Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Vice Chair Laura A. Crandall.  The Board welcomed Tiffany Middlemas as the newly appointed Student Representative of the Board.  Missouri Governor Mike Parson appointed Tiffany on July 23, subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate in January.  Tiffany is a junior business administration/history major, holds leadership positions with the Bulldog Student Investment Fund and Delta Zeta, and is a Kirksville native.  The Board expressed appreciation to Carter Brooks Templeton for his service on the Board and noted that Carter will be officially recognized at their October meeting.

Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the annual athletics report; Regina Morin, Vice President for Enrollment Management, provided an enrollment management update; and Charles Hunsaker, Interim Director for University Advancement, highlighted the conclusion of the Pursue the Future campaign and noted that the campaign surpassed its $40 million goal by obtaining total campaign commitments of $42,964,926.  The Board also received updates on the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW), the new undergraduate curriculum, construction projects, and financials reports.

In terms of action items, the Board approved six items within the area of budget and capital projects:

• Student Union Building Food Service Construction Project.  This project will convert the Jazzman’s/Zime food service venue in the main floor hallway to an Einstein’s Bros. Bagels with a target completion date of mid-January.  Funds for this project are available from the food service capital improvements fund.
• Chiller Replacement Engineering Services Project.  Services are needed to develop specification for purchase and installation of two chillers in need of replacement due to age and repair issues.  The chillers serve the chilled water loop which provides air conditioning to buildings on the central portion of campus.  Construction is expected to begin in late Fall 2018.
• Roofing and Masonry Architectural Services Project.  This project will begin the process of replacing the roof on Violette Hall and provide masonry repairs to the Student Recreation Center.  Funding for this project will come from the Plant Fund and will be allocated to the Education and General Budget and the Student Recreation Center based on the actual cost of construction.
• Sesquicentennial Plaza/Fountain Architectural Services Project.  The project will complete the 2015 project where the brick mall from McClain Hall to the Student Union Building was replaced.  The final phase involves replacing the bricks and fountain in front of the Student Union Building and the patio area south of the building entrance.  This will create the Sesquicentennial Plaza where personalized bricks and pavers purchased by donors will be located.  Funding for this project will come from the Sesquicentennial Plaza Campaign.  It is expected that work will begin in mid-May 2019.
• Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2019.  This year’s budget has a major focus on utility and infrastructure improvements for both academic and auxiliary buildings including replacing the Violette Hall roof, Student Recreation Center masonry repairs, and chiller replacements.
• State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020.  This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  Truman’s FY 2020 request includes funding based on the Performance Funding model, additional funds to expand training for mental health professionals, as well as an increase for cooperative programs with community college programs and additional maintenance and repair funding.

The Board also approved an amendment to the Student Conduct Code in regard to alcohol and other drug amnesty.  The purpose of the suggested change is to remove the barriers that may prevent a student from seeking emergency medical attention.  The goal is to reduce the potential risk of alcohol/drug related injuries or deaths and increase the likelihood that students will seek medical attention in a crisis situation.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 4^th meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, October 12, in conjunction with Truman Homecoming activities.

It does not seem possible that a new academic year is about to begin in just a couple weeks.  It is always exciting to welcome our new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  I hope each of you had an opportunity to spend time with the ones you love, relax, and recharge for what is sure to be another remarkable year.  I look forward to seeing you at the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 17, at 12:00 noon in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union Building.

Enjoy your last few days of summer and thank you for all that you do for Truman!

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Truman Community:

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Ernie Hughes has accepted my invitation to serve as Vice President for University Advancement beginning August 13, 2018.  Ernie is an outstanding advancement professional who has an impressive skill set and over twenty years of experience in higher education.  He currently serves as principal of E. Hughes and Associates, LLC, a management consultation firm located in Marietta, GA, which provides a range of services to help clients understand the cultural underpinnings of philanthropy and the psychology of donors.  He has also held executive vice president for advancement positions with Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA; Winona State University in Winona, MN; and the Southern University System in Baton Rouge, LA.

After learning of his selection, Dr. Hughes shared, “Truman State University is an outstanding institution and a wonderful place to foster lasting relationships.  I am excited to build upon the very fine work of the entire Advancement team to support Truman’s vision and aspirations for the strongest alumni engagement and philanthropic support of the university.”

I have enormous appreciation for the thoughtful and engaged work of the VPUA Search Advisory Committee:  Janet Gooch, Committee Chair; Amanda Langendoerfer; Mike McClaskey; Sharron Quisenberry; Jason Turk; and Tim Walston.  This committee served our University well through its diligence, professionalism and dedication.

I am excited to welcome Ernie to our Bulldog family!  Please join me in congratulating him and wishing him the very best in his new role.

Best regards,

Sue

Dear Colleagues:

As you will recall, given the state appropriation uncertainty that existed at the time of the June 16 meeting of the Board of Governors, the Board approved a Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget developed using the appropriation recommended by Governor Greitens in the Executive Budget (a 7.73% decrease to the core appropriation for higher education).  In late June, Governor Parson signed the FY 2019 appropriation bills approving the legislature’s budget which maintained higher education funding at the FY 2018 level after withholding (with no performance-based funding component).  At a conference call meeting held earlier today, the Board approved a revised budget resolution reflecting the increase in state appropriations.

Although the FY 2019 state appropriation is flat to the FY 2018 appropriation (which was a 9% cut from the FY 2017 appropriation), the reallocation work we did together during the spring semester has provided us with the ability to do a salary increase greater than the 1% discussed at the February All-University Address.  I am happy to report that also at today’s meeting, the Board approved Salary Policies for FY 2019 which reflect a 3% raise retroactive to July 1, 2018 for those under contract on August 1 who are not already under contract for FY 2019.  Contracts and salary letters will now be prepared and are expected to be issued on or soon after July 30.  Adjustments for the FY 2019 increase, including the retroactive increase, will be reflected in August paychecks.

We are very appreciative of the work of the legislature and the support of the Governor in restoring funds to higher education.  We are also very appreciative of the Board in supporting our reallocation efforts, enabling us to increase the level of compensation for our faculty and staff even in these challenging budget times.

Thank you for your commitment to making Truman even better and I wish you relaxing and joyful times for the remainder of your summer.

Best regards,

Sue

As a reminder, the Board of Governors took no action in regard to Salary Policies for Fiscal Year 2019 at their June 2018 meeting given appropriation uncertainty.  The Governor has until June 30 to sign the appropriation bills.  It is the intention of the Board to hold a meeting on July 9 to finalize the budget and approve salary policies.  Contracts and salary letters are expected to be issued on or soon after July 30.  In the meantime, salaries for FY 2019 will continue at the FY 2018 levels.

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday for their annual June meeting and retreat under the leadership of Board Chair Cheryl J. Cozette.  The Board welcomed two new Board members:  Mike McClaskey and K. Brooks Miller.  Both individuals are Truman alumni and their bios can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/.  The Board also passed a resolution recognizing Susan Plassmeyer, the out-going member of the Board, who served from February 2012-April 2018.

During their retreat on Saturday morning, the Board reviewed the progress of the University Strategic Plan – Truman Blueprint for Success: Intentional Experiences. Institutional Distinctiveness. Extended Reach. Organizational Excellence 2016-2020 and participated in discussions relating to enrollment and budget.

During their regular Board meeting, the members approved Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2019.  The budgets were developed using the appropriation recommended by Governor Greitens in the Executive Budget (a 7.73% decrease to the core appropriation for higher education).  The appropriation approved by the General Assembly restores funds, and if Governor Parson signs the higher education appropriation bill without restrictions, or restricts a portion of the funds restored by the legislature, a revised budget for FY 2019 will be submitted to the Board.   The Governor has until June 30 to sign the appropriation bills.

Given appropriation uncertainty, the Board took no action in regard to Salary Policies for Fiscal Year 2019.  Salaries for FY 2019 will continue at the FY 2018 levels, and contracts and salary letters will be issued after salary policies are approved by the Board.  It is the intention of the Board to hold a meeting in early to mid-July to finalize the budget and approve salary policies.

In addition, the Board approved enrollment fees for the 2018-19 Academic Year.  This action is also subject to change pending the Governor’s final approval of the appropriations bill.  The Higher Education Student Funding Act (HESFA) allows a statutory maximum increase for 2018-19 of 2.1% for Missouri resident undergraduate students based on the most recent calendar year Consumer Price Index (CPI) and commonly referred to as the tuition cap.  The General Assembly passed a budget that maintains public university operating funding at the FY 2018 level if institutions hold tuition increases for Missouri resident undergraduate students to 1%.  Because non-resident and graduate tuition rates have been increased beyond CPI in recent years, all categories of tuition are being increased at the same rate for 2018-19.  If the FY 2019 appropriation passed by the General Assembly is approved by the Governor, the tuition increase will be 1% rather than 2.1% with the difference waived.  If appropriation restrictions occur, tuition will increase by 2.1%.   The only change in designated fees is an increase in the Student Health Fee by $20 per academic year to provide funds to increase access to mental health care through the University Counseling Center.  This fee increase was approved by students during the annual student government election in April.

Additional action items approved at the June meeting include:

• The acceptance of the proposal of Missouri Securities Investment Program (MOSIP) to provide short-term investment services.  Truman will utilize the MOSIP Liquid Series Fund for short-term investment due to favorable interest rates that have historically been a full percent higher than rates paid on normal bank demand deposits.
• The deletion/inactivation of academic programs as follow-up to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) program review process initiated late in the 2017-18 Academic Year and aimed at identifying programs with low graduation numbers.  The programs deleted include Ada Programming, Graduate Certificate; Bioscience Informatics, P.S.M.; Computer Security, Graduate Certificate; Education, M.A.; and Managerial Foundations, Graduate Certificate.  The programs to be inactivated include Art History, B.A.; Biology M.S.; Russian, B.A.; and Sustainability and Environmental Studies, Graduate Certificate.  The inactivation of Art History was approved by Faculty Senate in February 2018.  The inactivation of Russian was approved in April 2018.  All other actions were approved at the March 2018 Faculty Senate Meeting.  The deletion of Education, M.A. is not related to Truman’s M.A.E. but rather to correct confusion in the MDHE database.
• The FY 2020 to FY 2024 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request which requests funds for the top priorities including Pershing Phase 2 renovation, Greenwood Center, a significant renovation of Kirk Building, and an Emergency Electrical Backup System which would provide electrical power to campus.  Although it is not likely that these requests will be approved, the capital requests must be submitted each year to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the Division of Design and Construction, Office of Administration.
• The renewal of the Physical Plant Department Memorandum of Agreement for Unit I with the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local No 773.

In terms of reports, I provided my regular President’s Report and, at the meeting and within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on Truman’s adoption of the New Core Curriculum – “The Dialogues”, mental health initiatives along with a review of leave of absence and students of concern procedures, financial reports, and on-campus construction projects.

During the closed session of the meeting, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure effective at the beginning of the 2018-19 Academic Year.  I congratulate these dedicated faculty members and thank them for all that they do for our students and our University.

Promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor:
Anton Daughters, Sociology
Rebecca C. Dierking, English Education
Yuna L. Ferguson, Psychology
Timothy A. Humphry, Chemistry
Kathy Otero, Accounting
Kelly N. Walter, Agricultural Science

Promoted from Associate Professor to Professor:
James D. Cianciola, Communication
Charles Gran, Music
Jesse D. Krebs, Music
Zhong John Ma, Biology
Robert Matthews, Computer Science
Teak Erin Nelson, Nursing
Beverly A. Perrachione, Elementary Education
Timothy D. Walston, Biology
Anthony E. Weisstein, Biology

Granted Academic Tenure:
Anton Daughters, Sociology
Rebecca C. Dierking, English Education
Julia Edgar, Communication Disorders
Yuna L. Ferguson, Psychology
Timothy A. Humphry, Chemistry
Kathy Otero, Accounting
Kelly Walter, Agricultural Science

A copy of the complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 4.

Thank you for your work in assuring Truman’s next 150 years are even better than the first 150.  I hope your summer is enjoyable and rejuvenating!

Best regards,

Sue

Dear Colleagues:

As you may be aware, on May 18 the Legislature submitted their budget bill to the Governor for signature.  While the Governor recommended a 7.73% decrease to the core appropriation for higher education (plus an additional 10% cut that could be earned back through performance-based funding), the Legislature’s budget reflects higher education funding that is the same as this year’s appropriation (with no performance-based funding component).

The Legislature’s budget is good news and we are especially appreciative of the support of our local legislators.  However, there are still a number of factors that will ultimately affect our FY 2019 budget.  The FY 2018 budget was developed as a “bridge” to absorb the 9% cut from the FY 2017 budget, with a number of one-time reductions that now need to be restored.  We are also facing uncertainty regarding future state revenues as the Legislature passed bills reducing both personal and corporate income tax rates.  In addition, the Governor has until June 30 to sign the appropriation bill or withhold all or a portion of the funds recommended by the Legislature.

Given the possibility of withholdings, we will recommend to the Board of Governors at its mid-June meeting that the FY 2019 operating budget be based on the Governor’s original funding recommendation and is reflected in the proposals developed by various areas to meet the budget reductions targets.  If all or some of the restored funding becomes available, a special Board meeting may be utilized to revise the budget.

I will provide additional updates as we receive clarity over the next five weeks.

Best regards,

Sue

President Thomas will hold her final coffee (and chocolates) for this academic year on Wednesday, April 25, at 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Student Union Building (SUB 3000).

Members of the Intellectual Property Committee (Donna Liss, Chief Information Officer; Kevin Minch, Associate Provost; and Warren Wells, General Counsel) will be present to discuss issues and questions related to the work of this committee.

We hope your schedule will allow you to attend.

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with the annual Foundation Banquet, the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series, the Unveiling of the Dr. Troy D. Paino Presidential Portrait, the Celebration of the Life of Denise L. Smith, and the Sesquicentennial Presidential Celebration.  It was fabulous to have such a large gathering of alumni and friends on campus while we honored those who so generously give back to the University in time, talent and treasure.

In regard to the Sesquicentennial Presidential Celebration, it was extremely cool to have all 16 past University Presidents represented.  A listing of those representatives can be found below:

• Joseph Baldwin (1867-1881), our Founding University President, represented by Sarah Holtmeyer, current Student Government Vice President
• William P. Nason (1881-1882) represented by his great grandson George Nason
• Joseph Blanton (1882-1891) represented by his great grandson David Anderson Blanton III
• William D. Dobson (1891-1899) represented by his great-great grandson Rayburn B. Dobson, Jr.
• John R. Kirk (1899-1925) represented by his great grandson Todd Kirk
• Eugene Fair (1925-1937) represented by his grandson Erik Robert Fair
• Walter H. Ryle (1937-1967) represented by his son Walter H. Ryle IV
• Clark Elkins (1967 to 1969) represented by Steve Justice, a student during President Elkins’ tenure
• Eli F. Mittler (1969-1970) represented by his son Ted W. Mittler
• Charles J. McClain (1970-1989) represented by his spouse Judge Ann Covington
• Robert A. Dager (1989-1990)
• Russell G. Warren (1990-1994), represented by William V. North, a member of the Board of Governors during President Warren’s tenure.  Dr. Warren was the only living President who could not be with us due to a previously scheduled engagement in Vietnam.
• Jack Magruder (1994-2003)
• Barbara Dixon (2003-2008)
• Darrell W. Krueger (2008-2010)
• Troy D. Paino (2010-2016)

It takes a group effort to coordinate all of these spectacular events, and I thank all who were involved (this weekend and over the past few months) in the success of the weekend’s activities.  All of the feedback has been extremely positive, and I know that is the result of the tremendous work of this amazing group of individuals.

During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Chair Cheryl J. Cozette, the Board approved a resolution of appreciation recognizing the service of Governor Michael A. Zito, an out-of-state Board member who served on the Board from January 2010 to January 2018.  Governor Zito resigned from his position in January 2018 after serving two years past his expired term.

In terms of reports at the Board meeting, I provided a President’s Report sharing an update on the Fiscal Year 2019 budget as well as highlighting a number of activities that had taken place since the last meeting of the Board.  Dr. Vaughan Pultz and Dr. Debra Cartwright, President and President Pro-Tempore, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  In addition, the Board, at the meeting and within their committee meetings, was given updates on the Student Research Conference, several 2018 Spring Semester student events, TruStar, financial reports, and on-campus construction projects.

Two action items within the area of finance and auditing were approved.  The Board appointed Bank of Kirksville as the depositary for the University’s checking accounts during the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, with renewal possible for the next two fiscal years.  They also extended contractual services with RubinBrown LLP of St. Louis to perform audit services for the 2019 Fiscal Year.

Within the area of academic and student affairs, the Board approved an Alternative Calendar for Accelerated Online Programs which would apply to three on-line programs scheduled to launch in 2019:  Graduate Certificate in Data Science (launching January 2019); Master of Counseling: School Counseling (slated for launch August 2019); and Master of Counseling: Mental Health Counseling (slated for launch August 2019).

Finally, within the area of budget and capital projects, the Board accepted the proposal of Follett Higher Education Group for operation of the Truman Bookstore for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2018.  In addition, they approved the following four construction projects:

• Pickler Memorial Library Fire Suppression Systems Project. Based on the need to maintain this critical facility, this project was recommended as the top priority for the Summer 2018 construction season and will replace the sprinkler and alarm system which were installed when the library was expanded and renovated in a multi-year construction project thirty years ago.  Funds for the project are from the Plant Fund budget, supplemented by funds donated for improvements to the Presidential Portraits Reading Room.
• Student Union Building Audio/Visual Technology Improvements Project. This construction project will provide upgraded technology in the Georgian Room, Activities Room, Alumni Room, Conference Room and Down Under.  Funds for the project are available in the Student Union Reserve Account.
• Fair Apartments Asbestos Abatement and Demolition Project.  This project involves the demolition of Fair Apartments, a one-story apartment complex located on Patterson Street across from Violette Hall that was last utilized to house students during the 2014-15 Academic Year.  In a study by an outside firm in 2005-06, it was determined that it was too costly to renovate the facility to meet current standards.  The project will be funded by the Auxiliary Plant Fund and, once demolition is complete, the space will be seeded into grass.
• Missouri Hall Carpet Replacement Project.  This Summer 2018 project will replace the carpet in the corridors and common spaces of the residence hall, and funds are available in the Auxiliary Improvements Budget.

A copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, June 16.

I wish each of you a wonderful end to the spring semester.

Best regards,

Sue