Ashley Turner

The Board of Regents meeting included the election of a new Board Treasurer and an audit presentation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Updates were provided on university finances, academic affairs, construction projects, and the Master Plan. The Board took action to declare the Hummel Planetarium surplus and schedule its demolition. Development and osteopathic medicine program initiatives were discussed, along with a review of committee and presidential reports covering topics such as legislative updates, block scheduling, and budget planning. The Board approved graduate tuition rate changes, revisions to Board bylaws regarding self-evaluation standards, and changes to the essential education program.

The committee meeting centered on a detailed presentation and discussion regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget proposal. Key topics included state appropriations, resident undergraduate tuition rates, and proposed housing and dining rates. Significant attention was given to concerns raised regarding proposed budget reductions within Academic Affairs, specifically concerning facilitator funding, program coordinator compensation, and course development. University leadership and administrators addressed questions regarding comparative institutional support, enrollment trends, and the operational efficiency goals driving the budget adjustments, ultimately resulting in the committee's approval of the proposed budget.

The committee meeting focused on several key agenda items, including the review and approval of the Internal Audit Charter, which encompasses its purpose, roles, and responsibilities. Additionally, there was a review of internal audit activities for fiscal year 2025 and an outline of audit priorities for fiscal year 2026. The committee also received a status update regarding the university's financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, covering audit timelines, coordination with foundation audits, and compliance requirements.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing state budget outcomes and fiscal year 2026-27 budget assumptions for the university. Discussions included an overview of fiscal year 2026 revenue and expenditure budgets, projections for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, proposed resident undergraduate tuition rates, funding priorities, fixed costs, and the overall budget planning timeline.

The committee reviewed and discussed several academic and administrative items, including proposed revisions to Essential Education and a new four-day instructional week proposal. The Board explored an Air Traffic Control Initiative aligned with federal standards to address aviation workforce shortages. Additionally, the committee approved an amendment to the Baptist Health land lease, received updates on the University master plan and potential flight school land lease at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport, and discussed Board bylaws regarding presidential and self-evaluation processes. The Board also approved a one-year contract extension and a performance bonus for the University President.