Christy Bourdlais

The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, titled 'Ferris Forward: Relevant and Responsive,' establishes the strategic direction for Ferris State University. The plan is structured around four core pillars: Belonging, Innovation, Student Excellence, and Sustainability. It aims to cultivate an inclusive environment that values individual contributions, foster creative problem-solving and continuous improvement, promote personal and academic growth among students, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources for long-term viability. The plan is guided by principles emphasizing alignment with university values, student-centered actions, and responsiveness to evolving needs.

The Board of Trustees discussed an exception to the Board-approved policy Sec. 6-104, Employment Policy, to allow the University President to enter into a three-year employment contract with the selected candidate for the Division I Head Hockey Coach. Additionally, the Board discussed and approved a voluntary contribution to the Tonkin Drain Improvement Project, with the university making three annual payments to the Mecosta County Drain Commission.

The Ferris State University Board of Trustees held a regular meeting covering various administrative and strategic items. Key discussion points included the approval of a Master Lease Agreement for student housing at 5 Lyon, a State Capital Outlay request prioritizing the Allied Health Sciences Building renovation, and Phase III of the University Wireless Infrastructure Replacement and Enhancement project. Additionally, the board approved the acceptance of a MiLEAP-OST grant, amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding with The Ferris Foundation, and the establishment of new degree programs in Exercise Science, Special Education, Sustainable Transportation Service, and Professional Sales. The board also approved the elimination of degree programs in Geography Education, History Education, Political Science Education, and Respiratory Therapy. The President's report included recognition of partnerships and upcoming events.

The Ferris State University Board of Trustees held a regular meeting addressing several key areas. The board approved the consent calendar items, including minutes from the previous meeting, personnel items, appointments and reappointments to the Boards of Directors of FSU-Authorized Charter School Academies, and Charter School Academy Contract Reauthorizations. Conditional authorizations were granted for Learn4life High School Pontiac and Pillars Academy. The board also approved sabbatical leave requests for the 2025-2026 academic year and a new Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and Analytics. Revisions to the Investment Policy were adopted, and agreements with Parker Executive Search, DHR Global, and The Registry for professional services were approved. Additionally, the board accepted a grant award for the Jim Crow Museum, Archive, and Research Facility project.

The special meeting included an informal closed session for a periodic personnel evaluation of President Bill Pink. Upon returning to open session, the board approved a resolution regarding the President's compensation and benefits, which included granting a discretionary bonus for the 2024-2025 employment term.