Ken Ashlock

The Quarterly and Committee Session agenda includes standard reports from the Chair, President, and Treasurer covering financial and investment reports. Key discussion points requiring action include the Audit and Compliance Committee's amendment to the Annual Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 and approval of Audited Financial Statements. The Academic Excellence and Scholarly Activities Committee will discuss the creation of a College of Veterinary Medicine and a new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence. The Finance Committee agenda includes approval of the 2026-27 Tuition and Mandatory Fee Rates, Dining Rates, and several Personal Services Contracts. The meeting also addresses personnel matters, including contract amendments, faculty sabbatical leaves, and a closed session to discuss pending litigation.

The event marked the dedication of the Dr. Melvin and Rita Henley Lecture Hall located in the Jones Hall Chemistry Building. The proceedings celebrated the Henley family's dedication to education, service, and leadership at Murray State University, specifically recognizing their impact through scholarship endowments and contributions. Dr. Melvin Henley's extensive career was highlighted, including his roles as a chemistry professor, department chair, faculty regent, mayor, state representative, and his service to the community in economic development, such as securing funding for the science campus and bringing major employers to the area. Rita Henley was recognized for her lifelong commitment and essential partnership in all of Dr. Henley's endeavors. Remarks were also given by former President Dr. Bob Jackson, emphasizing the couple's deep roots and significant contributions to the university and community.

The Board of Regents convened for its Quarterly and Committee Session. Key discussions and actions included the reaffirmation of the President's Delegation of Authority with one amendment related to Personal Services Contracts. The Treasurer's Report, which was unaudited as of June 30, 2025, highlighted anticipated spending down of asset preservation bond proceeds and an increase in accounts receivable, noting that the overall net position increased due to capital project appropriations. Committee actions involved approving the appointment of Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman as Founding Dean of the new School of Veterinary Medicine, contingent upon program accreditation, and approving contract extensions for the Head Women's Tennis Coach and Assistant Baseball Coach, along with an amendment for the Head Women's Basketball Coach. The Board consented to required Governing Board Certifications for the Missouri Valley, Football, and Ohio Valley Conferences for the 2025-26 academic year. The Audit and Compliance Committee reaffirmed the Internal Audit Charter and approved the Annual Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. The Buildings and Grounds Committee approved the Program Statement for the Curris Center Chick-fil-A refresh, estimated at $1,065,000. The Finance Committee approved a five-year operational lease for 24 new fleet vehicles, approved various capital projects over $500,000, approved listed Personal Services Contracts, and approved the Surplus Property Disposition plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The Enrollment Management and Student Success Committee reported a 5.2 percent increase in Summer 2025 enrollment (headcount and credit hours) and noted the overall freshman to sophomore retention rate is 78 percent.

The Special Meeting addressed the election of the Board of Regents Treasurer, which was conducted due to the retirement of the incumbent; Assistant Vice President -- Finance Wendy Cain was unanimously appointed as the new Treasurer, effective November 1, 2025. The Finance Committee recommended and the Board approved two Personal Services Contracts: one with Greenwood Asher and Associates for Executive Search Services for the Provost, and another with Attain, LLC for additional funding to support Student Financial Services staffing needs. The Marketing and Community Engagement Committee recommended and the Board approved the naming opportunity for the Assisted Care/Rehabilitation Classroom in Jackson Hall to be designated as the "Dr. Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation" in recognition of his extensive support for the University.

The town hall meeting focused on the strategic planning process for the university, addressing major shifts in higher education such as economic forces, demographic shifts, technology expansion, governmental oversight, competition, and the privatization of public higher education. Discussions included maintaining affordability, access, and high quality, building on the university's traditions, community support, student-centered approach, engagement, and exceptional academic offerings. Challenges such as a declining traditional market, the need for remedial courses, and the perceived value of the university were also addressed.