MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER 14, 2012
1. Roll Call
Present- Mr. Stephen Bough, Governor
Ms. Elizabeth Bradbury, Governor
Mr. Gordon Elliott, Chair of the Board
Mr. Peter Hofherr, Governor
Mr. Stephen B. Hoven, Governor
Ms. Paige Jenkins, Student Governor
Mr. Orvin Kimbrough, Vice Chair (by conference call at 9:50 a.m.)
Ms. Beverly Miller, Governor
Ms. Cathy Smith, Governor
Mr. John Winston, Governor
Also
Present- Clifton Smart III, President
Drew Bennett, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Frank Einhellig, Interim Provost
Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs
Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services
Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International
Programs
Kenneth Coopwood, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Stephen Foucart, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
Penni Groves, Interim General Counsel
John McAlear, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding --- The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Gordon Elliott, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.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:
a. Board of Governors Meeting --- Mr. Elliott mentioned that the first item of business was the approval of the minutes for the open meeting of October 26, 2012. Mr. Winston so moved, receiving the second of Ms. Bradbury.
Motion passed 8-0.
b. Executive Committee Meeting --- Mr. Elliott then stated that the next item of business was the approval of the minutes for the Executive Committee’s open meeting of November 29, 2012. Ms. Bradbury so moved, receiving the second of Ms. Smith.
Motion passed 3-0 (Bradbury, Elliott, and Smith).
4. Consent Agenda --- Mr. Elliott 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:
Executive Committee Meeting Held on November 29, 2012
Approval of the employment of Frank Einhellig as Provost of Missouri State University and Chancellor of the Mountain Grove Campus, effective January 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1401-12).
Approval of the employment of Penni Groves as General Counsel of Missouri State University, effective January 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1402-12).
The expansion of the wireless network in the residence halls (Bids & Quotations No. 1420-12); JMA Information Technology, for an amount of $238,575.83; total project budget set at $320,000.
Increase the project budget for the elevator cylinder replacement at Hammons Student Center (Bids & Quotations No. 1421-12); this $10,000 increase brings the total project budget to a new total of $62,000.
Professional services in conjunction with the extension of the chilled water loop to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts (Architects & Engineers No. 683-12); Ross & Baruzzini, Inc., for a fixed fee of $46,800 plus reimbursable expenses. Additional services of up to $10,000 as described in this agreement may be authorized and approved as necessary.
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for October 26, 2012, through November 29, 2012 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 379-12).
Approval of Governing Policy for Board of Governors’ Awards for Excellence in Public Affairs (Board Policies No. 78-12).
Research and Economic Development
Ratification of Memorandums of Agreement with the Institute of Professional Managers, LLC, and the International Business Driving License Foundation, LLC (Agreement No. 310-12).
West Plains Campus
Approval of Activity Report dated December 14, 2012 (West Plains Activity Report No. 98-12).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 348-12).
Approval of actions concerning West Plains Campus non-academic employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 349-12).
Springfield Campus Purchases/Contracts
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the period October 27, 2012, through November 28, 2012 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 380-12).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the month of October 2012 (Activity Report No. 239-12).
Chilled water loop connection at the Forsythe Athletics Center (Bids & Quotations No. 1422-12); Mechanical Services, Inc., low bid of $79,100 for the base bid plus alternates 1and 2; total project budget established at $120,000.
Approval to increase the project budget for the Phase II Renovation at Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development (Bids & Quotations No. 1423-12). This $391,636 increase brings the new approved total project budget to $8,366,163.
Approval to increase the budget for the professional services of Butler Rosenbury & Partners in conjunction with the science room addition to Greenwood Laboratory School (Architects & Engineers No. 684-12). The additional services are to be increased by $18,899 for a new total of $161,489 plus reimbursables.
Approval of a resolution granting a License Agreement with City Utilities of Springfield to allow the installation of a pad mounted transformer along the north side of McDaniel Street, just west of Jefferson Avenue, in order to serve the Jim D. Morris Center (Agreement No. 311-12).
Human Resources Items
Actions concerning academic employees (Human Resources No. 1403-12).
Actions concerning non-academic employees (Human Resources No. 1404-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing 2% across-the-board increase for academic faculty effective February 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1405-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing 2% across-the-board increase for academic administrators and 12-month faculty effective January 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1406-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing 2% across-the-board increase for professionals and non-exempt staff effective January 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1407-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing 2% across-the-board increase for professionals and non-exempt staff effective February 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1408-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing adjustments to minimum of new pay ranges (increased by 1%) and 2% across-the-board increases for professionals and non-exempt staff effective January 1, 2013 (Human Resources No. 1409-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing adjustments to minimum of new pay ranges (increased by 1%) for professionals and non-exempt staff hired after July 1, 2012 (Human Resources No. 1410-12).
Approval of resolution authorizing 2% across-the-board increase effective January 1, 2013, for teaching assistants with academic year appointments (Human Resources No. 1411-12).
Ratification of FY13 additional fringe benefits to be funded by Missouri State University or the Missouri State University Foundation (Human Resources No. 1412-12).
Mr. Hoven made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Mr. Winston.
Motion passed 8-0.
5. President’s Report --- President Clif Smart began his report by indicating that 1,372 students will be graduating later today in the two afternoon commencement ceremonies.
He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 47-12) approving the following students as Citizen Scholars for 2012-2013: Lauren Bansbach, Amber Carr, Bethany Forrester, Anthony Hendrix, Casteel Kirk, and Scott Turk. Moved by Mr. Winston and seconded by Ms. Miller.
Motion passed 8-0.
Ms. Cathy Smith, Chair of the Board’s Student Affairs Committee, introduced each of the Citizen Scholars with the other members of the Student Affairs Committee, Ms. Beverly Miller, Ms. Paige Jenkins, and Mr. Steve Bough, assisted by Dr. Earle Doman, Vice President for Student Affairs, presenting them with a crystal globe and a certificate.
Mr. Smart next reported that Ms. Rachel Dwiggins of BKD, Certified Public Accountants, gave a detailed presentation of the June 30, 2012, year-end financial statements to the Finance Committee earlier this week. He introduced Ms. Dwiggins and asked that she give a brief summary of the audit. She reported that the University did receive a clean, or unqualified, opinion on its financial statements, and that Net Assets did increase by about $11 million during the year. She commented that, at the Finance Committee meeting, she was asked her opinion on the financial strength of the University. She responded that having cash on hand that could cover 90 days of operating expenses is healthy and the University has twice that amount – cash that could cover 180 days of expenses. Mr. Steve Hoven, member of the Finance Committee, commented that they thoroughly reviewed the report in their meeting and it was evident how well managed this university is.
Mr. Smart then provided an FY2013 budget update. The mid-year 2% salary increase was approved in today’s consent agenda. He added that Dr. Frank Einhellig, Interim Provost, has allocated $500,000 in ongoing money for academic programs, based on enrollment growth. He then summarized the legislative materials that each of the governors had at their seat – the same materials that were shared with area legislators on Wednesday of this week. The two major discussion points at the Wednesday meeting were: 1) budget - a new formula has been proposed by an ad hoc legislative committee regarding a new way to fund higher education; and 2) capital improvements - there appears to be good support for a bonding bill this year.
Mr. Smart next presented a resolution (Administration No. 29-12) revising the Board’s 2013 meeting schedule. Moved and seconded, respectively, by Mr. Winston and Mr. Hoven.
Motion passed 8-0.
He then ended his report by explaining that with a discussion on sustainability later in today’s meeting, this is the first meeting under a new format where we spend less time on routine items and a significant amount of time focusing on one significant topic. He added that, at our February 8, 2013, meeting in West Plains, we will focus on the potential expansion of programs at the West Plains campus; and, at our May meeting, we will focus on how best we can market the University. In these discussions, we will frame the issue and get the board’s input and advice. To carve out time for today’s discussion on sustainability, written reports have been included in the Board agenda and the Board will not hear oral reports from the following administrators: Chancellor of the West Plains Campus, Dr. Drew Bennett; Interim Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Steve Foucart; Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International Programs, Dr. Jim Baker; Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Ken Coopwood; Vice President for University Advancement, Mr. Brent Dunn; and, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Earle Doman.
6. Academic Affairs:
a. Faculty Senate Report --- Dr. Chris Herr, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate, reported on both the Faculty Senate’s November and December meetings. He reported that the Senate approved a Public Affairs Capstone graduation requirement as recommended by an Ad Hoc Committee. He then presented a resolution (Awards No. 48-12), recommending that the honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), be conferred upon Mr. John Goodman at the Commencement Ceremony in May 2013, in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the area of the humanities. Moved by Ms. Miller and seconded by Mr. Hoven.
Motion passed 8-0.
b. Report from Provost --- Dr. Frank Einhellig, Interim Provost, first mentioned that he thought both he and President Smart will support the Capstone graduation requirement recommended by the Faculty Senate. He then reported we have heard from the Commissioner of Higher Education that we have met all five of our Performance Measures. These include: 1) completion of 24 credit hours by entering full-time Freshmen; 2) six-year graduation rate; 3) pass rate percentage of professional licensure examinations; 4) percentage of funding that we dedicate to our core mission of teaching, research, and service; and 5) our contribution to critical workforce graduates in areas designated by the State of Missouri. He next reported that they are currently in the process of 33 academic searches with five of these being administrators. He ended his report by briefly mentioning some current collaborations with community colleges, including our West Plains campus.
Mr. Kimbrough joined the meeting by conference call during Dr. Einhellig’s report.
7. Student Affairs:
a. Report from Student Body President --- Ms. Paige Oxendine, Student Body President, reported that the SGA supported the extension of Meyer Library hours of operation during finals week and the students were very excited that the library was open 24 hours per day this past week. She added that SGA members on the West Plains campus have had a busy month including helping as student volunteers at the NJCAA Division 1 National Volleyball Tournament held in West Plains this year.
8. Staff Senate --- Ms. Dixie Williams, Chairperson for the Faculty Senate, reported that staff members have been collecting items across campus for Isabel’s House for those in need this holiday season.
9. Facilities & Equipment --- Mr. Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, presented the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
Interior restoration at Temple Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1424-12); Kenmar Construction, Inc., low bid of $76,818 for the base bid and alternates 1 and 2; total project budget set at $325,000.
Approval of First Amended Lease Agreement for Buildings #1 and #5 of The Brick City Development to host the Art and Design Department (Agreement No. 312-12). The fourth floor of Building #1 will be used for UMKC’s PharmD program with the first three floors being used by the Art & Design Department. The smaller Building #5 will be used for some of the kiln activity. The increased monthly lease payments are due to the updated design specifications to meet the needs of the Art & Design Department.
Moved by Mr. Hoven. Seconded by Ms. Smith.
Motion passed 9-0.
10. Human Resources --- Mr. McClure then presented the following resolution for the Board’s consideration:
Award of a contract for Reinsurance (Stop/Loss) Provider for the University’s Employee Group Benefit Plan to UNIMERICA Insurance Company (Purchase Approval No. 129-12). The contract amount of $601,900 for calendar year 2013 is $105,000 less than the amount the University paid in calendar year 2012 for basically the same coverage.
Moved by Mr. Hofherr and seconded by Ms. Bradbury.
Motion passed 9-0.
11. Unfinished Business --- Ms. Penni Groves, Interim General Counsel, presented a resolution (Bylaws No. 23-12) proposing a Board Bylaw amendment. She explained that this is the second reading of this proposed amendment as the first reading was the email they received on November 8, 2012. She remarked that there are two changes. The first change permits the board member elected to be the next Chair to appoint an Executive Committee for the upcoming year while the second change is a minor housekeeping correction.
Moved by Mr. Hofherr, receiving the second of Ms. Bradbury.
Motion passed 9-0.
12. New Business:
a. Appointment of 2013 Executive Committee – Mr. Kimbrough first acknowledged Mr. Elliott, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Bradbury for their leadership this past year. He then reported that he has asked the following governors to serve in leadership roles in 2013:
Mr. Steve Hoven Finance Committee Chair
Mr. Peter Hofherr Academic Affairs Committee Chair
Ms. Beverly Miller Student Affairs Committee Chair
He indicated that they have all accepted these assignments so he then moved that the three 2013 committee chairs serve as members of the 2013 Executive Committee. Ms. Bradbury provided the second to the motion.
Motion passed 9-0.
b. Discussion on University Sustainability Initiatives --- President Smart then led off the discussion on sustainability and mentioned that the presentations will have time limits to allow considerable time for the Board members to discuss the issue after hearing all of the speakers.
Ms. Paige Oxendine began the student discussion reviewing the history of the $2 sustainability fee per student, per semester matched up to $75,000 by the university. Presentations were made by students, Mr. Evan Clark, Ms. Kara Andres, Mr. Shane Franklin, and Ms. Lauren Bansbach. Their presentations focused on the hazards of coal energy and the need to transition to renewable sources. Mr. Scott Miller, General Manager of City Utilities, next touched on CU’s energy sources, the below-average utility rates for its’ customers, and its’ 90% cut in emissions since 1980 while producing 2.5 times the amount of energy. Mr. Ken McClure then reviewed the history of the University’s successful energy initiatives since 1994 and the energy savings from these energy-reduction investments. Dr. Tami Jahnke, Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, ended the presentations with a timeline of sustainability efforts on campus since the University’s Sustainability Statement was adopted in 2007.
The entire Board, along with others in attendance, next engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the issues presented by the speakers. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mr. Kimbrough commented that, at the Board’s March, 2013 retreat, we prepare a briefing document from today’s conversation, and then at a future board meeting, we report the findings and next steps. Mr. Smart then summarized what he has heard today:
- We need to be more visible and out front on sustainability efforts.
- We need to continue the progress we have made on specific sustainability initiatives.
- We need to evaluate establishing a revolving-loan fund.
- We need to evaluate what kind of committee we need to address today’s discussion points.
Mr. Smart added that he also would ask Mr. McClure to evaluate whether we need an energy efficiency audit.
c. Recognition of Governors --- President Smart next presented Bear plaques and framed resolutions to Ms. Smith and Mr. Elliott in recognition of their service as board members.
13. Date of Next Meeting --- The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, February 8, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. on the West Plains Campus.
14. Adjournment--- Mr. Elliott adjourned the meeting at 11:40 a.m., on the motion of Mr. Hoven, the second of Mr. Hofherr, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
John W. McAlear