Louis Whitesides

The board discussed various university initiatives, including a record amount of federal funding and ongoing construction projects. Academic resolutions were approved, such as new courses and a rural studies certificate program. Progress was reported on fundraising campaigns and donor growth. Committee reports covered improvements in public safety, agricultural education partnerships, and information technology infrastructure. Additionally, the board approved naming resolutions for campus buildings and authorized a contract extension for the university president.

The board convened to adopt the meeting agenda and conducted an executive session. Following the executive session, the board voted to approve a proposed Affiliation Agreement between the university and its Advancement Foundation. Additionally, a motion was passed to provide the SCSU Foundation with 90 days' written notice regarding the intent to terminate the second amended Memorandum of Understanding.

The board convened for a special emergency meeting to discuss and assess security concerns. After adopting the agenda, the members moved into an executive session to address these matters. The open session was later reconvened, where it was stated that no formal actions or votes occurred during the executive session, prior to the adjournment of the meeting.

The meeting agenda was adopted with an amendment related to the Student Affairs and Athletics Committee. The Board approved the minutes from previous meetings held in April, June, and August of the current year. The Chairman welcomed a delegation from the Bahamas seeking academic program alignment, particularly in agriculture, and recognized the Greater Augusta Chapter for significant fundraising efforts. The President provided updates on extensive campus construction planned over the next five years aimed at modernization and supporting student growth, noted several campus achievements including a student receiving a full scholarship and increased enrollment, and outlined top appropriation requests for capital projects like facility replacements and renovations. Standing Committees presented actions: Academic Affairs received approval for three new degree programs (M.S. in Agriculture & Natural Resources Management, B.S. in Animal & Veterinary Science, and B.S. in Natural Resource Management). The Finance and Administration/Operations Committee received approval for the FY2025-2026 Budget, the Hillcrest Lease Agreement, and an Operating Agreement, following a clean audit report. Other committees reported on fundraising goals, IT infrastructure updates, and athletics budget. The session concluded with an executive session regarding a personnel contractual matter, after which the Board approved the 5-year employment contract for the head men's basketball coach.

The Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees commenced with a call to order and invocation. Key actions included the amendment of the agenda to include an Executive Session, which was subsequently held. During the Executive Session, certain administrators were asked to join the Chairman, Attorney, and other key personnel. Upon reconvening in open session, a motion was passed to exit the Executive Session, confirming that no decisions or actions were taken during that time. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.