Concord College Board of Governors
June 2, 2004
1:30 p.m.
The Concord Room
1.
Call to Order and
Determination of a Quorum
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order. In attendance were: Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Chairperson; Mr. Dan Dunmyer, Vice Chairperson; Mr. James Miller, Secretary; Dr. Charles Brichford, Faculty Representative; Mr. James Brown; Mr. Peter Fichthorn, Student Representative; Mr. J. Franklin Long; Mrs. Linda Martin, Classified Representative; Mr. Wayne Meisel; and, Mr. R. T. “Ted” Rogers. Cabinet officers: Mr. Michael Curry; Mr. Rick Dillon; Ms. Anita Lewis; Dr. William O’Brien; and, Dr. Dean Turner. Others participating: Dr. Jerry Beasley, President; and, Mr. Levi Bragg. Unable to attend: Dr. Deborah Akers; Mr. Eugene Fife.
2.
Approval of Minutes,
April 20, 2004
Upon a motion by Dr. Brichford and seconded by Mr. Brown, the minutes of the April 20, 2004 meeting were approved as mailed. Motion passed unanimously.
3.
President’s Report
Dr. Beasley reported that the College has received accreditation for a B.S. in Athletic Training through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Athletic Training Education, and expressed appreciation to Jennifer Koerber and her committee who worked hard to develop this program for the College.
Dr. Beasley asked for and received Board approval (Mr. Miller made motion; Mr. Brown seconded; passed unanimously) to draft a letter of appreciation on behalf of the Board of Governors to Mr. Jim Word, an extraordinary person and Concord benefactor, who is in failing health.
Dr. Beasley announced that the WV Higher Education Policy Commission is asking for approval of $152 million in a bond issue. If approved, Concord will receive $4.6 million that will be used for the Rahall Technology Center, enabling the College to expand the scope of that project.
Dr. Beasley reported on the College’s capital campaign, which has not been formally announced. More than $21 million of the informal goal of $25 million has been raised. Announcement of the capital campaign will be made in the near future at Tamarack in Beckley, and other locations. Dr. Beasley expressed appreciation to Loretta Young and members of the Foundation Board of Directors for coordinating informal receptions that have afforded the College an opportunity to thank donors for past support, and to cultivate future prospects who may be willing to help Concord. Dr. Beasley indicated that the reception held at the home of John Jessee in Roanoke, VA was very successful, and expressed appreciation to Mr. Jessee for opening his home to the event. Other receptions are being planned at the Charleston and Sarasota homes of Foundation member, Dave Barnettte.
Two major facility projects are underway at Concord, Dr. Beasley continued. Plans for the Rahall Technology Center and the Interfaith Chapel are well underway due in no small measure to generous donors. Additionally, members of the athletic department are working to bring lights and artificial turf to Callaghan Stadium, and are looking for major donors to assist with these projects.
Dr. Beasley announced the resignation of Steve Lee, Athletic Director, who has accepted a combined coaching/athletic director position at Bethany College. During his time at Concord, Mr. Lee did an excellent job of bringing the coaches, players and the community together, and he will be greatly missed by the entire College community.
Dr. Beasley told Board members that he, Loretta Young and Steve Rowe met with staff people from Senator Byrd’s and Congressman Rahall’s offices regarding the Camp Brookside project. Mr. Zoia of Rahall’s staff who handles environmental issues/projects was very enthusiastic about Camp Brookside. Senator Byrd’s staff has Camp Brookside on a list for potential funding and was cautiously optimistic about approval. Additionally, Congressman Rahall is still trying to secure an additional $1.25 million for Concord’s technology center. The groundbreaking for the Rahall Center will be June 28 at 11:30 a.m. and all members of the Board of Governors were invited to attend, followed by lunch and an electronic town hall meeting on economic development in southern West Virginia.
In closing, Dr. Beasley told the Board that Drs. Turner and O’Brien will be meeting with officials at New River Technical College to fashion 2 + 2 programs and develop other means of collaboration between the two institutions.
4.
Bonner Presentation
Dr. Beasley and Mr. Meisel
discussed the Bonner Scholars Student Impact Survey with the Board of Governors
(see attachment).
Mr. Meisel introduced Levi
Bragg, a leader in the Bonner Scholars program who will graduate in December
with a degree in Social Work. Mr.
Bragg told the Board of his many positive experiences as a member of the Bonner
group, and how affiliation with the Bonner Scholars program was an asset to his
personal growth, and instilled in him the importance of community service. Levi said that the Bonner award is
“less of a scholarship and more of a lifestyle,” and that he plans to continue
community service throughout his life.
Levi told the Board that Bonner Scholars are expected to work 149 hours
per semester, and increase leadership levels.
Mr. Meisel told members of
the Board that in conjunction with today’s meeting, the Bonner Foundation is
holding a summit on campus that brings 43 colleges and universities together.
5.
Report from Committee
on Finance and Facilities
Mr. Dunmyer moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Concord College Board of Governors approves the use of revenue from the previously approved 1.5 percent optional fee increase to address deferred capital maintenance issues in FY 2005 including the Fire Marshal and Schirmer compliance items. Funds from this fee, previously directed for partial restoration of SGA funds*, will be replaced with funding from the FY 2005 regular fee increases. *($32,000 already back in budget)
Mr. Brown seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
6.
Report from Committee
on External Affairs
Mr. Meisel reported that the committee explored ways to enhance admissions, one of the most important aspects of the life of the College. Mr. Curry outlined the challenges faced by the Admissions operation, and suggested approaches to the challenges (see attachment).
7.
Information Items
Dr. Beasley will be attending an AGB meeting on governing boards effectiveness, and shared a questionnaire circulated by AGB with Board members. Dr. Beasley and Mrs. Sayre completed the questionnaire independently of one another and had very similar responses. Dr. Beasley asked that other members of the Board complete the questionnaire and return it (anonymously) to him.
In a motion made by Dr. Brichford, seconded by Mr. Brown, and passed unanimously, the Board voted that a resolution of acknowledgment and appreciation be offered to the Bonner Foundation for their efforts in bringing together the Bonner Summit at Concord College.
Additionally, Dr. Brichford suggested that the Board include on the agenda at the next meeting the policies on part-time classified employees and part-time, adjunct faculty, which were provisionally approved at an earlier Board meeting.
Another item that needs to be addressed by the Board of Governors is the “Rule on Rules,” which will also be taken up at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. The President’s Office will send to each Board member a copy of Series 4, which clarifies the need for the “Rule on Rules.”
Mrs. Sayre reported that the meeting between the Board of Governors and the Classified Employees Association had been very informative.
Mrs. Martin reported to the Board on issues discussed in the meeting with the Classified Employees:
-handouts explaining Board of Governors obligations to classified employees
-salary schedule;
-HEPC salary schedule;
-issue of part-time employees;
-evaluation of Dr. Beasley: 149 distributed, only 49 responded;
-cost of funding zero step;
-continuing education and development programs for classified employees;
-classified employees allowed to take more than one class per semester;
-classified scholarship fund: $73,000+
-award of classified scholarships to three students;
-expression of appreciation to Dr. Beasley for protecting jobs;
-low attendance at classified meetings with Dr. Beasley;
-grievance procedure—lack of human resources personnel.
In response to some of the comments on the classified employee’s evaluation of the president, Dr. Beasley said that the College has reduced major administrative positions resulting in a savings of $300,000. Dr. O’Brien has raised over two-thirds of his own salary, Dr. Turner has taken over some of the responsibilities of human resources, and Mr. Dillon absorbed some of the duties associated with student affairs.
Mr. Meisel addressed the absence of human resources support for the College. Classified employees need appropriate support, and Mr. Meisel asked about the possibility of getting the human resources position filled. Additionally, Mr. Meisel brought to the attention of the Board that the employee handbook has not been updated in several years.
Dr. Beasley acknowledged the need for the human resources position, and indicated that he would come up with a proposal for human resources and bring it back to the Board for action.
Mrs. Sayre announced that the Classified Employee Association requested a meeting with Dr. Beasley to discuss the group’s evaluation of him. This meeting will include a lay member of the Board, Dr. Beasley, and members of the Classified Employee Association.
Dr. Beasley asked the Board to join him in expressing appreciation to Mr. Dunmyer for his tireless efforts on behalf of Concord College and the community. The College, Dr. Beasley said, is trying to find ways support Mr. Dunmyer as he works through a personal issue with the board of directors of Princeton Community Hospital. Dr. Beasley asked the Board to support Mr. Dunmyer and convey to the hospital board how important he is to the hospital, the College and the entire community. Dan Dunmyer is a gracious man with many options, Dr. Beasley said, but this community needs his foresight and leadership.
8.
Other Matters
Mr. Rogers announced that the evaluation of Dr. Beasley will take place the week of September 20. Drs. Shinn and Leamon, president of Berea College and Susquahanna College, respectively, have agreed to participate in the evaluation process. As the schedule for the evaluation is confirmed, the Board and all constituent groups will be notified. Mr. Rogers indicated that he has received nine responses from Board members to the evaluation of Dr. Beasley by the Board of Governors, and asked that those who have not responded do so as soon as possible.
9.
Adjournment
There being no further business, and upon a motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Dr. Brichford, and passed unanimously, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret J. Sayre, Chairperson
James L. Miller, Secretary
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