MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
JUNE 21, 2019 1:00 PM
1. Roll Call
Present - Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair
Ms. Amelia Counts, Governor
Mr. Craig Frazier, Governor
Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner, Governor
Mr. William Miller, Student Governor
Mr. Kendall Seal, Governor
Ms. Carol Silvey, Governor
Mr. Gregory Spears, Governor
Ms. Carrie Tergin, 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
Frank Einhellig, Provost
Stephen Foucart, Chief Financial Officer
Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains Campus
Matt Morris, Vice President for Administrative Services
Theresa McCoy, Interim Chief Information Officer
Wes Pratt, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant to the President
Dee Siscoe, Vice President for Student Affairs
Kristan Gochenauer, Secretary of the Board
2. Presiding – The presiding officer for the meeting was Mr. Gabriel Gore, Chair of the Board of Governors. He called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room in the West Plains Civic Center in West Plains, Missouri.
Mr. Gore thanked Governor Carol Silvey for her hospitality and welcomed everyone to the West Plains meeting.
3. Approval of Minutes – Mr. Gore mentioned that the first item of business was
the approval of the minutes for the open and closed meetings of May 16, 2019. Mr.
Craig Frazier so moved, receiving the second of Ms. Carol Silvey.
Motion passed 8-0.
4. Consent Agenda – Mr. Gore 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 FY2019-2020 Employment Agreements for Athletics Administrators
(Human Resources No. 1612-19).
Approval of FY2019-2020 Employment Agreements for Assistant Coaches (Human Resources No. 1613-19).
Approval of FY2019-2020 Employment Agreements for Athletics Head Coaches (Human Resources No. 1614-19).
Approval to Accept Gift from the Missouri State University Foundation of Real Estate Located in Cedar Creek, Missouri (Land No. 123-19).
Approval of Appointment of Mr. Jeff Coiner as Chief Information Officer at Missouri State University (Human Resources No. 1615-19).
Academic Affairs
Approval of New Program: Bachelor of Science in Business Analysis (Curriculum No.
391-19).
West Plains Campus
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Academic Employees (West Plains
Campus Personnel No. 434-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning West Plains Campus Non-Academic Employees (West Plains Campus Personnel No. 435-19).
Approval of Proposed Revisions to the Missouri State University-West Plains Faculty Bylaws (West Plains Faculty Policies No. 19-19)
Procurement and Financial
Approval of Procurement Activity Report (Procurement Activity Report No. 478-19).
Approval of Rental Rates for Space in the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center for Various Departments and University Related Offices (Agreement No. 429-19).
Facilities and Equipment
Approval of Activity Report for the Month of May 2019 (Activity Report No. 308-19).
Approval of a Resolution Granting an Underground Facilities Easement to the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (Agreement No. 430-19).
Human Resources Items
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1616-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees (Human Resources No. 1617-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees Salary July Adjustments (Human Resources No. 1618-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees Salary July Adjustments (Human Resources No. 1619-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Academic Employees August Salary Adjustments (Human Resources No. 1620-19).
Approval of Actions Concerning Non-Academic Employees August Salary Adjustments (Human Resources 1621-19).
Approval of FY20 Additional Fringe Benefits to be Funded by Missouri State University or the Missouri State University Foundation (Human Resources 1622-19).
Ms. Carrie Tergin made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, receiving a second from Ms. Beverly Miller Keltner.
Motion passed 8-0.
5. Committee Reports:
A. Mr. Frazier discussed the Risk Management and Audit Committee meeting that took
place the day before. In open session, the risks associated with entertainment contracts
were discussed in follow-up to the contract revisions that were approved at the May
board meeting. Those revisions enhance the University’s ability to manage risks associated
with entertainment contracts and ensure the Board receives timely information. In
closed session two reports were reviewed with the Internal Auditor.
B. Ms. Silvey discussed the Programs and Planning Committee meeting. She shared that the committee received a presentation about the Preparing Educators and Administrators for Rural Schools project. They then discussed changes to the Springfield and West Plains faculty handbooks to include an increase to the West Plains teaching load for full-time ranked faculty to 30 credit hours.
Mr. Gore asked for a motion to approve proposed revisions to the faculty handbook (Springfield campus) (Faculty Policies No. 139-19). Ms. Silvey made a motion, receiving a second from Ms. Amelia Counts.
Motion passed 8-0.
Mr. Gore then asked for approval of proposed revisions to the faculty handbook (West Plains campus) (West Plains Faculty Policies No. 20-19). A motion was made by Ms. Silvey and seconded by Ms. Tergin.
Motion passed 8-0.
C. Ms. Counts then gave an overview of the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting. The committee reviewed and discussed the fiscal year 2020 internal operating budget. This year’s budget includes a 1.9% across-the-board pay increase for employees, which will go into effect on July 1, 2019. The budget also includes funding for faculty promotions, the full professorship incentive program, 58 cost-center funded equity pay adjustments, $1.5 million in fringe benefit cost increases, increases in stipends and fee waivers for graduate assistants, increases to the student worker minimum wage, and a scholarship and recruitment fund that will be used to develop and implement enrollment strategies. The committee then reviewed amendments to the fee schedule for Springfield and West Plains campuses. They also reviewed University financial statements, the procurement consent agenda, the Foundation report and received an update on the IDEA Commons project. Mr. Gore recommended approval of amendments to the employee handbook for administrative, professional and support staff employees and related policies including the amended language “or an exception granted by the President” (Human Resources No. 1623-19). A motion was made by Ms. Tergin, receiving a second from Mr. Frazier.
Motion passed 8-0.
6. Presidents Report – President Clif Smart gave a legislative update. The University had a successful year with a $10 million core appropriation increase; $2.85 million to the Nursing program through the MoExcels program; Bull Shoals project funding; and $275,000 to the Missouri Fine Arts Academy. The governor signed the budget last week with no withhold or vetoes. He thanked everyone for their legislative work this year noting great participation in the University’s advocacy efforts through the MSU Legislative Network. President Smart then updated the Board on preliminary summer enrollment numbers, which are up 3.2% in headcount and 3.5% in credit hours; 62% of the courses are online.
7. West Plains – Dr. Shirley Lawler, Chancellor of the West Plains campus, welcomed the Board to the West Plains campus and thanked community members Mayor Jack Pahlmann, Mr. Tom Stehn, City Administrator, and Mr. Will Wheeler, Field Representative for Senator Roy Blunt, for attending the meeting. Dr. Lawler stated it has been a great year and the community has been incredibly welcoming. She shared that since 1977 over 5,800 degrees have been issued with 277 just this past May. The current goal is to stabilize campus enrollment. The campus continues to work on partnerships and is excited about the new police substation.
Dr. Lawler then introduced Dr. Dennis Lancaster, Dean of Academic Affairs, to give a presentation on the Making Our Missouri Statement Moment – Study Away Programs. Dr. Lancaster discussed three ongoing Study Away programs to include a semester in Dalian, China; the Darr Honors Abroad experience; and the Costa Rica Ecology Study/Experience trip. Each program is connected to courses and gives students a global experience. Since starting in 2003, the Study Away programs at Missouri State University – West Plains have sent approximately 225 students abroad.
Dr. Lawler next introduced Ms. Leigh Adams, Assistant Professor of English and Chair of the Faculty Senate – West Plains. Ms. Adams highlighted faculty involvement on campus. She shared that the Nursing Department recently received re-accreditation and that there are several new initiatives across campus for students to include Scholars’ program, GOCAT, Ozark Studies and the Ozarks Heritage Resource Center. All provide students with a great education both in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Lawler then introduced Mr. CJ Collins, Coordinator of Information Systems Support and Chair of the Staff Senate – West Plains. Mr. Collins shared that he was a first-generation student and the importance of the West Plains campus. He then gave an overview of 2019-2020 Staff Senate goals.
Dr. Lawler introduced Ms. Oliva Grandberry, President of the West Plains Student Government
Association, and Mr. Jamal Shaddid, Vice President of the West Plains Student Government
Association. Ms. Grandberry excitedly reviewed the 2018-2019 Student Government Association
(SGA) accomplishments and gave an overview of SGA goals for 2019-2020.
8. Academic Affairs:
A. Report from the Provost – Dr. Frank Einhellig, Provost, shared with the Board
that Dr. Mark Smith has been appointed Dean of the McQueary College of Health and
Human Services. Dr. Smith will begin the position on August 1, 2019.
Dr. Einhellig gave a summary of curricular actions for AY18-19. There were 770 curricular changes last year; over 100 were new courses. Unlike new programs, certificates are not subject to Board approval. This past year, there were over 40 certificate programs approved, which brings the total number of certificate programs now offered to over 100. In conjunction with the long-range plan, the University continues to work on reducing barriers to graduation. A few examples include three math tracks – contemporary math, algebra for business students and algebra for science students; elementary education majors can now complete their degree in 120 hours; nursing courses have been re-arranged so they are offered in four semesters versus five; and all programs in communications no longer have a media prerequisite.
Dr. Einhellig then provided the Board of Governors with an update on Blackboard Ally, a new addition to the learning management system that makes use of Blackboard easier for those who are vision impaired. To date, 24 ambassadors and 138 faculty have received training to allow for better utilization of the program. The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning and Computer Services have integrated this program into their programs as well.
He then discussed the Ozark Studies Institutes, an initiative that began over 30 years ago, and its role at Missouri State University. Approximately a year ago, the program was moved to the Library under the direction of Mr. Tom Peters, Dean of the Library. Dr. Einhellig then noted that each Board member has been given a copy of the Ozarks Watch magazine, which is produced twice a year.
9. Student Affairs:
A. Report from the Student Body President – Mr. Abidillahi Dirie, Student Body
President, gave a brief report of what has been happening this summer. He recently
traveled to Washington DC and attend the Presidential Leadership Conference, which
allowed for networking with other student body presidents from across the nation.
Mr. Dirie reported that exciting things are happening on the Springfield campus to
include the bike share program. He then shared that this year’s focus will include
legislative lobbying for the institution and students, continued collaboration, enhancing
the student experience, promoting diversity and inclusion, looking at ways to increase
enrollment, and promotion of mental health and wellness for those students who are
in need.
10. Staff Senate Report – Mr. Jon Lee, Chairperson of the Staff Senate, thanked the Board for their support this past year. He then introduced Ms. A’dja Jones, the new Chairperson of the Staff Senate, and Mr. Olujimi Sode, Chair-Elect of the Staff Senate. Ms. Jones stated she is excited for the upcoming year. Goals include welcome and support for new staff hires, ensuring current staff feel valued, keeping lines of communication open, offering solutions to issues, and understanding that students choose to attend Missouri State University, and everyone plays a roll in their success. Mr. Sode then shared his experiences on Staff Senate, noting the importance of building a sense of community and continued collaboration.
11. Financial Services – Mr. Steve Foucart, Chief Financial Officer, recommended approval of the following resolutions:
A. 2019-2020 fee schedule board resolution amendment Springfield campus (Fees No.
155-19).
B. 2019-2020 fee schedule board resolution amendment West Plains campus (West Plains
Fees No. 17-19).
C. Fiscal year 2020 internal operating budget (Finance No. 1080-19).
Moved and seconded, respectively, by Ms. Silvey and Ms. Counts.
Motion passed 8-0.
12. Old Business – President Smart stated that last year one of the Board discussion topics included the Tobacco 21 Initiative. Mr. Clay Goddard, Springfield-Greene County Director of Health, and Ms. Katie Town, Springfield-Greene County Assistant Director, presented on the Tobacco 21 Initiative in Springfield and reviewed a handout on usage facts among Missourians. Mr. Goddard asked for the Boards consideration in approving a resolution in support of local efforts to pass legislation to enact Tobacco 21 Initiative. Ms. Tergin shared that the Tobacco 21 Initiative has been very successful in Jefferson City. She then made a motion, receiving a second from Mr. Kendall Seal.
Motion passed 8-0.
13. New Business – President Smart recommended approval of adoption of the 2020 meeting schedule of Missouri State University Board of Governors (Board Policies No. 122-19). Mr. Frazier made a motion, receiving a second from Ms. Silvey.
Motion passed 8-0.
Ms. Kristan Gochenauer, Secretary to the Board of Governors, will send out the 2020 Board of Governors’ meeting dates to the Board.
Ms. Tergin thanked the Board and meeting attendees for their support following the May 23, 2019, tornado in Jefferson City.
14. 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. Mr. Gore 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 June 21, 2019, meeting of the Board of Governors to consider items of business pursuant to:
A. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (3). “Hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of particular employees by a public governmental body…”
B. R.S.Mo. 610.021 (13). “Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment…”
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, Gore, Miller Keltner, Seal, Silvey, Spears, and Tergin; those voting against the motion – none.
Mr. Gore declared the resolution passed unanimously. The open meeting was recessed at 2:35 p.m. to go into closed session.
The open meeting reconvened at 4:30 p.m.
15. Date of Next Meeting – The date of the next scheduled meeting was set for Thursday, August 8, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
16. Adjournment – Mr. Gore adjourned the meeting at 4:31 p.m., on the motion of Mr. Frazier, the second of Mr. Seal, and the unanimous vote of the Board.
Kristan Gochenauer
Secretary to the Board