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. Board members participating were: Mr. R. T. “Ted” Rogers, Chairperson; Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Secretary; Dr. Darrin Martin, Faculty Representative; Mr. James M. Brown; Mr. Wayne Meisel; Mr. James L. Miller; Dr. Deborah Akers; Mrs. Amy Pitzer, Classified Staff Representative; and Mr. Jesse Call, Student Representative. Cabinet Officers: Dr. Dean Turner; Mr. James L. Cannon; Dr. William O’Brien; Ms. Loretta Young; Mr. Michael Curry; Mr. Rick Dillon; Ms. Anita (Lewis) Moody. Others participating: Dr. Jerry L. Beasley, President; Dr. Hugh Campbell, Faculty President; Mr. Ron Satterfield, Chair of the Investment Committee of Concord’s Foundation; Mr. David Barnette, Chair of Foundation Board. Unable to participate: Mr. Eugene Fife; Mr. J. Franklin Long.
2. Approval of Minutes
Upon motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Rogers, and passed unanimously, the minutes of the June, 16, 2005, July 5, 2005 and August 30, 2005 were approved. The June 16, 2005 minutes were approved with changes requested by Mr. Call.
3. President’s Report
Dr. Beasley submitted his Annual Report to the Board by e-mail and an additional supplementary report (see attachment).
4. Administrative Reports
a. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dean Turner
Dr. Turner presented the Board with a list of new faculty members and a document indicating faculty changes and professional activities. He also reported that faculty members are bringing information gleaned from their activities into the classroom.
Dr. Turner reported the current primary goal for academic affairs is to continue accreditation by NCATE.
b. Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, Mr. Michael Curry
Mr. Curry reported that enrollment to date is 2, 816 registered and paid students. Of that figure, 638 are freshman and 129 transfers. He also reported that the percentage of registered students is up from last year almost 4 percent and the first-time, full-time freshman percentage is up 13.1 percent.
Mr. Curry told the Board that a total of 838 students were reached with SAT Preps last year, and that already for this year, by the end of the month, the admissions department will have reached 800 students with SAT Preps. Mr. Curry reported that the admissions department is focusing on completing more SAT Preps in border counties.
Mr. Curry reported that contacts with prospective students are up from last year’s 7,964 to 9,182. The financial aid amount offered this year is $26, 231,974.00 (see attachment).
c. Vice President for Business and Finance, Mr. Jim Cannon
Mr. Cannon reported that the University experienced an overall good year financially. He stated that the “university team” pulled together to make a success of a year in which state budget cuts were imposed. Mr. Cannon reported that even though we continue to send $257,000 to other institutions for capital improvements, progress continues to be made on maintaining campus structures. Mr. Cannon reported that two of the three phases needed to complete renovations on the Towers Dormitory have been completed. He also reported that renovations to bring campus restrooms and sidewalks up to standard are almost complete.
Mr. Cannon reported that Mr. Jeff Shumaker was hired as Director of the Physical Plant. Now, the business department is seeking to hire a replacement for Mr. Adams, who retired as Manager of the Campus Bookstore.
Mr. Cannon expressed concern to the Board regarding rising energy costs, but noted that additional funds were budgeted based on an estimated $350,000 increase in energy bills.
d. Executive Director of the Concord University Foundation, Ms. Loretta Young
Ms. Young reported that the groundbreaking ceremony for University Point will take place October 7, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Ms. Young also reported that an “in kind” contribution of wood, whose estimated value is $65,000, was pledged for University Point. Ms. Young also shared that progress was being made on fundraising for the University Point project, and that she expected to be able to raise the additional $500,000 requested.
e. Director, Concord Beckley Center, Dr. Bill O’Brien
Mr. O’Brien reported that the Beckley Office, which has been located at 219 North Kanawha Street for the past 14 years, changed locations to 307 Prince Street in Beckley. Mr. O’Brien also reported the new facility is in excellent condition and contains a computer lab with state-of-the art equipment.
f. Interim Dean of Students, Mr. Rick Dillon
Mr. Dillon reported that the Student Affairs Department continues to work with the Business Office to develop a financing plan to improve the residence halls. He informed the Board of two tasks his department completed this summer: 1) improvements to the outside aesthetics of the Towers Dormitory; and 2) installation of a convenience center in the Tower’s lobby.
Mr. Dillon explained that the Athletic Equity Fee enabled the Athletic Department to hire new coaches, to support hiring van drivers for athletic events and to provide physical improvements to the soccer field, the softball field and the main basketball court.
5. Executive Session
Upon a motion by Mr. Meisel, seconded by Mrs. Sayre, the Board went into executive session pursuant to Section 6-9A-4 (2)(A)of the West Virginia Code to discuss legal matters.
6. Return from Executive Session
Mr. Brown moved, seconded by Mrs. Sayre, and passed unanimously that the Board return to the regular session of the Board meeting.
7. Report from Board Committees
a. Committee on External Affairs
Mr. Meisel reported he is planning a trip in early December for Concord officials to visit the College of New Jersey, an institution whose recent achievements are worthy of study.
8. Action Items
a. Naming of the facility to house the Wilkes Family Chapel & Museum and the Erickson Alumni Center
Mr. Meisel moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Concord University Board of Governors approves naming the Wilkes Family Chapel and Museum & the Erickson Alumni Center “University Point.”
Mrs. Sayre seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
b. Approval of Pay Increase
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves a pay raise up to two percent in addition to funds appropriated by the state legislature.
Mrs. Sayre seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
c. Approval of Auxiliary Bond Issue for Housing
Mr. Call moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors supports potential participation in a statewide auxiliary bond issue for housing in the range of five to ten million dollars.
Mrs. Sayre seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
d. Approval of Bond Payment Inequity
Mrs. Sayre moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors supports the HEPC proposal to eliminate inter-institutional subsidies of capital debt service.
Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
e. Approval of construction for the University Point Facility
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves construction of the proposed University Point facility provided that no more than $500,000 in unrestricted institutional funds are used.
Mr. Meisel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
f. Approval to discontinue Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology Program
Mrs. Sayre moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves the Concord University Medical Technology Program be discontinued with the fall 2005 semester and currently enrolled students be allowed to complete their course of study.
Mr. Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
g. Approval of Intent to Draft Academic and Personnel Rules and Policies
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves the intent to draft rules and policies consistent with corresponding state statues and policies.
Mrs. Pitzer seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
h. Approval of New Teacher Education Initiatives
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors approves new teacher education initiatives in: 1) Alternative Special Education Certification Program; 2) Alternative Certification Program; and, 3) Post-Baccalaureate Certification Program.
Mr. Meisel seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously
i. Approval of the Master of Education Program Review
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors accepts the Academic Affairs Committee’s approval of the Master of Education 2004-2005 program review report and requests that this action be reported to the WV Higher Education Policy Commission.
FURTHERMORE, it expresses appreciation to all appropriate personnel for the continuing success of the program.
Mr. Meisel seconded the motion. Mr. Call inquired as to whether the report was now complete. Dr. Turner informed him that it was. Motion passed unanimously.
j. Approval of Classified Staff Salary Policy
Mr. Brown moved the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, the Concord University Board of Governors refers the Classified Staff Salary policy proposal to the Administration for study and subsequent recommendations.
Mrs. Sayre seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously
9. Executive Session
Upon a motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Call, the Board went into executive session pursuant to Section 6-9A-4 (2)(A) of the West Virginia Code to discuss Dr. Beasley’s evaluation and compensation. Mr. Meisel did not take part in the session.
10. Return from Executive Session
Mr. Brown moved, seconded by Mrs. Sayre, and passed unanimously that the Board return to the regular session of the Board meeting.
Mr. Brown moved, seconded by Mrs. Sayre, that President Beasley’s contract be extended for the next three years and that his salary be increased pending legislative action. The Board will conduct a Presidential Compensation Survey of other West Virginia Colleges and Universities to determine if Dr. Beasley is paid comparatively.
Motion carried. Mr. Meisel abstained from voting.
11. Other Matters
R.T. Rogers presented a plaque to Ms. Margaret Sayre in appreciation for her service as Chairperson of the Board of Governors 2003-2005. He also mentioned the Board’s appreciation of her continued active interest in Concord University.
R.T. Rogers presented a plaque to Mr. Charles Brichford in appreciation for his service as the first Faculty Representative of the Board of Governors 2001-2005.
Ron Satterfield, Chair of the Investment Committee for Concord’s Foundation, reported on the performance of the Bonner and Eminent Scholar funds.
David Barnette, Chair of the Foundation Board, submitted an overview of the Capital Campaign, which has exceeded expectations by generating pledges and gifts totaling $30,226,145.13. Additionally, Mr. Barnette reported on the success of events such as the Annual Scholarship Dinners.
12. Adjournment
Upon a motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Sayre, and unanimously approved, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
R.T. “Ted” Rogers, Chairperson
Margaret J. Sayre, Secretary