John Sama

The board meeting included the announcement of new appointments and upcoming academic events, including commencement and the university's strategic plan implementation. The committee approved three financial items: a contract for student health insurance for the upcoming academic year, contract renewals with three grounds maintenance companies, and an amendment to the existing contract with KPMG for audit services. Additionally, the committee discussed the success of university students and alumni in the Olympics and plans to invite them to a future board meeting.

The board convened for a special meeting, during which the primary agenda item was to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing contracts and confidential attorney-client communications.

The board meeting covered several key agenda items, including committee reports from the Audit Committee and the Educational Policy and Institutional Resources Committee regarding financial statements, audit plans, compliance, and academic proposals. The Board, Finance, and Investment Committee reviewed budget factors for the upcoming fiscal year and debt policy. Additionally, the board appointed new members, authorized bond issuance, approved various academic program creations, and adopted a strategic plan. Retired trustees were recognized, and various policy resolutions were reaffirmed.

The Board of Trustees discussed various university matters, including public comments regarding faculty workload and housing costs. Committee reports covered an audit of federally sponsored programs, financial updates including endowment growth and deferred maintenance projects, and the approval of new curricular offerings such as minors in Computer Engineering and Epidemiology. Additionally, the Board established the Food Systems Research Institute, approved budget planning assumptions for the 2026 fiscal year, and authorized funding for the construction of a new Center for Health and Wellbeing and the Virtue Field Support building. The meeting also included the recognition of retired trustees and senior university administrators.

The board discussed committee and board reports, received a collective bargaining update in executive session, and reviewed various action items. The board approved multiple academic program changes, including the creation of several minors and graduate study certificates, as well as the termination of a degree program. Financial matters addressed included the adoption of a new Investment Policy Statement, the reaffirmation of the Investment of Endowment Cash Policy, the appointment of board members to the investment management company, approval of a software contract renewal, and authorization of budget planning assumptions for the upcoming fiscal year.