MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
AUGUST 9-10, 2018
1. Roll Call
Present - Ms. Carrie Tergin, Chair
Mr. Craig Frazier, Governor
Ms. Virginia Fry, Governor
Mr. Gabriel E. Gore, Governor
Ms. Beverly Miller, Governor
Mr. William Miller, Student Governor
Mr. Kendall Seal, Governor
Ms. Carol Silvey, Governor
Mr. Gregory Spears, Governor
Absent - Ms. Amelia Counts, Governor
Also Present - Clifton M. Smart III, President
Jim Baker, Vice President for Research and Economic Development & International Programs
Nechell Bonds, Director of Admissions
Erika Brame, New Media Specialist
Donna Christian, Director of Internal Audit and Compliance
Ryan DeBoef, Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations
Rachael Dockery, General Counsel
Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement
Frank Einhellig, Provost
Stephen Foucart, Chief Financial Officer
Tammy Jahnke, Dean, College of Natural and Applied Sciences
Allen Kunkel, Associate Vice President Research and Economic Development and JVIC
Director
Dennis Lancaster, Dean of Academic Affairs
Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Victor Matthews, Dean, College of Humanities and Public Affairs
David Meinert, Interim Dean, College of Business
Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics
Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services
Jeff Morrissey, Chief Information Officer
Andrea Mostyn, Director of University Communications
Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer
Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
Kelly Wood, Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition
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 12:15 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 422 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, Missouri.
3. Approval of Minutes – Ms. Tergin mentioned that the first item of business was
the approval of the minutes for the open and closed meetings of June 22, 2018. Mr.
Gregory Spears so moved, receiving a second from Ms. Virginia Fry.
Motion passed 8-0.
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:
President
Approval of Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Employment Agreements for Assistant Coaches and
Athletics Administrators (Human Resources No. 1596-18).
West Plains Campus
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Academic Employees (West Plains
Campus Personnel No. 423-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Non-Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 424-18).
Approval of Proposed Revisions to the Missouri State University-West Plains Faculty Handbook (West Plains Faculty Policy No. 17-18).
Procurement and Financial
Approval of Procurement Activity Report for the Period June 6, 2018, through July
25, 2018 (Purchasing Activity Report No. 469-18).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the Month of June 2018 (Activity Report No. 303-18).
Human Resources Items
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1597-18).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1598-18).
Ms. Carol Silvey moved to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Mr. Craig Frazier.
Motion passed 8-0.
5. Social Media Presentation – Ms. Erika Brame, New Media Specialist, presented on how the University shares and tells stories through branding, crowdfunding and social media kits. She highlighted how social media is used to create connections and share Missouri State University stories and values.
6. Discussion of Funding and Advocacy Strategy – President Clif Smart discussed
Missouri State’s record of success along with expected outcomes and financial pressures.
He reviewed the efficiency handout, which provided an overview of the universities
outstanding record on efficiency, negative consequences, and actions taken. Steve
Foucart, Chief Financial Officer, discussed in detail the student to faculty ratio
of 22:1, which is the highest of all four-year universities in the state of Missouri.
He also discussed the areas where the University has been able to save money as well
as concern about potential increases in pension fund and healthcare costs. A recommendation
requesting approval of revisions to the Missouri State University group medical plan
will be made at the October Board of Governors’ meeting. President Smart then highlighted
workforce development initiatives that fit within the Talent for Tomorrow framework,
noting consistency with the long-range plan and action plan. After additional discussions
on funding expectations, the Board stated that it was comfortable moving forward with
the funding plan as presented. A recommendation to approve will be made at the October
Board of Governors’ meeting.
7. 2018-19 Planning:
A. Enrollment Update – Dr. Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs, and
Ms. Nechell Bonds, Director of Admissions, gave a presentation on current enrollment
and future expectations. Dr. Siscoe discussed the total fall enrollment from 2012-2017,
noting in increase of over 6,000 in the student body. She shared statistical data
on our student basis to include undergraduate seeking, non-degree seeking, underrepresented,
transfer and international students. Ms. Bonds then discussed the enrollment management
program, a new online admissions tool, highlighting the ability to personalize each
student experience based on their likes and dislikes. She stated that this tool is
a game changer for contacting, promoting and helping students through the admissions
process.
B. Action Plan – President Smart stated that this is the start of the third year of the long- range plan. He discussed the importance of focusing on the action plan as a whole with an emphasis on goals that have not been reached. The first item of discussion was the academic profile. Since the number of degrees awarded goal of 4,900 has been reached, it was suggested that a new goal be evaluated and discussed at the October meeting. The University continues to work towards its graduation rate goal of 57%. In addition, the University is looking at opportunities to grow programs, evaluate program barriers, increase competitiveness, new programs and certificates, and increase international opportunities. Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, then provided background on undergraduate and graduate majors as well as certificate programs. He shared that more certificates are in the pipeline along with new programs and degrees. Dr. Einhellig noted the increasing demand for online programs, shared that international partnerships are key and again highlighted the importance of removing barriers.
President Smart next discussed student success and experience. The University saw a drop in retention for all five at risk student areas this past year. The University currently has a 77% retention rate with a 79% goal. Dr. Kelly Wood, Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition, discussed the benefits of the select GEP101 courses, the Bears LEAD program and proactive advising. The belief is that more contact can make a huge impact for students. A new effort this coming year is to reach out to second year students and creating response teams to work with students who are having academic issues. Dr. Tammy Jahnke, Dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, discussed the retooling of the math program. Through a corequisite four-hour math course, taught in one semester, a 75% pass rate was recognized. This fulfills the general education requirement for math.
President Smart then focused on diversity and inclusion. He shared that the University has done well noting an increase in underrepresented students on campus. The faculty and staff long-range plan goal of 14% has been reached. The setting of a new goal will be discussed at the October Board meeting. Mr. Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer, discussed the campus, community culture and climate goals. He shared how the University is increasing cultural competence in the classroom through tough talks, use of the common reader in the GEP101 courses, the Scholar to Scholar program, yearly collaborative diversity conferences, diversity and inclusion training as well as collaborations and partnerships with the community. The facing racism institute will be re-instituted this year and a new campus climate survey will be started this fall.
The University continues to work on globalization and infrastructure goals and athletics
goals have been met. President Smart then discussed 2018-2019 focus areas for the
West Plains campus. The goals are to stabilize enrollment, improve rates, address
budget and workload issues and reconnect with the community. Dr. Shirley Lawler,
Chancellor, West Plains campus, discussed in further detail plans to stabilize enrollment;
short and long term. She is excited to have the faculty back on campus and is building
connections with the West Plains community. Dr. Dennis Lancaster, Dean of Academic
Affairs, West Plains campus, shared that the West Plains campus is also focusing on
workforce development programs.
President Smart re-iterated the importance of connectivity, student affairs and diversity
and emphasized how focusing on academics and success connects directly to workforce
development. The Board shared that it is comfortable with the action plan moving
forward.
Ms. Tergin recessed the meeting at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018.
Ms. Tergin called the meeting back to order at 8:27 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018.
C. Marketing Academic Programs – Ms. Suzanne Shaw, Vice President for Marketing and
Communications, gave a presentation on the different type of marketing opportunities
that are available for the University. She discussed marketing research and ways the
University can create a competitive advantage with students. Ms. Shaw pointed out
the importance of knowing our competitors and knowing what our message to students
is.
8. Elevator Speech Presentation – Ms. Bonds presented her elevator speech. She
discussed how little time we have to make an impact on students and their family.
Students want a story, want to know how they will fit in and want to know what the
University can do for them. Ms. Bonds then highlighted the personalization pieces
that the University provides for students via mail, the website and personal contact.
9. Old Business:
A. IDEA Commons Project – President Smart gave a brief history of the IDEA Commons
project. He then introduced Mr. Allen Kunkel, Associate Vice President for Economic
Development and Director of JVIC. Mr. Kunkel discussed the progress with Vecino Group
on Phase IV of the development. An in-depth discussion was had regarding the financial
options, which include New Market Tax Credits (NMTC). If use of NMTC’s is confirmed,
final Board approval will be requested.
10. New Business:
A. Office of Research Year-End Report – Dr. Jim Baker, Vice President for Research
and Economic Development and International Programs, presented the June 30, 2018,
year-end activity report for the Office of Research. He reported that 305 total proposals
were submitted, with $26,051,086 funds awarded. Federal funding this past year was
at 53.4%. Other funding sources include state, non-profit, county/city, international,
business and other.
B. Foundation Year-End Report – Mr. Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement, presented the June 30, 2018, year-end report of the Missouri State University Foundation. The total gifts received in FY2018 totaled $21,534,074, which is an all-time record high.
C. Comprehensive Campaign Update – Mr. Dunn gave a presentation to the Board on a potential comprehensive campaign along with a timeline. He stated that this would be the third comprehensive campaign in the history of the University. The company Bentz Whaley Flessner was hired to do the feasibility study. The study looked at potential donors and provided a rationale for moving forward with a campaign.
D. Discussion of 2019 Board of Governor Officers – Ms. Tergin stated that the Board needed to discuss a possible slate of officers for the 2019 calendar year. Ms. Tergin then proposed Mr. Gabriel Gore as Chair. Ms. Tergin then proposed Mr. Craig Frazier as Vice-Chair. Both individuals stated they would be willing to serve and other members of the Board accepted these proposals. The election of officers will be held at the October 19, 2018, Board meeting.
11. 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 Statutes 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 August 9-10, 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 actions, or litigation involving a public governmental body…”
B. R.S.Mo. 610.021(3). “Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body...”
C. R.S.Mo. 610.021(13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment…”; and
D. R.S.Mo. 610.021(17). “Confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body and its auditor,....”
Ms. Beverly Miller moved the approval of the resolution and Ms. Silvey seconded the motion.
A roll call vote on the motion was as follows: those voting in favor – Governors Counts, Frazier, Fry, Gore, Miller, Seal, Silvey, Spears, and Tergin; those voting against – none.
Ms. Tergin declared the resolution passed unanimously. The open meeting was recessed at 12:15 p.m. to go into closed session.
The open meeting was reconvened at 2:48 p.m.
12. Date of Next Meeting – The date of the next regularly scheduled meeting was set for Friday, October 19, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. on the Springfield Campus.
13. Adjournment – Ms. Tergin adjourned the meeting at 2:49 p.m. on the motion of Ms. Silvey, the second of Mr. Frazier, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
Kristan Gochenauer
Secretary