Dear Colleagues:

Our Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Dr. Cheryl Cozette, Board Chair.  Board members participated in a working session, committee meetings, and a board meeting where they approved several impactful action items.

2024 Board Officers and Committee Membership
The Board elected officers and assigned committee membership for the 2024 calendar year.  New officers who will take office for one year commencing at the first regular meeting of the calendar year are Nancy Gingrich, Chair; Philip C. Christofferson, Vice Chair; and Bill Lovegreen, Secretary.

2024 Salary Policies 
Salary policies for the 2024 calendar year were approved.  The approved salary increases take effect January 1, 2024, for employees on the payroll as of that date unless a previous employment agreement indicates otherwise.

Non-tenure track full-time faculty salaries will increase by at least $1,000, with some individual salaries increasing up to $3,205.  Tenure track and tenured faculty salaries will increase by at least $1,000, with some wages increasing up to $7,500.  These increases were determined through the work of the Faculty Compensation Committee.  The primary focus for 2024 is raising starting salaries.

Increases for staff follow the goal of raising the lowest staff salaries.  Exempt staff will receive increases ranging from 3 to 5%.  Those who currently earn an annual salary of $40,000 or under will receive a 5% increase; those earning a yearly salary of $40,001 to $60,000 will receive a 4% increase; those earning an annual salary of $60,002 – $100,000 will receive a 3.5% increase; and those currently earning a yearly salary of $100,000 or above will receive a 3% increase.  Non-exempt staff not covered by the hourly schedules who now make up to $19.23 per hour will receive a 5% increase, and those who earn above $19.24 per house will receive a 4% increase.  Non-exempt starting salaries for clerical, secretary, and similar office positions and Unit 1 (Physical Plant employees) will be increased by 5 to 7%.

Finally, a one-time retention incentive was approved.  To recognize faculty and staff who have served Truman since July 1, 2020, all full-time employees on the payroll on July 1, 2020, and still on the payroll as of December 1, 2023, will receive a $500 retentive incentive to be included in their December paychecks.

Each employee’s Employee Position and Composition Information, found on TruView under Employee Tools, will be updated after the first of the year.  Faculty will receive an email from Provost Eric Freedman reflecting the amount that their base salary will increase.  For questions, staff should contact Payroll, while faculty should contact the Provost Office.

Union Agreement Renewal
Physical Plant employees are represented by the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local No. 955.  The Board approved a renewal of the current memorandum of agreement updating paid parental leave and funeral leave to match current University policies, updating wages as noted above, and changing the MOA agreement review dates to reflect a three-year rather than a two-year duration.

Housing Charges
Housing charges effective with the 2024 Fall Semester were approved.  The Board approved an average increase of 4% for apartment and single and double room rates.  Proposals for meal plans will be presented to the Board in February, given that a competitive bid process is underway for campus food services.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science
The Board approved adding a new undergraduate program, pending the approval of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE).  The new Data Science B.S. degree incorporates data science courses with work in computer science, statistics, mathematics, and other areas to provide the foundation that students need to pursue careers in data science in many subject realms (health, insurance, ecology, marketing, accounting, engineering, consulting, and more) and ensures that students are well-prepared for graduate study.  Students can access the major beginning in Fall 2024, pending CBHE approval.

Code of Policies Amendment Related to Faculty Positions and Titles
An amendment to Section 6.030.1 of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors entitled Faculty Positions and Titles was approved.  The approved amendment offers non-tenure track or “term” faculty multi-year appointments and sets the standard employment offer for term faculty at three years, with an opportunity for renewal.  Term faculty are currently offered one-year appointments.  The awarding of multi-year contracts for non-tenured faculty should make Truman more competitive in recruiting this appointment type.

Code of Policies Amendment Related to Naming Opportunities
The Board approved a change to Section 13.050 of their Code of Policies entitled Naming Opportunities.  The approved amendment expands the guidelines for naming campus spaces, programs, and landmarks, corrects a typographical error, and removes unnecessary and vague language in the current guidelines.

Approved Naming Opportunities
Consistent with Board policy, four naming recommendations were approved.  The lobby within the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center will be called the Dr. R. Keith and Lu Ann Beeman Lobby in recognition of the Beemans’ generous financial contribution of $100,000 to the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center construction project.  The activity room within the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center will be named the Cindy O’Laughlin Activity Room in recognition of her tireless work to establish an autism center in northeast Missouri and for spearheading an appropriation of $4.6 million from the Missouri Legislature for the construction of Center.  The Sustained Knowledge of Integrated Lifelong Learning (SKILLS) Center located in the Student Success Center of the soon-to-be-renovated Kirk Building will be named the Senator Roy and Abby Blunt SKILLS Center in recognition of their enormous support of the key services to be made available to the local community and for the Senator’s work in spearheading a federal appropriation of $6 million for the renovation project.  Finally, the Board retroactively to August 30, 2023, approved the naming of the newly renovated space in the northeast corner on the first floor of Pickler Memorial Library as the Doug and Diane Villhard Innovation Lab in recognition of Doug and Diane Villhard’s generous financial contribution of $100,000 to fund the campus-wide resource.

Professional Leaves
The Board approved faculty sabbaticals for the 2024-25 Academic Year.  Please join me in congratulating the following faculty members.  We look forward to hearing about the impactful outcomes of their sabbatical work.

2024-25 Academic Year
Dereck Daschke, Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Aaron Fine, Professor of Art
Stephanie Maiden, Associate Professor of Biology

2024 Fall Semester
Charles Gran, Professor of Music
Amy Norgard, Associate Professor of Classics

2025 Spring Semester
Nancy Daley Moore, Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Sciences

Finally, in terms of reports, Conor O’Flaherty, founder of Enliven Agency, Inc., and Hayden Wilsey, associate director of marketing, were present for the Board’s working session to discuss Truman’s new marketing strategy.  Committee meetings included a review of financial reports and status reports on academic reorganization, student engagement, and construction projects.  Within the President’s Report, I provided an update on the opening of the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  I highlighted a recent coffee and chocolates focused on the status of the Kirk Building renovation and a preview of the collaborative services model that will be employed by the units in the new Kirk Student Success Center.  In addition, I highlighted a “Better – Because of You” advancement campaign strategically focused on increasing the base of donors and the recent visit of statewide leadership from the Department of Economic Development and Missouri Partnership interested in the Truman/Kraft Heinz partnership.

A copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website.  The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, February 3, 2024.

I wish you a fantastic end to the semester and a joyful holiday season!

All the best,
Sue

Hello Colleagues!

The second coffee for the semester is scheduled for Monday, November 13, at 1 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the Student Union Building.  The coffee will focus on the Kirk Building renovation and provide a preview of the soon-to-be-housed New Student Success Center to be utilized by Truman students and the Sustained Knowledge of Integrated Lifelong Learnings Skills (SKILLS) Center for area K-12 students, non-student community members, and other adult learners.  All faculty and staff are invited, and I hope you will join us.

An additional social opportunity for faculty and staff to engage in dialogue and connect is planned for later in the semester.

Thank you for all that you do for our students and the University!
Sue

Dear Colleagues: 

An enormous thank you to everyone who helped orchestrate a fantastic Truman State University Homecoming Celebration!  Spirits were high, the weather was beautiful, the football team was victorious, and our students, alumni, and honored guests had a spectacular time.  I am always thrilled when those who return to campus marvel at their experiences and comment about all of the great things currently happening at Truman.   

As part of the Homecoming celebration, we were excited to conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  Those in attendance were in awe and delighted with our efforts to honor the historical significance of the facility as the former Greenwood Elementary School.  The persistence and determination of so many individuals and organizations have made the vision a reality, and we cannot underestimate the powerful impact the Center will have to meet the needs of our community as well as provide outstanding educational experiences that will prepare our graduates to deliver much-needed services regionally and across the state.  

As has been past practice, we were pleased to have members of the Board of Governors, Foundation Board of Directors, and Alumni Association Board of Directors on campus for their annual October meetings.  These impressive alumni and friends provide unwavering service, dedication, and leadership to the University and serve as outstanding representatives of Truman.  Dr. Cheryl Cozette, Chair, led the October Board of Governors Meeting. 

Most of the meeting consisted of comments and reports from various constituents associated with the University.  Truman’s American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter submitted public comments through Dr. Marc Becker, Professor of History, on their recently completed State of the University survey.  Representatives of RubinBrown LLP accounting firm reviewed the annual audit of the University.  Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment and Marketing, provided an enrollment report analyzing this year’s enrollment numbers and sharing enrollment goals for the 2024-25 Academic Year.  Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the Annual Athletics Report.  Kerrion Dean, Chair of the Staff Council and Program Coordinator of the Center of Diversity and Inclusion, delivered the annual Staff Council Report.  Finally, during their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports and received updates in the areas of academic affairs, student services, and on-campus construction projects.   

During my President’s Report, I highlighted three academic initiatives.  First, I noted that Truman recently received good press as the first school in Missouri to offer a bachelor’s degree in cannabis and natural medicinals, providing a significant opportunity for our students to be successful in a burgeoning field.  Second, I applauded the tireless work of Dr. Stephanie Maiden, Associate Professor of Biology, [and Biology colleagues Drs. Brett Berke, Joyce Patrick, Hajee Mendis, and Daniela Ostrowaski (now at ATSU)] to secure a Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant from the National Science Foundation to purchase a benchtop fluorescent confocal microscope essential for Truman to be competitive in preparing our students for the modern STEM workforce.  Finally, I referenced a second grant from NSF, which will give Truman and three other primarily undergraduate Missouri universities access to a new supercomputer to be housed at the University of Missouri-Columbia and used mainly for undergraduate research and courses.  Dr. Colin DeGraf, Assistant Professor of Physics, joined the partnership for this grant.  The project resulted from a planning grant that brought faculty from around the state (including Dr. DeGraf and Dr. Scott Thatcher, Associate Professor of Statistics).  Lastly, I reported that over 50 individuals have enrolled in Truman 101: How Truman Functions and provided an update on the Kirk Building construction project and the status of the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  

Regarding action items, the Board approved the purchase of the confocal microscope mentioned above.  They also authorized the execution of two proposals with Enliven Agency, LLC, one to provide data science marketing services as matching funds to the previously received MoExcels grant from the state of Missouri and the second to perform brand and marketing management services to support recruitment efforts.  Finally, the Board approved Henderson Engineers to provide engineering services for the HVAC Repair/Replacement Project to provide heating and cooling upgrades across multiple facilities.  Two items related to Naming Opportunities were tabled until the December meeting.   

The open session agenda from the October 20 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, December 2. 

All the best,
Sue

Hello Colleagues!

Happy Homecoming Week!  To support the desire of faculty and staff to have opportunities to socialize, I invite you to the first “To Our Health” social event on Tuesday, October 24, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the University Art Gallery.

A takeoff of the popular summer “fruits and veggies” offerings, the gathering will provide healthy snacks and the opportunity to increase social connections.  Additional social opportunities and subject-focused coffees will be offered throughout the academic year.

I look forward to seeing you on October 24!

Sue

Hello Colleagues!

It is hard to believe that we are already five weeks into the semester!  The first coffee for the semester is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, at 2 p.m. in Violette Hall 1000.  This coffee will focus on Truman’s new marketing strategy, and joining me will be Conor O’Flaherty, founder of Enliven Agency, Inc., and Hayden Wilsey, associate director of marketing.  All faculty and staff are invited, and I hope you will join us.

An additional subject-focused coffee and two social opportunities for faculty and staff are planned for later in the semester to provide opportunities to engage in dialogue and connect with one another.

Thank you for your great work and start to the semester!

Sue

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday under the leadership of Dr. Cheryl J. Cozette, Board Chair.

To begin their day, Board members enjoyed the opportunity to view the new virtual anatomy tables in Magruder Hall as well as the renovation progress at the Kirk Student Success and SKILLS Center and the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center. Committee meetings were held at 11 a.m., followed by their regular Board meeting at 1 p.m.

During their regular meeting, the Board approved the Operating Budgets and the Academic Promotion Salary Policy for Fiscal Year 2024.  Operating budgets were developed using state funding based on recommendations made by Missouri Governor Parson for FY2024 appropriations.  The General Assembly approved the proposed increase of 7%; however, the Governor has not signed the FY2024 appropriation bill.  Because the appropriation matches the Executive Budget proposal, approval is expected.  In addition, starting with FY2024, those faculty members who are promoted in rank to Associate Professor will receive an academic year salary increase of $3,800 and those promoted to Professor will receive an increase of $7,500.  These amounts have not increased since FY2019 and were previously set at $3,600 and $7,200.

In addition, the Board approved the FY2025 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request and the West Campus Annex Demolition Project.  The State Capital Request includes requested funds for nine top priorities including multi-location HVAC upgrades, a power systems infrastructure upgrade, an emergency electrical backup system, and updates to McClain Hall, Pickler Memorial Library, Violette Hall, and Barnett Hall.  Although it is not likely that these requests will be approved, the capital requests must be submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and the Missouri Office of Administration.  The demolition project for the West Campus Annex, now beyond repair, will include the abatement and demolition of the building.

I provided a President’s report which included updates on the end of the legislative session, including the university funding formula and efficiency study work being conducted at the request of the legislature and progress in the work with our federal government relations policy services consultant.  Tyana Lange, Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment and Marketing provided an enrollment report.  The Board also heard reports from their three committees, received an audit preview, and reviewed financial reports and the status of previously approved construction projects.

During the closed session, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure effective with the 2023-2024 Academic Year.  Faculty promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and granted Academic Tenure include:

Brad Carlson, Theatre
Julene Ensign, Health and Exercise Sciences
Xin Gao, Music
Joanna Hubbard, Biology
Katherine Judd, Psychology
Joyce Patrick, Biology
Kafi Rahman, Computer Science
Drew Sieg, Biology

Faculty promoted from Associate Professor to Professor include:

Julia Edgar, Communication Disorders
Michael Rudy, Political Science

Please join me in congratulating these dedicated faculty members and thanking them for all that they do on behalf of our students and the University.

The open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.  The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 5.

I hope your summer is enjoyable and restorative!

All the best,
Sue

Good Morning Colleagues!

As we begin the last week of classes with access to all of our major network systems, I want to express my deep gratitude for all of the big and little things you did last week to take care of our students, your colleagues, and the University.  Your patience, creativity, and care made a huge difference!  With two weeks remaining in the semester, please be sure to take care of yourself as well.

Please join me in expressing our enormous gratitude to ITS for their spectacular efforts to get our systems back up within a week.  What they accomplished is nothing short of amazing!  Efforts are ongoing and we will share updates as they become available.

Have a terrific end to the semester, and thank you once again for taking the network disruption head-on and not letting it take Truman down.

With best wishes and great gratitude,
Sue

Dear Colleagues

The Truman State University Board of Governors held its annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.  The President’s Leadership Award, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the Foundation, was presented to Steve (’70) and Katherine Justice and posthumously to Dr. Deb Kerby (’77, ’78), and the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to the Hearst Foundations.  In addition, we honored several individuals/ corporations whose generosity has gained them entry into one of our recognition societies.  Three bright, talented, and engaged students were spotlighted at the celebration.  Sydney Young highlighted her exceptional undergraduate research; Miranda Lee provided a spectacular trumpet performance; and Shikha Bhattarai showcased her experiences at Truman in a special edition of Tea Time with Sue.

During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Board Chair Cheryl J. Cozette, the Board heard several reports.  Kathryn Brammall, Faculty Senate President and Professor of History, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement; Calaneet Balas, President of the Foundation Board of Directors; and Jamie Matthews, President of the Alumni Board of Directors, shared updates from Advancement and their respective boards.  In the President’s Report, I provided updates on bills in the state legislature and all of the campus activities happening that day. I also shared the very exciting news that a Truman student has earned the preeminent Goldwater Scholarship!  Congratulations, Thomas Schodl! Please join me in thanking Tony Vazzana, Daniela Ostrowski, Cassidy Dobson, and Marla Fernandez for supporting our students in applying for this prestigious scholarship.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and heard reports from their committee meetings related to academic affairs, enrollment, student life, and current on-campus construction projects.

The Board also approved several action items:

Enrollment Fees
To offset cost increases due to inflation that will not be covered by state appropriation, an increase of 4.9% was approved for tuition and required fees for Missouri undergraduate students starting with the 2023 Fall Semester.  In addition, non-resident tuition and fees will increase by 4.8%, and graduate tuition and fees will increase by 5 percent.

Faculty Early Retirement Incentive Program 2024
A one-time faculty early retirement incentive program with a separation/retirement date no later than May 31, 2024, was approved.  Eligible for the incentive program are all full-time employees holding faculty status currently employed at Truman who meet one of the following conditions by May 31, 2024:  1) MOSERS Participant (MOSERS retirement eligible on or before June 1, 2024); or 2) CURP Participant (age plus years of service equals 70 on or before June 1, 2024).  The program is not available to employees who have already retired under MOSERS or CURP or who have already committed their written intent to retire from the University.  The program is limited to 35 participants and provides a cash incentive payment of $30,000 which will be payable as a lump sum in the employee’s final paycheck.  The enrollment period runs from May 1 through June 1, 2023.  The Human Resources Office will distribute additional information as well as directions on how to apply.

Softball Artificial Turf Project
The Board approved a construction project that will install synthetic turf at the softball field thus allowing increased utilization of the field during wet weather, a reduction in maintenance costs for striping and drying agents, and a competitive venue to aid in recruiting students. The project was recommended by the Athletics Department and the Student Athletic Fee Accountability Committee.

2023 Masonry and Exterior Repairs Project
This approved construction project will address masonry repairs at Barnett Hall, Pershing Small Gym, Ophelia Parrish, and Stanton Gardens.  Exterior repairs will also be made to windows at Ophelia Parrish and the bridge connecting McClain Hall and Baldwin Hall, with work to be completed during the summer.

Branding and Marketing Management Consultant Contract Extended
A proposal previously approved at the February meeting from Enliven Agency LLC to perform Brand and Marketing Management Consultant services to support the University’s admission team was extended for an additional 120 hours of consulting support.  Work with the firm is going well and, due to the ongoing marketing director search, it was advisable to extend the scope of work with this firm.

Treasurers for Fiscal Year 2024
As per Board policy, the Board made its annual appointment of University treasurers.

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 regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, June 17.

Here’s to a fantastic April filled with the joy of being together and celebrating an impactful and productive academic year!

All the best,
Sue