Breanna Betarie

The President's Report covered numerous recent campus activities, including an Alumni Art and Media Exhibition, a Theatre production, the 15th annual Veteran's Day Celebration, the welcoming of Senator Dave Argall as Legislative Fellow, fall concerts, the third annual Faith, Blue and You event, Open Houses, and the Annual Tree Lighting. Facility updates noted progress on the new university center and the reopening of Minsi Hall. Academically, a workshop on retention and student success was facilitated, and the process for filling the Dean of Health Sciences position is underway. Athletics achievements for the fall season included the Football team reaching the NCAA Tournament, Women Soccer in the PSAC Tournament, Men's Soccer receiving a national ranking, Field Hockey capturing back-to-back PSAC Championships, and Volleyball advancing to the PSAC Semifinals. The University's Spring 2024 enrollment is reported to be 9% ahead of the previous year. Committee reports included an update on the Middle States Self-Study timeline and security camera projects for the University Affairs Committee. The Finance Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2023 Audited Financial Statement, reviewed and approved Cash Disbursement Reports for September 1 through October 31, 2023, and approved Resolution #23-02 certifying compliance of affiliated organizations. The Strategic Initiatives Committee approved emeritus status for Nancy Jo Greenawalt and discussed dual enrollment requirements and a faculty/staff trip abroad to Ghana. The Campus Environment Committee received updates on mental health across the country and at ESU, and reported on the achievements and community service of fall athletics teams.

The meeting included the President's Report, highlighting the recent conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester, commencement ceremonies, the honoring of many students, and the challenging decision to place three programs (Economics, History, and Political Science) in moratorium due to low enrollment. The report also noted strong athletic performance, construction updates for the University Center, and the success of the Economic Outlook Summit. Committee reports covered the Corporate and Program Planning (CPP) presentation focusing on Enrollment Stabilization and Financial Sustainability, progress on the Middle States Institutional Accreditation Self-Study, and updates on admissions and Facilities Management. The Campus Environment Committee discussed the introduction of the new Director of Residential Life & Housing, the launch of a new mobile application, and academic achievements of student-athletes. The Finance Committee reviewed the ESU Foundation update, projected Education & General (E&G) deficits for FY 2026-2028 (to be funded from reserves), approved Cash Disbursement Reports, and granted approval for two philanthropic activities: the Center of Hospitality and the Performance Center. The Strategic Initiatives Committee reviewed program array sustainability, strategies for establishing a residential college, and a successful cross-disciplinary collaboration involving Nursing, Exercise Science, and Theatre students.

The meeting focused on several substantive reports and action items. The President's Report highlighted key academic and athletic achievements, including a 3.2% increase in total enrollment (4,950), success in winter sports, and the strong start of spring sports. The report also addressed Governor Shapiro's plan to overhaul the Pennsylvania Higher Education System. Committee reports covered significant updates, such as the Middle States Institutional Accreditation Self-Study progress and enrollment projections. The Campus Environment Committee reported the highest recorded Fall GPA for student-athletes (3.282). The Finance Committee approved local fees for the fiscal year 2024-2025 and reviewed Cash Disbursement Reports spanning from November 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024. The Strategic Initiatives Committee approved emeritus/emerita status for two retiring faculty members and discussed the integration and ethics of Artificial Intelligence in higher education.

The meeting commenced with the approval of resolutions recognizing Coach Jeff Wilson for his 400th victory and Coach Sandra Miller for her 500th victory. The President's Report highlighted the successful start of the Fall 2024 semester, noting high residence hall occupancy and the completion of various campus facilities and IT projects over the summer, which coincided with a state funding increase. Enrollment figures showed a 3.2% increase year-over-year, leading to initiatives such as establishing a dedicated transfer admissions department. Key developments also included progress on the new Strategic Plan, which will be presented in December, and an update on the Middle States Reaccreditation self-study process. The Athletics update detailed significant academic achievements, including high GPAs and numerous Scholar-Athlete recognitions, as well as competitive success, evidenced by a 3rd place finish in the Dixon Trophy standings. Committee reports covered the Space Utilization Project recommendations, enrollment initiatives, updates on the Strategic Plan integration with the MSCHE self-study, residential life capacity and the new second-year residency requirement, Title IX regulation changes, and fundraising results exceeding goals, which included the approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. New business involved approving the appointment of Interim and Acting Chief Executive Officers for the academic year and formally approving the Presidential Review Committee members.

The agenda for the meeting includes several action items. Key discussion and action points involve the President's Report, Chair's Report, and Secretary's Report. Committee updates are scheduled from University Affairs, Campus Environment, and Strategic Initiatives Committees. Specific action items under the Finance Committee include reviewing Cash Disbursements from May 1, 2025, through August 31, 2025, and the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. New Business actions include appointing Interim and Acting Chief Executive Officers for the 2025-2026 Academic Year and appointing a Presidential Review Committee. The approval of the Minutes from June 5, 2025, is also listed as an action item.