Gwen Williams Dandridge

The committee held a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including promotion and tenure, as well as honorary degrees and special awards. Reports were provided on strategic enrollment management, including housing capacity increases and student initiatives. The committee recognized student achievements in the Colleges of Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Agriculture. Further discussions focused on the university's accreditation status and ongoing reaffirmation process, as well as the implementation of artificial intelligence initiatives in faculty development and classroom pedagogy supported by a digital transformation grant.

The board discussed and approved a resolution for tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, which includes a 2.5 percent increase in tuition and fees and a 5.0 percent increase in room and board to address inflationary pressures. The board reviewed data on institutional financial stability, discussed strategies to support student affordability through increased scholarship funding, and heard public comments from faculty and student representatives. Additionally, the board initiated the annual evaluation process for the university President and discussed potential refinements to the incentive and bonus structure.

The committee reviewed enrollment updates for the upcoming academic year, including projections and recent open house attendance. Significant discussions took place regarding VSU's accreditation status and the fifth-year report submission. The committee was informed of organizational changes, including the renaming and reorganization of various departments. Additionally, a detailed update on the university's strategic plan was presented, outlining core priorities and goals, alongside a student scholar spotlight featuring various student organizations and initiatives.

The committee held a meeting to discuss personnel, compensation, and governance matters. The session included a closed session dedicated to the performance evaluation and compensation of the university president. Following the closed session, the committee certified that only matters permitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act were discussed before formally adjourning the meeting.

The committee reviewed enrollment trends and projections, noting increases in both applications and deposits. They also discussed student success initiatives, including the expansion of the Academic Center for Excellence and the Gateway Course Restart Initiative. Furthermore, the committee covered faculty development efforts, the Bachelor of Individualized Study Program, and the Trojans Work Program. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss honorary degrees and special awards, and a report on the university's national Fulbright designations.