Debra M. Lawson

The board meeting agenda covered various committee reports including Academic Affairs, Facilities and Property, Finance, Governance, Legal Affairs, and Personnel Affairs. Key action items included the approval of the Southern University Laboratory School academic calendar, faculty tenure and promotion recommendations, a student housing facility resolution, and updates to student records and web accessibility policies. Additionally, the board reviewed several personnel actions, financial reports, and contractual agreements for Southern University Baton Rouge and other system campuses.

The meeting encompassed several committee sessions including Academic Affairs, Facilities and Property, Finance, and Governance, followed by the Board of Supervisors meeting. Key discussions involved the approval of a new post-master's certificate program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, the addition of distance learning as a delivery mode for the College of Business, and the establishment of a Center for Applied AI and Institutional Innovation. The board received a facilities update, reviewed quarterly and interim financial reports, and requested a future financial meeting to address cumulative debt. Additionally, the board deferred action on data governance and AI policies, approved several memorial resolutions, and discussed the status of a food service RFP, with requests for further written analysis and comparative data.

The board meeting encompassed various committee sessions. Highlights included an awards ceremony for contributions to student success, the launch of the Southern University Royalty initiative for scholarships, and championship recognition for the laboratory school girls' basketball team. The Academic Affairs Committee approved emeritus status for a faculty member and a faculty handbook. Facilities updates covered construction progress on campus buildings and housing projects. The Finance Committee reviewed the interim financial report, noting budget projections and revenue. Legal Affairs addressed technology infrastructure upgrades, and the Personnel Committee approved several leadership appointments and salary adjustments. Finally, the Board of Supervisors discussed strategic branding and marketing efforts, received reports from the President and Chancellors, and reviewed the ongoing presidential search process.

The meeting encompassed reports and actions across several committees. The Special Recognition Committee honored an 'Above and Beyond' recipient and reviewed experiential learning and scholarship presentations. The Academic Affairs Committee approved the conferral of posthumous degrees. The Facilities and Property Committee reviewed campus construction projects, erosion mitigation efforts, and facility naming suggestions. The Finance Committee reviewed interim financial reports confirming balanced budgets across the system. The Governance Committee approved data management and AI policies. The Legal Committee deferred a wireless lease agreement and approved a contract bid for viticulture fields. The Personnel Affairs Committee approved salary adjustments, new appointments, and addressed a termination appeal. Finally, the Board of Supervisors approved contract negotiations for food services and discussed student workforce development initiatives.

The Board of Supervisors discussed and took action on several items across various committees. Key agenda items included approval of Spring 2026 commencement resolutions for the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport campuses, as well as the Southern University Law Center. The Board reviewed retention, tenure, and promotion recommendations for Southern University at New Orleans. Financial matters included a request to adjust student housing rates, an interim and quarterly financial report for the Southern University System, and approval of contracts for legal services and roofing repairs. Personnel actions involved salary and equity adjustments, the appointment of departmental chairs, and the hiring of a Chief Information Officer.