberger gave an update about the university’s strategic enrollment management (SEM) plan. Since the last Board meeting, the university hosted a SEM townhall meeting to solicit feedback from the university community on enrollment goals and strategies. Dr. Hornberger reported that the SEM councils and task forces are now developing strategies that will be made part of the plan and fall under each of the enrollment goals discussed by the Board in December. Lastly, Dr. Einhellig provided an overview of academic affairs with presentations made by each college dean.

6. President’s Report
A. President Clif Smart provided a legislative update, stating the state has begun its budget process. He shared that Governor Parson released his recommendations. These recommendations include that Missouri State maintains its core appropriations, receives $1.8 million one-time funding to establish the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and various state scholarship and grant funding increases. The recommendations did not include core operating appropriation increases for any state university or college. The university will continue advocating for an across the board inflationary increase to core operating appropriations for all state universities and colleges.

B. President Smart then provided an update on the university’s budget. He shared that earlier in the month, the Executive Budget Committee met to begin developing budget assumptions and strategies. At the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting earlier in the day, President Smart shared these assumptions and strategies. He commented that this is the fourth year in a row for budget reductions. He thanked the Board for the input received and stated the feedback will help in the continuing work on budget recommendations to be presented at the May meeting.

He then shared that the university is focused on reducing the enrollment decline. President Smart shared that since the SEM townhall event in January, enrollment indicators are up. These indicators include a 13% increase in showcase participation, 29% increase in applications for freshmen students, 17% increase in admissions, 12% more FAFSA filings, and 35% more scholarships awarded. While these numbers have not translated to housing deposits to date, he commented that these are positive signs that the university’s efforts are working. He added that international work has become a challenge due to the coronavirus. President Smart commented that while international numbers are a large unknown, the university is working with its partners in other countries to minimize risks and negative financial impacts the coronavirus poses.

C. President Smart concluded his report by providing a review of his trip to the EAB Presidential Experience Lab at LinkedIn Headquarters. The topic of the event was “Higher Education in the New World Economy” and was attended by 50 university presidents from across the United States. The event was hosted by EAB, a firm specializing in higher education research. The university has partnered with EAB this year to help in a variety of issues. The major focus of the event was to consider the future of higher education. President Smart shared that the major theme takeaway from the event was that both a great education and economic opportunity are equally important to an individual’s success.

Attendees of the event heard from LinkedIn’s CEO, Jeff Weiner, and one of its original founders, Allen Blue, and had the opportunity to interact with other industry leaders. The message was clear from these speakers that they value a sound liberal arts education paired with essential skills. These essential skills include critical thinking, written and oral communication, teamwork, and creativity. President Smart left thinking about how the university can improve on the great work that it is already doing in teaching students these skills and providing additional opportunities for experiential learning.

7. Academic Affairs – Report from the Provost
A. Dr. Einhellig provided an update on the current year’s outcome on state performance measures. As of the end of January, the university has met all six performance measures as an institution. He commented that although the university does not receive funding for meeting these measures, it is proud to meet and exceed the expectations set by the state.

B. Dr. Einhellig provided an update on Missouri State University’s cooperation with community colleges. He shared that on February 9, 2020, President Smart was contacted by St. Louis Community College about a partnership to offer a bachelor’s degree program in occupational therapy. The university will continue to work with St. Louis Community College to establish pathways for a seamless transfer process for students. Next week, several members of the university will travel to St. Louis to sign a memorandum of understanding.

Dr. Einhellig shared that OTC is a major partner with Missouri State. Over the past year, we have worked with OTC to create a number of 2+2 pathway plans. On Monday, members of our team will meet with OTC deans and department heads to review these pathways.

In January, an agreement was signed with Crowder College to update a nursing transfer pathway for completing a bachelor of science degree in nursing. The university hopes to work with Crowder College on a joint agreement on information technology in the future as well.

C. Dr. Einhellig shared that programming for the summer term is in process. Last year over 1,000 sections of coursework were offered with 62% of that being through internet delivery. The goal is to expand programming available. The Provost’s Office is working with college deans by providing funding for additional summer classes that meet enrollment requirements.

D. Faculty applications are currently being reviewed for tenure and promotion. This is a nine month process that starts in the summer with individuals applying for tenure and/or promotion submitting their portfolios to outside reviewers. In the fall, the portfolios are reviewed by a personnel committee. A total of 44 applications have been submitted with 23 of those being for both tenure and promotion. Decisions will be made in mid-March.

E. Lastly, Dr. Einhellig provided highlights on mentoring processes for new faculty. He commented that each college dean has a different process of working with department heads on mentoring new faculty members. He stated that there are plans to work harder on peer reviewing, encouraging faculty that are in a probationary period to have their materials peer reviewed prior to the time to apply for tenure and/or promotion. Additional resources are being sought out for faculty of diverse backgrounds through the Office of Diversity & Inclusion. He commented that some of the best mentoring occurring is informal, in which faculty members are finding support with other faculty members across campus.

8. Student Affairs – Report from the Student Body President
A. Mr. Abdillahi Dirie, Student Body President, shared that the student body is currently in election season and there are three teams running for the upcoming year. He shared highlights from SGA’s day at the capitol in which over 30 students from the university met with legislators. These students advocated for a core increase for all state universities and colleges and placed an emphasis on mental health issues college students face.

Mr. Dirie shared that SGA will be proposing a new student fee of $8 to hire additional counselors and for a mental health app that would be available to students. Voting on the fee will happen in April. Lastly, he shared that SGA has been working with administration to find a new location for the Multicultural Resource Center.

9. Staff Senate Report - Mr. Jon Lee, Past Chair of the Staff Senate, presented on behalf of Ms. A’dja Jones, Staff Senate Chair. Mr. Lee stated that Staff Senate’s theme for the past year included community, engagement, and transparency. Over the past year, Staff Senate received input from staff members of every job family and had meaningful conversations with administration, human resources, and other university departments to help bridge the gap between staff and administration. Additionally, Staff Senate continues to educate staff of university policies and employee benefits. On January 8, 2020, the annual staff awards luncheon was held to recognize staff achievements. The luncheon was modified from prior years, but those in attendance enjoyed the throwback theme and the lighthearted event with fellow staff members. Mr. Lee announced that Staff Senate will hold their annual pancake breakfast to raise money for the Staff Senate scholarship fund on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Bair’s restaurant on South Kimbrough, Springfield, Missouri.

10. New Business – The Changing Higher Education Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Missouri State University – President Smart introduced Dr. David Attis, EAB Consultant, to share his presentation on the changing higher education landscape and the challenges and opportunities for Missouri State University. As part of his presentation, Dr. Attis shared highlights of the changing landscape:

• State support fails to keep up with rising institutional costs, creating more dependence on tuition
• Overall enrollments down with steep demographic declines projected
• Intensifying competition for students creates winners and losers which drives down net tuition at many institutions
• Retention is urgent to maintain enrollments and in reaching equity goals
• Students increasingly focused on “return on investment” and pathways to careers, even as employers value fundamental skills such as critical thinking and communication

Dr. Attis also discussed key strategies to keep up with the changing landscape. These strategies included:

• Diversifying student populations beyond traditional residential undergraduate students
• Leveraging proactive advising, improving pedagogy, and reducing administrative barriers to retain students
• Addressing the “return on investment” concerns with experiential learning and better career support
• Creating, marketing, and delivering innovative academic programs designed around student needs
• Engaging in regional partnerships with educational institutions, community groups, and employers

Dr. Attis introduced his colleague, Ms. Susan Woda, EAB’s Principal and Managing Director. Ms. Woda shared information on EAB’s Edify Conference that will continue the conversations had today with other institutions. President Smart and Mr. Frazier thanked Dr. Attis and Ms. Woda for presenting.

11. 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. Frazier 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 February 21, 2020, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:

A. R.S.Mo. 610.021(1). “Legal actions, causes of action, or litigation involving a public governmental body...”

B. R.S.Mo. 610.021(3). “ Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public government body…”

C. R.S.Mo. 610.021(13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees of applicants for employment…:

Ms. Silvey moved the approval of the resolution and Ms. Counts seconded the motion.

A roll call vote on the motion was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Counts, Frazier, Gore, Miller Keltner, Parman, Silvey, Tergin, Wasson, and Waters; those voting against – none.

Mr. Frazier declared the resolution passed unanimously. The open meeting recessed at 4:10 p.m. to go into closed session.

The open meeting was reconvened at 4:57 p.m.

12. Date of Next Meeting – The date of the next scheduled meeting was set for Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. on the Springfield Campus.

13. Adjournment – Mr. Frazier adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m., on the motion of Ms. Miller Keltner, the second of Ms. Counts, and the unanimous vote of the Board.

Rowena Stone
Secretary to the Board