Laurence Blake

This document presents a strategic planning initiative, "Listening First: Reimagining a University From 5,000 Voices," led by Dr. Safiya George. The plan's core involved extensive engagement with approximately 5,000 stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and government officials, to gather diverse perspectives on university operations and future aspirations. The objective was to synthesize these insights to identify priorities, address challenges, leverage strengths, and strategically allocate resources, aiming to define a focused long-term direction for the institution over the subsequent two decades, rather than pursuing an all-encompassing approach.

This document is a transcript of a discussion on university leadership, emphasizing the president's role in self-transcendence and institutional impact. Key focus areas include improving student lives, addressing regional workforce needs, shaping future collaborative leaders, and engaging in deliberate communication with diverse stakeholders. The intended outcome is to foster better societal results through responsible leadership and mutual collaboration.

The meeting included reports from various committees under the Consent Agenda. The Academic, Research, Student Affairs Committee provided updates on enrollment, operational studies, personnel, grants, community engagement, and student/faculty achievements. The Audit Committee discussed the status of the audit with EY, noting pending delivery of financial statement drafts, ongoing testing for Accounts Receivable and Federal Grants, pending impairment assessments for PP&E, and open items regarding Tuition & Fees reconciliation. The Building and Grounds Committee presented extensive updates on campus projects, including the completion of the Sheep Farm Facilities and HVAC upgrade at the Albert A. Sheen (AAS) St. Croix Campus, and ongoing construction for the School of Nursing Building at the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Updates for the Orville E. Kean (OEK) St. Thomas Campus included progress on the Marine Science Complete Renovation Project and the Reichhold Center Rehabilitation. Progress on the Medical School Facilities included updates on the nearly complete Medical Simulation Center, noting legal consultation regarding contractor issues, and progress on the Medical Research and Training Center. The Development Committee reported on fundraising for fiscal year 2025, emphasizing the need for 100% giving participation from the Board of Trustees and President's Cabinet. The Finance and Budget committee reviewed the status of the Local Government Appropriation for FY2025, various budget to actual performance reports for FY25, and the Quasi-Endowment Fund Status.

The University of the Virgin Islands' strategic direction, as articulated in its Mission and Vision statements, focuses on being a learner-centered institution dedicated to student success and community enhancement in the U.S. Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean. It aims for excellence in teaching, innovative research, and responsive community service, aspiring to be an exceptional U.S. institution committed to social and economic transformation.

The Regular Session of the Board of Trustees meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda. The President's Report detailed institutional accomplishments across student achievements, including numerous awards won by communication students in a journalism competition and several students participating in White House HBCU Press Briefings. Significant institutional achievements noted were the inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic, the restoration of an 8% salary reduction for employees, and the successful passage of legislation to correct the operating budget. The President's Appreciation Award was presented to the Accounting and Payroll Offices for their critical work in distributing financial support programs and salary adjustments. Committee discussions resulted in the approval of a nomination to the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) Board. The Academic, Research, and Student Affairs Committee recommended, and the Board approved, an increase in tuition and fees for the Executive MBA program, as well as the approval of two new degree programs: Associate of Applied Science in Agricultural Business and Associate of Applied Science in General Agriculture. The Executive Committee action regarding the President's Self-Assessment for FY2020-2021 and goals for 2021-2022 was ratified. The Finance and Budget Committee's recommendation for FY2022 Operating Budget Revision Number One was unanimously approved, as was the authorization to submit the FY2023 Appropriations Request to the Government of the Virgin Islands. The Planning Committee received a report on Key Performance Indicators linked to the Strategic Plan. The Board concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personal, commercial, and legal matters, reconvening to approve executive session minutes and receive updates on the Free Tuition Policy, Medical School Project, Commencement Ceremonies, personnel, and legal matters.