Hyesun Shin

The meeting included an update on the ASPIRE strategic plan, focusing on progress in the research enterprise, efforts to expand interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthen industry partnerships, and enhance faculty recruitment and retention. Performance metrics were shared, noting 1,274 proposals submitted totaling $1.04 billion in the third quarter of FY26 and awards totaling $226.3 million. Discussion also covered external challenges such as federal funding delays, policy uncertainty, and workforce constraints, alongside updates on activities in Washington, D.C.

The committee reviewed and recommended approval for revisions to the FSU Foundation, Inc. bylaws and articles of incorporation, as well as the FSU Alumni Association, Inc. bylaws. Key updates included changes to board titles, term definitions, committee structures, and the removal of certain administrative positions. Additionally, a fundraising report was presented, highlighting that the FSU Foundation has reached $146 million in the current year, with an aggregated university total of $221 million across all support organizations. The committee also noted the strong performance of the university endowment, which has grown to $1.2 billion, and received an update on the progress of the $2 billion comprehensive campaign.

The meeting included an overview of the Trustee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process and general operational updates from the Office of Compliance and Ethics, with planned revisions to Board Policy 1-3. The committee approved a recommendation for the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation to enter into a 3-year contract with Crowe LLP, with a renewal option. Additionally, an update was provided on the status of FY2025-2026 operational and information technology audit activities.

The meeting featured a comprehensive report from the University President detailing recent academic achievements, high admission competitiveness, research contract awards, and alumni engagement initiatives. The Board approved a series of consent agenda items, including institutional general education course offerings, various regulatory amendments, and bylaws for university foundations and associations. Additional discussions included updates from the Faculty Senate and Student Government Association, a review of legislative and federal affairs, and an overview of athletic performance and marketing. The Board further addressed academic personnel actions, specifically approving tenure upon appointment for six candidates and a promotion and tenure request. Furthermore, the meeting concluded with the approval of the 2026-2027 fiscal year operating budgets and financing resolutions for the Northwest Campus project.

The affiliate meeting focused on introducing new members, discussing workforce support research including resilience training and foster parent surveys, and reviewing a translational research project on the use of evidence in child welfare legislation. Additionally, the group covered several organizational updates, such as the upcoming golf tournament fundraiser, the Great Give, the symposium titled Prevention and Practice, the ribbon cutting for the learning lab, and current funding opportunities including the priority research award and child welfare professional of the year awards.