Dear Colleagues:

Words cannot express how appreciative I am of the efforts of so many individuals, both on and off campus, to make Truman Homecoming 2022 such a fabulous success!  From the streets lined with purple flags to the painted downtown windows to the beautifully adorned campus, Truman/K-VEGAS provided a spectacular venue for our entire campus community as well as our alumni, honorees, and friends to celebrate Homecoming and their connections to our beloved University.  A special shout-out to our caring students who raised just over $17,000 for Special Olympics!

In conjunction with Homecoming, 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.

In terms of the Board of Governors meeting, Sarah Burkemper, Chair of the Board, began the meeting by recognizing two former Board members for their exemplary service on the Board.  Governor Jimmy O’Donnell served as a member of the Board of Governors from March 2012 to May 2022, serving as Secretary in 2013, Vice Chair in 2014, and Chair in 2015.  Governor Abby Smeltzer served as Student Representative to the Board from June 2020 to September 2022.

The bulk of the meeting consisted of reports from various constituents associated with the University.  Representatives of RubinBrown LLP accounting firm reviewed the draft of the annual audit of the University.  Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, President of the Foundation Board of Directors; and Jamie Matthews, President of the Alumni Board, shared updates from Advancement and their respective boards.  A representative of Lightcast, an international economic modeling company, previewed Truman’s recently completed and powerful economic impact study, a summary of which can be found at https://economicimpact.truman.edu/.  Winston Vanderhoof, Chair of Staff Council and Senior Graphic Designer, provided the annual report from Staff Council, and I provided a President’s Report highlighting, in particular, a number of community initiatives including several successful enrollment presentations to various city and civic groups in Kirksville, the Rotary Club of Kirksville “Fly the Flag” program expanded to allow purple flags representing Truman to be displayed on days of importance to the university, and my upcoming presentation at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Workforce2030 Conference in Kansas City.  Finally, during their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports and received updates in the areas of academic affairs, student services, enrollment, and construction projects.

In terms of action items, the Board approved the purchase of a Duel-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Machine to replace an existing DXA machine purchased in 2011.  The current DXA machine is used extensively in the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences and has become outdated for instructional and research purposes.  Building Resource Studio, LLP from St. Louis was selected to provide architectural services for the 2023 Masonry Repair/Roofing Project, a project which will address masonry repairs at several locations and replace the 20-year-old Ophelia Parrish roof.  Finally, the Board revised the Bylaws and Code of Policies of the Board of Governors pertaining to the role of the General Counsel, revisions that better reflect how the position relates to the Board of Governors and the University President.

The complete open session agenda from the October 7 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 Saturday, December 3.

It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the semester.  The first half of the semester has been great, and here’s to an even better second half!

All the best,
Sue

Happy Friday Colleagues!

I hope your academic year has started enormously well and you have witnessed first-hand the energy and excitement our new and returning students have brought to campus!

As an FYI, below is the message I sent to students reminding them to be safe over the Labor Day holiday. I hope you have a terrific long weekend and are safe as well.

All the best,
Sue

Subject:  Have a safe Labor Day holiday!

Greetings Bulldogs!

Our first two weeks together have already brought many memorable moments, and I hope you have countless more throughout the year!

As we approach the first break of the fall, now is a good time to remember what I shared before the start of our new academic year.  While we are to the point where COVID-19 is no longer defining every aspect of our lives, it is still very much present and we need to be mindful of its ramifications.  While we may never be able to eradicate the virus, we can take steps to minimize its effects.

There is no mask requirement on campus; however, individuals may choose to wear one at any time.  Everyone is also encouraged to be current on their vaccinations and test if they are symptomatic or have reason to believe they may be infected.  Anyone traveling during the long weekend should consider testing before returning to campus.

Truman will continue to provide COVID-19 information and resources:

• Possible exposure – If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, follow this CDC guidance.  Residence Life has protocols in place for those who need to isolate.  Any student needing to isolate themselves should contact their instructors to make arrangements for their coursework.
• Testing – The Student Health Center has a very limited number of free at-home tests still available and will continue to conduct COVID-19 tests.  The federal government’s free at-home test program has been suspended due to funding, but many area providers have testing available.
• Information updates – Any COVID-related messaging will be emailed directly to campus and shared on edu/coronavirus.  Adair County information can be found here and CDC Community Level information can be found here.

We are a community that cares for one another.  Let’s continue to consider our actions in the context of our fellow Bulldogs and work together to have a healthy and happy school year.

Be safe and enjoy your break!
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce the formation of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAA) Search Advisory Committee.  Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, has agreed to serve as chair, and the following seven individuals have agreed to serve on the advisory committee.

Sharon Hackney – Media/Curriculum Librarian, Libraries and Museums
Stacey Kaden – Accounting Department Chair and Associate Professor of Accounting, School of Business
Jocelyn Prendergast – Associate Professor of Music and Music MAE Program Advisor, School of Arts and Letters, and President Pro Tempore of Faculty Senate
Kristin Rose – Assistant Professor of Justice Systems, School of Social and Cultural Studies
Rafael Tubongbanua – Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Health Sciences and Education
Tony Vazzana – Professor of Mathematics, School of Science and Mathematics
Jonathan Vieker – Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness

We have selected RPA, Inc. as the search firm to assist us in developing a strong candidate pool, and they have proposed an aggressive timeline to enhance our success in a very competitive hiring environment for senior-level university administrators.

• September 14:  Search Committee finalizes position description.
• October 27:  Advertised deadline for review of candidates.
• November 8:  Search Committee selects candidates for initial Zoom interviews.
• December 5-9:   Potential dates for on-campus interviews of finalists.

I express my deep appreciation to the members of the advisory committee for their willingness to take on this important assignment.  I am also most appreciative of Charles McAdams for his exemplary service as Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.

Best regards,
Sue

Greetings Truman Colleagues!

I hope this summer you have found some time to relax, rejuvenate, and engage in memorable experiences.  Thanks to all who were here this summer for your good work and welcome back to those who were able to take some time away.

Below is an email that has been sent to students about the start of the new academic year and includes information about COVID-19.  If you have questions about COVID-19 as an employee, information can be found on the Human Resources website.  Please contact Human Resources to address any specific needs you may have (660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu).

I would encourage all of you to join in activities during Truman Week and Welcome Week.  There are many great opportunities during those weeks to informally interact with our students and show them how happy we are that they are here.  Their excitement is contagious and it will be well worth your time.

I personally invite all of you to our Fall Opening Assembly on Wednesday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall; the always fun Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, August 19, at noon in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union; and our brand new kickoff tradition, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, from 7-8:30 p.m. on August 21 on the quad.

Here’s to a fantastic new year!
Sue

Email to Students
SUBJECT LINE: The Start of a New Academic Year

Greetings Bulldogs!

I hope your summer has been filled with memorable experiences and you are as excited to start the new year as we are to have you on campus!

As we get ready to start our new year, we know COVID-19 is still present.  However, scientific advances have brought us to a place where COVID-19 is no longer defining how we live, learn, and engage on campus.  We expect to continue to have cases and we will continue to follow CDC guidance.  While there is no mask requirement on campus, individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time.  When the Adair County COVID-19 Community Level is high, everyone is encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.  To minimize the spread of COVID-19 on campus, everyone is also encouraged to be current on their COVID-19 vaccinations and to test prior to returning to campus.

Truman will continue to provide COVID-19 information and resources:

• Possible exposure – If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, follow this CDC guidance.
  • Students residing on campus – Residence Life has protocols in place for those who need to isolate.
  • All students – Any student needing to isolate should contact their instructors to make arrangements for their coursework.
• Testing – The Student Health Center will conduct COVID-19 tests and has free at-home tests available.  You can also order free at-home tests from the federal government and many area providers also have testing available.
• Information updates – Any COVID-related messaging will be emailed directly to campus and shared on truman.edu/coronavirus.

If we continue to be a thoughtful community that cares for one another, I know we will have a fabulous year.  For our new Bulldogs – we have an exciting Truman Week ready for you!  For all students – I hope you will take advantage of the fun Welcome Week activities, especially our brand new kickoff tradition, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, from 7-8:30 p.m. on August 21 on the quad.

I can’t wait to see you!
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Board Chair Sarah Burkemper.

The Board began the meeting by welcoming Former Board of Governors member David Lee Bonner and Truman student Ella Schnake.  Governor Bonner served as one of the two out-of-state members of the Board for the period of January 8, 2013, through May 31, 2022.  Ella, a political science and international relations major from Raymore, Missouri, was named the National Champion in Interviewing and the National Champion in Impromptu Speaking at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Tournament in March 2022.  Resolutions of appreciation and commendation previously approved at the June meeting were presented to Governor Bonner for his steadfast guidance and distinguished and commendable service on the Board and to Ella for her extraordinary achievements and exemplary representation of the University.

The Board heard reports from the morning committee meetings regarding the University’s financial, investment, and construction projects, as well as a report on the University’s Skills Alignment Initiative.  Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided an annual report highlighting the 2021-22 season and the many accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaching staff.

During my President’s Report, I introduced Dr. Charles McAdams, Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.  In addition, I provided an update on the status of federal appropriation funding for the Kirk Student Success and Skills Center and noted new associations with the Hawthorn Foundation and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.  I also highlighted a number of exciting start of academic year events.  Finally, I reported that the University will continue to follow current CDC guidelines regarding COVID mitigation strategies.  Based upon these guidelines, there continues to be no requirement for individuals to wear masks on campus.

In terms of action items, the Board approved two items within the area of academic affairs and students services and two items in the area of budget and capital projects.

Student Conduct Code
The Board approved revisions to the Student Conduct Code, Chapter 8 of the Code of Policies of the Board of Governors.  The Conduct Code review was completed by the University Conduct Officer and Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment and Marketing, in consultation with the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, General Counsel, President of Student Government, Chief Information Officer, Director of Public Safety, Director of Residence Life, Institutional Compliance Officer, and the Executive Director of Student Union and Campus Recreation.  Two town hall-type events were offered to receive student input, and input was sought from the leaders of student organizations and members of the student conduct board.  A summary of changes to Chapter 8 along with a version with track changes can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.

Revised Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar for Summer Session 2023 through Summer Session 2024, previously approved at the December 2021 meeting, was revised to reflect the Juneteenth federal and state holiday for 2023 and 2024.  The previously approved Staff Calendar for 2022-23 will also be revised to incorporate the Juneteenth holiday.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2023
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus.  This year’s budgets were designed to reflect institutional priorities identified in Truman’s Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan as well as provide general budget parameters.  As capital projects are designed and bid, approval by the Board of Governors will be obtained for any funded project following established procedures.

State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2023
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  Truman’s Fiscal Year 2023 request includes a funding increase linked to the rate of inflation, maintenance and repair funds, and what are known as New Decision Items which target new academic initiatives.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 6 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.   The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, October 7, in conjunction with Truman Homecoming activities.

The August Board meeting signals that summer is rapidly coming to an end and the new academic year is about to begin.  We are so excited to welcome new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  Please consider volunteering to support Truman Week activities.  Most of the volunteer opportunities require an hour or less of your time and they are a great way to welcome our new Bulldogs.  Volunteers may sign up on the Truman Week website. Thanks in advance for helping out in this fun and impactful way!

Once again, we will gather for the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 19, at noon in the Georgian Room of the Student Union.

In addition, I invite all of you to attend a new event entitled “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, with President Sue Thomas” which will take place on Sunday, August 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. on the Quad.  In celebration of the start of the new academic year, a variety of mocktails, snacks, lawn games, party hats, noisemakers, and stickers specific to the event will be provided, and there will be a countdown to the new year.  It is a terrific opportunity to celebrate everyone at Truman and the magic and promise of the new year.  I hope to see you there and at all of the kickoff events!

Enjoy your last few days of summer,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday under the leadership of Board Chair Sarah Burkemper.  It was a full agenda with a number of recognitions and impactful action items.

The Board welcomed Bill Lovegreen from Kirksville as a new member of the Board, filling the expired term of Jimmy O’Donnell from Hannibal.  The Board passed a resolution recognizing Governor O’Donnell who served on the Board from 2012 to 2022.  In addition, the Board adopted a resolution recognizing David Lee Bonner, an out-of-state member from River Forest, Illinois, who recently resigned from the Board after serving from 2013 to 2022.  Both Governors O’Donnell and Bonner plan to be on campus for Homecoming, at which time the Board will express their appreciation in person.

In recognition of Ella Schnake being named National Champion in Interviewing and National Champion in Impromptu Speaking at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Tournament held in March, the Board adopted a resolution of commendation that will be presented to Ella at the August Board Meeting.  Ella, a second-year political science and international relations major from Raymore, was unable to attend Saturday’s meeting as she was representing Truman as a judge at the 2022 High School National Speech and Debate Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.

In terms of reports, Dr. Scott Alberts, Professor of Statistics and the 2021-22 Faculty Senate President, was joined by Dr. Kathryn Brammall, Professor of History and the 2022-23 Faculty Senate President, to provide a well-received annual Faculty Senate Report.  I provided a President’s Report sharing updates on end-of-session legislative actions, including budget recommendations.  The Governor has until June 30, 2022 to sign the budget bills. At the conclusion of my report, the Board of Governors gratefully acknowledged Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Janet Gooch, as this was her final Board meeting before becoming Chancellor at the University of Illinois – Springfield.

In addition, at the meeting and during their committee meetings, the Board received updates on enrollment, student life, summer academies, information technology services, finances and investments, on-campus construction projects, and the Inclusive Pedagogy Workshop hosted by the Academic Professional Development Center in late May.

Within the area of budget and capital projects, the Board approved Operating Budgets, Academic Promotion Salary Increases for Fiscal Year 2023, and an increase in salary effective July 1 for all full-time staff earning less than $50,000 per year.

• The approved budget was developed using state funding based on recommendations made by Missouri Governor Mike Parson for FY2023 appropriations.  The General Assembly approved the proposed increase of 5.4 percent.  While the Governor has not yet signed the FY2023 appropriation bill, his approval is expected given the appropriation matches the Executive Budget proposal.
• The Board approved Academic Promotion Salary Increases for the 2022-23 Academic Year ($1,000 Instructor to Assistant Professor; $3,600 Assistant Professor to Associate Professor; $7,200 Associate Professor to Professor).  As you will recall, the Board’s consideration of salary recommendations occurs at the December meeting, with the exception that faculty promotion amounts are approved in June.
• Effective July 1, all full-time exempt and salaried/comp time eligible staff currently earning annual salaries less than $40,000 will receive an increase of $1,500, and those earning $40,000-$50,000 will receive an increase of $1,000.  Staff with full-time positions that are less than 12 months will receive a prorated increase.  Non-exempt hourly staff earning less than $18.50 per hour will receive an increase of $1 per hour and those earning over $18.50 per hour will receive an increase of $0.75 per hour.  Funds for this mid-year, additional increase are included in the FY2023 operating budget.

In addition, the Board amended Chapter 10 of their Code of Policies to provide faculty and staff with up to seven weeks of paid parental leave beginning July 1.  The leave may be taken for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of an employee’s child and to bond with the child.  Because paid parental leave is FMLA leave, FMLA eligibility criteria and other conditions apply.  Other changes to the chapter included enhanced bereavement leave, updated legal definitions, clarification among types of leave, and other changes to improve comprehension.

The Board approved the FY2024 to FY2028 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request. This is an annual request that is submitted to the Department of Higher Education.   Truman’s top three priorities are an emergency electrical backup system that would provide electrical power to campus in the event of an emergency; a power systems infrastructure project which would upgrade the steam, chilled water, and electrical service on campus; and updates to McClain Hall (constructed in 1976) to meet current building standards and provide renovated spaces for academics and administrative needs.

PGAV Architects of Kansas City was selected to provide architectural services for the Kirk Building Renovation.  As I noted at my All-University Address in February, the Truman Student Success Center (SSC) and the SKILLS (Sustained Knowledge of Integrated Lifelong Learning Skills) Center will operate within the renovated Kirk Building, serving campus, community, and regional needs.

Finally, the purchase of a Learning Management System was approved.  This system will replace Blackboard Learn, our current Enterprise Learning Management System, given that Blackboard Learn will no longer be supported.  The selection committee will make a recommendation for the new system very soon and the timeline for implementation is to pilot some courses for the 2023 Spring Semester and have all courses converted to the new system for 2023 Fall Semester.

During the closed session of the meeting, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure effective at the beginning of the 2022-23 Academic Year.  Please join me in  congratulating these dedicated faculty members and thanking them for all that they do on behalf of the University and our students.

Faculty promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and granted Academic Tenure include:

Michael Barnes, Accounting
Laura Bigger, Art
Jessica Colpoys, Agricultural Science
Stacy Davis, Spanish
Eric Dickson, Music
Lindsey Dunnagan, Art
Stephanie Maiden, Biology
Aaron Neeley, Art
Trevor Shonhiwa, Accounting

Faculty promoted from Associate Professor to Professor include:

Vayujeet Gokhale, Physics

A copy of the complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors agenda website. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 6.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer filled with what is most meaningful for you!

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

I know it has taken a bit of time, but I can now share that we have an interim provost!  I appreciate your patience as I worked through what would best position us to move our academic mission forward while we search for our next provost.

While there are members of our community who could certainly do an admirable job, given the immense significance of current Academic Affairs initiatives (e.g., reorganization, interdisciplinarity, skills mapping, etc.), coupled with the fact that moving an internal person into the interim provost role would create a hole elsewhere that would need to be filled, it became clear that the best way to move forward would be to hire an external interim provost.

To assist in finding a highly qualified candidate, I turned to The Registry (https://www.registryinterim.com/) which specializes in executive-level interim placements.  After reviewing credentials and interviewing a number of candidates, a clear frontrunner emerged.  I am thrilled to announce that the frontrunner, Dr. Charles McAdams, will be our interim provost.

In June 2021, Dr. McAdams retired as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Delta State University, a position he had held since 2013.  Before serving as Provost, Dr. McAdams served as Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences at Northwest Missouri State University from 2004 to 2013.  His vita can be found here.

Dr. McAdams will join us on July 13 and will remain until the next provost takes office.   As I indicated previously, at the beginning of the fall semester, I will work with constituency heads to name a search committee and launch the search for our next provost.

Have a great end to finals week and a wonderful summer!

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

When we unveiled the Truman State University 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, we announced that there would be a Strategic Plan Oversight Committee (SPOC) responsible for assessing the University’s progress in achieving the goals of this plan by monitoring the Foundational Metrics utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

This May we plan to launch the work of this committee in earnest.  The committee will be chaired by Roberta Donahue, Professor of Health Science, who will be serving as the Strategic Plan Coordinator for all campus monitoring efforts.  Roberta will be joined by the following individuals whose expertise will be invaluable to our success:

Nancy Asher, Registrar
Dean DeCock, Professor of Statistics and Director of Assessment
Arletta Nelson, Assistant to the Vice President for Administration, Finance and Planning
Tammy Roberts, Director of Administrative Computing
Jonathan Vieker, Director of Retention and Student Success
Steve Wynn, Associate Dean of Libraries for Technical Services and Systems

This team will be doing truly important work on behalf of our University, and I thank them in advance for their time and dedication regarding this effort.

Best regards,
Sue

Dear Colleagues:

It is with immense sadness that I inform you that Tim Schwegler, Head Coach of the Bulldog Men’s and Women’s Track and Field and Cross Country Teams, passed away this morning.

Tim graduated from Truman in 1980 and 1986.  He returned to the Truman community in 2006 to serve as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs and was later elevated in 2013 to the head coaching position.  He was a dedicated coach, a valued colleague, and a dear friend, and he will be truly missed.

Our sympathy goes out to the Schwegler family and to all who had the joy of knowing Tim.  As funeral arrangements are pending, we will inform the campus community when more information becomes available.

Kind regards,
Sue

Hello Colleagues!

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held their annual April meeting in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.  We honored a number of individuals whose generosity has gained them entry into one of our prestigious recognition societies.  In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to KPMG and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Major General John Cox and Mrs. Patricia (McMichael) Cox.  Our bright, talented, and engaged students thrilled and amazed those in attendance at the celebration.  Christian Baugher played an awe-inspiring marimba piece and Laura Alexander, accompanied by Dr. Lok Ng, provided a beautiful vocal performance.  Esther Lee shared a moving testament detailing how her foundation scholarship has allowed her to make the very most of her educational experience at Truman.  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 Sarah Burkemper.  Governor Burkemper recognized Ethan Kershaw who provided public comment highlighting an environmental policy forum.  In addition, Governor Burkemper presented Governor K. Brooks Miller, Jr. with a framed gavel in recognition of his exemplary leadership as the 2021 Chair of the Board.

Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, 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 budget and Greenwood updates, shared the fantastic news that Truman was once again recognized as a top Fulbright producer, and noted various campus and community activities that had taken place since the last Board meeting.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on enrollment and on-campus construction projects.

The Board approved several action items:

— Three new academic programs – Undergraduate Certificate in Business Analytics, Bachelor of Arts in Social Issue Advocacy, and Bachelor of Science in Social Issue Advocacy – effective with the 2022-23 Academic Year, subject to the approval of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

— Bank of Kirksville as the depository for the University’s checking accounts for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024.

— Board treasurers for FY 2023.

— Two items related to the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center Project.  The first includes the construction of a small two-story addition to create an accessible entrance to the building and house a new elevator; infrastructure improvements including HVAC systems, electrical services, fire alarms, sprinklers, and restrooms; first-floor construction; and roughing in of the second floor.  Funds for this project are available from the FY 2022 state capital appropriation and the grant from the Sunderland Foundation.  The second item approved architectural services to design the second floor of the building, repurpose the current gym, and install a new roof.  Funding for the final phase of this project will come from a recent federal appropriation supported by U. S. Senator Roy Blunt.  In addition to design and construction, funds from the federal appropriation will be used for furnishings and equipment.

— Tennis Court Resurfacing Project that will repair and resurface the tennis courts located south of Campbell Apartments.  Funds for the project are available from the student athletic fee budget.

— Summer 2022 Parking Lot Project.  Each summer, routine maintenance is performed for on-campus parking lots.  This project includes the parking lot and driveway at Barnett Hall and the parking lot and driveway behind Centennial Hall.  A small area at West Campus Suites will also be repaired.  Funds for this project are available in the Parking Repairs/Replacement Fund.

— Purchase of six Anatomage virtual anatomy tables to be installed in Magruder Hall in an existing lab space being remodeled for this purpose.

— Enrollment fees for the 2022-23 Academic Year.  Tuition and required fees for Missouri undergraduate students will increase by 3.89%.

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 18.

It is hard to believe that the semester is almost completed!  My deep appreciation to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus throughout the entire academic year.  Wishing you a fantastic end to the semester!

Best regards,
Sue