Libba Baker

The meeting commenced with a safety briefing by the Chief covering emergency procedures including active shooter, severe weather, fire, and medical situations. The President's report detailed extensive activities and engagements since the previous meeting, focusing on campus events, alumni relations, and legislative interactions. An update on Vice President searches indicated three finalists for the Advancement role, and the Provost search was set to launch publicly. Enrollment management reported a 5% overall increase, surpassing 7,000 students for the first time, with notable growth in residential and online programs. An Economic Impact Study was presented, showing a statewide impact of nearly $450 million annually. Institutional Advancement reported positive year-over-year contribution growth, primarily for scholarships and institutional priorities. Athletics noted significant achievements, including postseason appearances and increased student-athlete participation. Facilities provided updates on projects such as Faust Hall and the Homer Field House, with approval granted for the Surplus Warehouse Project up to $700,000. Finance reported a strong year-end position with $20.6 million in revenue over expenses. The Ad Hoc Legislative Affairs Committee detailed priorities including budget hearings and funding shortfalls. The Ad Hoc Communications and Marketing Committee reported on website redesign and branding initiatives. Under the Board President's report, the minutes from the Executive Committee meeting of September 30, 2025, were approved, and a motion passed to retain Mr. Mark Boardman as the new Board attorney following Mr. Kendricks' retirement. A committee was established to conduct the presidential evaluation, and Mr. Kendricks was formally recognized for his long service.

The meeting commenced with a safety briefing detailing emergency procedures. Key agenda items included the report from the University President highlighting campus activities, strategic reorganizations focusing on enrollment management, and the University achieving "Opportunity Institution" Carnegie classification. Discussions covered preparations for the launch of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences and positive results from the Summer Fridays Off Pilot. The Board approved the 2026--2035 UWA Strategic Plan. A resolution was adopted to publicly commend outgoing Provost Dr. Tina N. Jones upon her retirement. Committee reports addressed academic achievements, student success metrics, and facilities updates, including budget increases for the Student Union Building and tabling the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame project for redesign. The Finance Committee reported strong financial results, including a positive bottom line of $22.9 million and a clean audit. The Board approved a resolution for outgoing Board President Hal Bloom and motions related to the Cooperative District Board representation and the settlement agreement with the Sumter County Commission. Finally, the Board amended the Bylaws concerning Corporate Officers and established new ad hoc committees for presidential evaluation, enrollment management, communications and marketing, and legislative affairs.

The meeting included updates and discussions on institutional advancement, athletics, facilities, and finance. Fundraising updates highlighted amounts raised and distribution across scholarships, athletics, programs, and other initiatives. Athletic updates included coaching appointments, spring sports achievements, and evolving NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Facility updates covered campus improvement projects, including Foust Hall, Homer Field House Addition, Land Hall, Student Union Building, Alabama Women's Hall of Fame project, and the Surplus Warehouse project. The Finance Committee presented a quarter-end financial summary and the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes employee raises. The University President reported on various events and activities, the spring commencement, and upcoming initiatives. There was also a discussion regarding the immigration status of international students.

The meeting included updates from various committees: Academic Affairs, which covered accreditations, library improvements, the establishment of the College of Nursing, NCLEX pass rates, and institutional effectiveness initiatives; Student Affairs, which discussed enrollment growth and new initiatives like the Caring Campus Grant and retention scholarships; Facilities, which provided updates on campus improvement projects; and Finance, which reviewed the Quarterly Financial Report and compliance with the FTC's GLBA Safeguards Rule. The University President reported on campus engagement, the relocation of the Office of Communication and Marketing, and various events and activities. The Nominating Committee recommended Mr. Joseph Brown as the next Board President.

The Board of Trustees convened to discuss several key areas, including institutional advancement, athletics, facilities, and finance. The Institutional Advancement Committee reported on fundraising comparisons, upcoming project goals, alumni chapter events, strategic communications, contracts, grants, and the UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center. The Athletic Committee reviewed athletic standings and results, upcoming sports opening dates, live sports coverage, the potential addition of women's flag football, and the Homer Field House project. The Facilities Committee discussed renovations of Foust Hall, the Student Union and Recreation Center, the addition at Homer Field House, the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame, the UWA Amphitheater, the Black Belt Development Center, and the turf project at Tartt Field. The Finance Committee reviewed the financial summary for the year ending September 30, 2024, budgets versus actuals for Fiscal Year 2024, and a summary revenue and expense comparison from 2019 through 2024. The board also approved the name change from the Ira D. Pruitt Division of Nursing to the Ira D. Pruitt College of Nursing and recognized Dr. Ken Tucker's accomplishments as university president.