Marcus Bernard

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Information items included the introduction of the new Vice-Provost of Academic Affairs. Discussions focused extensively on the status of online/virtual degree programs, including enrollment figures, financial details, fee collection processes, faculty involvement, and program delivery methods (synchronous vs. asynchronous). Further updates covered the availability of reorganized structure organizational charts, a SACSCOC update presentation, faculty demographics in relation to expectations under HB4, and the enrollment forecast for AY 25-26, which included details on admitted first-time freshmen and summer school enrollment. Items recommended for Board approval, such as Tenure and Promotion, Dual Credit Policy, and Emeritus Faculty Designation, were deferred to the subsequent Board of Regents meeting.

The meeting included reports from the University Senate, Staff Senate, and Student Government Association (SGA) concerning curricula updates, faculty mentorship programs, staff work study opportunities, software initiatives, and reflections on the past academic year. The President presented the Six Month Report, and the Board approved the schedule for the Board Retreat Meeting, rescheduling August committee meetings and moving an October meeting time. The Division of Finance and Administration addressed several action items, including the approval of the Revised FY25 Budget, the FY 2026 Budget, and all FY 2026 Tuition and Fees. Discussions also covered the President's Expense Report, specifically inquiring about the status and repair costs of Hillcrest, and an update on appropriations. The Division of Academic Affairs secured approvals for tenure and promotion actions, a Dual Credit Tuition Policy, and Emeritus Faculty Designations. The Division of Institutional Advancement & External Relations reviewed the Philanthropy Review Report, and approved resolutions endorsing its recommendations, approving MOUs with the KSUNAA and KSU Thorobreds Foundation Inc., and endorsing the Foundation's Bylaws and Board of Trustees. Finally, the Office of Human Resources approved pending personnel items and an addendum to the Head Football Coach Contract, while the Office of General Counsel approved the Viewpoint Neutrality Policy.

The special called meeting included the administration of the oath of office to new Regents, Joan "Toni" Stringer and Dr. James Obielodan. Key actions involved confirming committee assignments for the Finance and Advancement, Academic Affairs, Athletics, and Student Affairs committees, which subsequently defined the membership of the Executive Committee. Shared governance reports were presented by the Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and the Student Government Association (SGA). The SGA report detailed initiatives focused on GPA improvement, social media visibility, community service, food service feedback regarding Southern Foods, and a redesigned Town Hall model. The Board received a presentation on planned giving strategies from consultant Ben Smith, emphasizing legacy planning. The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources presented an update on its apiculture (honey bee) and pollinator program, detailing research and statewide outreach grants. An academic update focused on enrollment management, aggressive recruitment tactics (including on-the-spot admissions in Detroit), and retention strategies, noting the goal to reach 3,000 students. Specific focus was given to financial health, including managing outstanding student balances through move-in policies and payment plans. The CFO provided an update on the FY 2024 audit timeline, anticipated to conclude before Thanksgiving 2025, and plans for enhanced quarterly financial reporting. Action items included the unanimous approval of the Follett bookstore contract and the ACCESS program, and the unanimous approval to increase the budget for the Shaunte Hall renovation by $1 million to accommodate the School of Engineering. Finally, the Board elected Attorney Nicole Sergent as Secretary and Dr. Heather Bigard as Treasurer by acclamation. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss pending litigation.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which covers accepting the FY24 Audit and the final approval of interim policies from October 9, 2025. Action items involve reports from the University Senate (Faculty, Staff, and SGA Presidents), updates from the Division of Finance & Administration including the approval of the FY26 Budget Amendment and approval for the Shauntee Hall Renovations Project and the Jackson Hall Easement. The Division of Academic and Student Affairs will provide updates and seek approval for the Command College Certificate Program. Finally, the General Counsel's office will present minutes from previous board and committee meetings, specifically the December 5, 2025, sessions.

The committee approved the agenda for the meeting. Key information items included updates on the revised FY25 budget, prompting a recommendation for a special call meeting to review FY25 budget versus actual figures including June actuals. Discussion ensued regarding FY24 actual numbers for tuition fees and scholarships, uncollected Accounts Receivable protocols, and potential hiring of internal collectors. Auxiliary Budget to Actual through May was reviewed. The committee received an update on the FY 2023 Audit Findings and the status of the FY 2024 and FY 2025 audits, discussing material weaknesses and significant deficiencies identified. The status update on the 2024-2025 internal audit was also presented. No Ethics Hotline reports were received in the last quarter. A Philanthropy Review Report covered the Campaign Planning Study highlights, findings, and recommendations. Updates for Institutional Advancement were tabled. Finally, nominees for the Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees were noted as being included in the following day's materials for a vote.