John Brown

The committee reviewed financial reports, including updates on foundation accounts, significant gifts from estates, and the status of ongoing loan obligations. Discussions covered the success of recent fundraising initiatives, such as Giving Day and the Fall appeal, alongside planning for upcoming donor engagement events like the Scholarship Mixer. Data on charitable giving trends was analyzed, noting the impact of special events on year-over-year figures. The committee also assessed ongoing fundraising efforts with various foundations, identifying key funding priorities and discussing strategies for enhancing donor engagement, strengthening the value proposition for potential contributors, and increasing internal board giving participation.

The committee reviewed the institution's budget and cash flow status, noting a positive financial trend. Discussions covered the allocation and usage of deferred maintenance funds, including project timelines and federal expenditure deadlines. The committee deliberated on tuition and fees for undergraduate and online programs, evaluated student out-of-pocket costs, and reviewed athletic scholarship management. Additionally, the committee addressed business office policies regarding collections, transcript withholding, write-off procedures, and ongoing financial aid and FAFSA completion efforts.

The committee reviewed upcoming Higher Learning Commission site visits for the master's program in Engineering Technology and a comprehensive institutional evaluation. Discussions covered federal and accreditation reporting requirements, including the Institutional Status Report and the College Affordability and Transparency Explanation Form. The committee received an update on Spring 2026 enrollment metrics, which showed growth in headcount and full-time equivalent students. Additional agenda items included the adoption of a new Transcript Release and Financial Hold policy, a review of curriculum revisions across various departments, the status of the ongoing student satisfaction survey, and the implementation of a new three-part attendance verification model.

The committee discussed updates on enrollment growth, admissions and online program restructuring, a collaboration with the Department of Energy, and legislative engagement. Other key topics included the Board of Governors self-evaluation process for an upcoming accreditation site visit, revisions to the housing expansion plan regarding bathroom configurations, a cottage naming proposal, and aligning tenure policies. The committee also reviewed the agenda for the upcoming Board of Governors meeting and discussed board membership rotations and legislative matters.

The board received a report on significant enrollment growth, including increased applications and headcount, alongside financial stewardship measures like spending caps and a hiring freeze. Reports were provided on a new Master's in Engineering Technology program application, financial and budget status, campus safety initiatives including upcoming fire drills and hazing reporting, and ongoing outreach and fundraising efforts. The board conducted policy actions, approving new or revised policies regarding academic objectives, credit for prior learning, and Title IX/sex-based discrimination, while deferring action on the policymaking policy. New business included an update on the tentative opening of food services in the student union.