Frederick Aikens

The special meeting addressed a review of academic policy, student enrollment, fiscal controls, and a real estate appraisal. Key discussions included an update on Spring 2026 student enrollment, noting improvements over the previous year and the impact of a new UNCF scholarship allotment. Actions taken by the President to address the university's fiscal watch condition were presented, including a hiring freeze and tightened spending controls, alongside an evaluation of university assets for potential revenue generation. The board also discussed the status of utility payments to the City of Xenia, clarifying discrepancies in the outstanding balance and scheduling a meeting for resolution. Two resolutions were approved: Resolution 2026-01 amended the 2025-2026 Faculty Retrenchment Policy, and Resolution 2026-02 approved the amended 2025-2026 American Civic Literacy Course Development Plan. The meeting included an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.

The special meeting covered several key agenda items, including a review of academic policy, updates on spring 2026 student enrollment, and the implementation of fiscal controls due to a recent fiscal watch condition. Fiscal measures included a hiring freeze and new spending guidelines to manage outstanding balances. The Board also addressed utility payment discrepancies with the City of Xenia. During the meeting, two resolutions were approved: Resolution 2026-01, which approved amendments to the 2025-2026 Faculty Retrenchment Policy, and Resolution 2026-02, which approved the amended 2025-2026 American Civic Literacy Course Development Plan.

The multi-day meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss pending litigation, after which the board reconvened the following day. Key discussions included the President's report highlighting significant infrastructure challenges requiring state agency assistance (Ohio Department of Commerce, OFCC, DAS) and the initiation of partnerships to enhance academic excellence and student pipeline. The board also addressed the reorganization of committees, delegating the authority and duties of the Institutional Sustainability Committee to the Budget and Finance Committee, and establishing a new subcommittee focused on facilities. Financial updates revealed a projected enrollment shortfall offset by increased residence hall revenue, with an overspending noted in the scholarship fund. The board approved several resolutions, including personnel actions for September 2025, professional services agreements for EnrollmentFUEL, JSTOR journal collections (digital and e-book), and FeedbackFruits Corporation. Tenure and full professor rank were approved for Dr. Frank Hall, and tenure was approved for Dr. Jess Hartshorn. Furthermore, the board approved the 2025-2026 policies for Faculty Annual Performance Evaluation, Faculty Post-Tenure Review, Faculty Retrenchment, Faculty Workload, and Faculty Tenure, all amended to include 'effective from the date of adoption' language. Approvals also covered participation in the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program, Donor Recognition & Naming Guidelines, amendments to the research facility design/build contract, and tabling a resolution regarding the Endowment and Investment Policy for further investigation.

The Board of Trustees held a regular meeting to discuss various topics, including a financial update on the FY26 budget, a student trustee report on a leadership conference, and committee reports on budget and finance, technology, and institutional sustainability. The board also reviewed divisional dashboard reports, including academic affairs, research and economic development, and government relations. Resolutions were approved for personnel actions, contracts with Sodexo Magic and Barnes and Noble College, professional services, the strategic plan for 2025-2030, naming a residence hall, and the American Civic Literacy Course Development Plan.

Central State University's (CSU) 2024 Plan of Work outlines research and extension activities focusing on six critical issues: Developing and Infusing Emergent Technologies in Agricultural Systems; Sustaining Plant and Animal Systems; Securing Natural Resources and Environmental Systems; Enhancing Food, Nutrition, and Health Systems; Fostering Workforce Development; and Engaging Communities & Transforming Lives. These initiatives aim to benefit all Ohioans, particularly minority, underserved, and small farm operations, through research and extension programs delivered across five regions. The plan emphasizes a systems approach, utilizing advanced technologies, and engaging stakeholders through advisory councils and needs assessments to ensure relevance and impact. CSU's robust merit and peer review processes ensure the quality and effectiveness of its programs.