Minutes

Concord University Board of Governors

June 16, 2005

9:00 a.m.

(Teleconference)

 

 

1.              Call to Order and Determination of a Quorum

A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order. Board members participating were: Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Chairperson; Dr. Charles Brichford, Faculty Representative; Mr. James M. Brown; Mr. Daniel Dunmyer, Vice Chairperson; Mr. Wayne Meisel; Mr. James L. Miller, Secretary; Mr. R. T. “Ted” Rogers. Others participating were: Dr. Jerry L. Beasley; Mr. Michael Curry; Mr. Rick Dillon; Ms. Anita Lewis; Mr. Greg Quick; Mr. James L. Cannon; Dr. Hugh Campbell; Ms. Loretta Young; Dr. William O’Brien; Mr. Jesse Call and, Dr. Steve Rowe. Unable to participate: Mr. Eugene Fife; Mr. J. Franklin Long; Dr. Deborah Akers; Mrs. Linda Martin; and Mr. Robert “Rocky” Seay.

 

2.              Approval of Minutes

Upon a motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and passed unanimously, the minutes of the April 20, 2005 meeting were approved as mailed.

 

3.              Election of Officers

Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Brown, and passed unanimously, the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year (beginning July 1, 2005):

1)             Mr. R. T. “Ted” Rogers, Chairperson

2)             Mr. J. Franklin Long, Vice Chairperson

3)             Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Secretary

 

4.              President’s Report

Dr. Beasley updated the Board on the Rahall Technology Center project, indicating that the low bid came in at $2.5 million higher than the architect’s projection thus leaving a shortfall of $1.5 million for the building. (See Mr. Cannon’s report: Action Item, Approval of Rahall Technology Center.)

 

Reporting on the progress of the Interfaith Chapel and Alumni Center, Dr. Beasley told the Board that the Department of Highways is being asked to build a new route that would bring the road in closer to the Science Building. Concord is fortunate to have the assistance of Delegates Long and Porter, Senator Caruth, and Commissioner Coburn, all who have agreed to work with the Department of Highways in relocating the road that runs through the campus. The Department of Highways has done a preliminary cost estimate to relocate the road, and we are requesting that they work with architect, E. T. Boggess, on this part of the project. In a future meeting of the Board, Dr. Beasley said that it will be necessary for the Board to act on a property trade/transfer with the West Virginia Department of Highways.

 

Additionally, Dr. Beasley said that Concord is approximately $500,000 short of the required goal of $2.7 million to complete the project.

 

Dr. Beasley told the Board that he attended the 15^th birthday celebration of the Bonner Scholars program in early June held at Waynesburg College. It was a program of renewal and a reminder of the importance of the Bonner Scholars program at Concord.

 

Dr. Beasley reminded the Board that an indicator that the Higher Education Policy Commission uses is the graduation and retention rates. Additionally, Dr. Beasley said that West Virginia institutions are well below where they should be to lead people to graduation. Concord’s Vice President and Academic Dean, Dr. Turner, recently participated in a national study that has looked at best practices among colleges and universities that contribute to higher graduation rates and retention, and will bring a comprehensive plan to the Board of Governors in the fall that will enable Concord to improve graduation and retention rates.

 

As an outcome of the four-year evaluation of the president, the Board asked Dr. Beasley to do a more intensive evaluation of those reporting directly to him. Dr. Beasley reported that he now has in hand very preliminary reports from each Cabinet officer on accomplishments this year, which will be part of the evaluation that will be done over the next several months.

 

Dr. Beasley reported that the low bid for the shared facility in Beckley came in at $21 million. Senator Byrd has told Father Acker that no more money will be allocated for this project. Because there is only $6 million in hand, all bids were rejected, and Father Acker is asking for bidding to be reopened on a considerably more modest facility.

 

Updating the Board on legal matters, Dr. Beasley announced that the case involving an alleged rape of a student on campus was resolved in Concord’s favor in a trial by jury. The student’s attorney has appealed the ruling citing that the judge was in error because he tried the case in the wrong area of the law. Additionally, the lawyer is citing that the jury’s decision did not square with the evidence, and is asking the judge to reverse what the jury did. If the judge chooses not to reverse himself, the attorney can appeal to the State Supreme Court.

 

Continuing, Dr. Beasley told the Board that the case involving the student who alleged harassment from two professors—one allegedly called her a name, and another allegedly required her to carry a heavy textbook to class—has gone to mediation. The mediator said that the student has no case. And, the case involving a faculty member is in the discovery phase, and attorneys are talking about possible settlement of this case. The faculty member has asked that she be given tenure, and that Concord pay her legal fees. This request is currently under consideration by the attorneys.

 

 

 

 

Finally, the case involving Aramark and previously reported to the Board, is currently in the Court of Claims. Aramark is asking to be reimbursed for paying prevailing wage to painters and other employees, which could possibly cost the University approximately $585,000. If the Court of Claims decides in Aramark’s favor, a recommendation would probably be made to the Legislature, which will decide whether to appropriate those dollars or require Concord to pay the cost

 

Reporting on the results of the last legislative session, Dr. Beasley reminded the Board that the $60,000 originally taken from Concord was restored. The Legislature, Dr. Beasley said, has again decided to fund institutions on the basis of enrollment

enabling Concord’s state appropriation to increase by 3.8 percent rather than incurring a significant cut in funding.

 

5.              Administrative Reports

a. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Beasley reporting for Dr. Turner

In the absence of Dr. Turner, Dr. Beasley reported on activities in academic

affairs: 1) the University’s business program has moved closer to receiving

accreditation; 2) a Content Specialization Program in Reading (Master’s) was

approved by the HEPC; 3) this year’s graduating class the largest and one of the

best in Concord’s history. Dr. Beasley expressed appreciation to the faculty and

the admissions office for their efforts in recruiting and retaining quality students; 4)

the Foundation provided support for 66 faculty development and improvement

projects for which the University is appreciative.

 

b. Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, Mr. Michael Curry

Mr. Curry reported that preliminary indicators for the fall semester are good:

applications are up; acceptances are up; and, housing deposits are up.

Mr. Curry reported that the May 16, 2005 edition of Business Week featured

Concord University in the “Diamonds in the Rough” article, which outlined

twelve (12) programs and places across the nation that people tend not to look for

special programs. Concord’s Entrepreneurial Scholars program was featured as

a “diamond in the rough.”

 

      The Summer Academy, Mr. Curry announced, begins on June 19, and there are

sixty (60) students pre-registered. The Summer Academy targets rising high

school juniors interested in pre-med, pre-law and social services.

 

 

 

            c.    Vice President for Business and Finance, Mr. Jim Cannon

Mr. Cannon reported that Concord’s budget will this year finish in the

“black.” Additionally, he reported that auditors are on-campus, and the due

date for completion of the audit report has been moved up by one month. Mr.

Cannon stated that it is important to note the Foundation and Research

Development Corporation audits need to be available in a timely manner

(September 12, 2005). If the Foundation and RDC audits are not received in the

specified time frame, the University’s audit report will become “unsatisfactory.”

 

 

d.     Executive Director of the Concord University Foundation, Ms. Loretta Young

Ms. Young assured the Board that action has been taken to ensure that the University receives the Foundation audit report in a timely manner.

 

Ms. Young reported that the capital campaign is up to $28,286,851, with $2.5 million yet to raise for three significant projects: 1) University Point (which includes the Alumni Center and Interfaith Chapel); 2) athletic program ($1 million); and 3) the Entrepreneurial Studies Program ($1 million).

 

The Foundation has been working with Anita Lewis and Kevin Bennington to develop a brochure relative to the alumni center/chapel that will be sent to the University’s largest database of donors, alumni and friends. It is the plan, Ms. Young said, to have the brochure mailed by late summer, and this will aid in developing grassroots support for the chapel and alumni center, and will serve as an instrument for identifying potential major gifts for this project.

 

Ms. Young said that the Foundation continues to identify major prospects, several of whom Dr. Beasley hopes to meet with in late June. City National has indicated an interest in supporting the chapel project, and establishing a meeting with P.K. Ellison to identify the point of interest is being planned.

 

A major prospect has been identified for naming the athletic field at Callaghan Stadium. If brought to fruition, this would be a gift of $750,000, Ms. Young reported. Additionally, $250,000 has been secured for the lighting project at Callaghan Stadium.

 

Ms. Young announced that Concord has recently received notice from Governor Manchin that he is going to recommend approval of $376,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, which would assist in equipping the Small Business Incubator and Entrepreneurial Studies Programs of the Rahall Technology Center with modern computing and multi-media telecommunications equipment.

 

Dr. Beasley expressed appreciation to Dr. Steve Rowe, and Concord graduate, Norm Kirkham, for their assistance in helping secure the $376,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

 

Additionally, Ms. Young reported that an Advisory Committee is in the process of looking for an Executive Director to lead the Entrepreneurial Studies Program.

 

e.     Director, Concord Beckley Center, Dr. Bill O’Brien

Dr. O’Brien told members of the Board that the American History grant program has begun its third summer at Concord. The kick-off dinner for this year’s program was at Tamarack with Dr. Dave Bard as the featured speaker. There are 62 participants.

 

 

The Concord Beckley Center will again be moving, and currently is looking for adequate space. There are a couple of prospects for the new location, and much will depend on the opening date of the shared facility in Beckley, which is now scheduled to open in 2007. It is hoped that a space can be found where

the Beckley Center can be housed until the final move to the new building thus necessitating only one move for the Center.

 

f.      Interim Dean of Students, Mr. Rick Dillon

Mr. Dillon reported that housing numbers for the fall at this point appear to be higher than at this time last year.

 

The men’s cross-country and golf teams won conference championships, and the football program had its first wining record (conference) in over a decade. Mr. Dillon expressed appreciation to Coach Quick for his leadership. The basketball team, Mr. Dillon reported, had at least one nationally known player this past season, and although his eligibility to play has expired, the coaches look forward to a good year.

 

Mrs. Tammy Monk of Career Services has established an online registration system in an effort to get students registered with her office so that she can assist them with future job searches after graduation from Concord.

 

Mrs. Nancy Ellison and the Multicultural Office continues to do good things. Worthy of particular mention are Black History Month and Martin Luther King’s birthday celebration(s).

 

Mr. Bill Skeat and the Student Center staff have done a good job in revamping the identification system for students, faculty and staff. This process has gone smoothly, and most students now have new University identification cards.

 

Mr. Dillon reported on the “First Year Experience” course, saying that of the 31 students enrolled, 24 completed the course, and were retained for the spring semester. The participants in this program are high-risk students, and this is a good retention rate.

 

6.              Action Items

a.   Approval of Significant Scholars Program (TOPS, BCP, CERT)

Mr. Rogers moved the adoption of the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the Concord University Board of Governors approves the proposed Significant Scholars Program (TOPS, BCP, CERT) as submitted.

 

Dr. Brichford asked about the assessment of the program: at what point would its success be evaluated, and would the Board be advised of the results of that evaluation. Mr. Cannon replied that it would be assessed regularly, and that he could report to the Board each year.

 

Dr. Brichford also stated that while he could understand the rationale behind including the children of educators and residents of border counties in the program, he had questions about giving the lower rate to those who say they plan to pursue certain majors. He wondered how the list of majors to be included had been arrived at. He also questioned the propriety of the Admissions Office making decisions as to what fields of study should, in effect, be promoted over others. There was no consultation with faculty on this matter. And he suggested that students will claim to intend to major in the 'discounted' fields when their real interests lie elsewhere in order to qualify for lower rates, especially since there is no requirement that a major be formally declared until the student applies for graduation.

 

Dr. Brichford said he would abstain from the vote because he favored the idea in general, and had no objection to two out of the three classes designated for the lower rates.

 

Mr. Call asked Mr. Curry about why he felt singling out children of educators was appropriate for scholarships when there are plenty of groups in need of scholarships including, perhaps, children of law enforcement officials.

 

Mr. Curry responded that he felt children of educators represented student’s often in need and that generally, children of educators tend to be the kind of students that Concord seeks to have.

 

Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed with one abstention, Dr. Brichford.

 

 

b.     Approval of Rahall Technology Center Bids

Dr. Brichford moved the adoption of the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors conveys to President

Beasley authorization to negotiate conclusion of a contract with the low bid

construction company for the Rahall Technology Center. Swope Construction

Company was the lowest bid.

 

Mr. Rogers seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

c.     Approval of Zero Step Classified Wage Increase

Dr. Brichford moved the adoption of the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves the movement of the classified employee wage rate to zero step on the new classified wage scale.

 

Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

d.     Approval of Spending Authority

Dr. Brichford moved the adoption of the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves a resolution for continuation of spending authority based on FY 2005 budget levels plus classified zero step until a special meeting of the Governing Board is convened (within the next 30 days) to approve the FY 2006 budget.

 

Mr. Dunmyer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

 

7.                       Other Matters

Board of Governors meeting dates for 2005-2006 will be circulated to all Board members. The first meeting of the year is scheduled for September 14, at which time new officers will be sworn in and appropriate appreciation expressed for those who have taken the time to serve Concord in Board positions.

 

Dr. Beasley announced that Ms. Anita Lewis will be married in early July, and asked the Board to join him in wishing her well. Additionally, Board members were invited to attend a luncheon on June 23 for Nancy Meade, who will be retiring from Concord at the end of June. And, Dr. Beasley asked Board members to remember Board member Joe Long with a card or telephone call--Mr. Long was undergoing a diagnostic medical procedure on this day.

 

 

8.              Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

                                                      Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                Margaret J. Sayre, Chairperson

 

 

                                                James L. Miller, Secretary