MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
DECEMBER 13, 2018 1:00 PM
1. Roll Call
Present - Ms. Carrie Tergin, Chair
Ms. Amelia Counts, Governor
Mr. Craig Frazier, Governor
Ms. Beverly Miller, Governor
Mr. William Miller, Student Governor
Mr. Kendall Seal, Governor
Ms. Carol Silvey, Governor
Mr. Greg Spears, Governor
Absent - Mr. Gabriel E. Gore, Governor
Also Present - Clifton M. Smart III, President
Donna Christian, Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management
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
Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Victor Matthews, Dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs
Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services
Jeff Morrissey, Chief Information Officer
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
Kristan Gochenauer, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding – The presiding officer for the meeting was Ms. Carrie Tergin, Chair of the Board of Governors. She 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 – Ms. Tergin mentioned that the first item of business was
the approval of the minutes for the open meeting of October 19, 2018. Mr. Craig Frazier
so moved, receiving the second from Ms. Carol Silvey.
Motion passed 7-0.
4. Consent Agenda – Ms. Tergin 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:
West Plains Campus
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Academic Employees (West Plains
Campus Personnel No. 427-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Non-Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 428-18).
Approval of the New Academic Program for the Associate of Applied Science in Technology - Advanced Industrial Maintenance Option (West Plains Curriculum No. 89-18).
Approval of the New Academic Program for the Associate of Arts in Criminology (West Plains Curriculum No. 90-18).
Approval of the New Academic Program for the Certificate in Criminology (West Plains Curriculum No. 91-18).
Approval of the New Academic Program for the Certificate in Law Enforcement (West Plains Curriculum No. 92-18).
Approval of the Deletion of the Academic Program for the Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship (West Plains Curriculum No. 93-18).
Approval of the Deletion of the Certificate in Public Outreach and Education (West Plains Curriculum No. 94-18).
Procurement and Financial
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the Period October 3, 2018, through November
28, 2018 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 472-18).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the Months of September 2018 and October 2018 (Activity
Report No. 305-18).
Approval of a Quit Claim Deed for the Transfer of Real Estate Located at 411-417 West Mill Street, Springfield, Missouri to the Missouri State University Development Corporation (Finance No. 1078-18).
Approval of Property Lease Agreement with Missouri State University Development Corporation for Property Located at 405 N. Campbell Avenue, Springfield, Missouri (Agreement No. 420-18).
Approval of Property Lease Agreement with Missouri State University Development Corporation for Property Located at 425 W. Mill Street, Springfield, Missouri (Agreement No. 421-18).
Human Resources Items
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1603-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1604-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning Employee Salary Increases Effective January 2019 (Human Resources No. 1605-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning Employee Salary Increases Effective February 2019 (Human Resources No. 1606-18).
Mr. Gregory Spears made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Mr. Frazier.
Motion passed 7-0.
5. Presidents Report – President Clif Smart welcomed everyone to the December commencement weekend. He shared that on Friday, December 14, 2018, we will graduate 1,554 students in two ceremonies at JQH Arena. In addition, we will award the Government Excellence Award to Mr. Jay Wasson and the Bronze Bear Award to Mr. Matt Blunt.
President Smart shared his sadness over the passing of Board member Virginia Fry on November 18, 2018. Maroon and white flowers are at her usual place and she will be recognized tomorrow at the commencement ceremonies. President Smart thanked Governor Fry’s husband, Mr. John Pratt, for his support over the past six years. He then recognized Ms. Tergin, who shared that she wanted to focus on what we gained through Governor Fry’s support and leadership on the Board and at Missouri State University. Ms. Tergin announced that a scholarship has been started in memory of Governor Fry.
President Smart recommended approval of the resolution of recognition for Governor Virginia Fry for her service, leadership and excellent work on behalf of the University. Ms. Silvey and Mr. Frazier made a motion and a second, respectively.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mr. Pratt came forward and was presented with the framed resolution, commemorative bear statue and a photobook. He stated that “Virginia was a Bear”. She immensely enjoyed serving on the Board of Governors, getting to know everyone and being a part of the University. He then thanked the Board.
President Smart recommended approval of the resolution of recognition for Governor Kendall Seal for his critical advice and input, leadership and advocacy on behalf of the University. Ms. Amelia Counts made a motion to approve, receiving a second from Mr. Frazier.
Motion passed 7-0.
President Smart then recommended approval of the resolution of recognition for Governor Gregory Spears for his leadership, promotion of initiatives and service on behalf of the University. Ms. Silvey made a motion to approve, receiving a second from Mr. Frazier.
Motion passed 7-0.
Ms. Tergin did a quick year in review sharing that the focus this year has been on alumni engagement and student wellness. She shared that it means so much to serve on a Board that works so well together while reaching and exceeding goals.
President Smart thanked Ms. Tergin for her tremendous work this past year as Board Chair, Mr. Seal for his push for inclusion and critical advice, and Ms. Spears for his time and financial expertise.
President Smart then gave an update of government affairs. In October, legislative priorities were approved. There were two priorities this year, to increase Missouri State University operating appropriations and to fund a matching capital project at Greenwood Laboratory School. President Smart shared the hire of Ms. Heather Camps, West Plains campus, who in addition to her regular duties will be involved in government relations in Jefferson City. President Smart then reported that a legislative guide has been created. The guide, which includes information on strategic funding, the importance of a bachelor’s degree and affordability, will be utilized when meeting with legislators. President Smart then announced that the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Coordinating Board have selected the projects it intends to recommend receive workforce funding in Governor Parson’s budget. He is pleased to share that the Missouri State University’s Nursing Expansion Program was on that list; ranked first out of all four-year university proposals received. If funded, the grant would provide the University with $3 million toward the construction of an addition to the McQueary Family Health Sciences Hall.
President Smart next gave an overview of the recent trip to China in which Board members Governor Frazier and Governor Spears participated. A great deal of work was accomplished through numerous meetings at both Ningxia and Qingdao Universities. Governor Frazier noted the amazing relationships that our University has built. Governor Spears echoed Governor Frazier’s remarks stating it is very obvious that we have great people setting the groundwork and creating great relationships.
6. Making Our Missouri Statement Moment – Board of Governors’ Citizen Scholar Award Recipients – Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs, read the Citizen Scholar resolution (Award No. 85-18) and requested approval of the following students as Citizen Scholars for 2018-2019: Tia Clemens, Tyree Davis IV, Koby Ljunggren, Anthony Priest, Husref Rizvanovic and Daezia Smith. A motion was made by Ms. Miller and seconded by Mr. Seal.
Motion passed 7-0.
Dr. Siscoe then introduced each of the Citizen Scholar awardees along with members of the Citizen Scholar Selection Committee, board members Mr. Gabriel Gore, Ms. Beverly Miller, Mr. William Miller and Mr. Kendall Seal.
7. Committee Reports:
A. Mr. Spears stated that the Risk Management and Audit Committee met earlier this
morning. Ms. Kim Hamm, Partner, BKD, gave a presentation on the independent audit
for fiscal year 2018. There were no reportable matters and one proposed adjustment,
which was recorded. Overall, there were no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies
identified. In closed session, the committee received a report on the University’s
food service contract, which will be published on the University’s website.
B. Mr. Frazier gave an overview of the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting. The committee reviewed documents related to the bond resolution and bond purchase agreement for Brick City. Amendments to Med-Pay and Mercy were also reviewed with recommendations to extend both agreements an additional five-years. These agreements will be voted on later in in today’s meeting. Facility contracts for work on Kemper Hall and Temple Hall were reviewed along with the October year to date financial statement and the Foundation report through November. The committee also received an update on the IDEA Commons project.
C. Ms. Miller discussed the Programs and Planning Committee meeting. Dr. Kelly Wood, Executive Director of Center for Academic Success and Transition, and Dr. Shirley Lawler, Chancellor, presented on retention data and initiatives for both the Springfield and West Plains campuses.
8. Academic Affairs:
A. Faculty Senate Report – Dr. Tom Dicke, Faculty Senate Chair, reported on the
importance of ad-hoc committees and all that has been accomplished this past semester.
He discussed curricular proposals, noting there are well over 200 either in or through
the approval process. The first proposal for a professional doctorate is currently
working its way through governance. He also noted that an increased amount of time
is being spent on program assessment.
B. Report from the Deputy Provost – Dr. Chris Craig, Deputy Provost, updated the Board on the Nurse Anesthesia Program. He shared that Dr. Helen Reid, Dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services has announced her retirement. Dr. Letitia White Minnis, Department Head for Communication Sciences and Disorders, will serve as Interim Dean for the McQueary College of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Craig gave an update on the Higher Learning Commission off-campus site visits that took place in Brazil; Fairfax, Virginia; and Cassville, Missouri. He was pleased to report a very positive report with no issues noted.
Dr. Craig then discussed the evaluation of credit and non-credit options and gave an update on both Blackboard Ally and the accessibility and affordability of textbooks.
9. Student Affairs:
A. Report from the Student Body President – Mr. Isaiah Villarreal, Student Body
President, gave a recap of student government initiatives to include cabinet expansion,
to-go boxes pilot program, Meyer library resources and new furniture in the Plaster
Student Union. In addition, he noted security has been increased across campus and
mentioned the bike share program, which was approved in October. Looking forward
to next semester, Mr. Villarreal identified three challenges moving forward which
include diversity inclusion, communication with the student body and student funds.
10. Staff Senate Report – Ms. Adja Jones, Chair-Elect of the Staff Senate, thanked President Smart for the time over the holidays. She promoted participation with the giving tree, which provides for the Rare Breed and Isabel’s House. Staff Senate continues to promote leadership through administrative forums and the book club series and in spring 2019, Staff Senate is promoting a “Bring Your Own Lunch” supervisor networking series.
11. Facilities and Equipment – Mr. Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services, recommended the approval of bids and award of a contract for the renovation of rooms 105 and 126 in Kemper Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1564-18). The low bid by Carson-Mitchell, Inc. in the amount of $312,900 for the base bid was awarded. Total project budget is $409,870 with an expected completion date of fall 2019.
Mr. Morris then recommended the approval of bids and award of a contract for the greenhouse addition at Temple Hall (Bids & Quotations No. 1565-18). The low bid in the amount of $563,000 for the base bid was awarded to DeWitt & Associate, Inc. Total project budget is $690,000 with an expected completion date summer 2019. Both resolutions were moved and seconded, respectively, by Ms. Miller and Mr. Frazier.
Motion passed 7-0.
12. Human Resources – Mr. Morris recommended approval of amendment #1 for medical/dental third-party administrative services agreement (Med-Pay, Inc.) (Agreement No. 422-18). The amended agreement will extend the terms for an additional five (5) years; through December 31, 2024.
Mr. Morris then recommended approval of amendment #4 self-insured PPO network access agreement (Mercy Health Springfield Communities) (Agreement No. 423-18). The amended agreement will extend the terms and guarantee a savings to the University. Ms. Silvey moved to approve the recommendations, receiving a second from Ms. Counts.
Motion passed 7-0.
13. Financial – Ms. Rachael Dockery, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, recommended approval authorizing the borrowing by Missouri State University of the proceeds of an issue of educational facilities revenue bonds (Missouri State University), Series 2019A, in a principal amount of $15,730,000 of the health and educational facilities authority of the State of Missouri, to finance the costs of certain educational facilities of the University; and authorizing and approving certain documents and actions in connection with such borrowing (Finance No. 1079-18). Mr. Frazier made a motion, receiving a second from Mr. Kendall Seal.
Motion passed 7-0.
14. Marketing and Communications – Ms. Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and communications, gave a presentation on Strategic Marketing in a Digital World. As part of the presentation, Ms. Shaw showed the welcome video that prospective students see at the Welcome Center. She discussed what is important to Generation Z students and what the University is doing to attract students through the use of geo-fencing and remarketing.
Mr. Ryan DeBoef, Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations, briefly reviewed the creation of the legislative advocacy website, which includes the legislative guide, legislative talking points, advocacy tips and a monthly newsletter during legislative session.
15. New Business – Ms. Tergin recommended approval of the 2019 Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. The 2019 Executive Committee includes Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair; Mr. Craig Frazier, Vice Chair; Ms. Beverly Miller; and Ms. Carrie Tergin. Ms. Silvey made a motion to approve, receiving a second from Ms. Counts.
Motion passed 7-0.
Ms. Tergin reported the 2019 committee membership as appointed by Mr. Gabriel Gore. The Finance and Facilities Committee is comprised of Ms. Amelia Counts, Chair, and all members of the Board of Governors. The Programs and Planning Committee is comprised of Ms. Carol Silvey, Chair, and all members of the Board of Governors. The Risk Management and Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. Craig Frazier, Chair; Mr. Gregory Spears; Ms. Carrie Tergin; and Mr. Gabriel Gore (ex-officio). The Board representative to the Missouri State University Foundation is Ms. Beverly Miller.
16. 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 Statues of Missouri. Ms. Tergin 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 December 13, 2018 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...”
Ms. Counts moved the approval of the resolution and Mr. Frazier seconded the motion.
A roll call vote on the motion was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Counts, Frazier, Miller, Seal, Silvey, Spears and Tergin; those voting against – none.
Ms. Tergin declared the resolution passed unanimously. The open meeting recessed at 4:04 p.m. to go into closed session.
The open meeting was reconvened at 4:23 p.m.
17. Date of Next Meeting – The date of the next scheduled meeting was set for Friday, February 22, 2019, at 1 p.m. on the Springfield Campus.
18. Adjournment – Ms. Tergin adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m., on the motion
of Mr. Spears, the second of Mr. Frazier, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
Kristan Gochenauer
Secretary to the Board