Katie Bartholomew

The Executive Committee meeting addressed several significant items. A primary action item involved revising the BOT Capital Planning Policy to designate the USNH Treasurer as a non-voting member of the Investment and Capital Planning Committee (ICPC) for capital-related matters, while retaining voting rights for treasury-related matters as per statute. The committee also reviewed project discussions regarding the PE Center Life Safety and Utility/HVAC Upgrades. A motion was passed to enter a nonpublic session to discuss personnel matters, including performance and compensation of employees, hiring, labor negotiations/strategy, and consultation with legal counsel.

This quarterly status report for the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) details ongoing strategic initiatives and critical risk areas. Key strategic efforts include biosciences workforce ecosystem development, enterprise technology modernization, enhancing student success and well-being, and optimizing system-wide shared services. The report also monitors significant risks related to financial health, enrollment and retention, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, all contributing to the overarching strategic direction for institutional stability and performance.

The Executive Committee meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of a combined project budget not to exceed $76 million for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Christensen and Williamson Halls Renovation projects, funded primarily through HEFA bonds. The committee also received an update from the Presidents' Council regarding cost reduction efforts at the administrative level, noting significant decreases in executive-level officer positions and overall faculty/staff levels since 2019. Furthermore, the Committee discussed compensation matters during a nonpublic session, ultimately approving a 2% base salary increase for the Chancellor and institutional presidents for CY26, and approving Pay-at-Risk awards for FY25 achievements. Discussions also included potential research into issuing additional debt for liquidity and investment opportunities, and community conversations planned for the future of Keene State.

The Executive Committee meeting addressed several key items. A significant action item involved the approval of a combined project budget not to exceed $76 million for the Christensen and Williamson Halls Renovation projects at UNH, with funding sourced primarily from HEFA bond proceeds. Other agenda topics included a report from the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) and motions to enter both nonpublic and executive nonpublic sessions to discuss personnel matters, potential hiring of public employees, and consultation with legal counsel.

The Enterprise Technology & Services Strategic Plan outlines a five-year vision for information technology, establishing initiatives and goals to support the missions and strategic plans of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) institutions. It is organized around seven strategic priorities: Infrastructure & Ecosystem Foundation, Safety, Security, and Compliance, Learning Technology Modernization, Research Enterprise, Customer Experience, Digital Business Modernization, and Decision Support & Analysis. The plan aims to transform USNH into a scalable, secure, and affordable ecosystem that promotes student success, innovative teaching and research, and addresses emerging future needs.