Catherine Allan

This document, an interview with Mr. Will Newman, Senior Director of Plant Operations, details the comprehensive process and long-term vision behind creating an institutional master plan. The master plan, developed over a two-to-three-year period and updated every 10 years, provides a roadmap for the institution's physical development and infrastructure for the next 10-12 years. Key priorities include campus expansion (e.g., the new Health Sciences Building), essential infrastructure upgrades (water, fiber optics), and ensuring comprehensive safety and security measures. The plan dictates permissible projects and aligns with the institution's broader strategic goals, requiring extensive input from all stakeholders and multiple levels of approval.

The Leadership Team meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. Plant Operations provided updates on the new Project Request Form, notification speaker systems, domestic water projects, front campus renovations, and baseball complex plans. IT updates covered faxing infrastructure, data classification and labeling, SSB8 end of support, and NINJIO training completion rates. There was also a sports update on hosting a Tennessee Baseball Coach Association event at Vol State. The interim VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Richard Rhoda, was introduced. Updates were given on the mural approval process, the Wilson County project, and the formation of a Pell Working Group to assess the impacts of Pell changes.

The Leadership Team meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. Legislative updates regarding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential impact on Vol State were shared. An update was provided on the Faculty Senate, including the approval of a new Faculty Senate Constitution. There was also a Business and Finance update, which included discussion about radios received from TBR and campus space usage. The Faculty and Staff Focus Project was presented, focusing on an internal employee directory. An IT update covered the discontinuation of Ivy AI, internet upgrades, and IT ticket simplification. Other news included the closure of Vol State's Springfield Center for AC repairs and the submission of Vol State's budget to TBR.

The meeting included discussions and motions regarding College Steering Committee proposals, such as adding the Senior Director of Plant Operations as an ex officio member of the Campus Sustainability Committee and combining Nursing and Health Sciences as a single pool for community service members. Revisions to the traffic and parking policy, purchase of business meals and events policy, and academic standing policy were reviewed and approved. Additionally, there were discussions regarding a potential MOU with Cumberland University and announcements about upcoming holiday luncheons and convocation.

The meeting included discussions on the Perkins V Innovation & Modernization Grant opportunity, including submission requirements and matching fund requirements. A motion was carried to decline applying for the Grant due to limited time and personnel for completion of submission requirements. Also, TBR SOAR award nominations due date, Vol State Luau, Foundation Annual Dinner and Gallatin Chamber Gala were announced.