Katie Austin

Wichita State University's strategic plan aims to become a premier urban public research university, focusing on applied learning and driving prosperity for the people and communities it serves. The plan prioritizes student centeredness, research and scholarship, campus culture, inclusive excellence, and partnerships and engagement. Key initiatives include applied learning experiences, student success and persistence programs, and supporting Kansas businesses and economic prosperity through innovation and research.

The board meeting covered various topics including a BOT audit by Bruun & BKD, a presentation by Dr. Muma on goals for Wichita State University, a finance and audit report encompassing pooled investment returns, updates to WSU BOT endowed funds, and budget reviews, a nominating committee report with officer nominations for FY22, recognition of past board members, and other matters as they arose.

The board meeting covered a wide range of topics, including a BOT audit by Bruun & BKD, an update on the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation, a finance and audit report encompassing pooled investment returns, WSU BOT endowed funds, BOT-owned facilities maintenance, infrastructure investments, the mill levy budget, operating budget, financial plan review, and board initiatives budget review. The meeting also included a discussion of the nominating committee and a vote on the slate of officers for FY23, a Wichita State University update focusing on the Cessna Stadium project, recognition of a past board member, and other items as they arose. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the University Stadium project, a phased plan to replace Cessna Stadium with a new stadium seating approximately 10,000 spectators. The plan includes phases for east side improvements, track and field reconfiguration, west side demolition and construction, and associated infrastructure improvements. Funding sources for the project were also discussed.

The board meeting agenda included a review of the nominating committee report, finance and audit reports (covering topics such as the BOT audit, pooled investment returns, endowed funds, mill levy budget, and operating budget), Woodman expenses, and a campus development report. The campus development report encompassed a fund and financial plan review and an innovation campus update. A university update was also presented, followed by an executive session. A separate finance and audit committee meeting was scheduled to review the audit report before the board meeting. The July 11, 2019 meeting minutes included discussion of finance and audit reports, a campus development report (including construction projects and the innovation campus), a nominating committee report, and a discussion of a project to improve economic conditions in Wichita opportunity zones.

The board meeting covered a wide range of topics including finance and audit reports (pooled investment returns, WSU BOT endowed funds, BOT-owned facilities maintenance quasi-endowed fund, infrastructure investments, mill levy budget, operating budget, financial plan review, and campus development fund review); discussion of the Woodman lease and transfer; review of budget meetings with the city and county; the nominating committee (discussion of the Board of Trustee Award nomination and vote on the slate of officers for FY23); Wichita State University updates; and various other matters. The meeting also included tours of the John Bardo Center and Woolsey Hall.