Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday under the leadership of Nancy Gingrich, Board Chair.  Before their afternoon meeting, the board participated in a working session and committee meetings and enjoyed viewing the Nursing Simulation Center in the Health Sciences Building and the new nursing lab in the Pershing Building.

The board commenced their meeting by welcoming Taylor W. Burks.  On April 15, Governor Mike Parson appointed Governor Burks to the Board of Governors, filling the expired term of Cheryl J. Cozette, who served as a member of the Board since 2007.   The board approved resolutions of appreciation for Governor Cozette and Ella Schnake, whose term as Student Representative to the Board of Governors concluded with her graduation from Truman in May.  Additionally, a resolution of commendation was adopted for Jacob Morris, who clinched the National Championship in the Men’s Discus Throw at the 2024 NCAA Division II Track and Field Championship.  Jacob and Governors Cozette and Schnake are expected to be recognized in person at the board’s October meeting in conjunction with Homecoming.

Other items approved by the board include:

Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025
The operating budgets for FY25 were developed using state funding based on Governor Parson’s recommendations for FY25 appropriations. The General Assembly approved the proposed increase of 3%. Although the Governor still needs to sign the FY25 appropriation bill, he is expected to do so since the appropriation matches his executive budget proposal.

Academic Promotion Salary Policy for 2024-25 Academic Year
Faculty members who are promoted in rank for the 2024-25 AY (excluding those whose salaries for the 2024-25 AY have been established by separate agreements) will be given the following increase in salary:  Instructor to Assistant Professor $1,000; Assistant Professor to Associate Professor $3,800; and Associate Professor to Professor $7,500.

Marketing and Management Services for Fiscal Year 2025
Enliven Agency, LLC will provide marketing services to the University for FY25 focused on undergraduate marketing, graduate marketing, brand marketing, annual fund campaign, and professional marketing services.  By leveraging Enliven’s extensive experience and creative capabilities and establishing a year-round presence in key markets, the University will continue to elevate the marketing and recruitment plans, improve internal processes, and establish a robust foundation for our marketing efforts.

Planetarium Projector Replacement
The Del and Norma Robison Planetarium will be updated with Norxe P60 projectors and auto-alignment and blending software, given that the current equipment and software purchased in 2014 are losing their quality and will no longer be supported by the vendor.  The project will be funded by institutional and foundation support.

Request for Naming Opportunities
Room 1017 of the University Career Center in the Kirk Building will be named the Meredith Willcox Career Planning Office, and the Box Office in Baldwin Hall Auditorium will be called the Dr. Jacqueline Collette Box Office. Both naming opportunities recognize financial contributions that meet the guidelines for naming opportunities per Foundation Board policy.

Faculty Promotions and Academic Tenure
During the closed session, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure effective with the 2024-25 AY.  Please join me in congratulating these dedicated faculty members and thanking them for all they do for our students and the University.  Faculty promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor include Jana Ogden, Nursing; Rolena Stephenson, Health Science; Rafael Tubongbanua, Nursing; and Timothy Wiser, Physics.  Faculty promoted from Associate Professor to Professor include Anton Daughters, Anthropology; Rebecca Dierking, English Education; Yuna Ferguson, Psychology; Brian Snyder, Health and Exercise Sciences; and Scott Thatcher, Statistics.  Faculty granted academic tenure include Jana Ogden, Nursing; Rolena Stephenson, Health Science; Scott Thatcher, Statistics; Rafael Tubongbanua, Nursing; and Timothy Wiser, Physics.

In addition to the above action items, Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment, and Marketing, provided the annual Enrollment Management Report, and I offered a President’s Report addressing legislative updates.  The board also heard reports from their three committees and reviewed financial reports and the status of previously approved construction projects.

The open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 3.

I hope your summer is enjoyable and restorative!

All the best,
Sue

Hello Colleagues!

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held their annual April meeting in conjunction with the Foundation and Alumni Boards meetings and the Foundation’s yearly recognition celebration.  During the Foundation Celebration, we honored a number of individuals and organizations whose generosity has earned them a place in one of our prestigious recognition societies.  In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to the Bayer Group, and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Dan (’79) and Jan (’76) Shepherd and Dr. Gail B. Crump (’64).  Our bright, talented, and engaged students thrilled and amazed those attending the celebration.  MaKenna Carnes provided an awe-inspiring vocal performance.  Kenneth Damper highlighted his significant research opportunities, and Trenton Kiesling entertained on the piano and spoke about his experiences with studying abroad.  I extend my congratulations and great appreciation to everyone involved, most especially the Advancement Office and Sodexo.

The Board of Governors meeting, held Saturday afternoon, was led by Chair Nancy Gingrich.  Dr. Calaneet Balas (’98), President of the Foundation Board of Directors and Master of Ceremonies for Friday’s Foundation Celebration, and Lori Hart (’84), President of the Alumni Board of Directors, joined Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, to provide updates from their respective boards.  Dr. Kathryn Brammall, Professor of History and Faculty Senate President, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  In the President’s Report, I shared budget and legislative updates from Jefferson City and the status of the director transition for the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  In addition to sharing a report on various campus and community activities, I highlighted the Wind Symphony performance at Folly Theatre in Kansas City as a part of the College Band Directors National Association Conference and an article in USA Today that highlights the fascinating analysis Dr. Dean DeCock, Professor of Statistics, conducted on Caitlin Clark’s career statistics as an Iowa Hawkey.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on enrollment and on-campus construction projects.

During their meeting on Saturday, the Board also approved several action items:

— Enrollment Fees for the 2024-25 Academic Year.  Academic year tuition and required fees for a Missouri resident undergraduate student will increase by $368, an increase of 3.9%.  Non-resident undergraduate tuition and graduate tuition and fee rates will also increase by 3.9%. 

— Bookstore Contractor.  Following a request for proposals, Barnes & Noble College was selected as the University’s bookstore contractor for a five-year period beginning July 1.  Barnes & Noble’s overall proposal provided the best financial options for students while still generating operating revenue and commissions for the Student Union Building operations.  The proposal also includes funding to renovate the existing bookstore facility.

— Investment Management Services.  Following a request for proposals, PFM Asset Management LLC will continue to provide investment management services for the University. 

— 2024 Summer Roof Replacement Project.  This project will address roof sections needing replacement on several major buildings, including Magruder Hall, Pickler Memorial Library, and Ophelia Parish. 

— 2024 Summer Paving Project.  Each summer, routine maintenance occurs for campus parking lots.  This summer, an asphalt overlay will be utilized on a large portion of the parking lot at the corner of Patterson and Franklin Streets near General Services. 

— Treasurers for Fiscal Year 2025.  The board annually appoints treasurers for the upcoming fiscal year.  These individuals are responsible for administering institutional funds.

A complete copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website.  The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.

It is hard to believe that we are heading into the home stretch of this semester!  I am deeply appreciative of all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our university throughout this entire academic year.  I hope you have a fantastic end to the semester!

Best regards,
Sue

Hello Colleagues!

The academic year’s third Coffee (and Chocolates) with the President will occur on Tuesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Conference Room. The coffee will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Tantalizing, Terrifying, or a Tactical Tool?  Diane Richmond and members of the Information Technology Services team will lead a conversation to explore issues, resources, and the tasks ahead to unlock AI’s potential for enhancing teaching, learning, and university services at Truman.  All faculty and staff are welcome.  I hope to see you there.

Sue

The recording of the All-University Address and Spring Mini-Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) held on Wednesday has been added to the SPAW website:  https://wp-internal.truman.edu/provost/resources/spaw/.  This year’s address was entitled “Spirit of ‘24” and included updates on the strategic plan and its three initiatives.

A reminder that President Thomas will deliver the annual All-University Address as part of the Spring Mini-Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (Mini-SPAW), scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in Georgian Rooms B and C of the Student Union Building.

This year’s “Spirit of ‘24” address will be incorporated into an update session focusing on the strategic plan and its three initiatives.  Light refreshments will be provided.

We will share a webcast of the event for those unable to attend.

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to invite you to the Spring Mini-Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW) and provide a report on the February 3rd Board of Governors Meeting.

Truman’s 2024 Spring Mini-SPAW is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Georgian Room of the Student Union Building.  The Mini-SPAW will include my annual All-University Address, this year entitled “Spirit of ‘24,” followed by an update session focusing on the strategic plan and its three initiatives.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Truman’s Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Board Chair Nancy Gingrich.  Governor Gingrich presented Governor Cheryl Cozette with a framed gavel in recognition of her service as Chair for the 2023 calendar year, and the Board approved a resolution of appreciation for Governor K. Brooks Miller, Jr., who served on the Board from April 26, 2018, to December 31, 2023.  The hope is that Governor Miller will return to campus in April or October when the Board can appropriately thank him in person for his service.

The meeting consisted of several reports.  Mike Gibbons with GibbonsWorkman, Truman’s Missouri Governmental Relations Services Consultant, shared his perspectives on the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session, and Colleen O’Reilly and Mairin Warner, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report highlighting the organization’s many impactful activities and initiatives.  Provost Eric Freedman gave an Academic Affairs Report, sharing an overview of Fall 2023 accomplishments.  During the President’s Report, I highlighted a recent trip to Washington D.C., comprised of meetings of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), a Washington D.C. Alumni Reception, and a session with representatives of Venable LLP, Truman’s Federal Governmental Relations Service Consultant.  I ended my report with a shout-out to the Physical Plant staff for their tireless work to ensure that Truman’s parking lots and over eight miles of sidewalk were as clear as possible following our recent winter storm.  In addition to receiving reports from their committees, the Board also heard a report on the January Foundation Board of Directors Meeting/Retreat and reviewed their conflict of interest policy.

The Board approved three action items in open session:

–Food Service Contactor.  The University sought food service proposals via a competitive procurement process, and the Board voted to extend the contract with Sodexo Food Services through May 15, 2029.  The Sodexo proposal laid out a comprehensive strategy for updating the University’s food service operation to include more retail dining choices while maintaining a single conventional “all you care to eat” cafeteria in Ryle Hall.  Sodexo proposed converting the current Missouri Hall cafeteria into an additional retail dining facility, including national brands such as Qdoba.  The renovated Missouri Hall dining location would be organized as a Sodexo “ghost kitchen,” where a full menu of branded products would be available to the campus community for pick-up.  This type of food service facility is designed to reduce the expense associated with conventional restaurants and provides the online ordering convenience that most students prefer.  Finally, the Sodexo proposal also included an update of the Student Union Building’s Main Street Market, including a mandatory upgrade of the Chik-fil-A location to a full-service franchise.

–Board Charges 2024-2025.  The proposal for meal plans effective with the 2024 spring semester was approved.  Recommendations for board charges were deferred from the December meeting as the competitive bid process was underway for campus food service.  Based on the competitive bid process and recommendations from Sodexo, the selected vendor, a four percent increase in meal plan rates for 2024-2025 was approved.  This increase will keep Truman’s meal plan prices competitive with other colleges and universities in the region.

–Architectural Services – 2024 Roofing Projects.  The Building Resource Studio LLP proposal to provide architectural services for the 2024 Roofing Projects was approved.  Several major buildings, including Magruder Hall, Pickler Memorial Library, and Ophelia Parrish, need partial roof replacements.  Each of these buildings has multiple sections of roofing with different ages and conditions due to previous renovations and additions.  This project will address the sections that need replacing and was bid with a schedule designed to allow work to be completed during the summer of 2024.

A copy of the February 3^rd open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.   The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Enjoy the warm weather!
Sue

Due to heavy snow, numerous limbs are down on campus.  Please be cautious when walking near trees.  Some sidewalks will have warning cones placed on them, and these areas should be avoided.

Thank you for your dedication to our beloved University and for being one of the magical gifts that makes Truman so special!

May your well-earned break be joyous and filled with laughter, love, fun, and relaxation.

All the best,
Sue

We look forward to celebrating Truman and the holiday season with you tomorrow!  Shuttle service will be provided to the University Residence from McClain Hall (parking lot between McClain Hall and the Student Union), Violette Hall (west side parking lot), and Barnett Hall (front east entrance).  The shuttle service will run every 15 minutes beginning at 2:15 p.m.

Dear Colleagues:

It gives me great pleasure to invite you to three wonderful upcoming events!

• Faculty, Staff, and Retirees Holiday Reception – Wednesday, December 13
  As another venue for faculty, staff, and retirees to socialize, I invite you to the annual Faculty, Staff, and Retirees Holiday Reception will take place on Wednesday, December 13, 2:30-5:00 p.m. at the University Residence located at 706 South Halliburton.  Shuttle service will be provided to the University Residence from McClain Hall (parking lot between McClain Hall and the Student Union), Violette Hall (west side parking lot), and Barnett Hall (front east entrance).  The shuttle service will run every 15 minutes beginning at 2:15 p.m.  I look forward to celebrating Truman and the holiday season with you!

• Fall Commencement – Saturday, December 16
  Truman’s Fall Commencement Ceremony will be held on December 16 at 11:00 a.m. in Pershing Arena.  Laura Brooks, 2009 alumna and co-founder and managing partner of Foundation Collective, a premier consultancy specializing in developing actionable go-to-market and brand strategies, will be our Commencement Speaker.  Our graduating student speaker will be Mike Owsley, a political science and international relations/creative writing double major from Springfield, Missouri.  I hope you will join us to cheer on our newest Truman graduates!

• Casual Dress and Departmental Food Exchange Day – Friday, December 22
  December 22 is Truman’s Casual Dress and Departmental Food Exchange Day.  This eagerly anticipated annual tradition provides a terrific opportunity for faculty and staff to mingle and dine on yummy food.

Hope to see you there!
Sue