Dawn M Emerick

The meeting featured a Chancellor's report covering student success initiatives, research grant achievements, community partnerships such as the Moss Street School, and athletics success. The Board reviewed committee reports from Business Affairs, Compliance, Audit, Risk Management and Legal, Academic Affairs, and University Advancement, which included updates on financial reports, audit plans, degree candidates, fundraising progress, and the proposed reconfiguration of affiliated entities. Presentations were given on the Banner 9 upgrade, the Spartan Recovery Program, and the Graduate Research Expo winners. Additionally, the Board discussed an annual Human Resources compliance report, personnel matters, and approved a donor naming proposal for the Academic Success Center.

The board meeting included announcements of significant gifts to the Weatherspoon Art Museum and the School of Nursing. The Chancellor provided updates on leadership appointments, faculty achievements, and internal restructuring efforts, while also outlining challenges regarding enrollment, budget planning, and compliance with federal directives on diversity and inclusion. Committee reports covered designer selections for capital projects, internal audit activities, campus safety platforms, phishing and malware activity, and advancements in alumni engagement and fundraising. Furthermore, the board reviewed institutional performance metrics and discussed enrollment projections, approved the fiscal year 2026 all-funds budget, and addressed personnel-related matters, including non-salary bonus compensation for athletics staff.

The board discussed and approved tuition and fee proposals for the 2025-2026 academic year, maintaining in-state tuition while increasing out-of-state tuition and required fees. Additionally, the board approved tuition differential and special fee requests for several graduate programs within the School of Nursing to support program quality and instructional expenses. A personnel matter regarding a contract extension was also reviewed in closed session and subsequently approved in open session.

The board discussed key administrative and financial reports, including the Chancellor's update on appropriations, budget reduction planning, and the launch of academic portfolio reviews. Finance and administration matters included the approval of the Moore Strong Elevator Replacement project, an update on the university's endowment performance, and the adoption of the All Funds Budget for the next fiscal year. The compliance committee reported on internal audit results, an NCAA compliance review, and Title IX updates. Additionally, the advancement team provided a fundraising campaign update. The meeting concluded with student success presentations, a strategic plan update, and action on personnel matters including a head coach contract and a faculty personnel report.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered various academic, administrative, and financial matters. Key discussions included the administration of the oath of office for a new trustee, a comprehensive four-year review process for the Chancellor, and a presentation on record student enrollment figures and diversity statistics. The Board received reports from several committees, including Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Audit, Student Affairs, and University Advancement. Action items approved included the awarding of degrees, amendments to academic and policy regulations, approval of capital projects and designer firms, the issuance of special obligation bonds, the leasing of facility space, and the appointment of new board members to foundation and investment funds. Personnel reports and salary increases were also discussed during a closed session.