Mervens Val

The board convened to conduct an executive session to discuss proposed or pending litigation pursuant to state regulations. No formal action was taken during the executive session, and the meeting concluded following the reconvening of the open session.

The committee meeting focused on several key items, including the election of a new secretary for the Board of Trustees for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The committee also discussed a proposed new administrative regulation regarding conflicts of interest and procurement, as well as a revised Memorandum of Understanding with the Foundation, both of which were tabled for further review and future consideration.

The board meeting included the welcome and swearing-in of a new trustee and an annual conflict of interest affirmation. Action items included the election of board officers for the upcoming term and the approval of degree and certificate candidates for the university. The President provided a report covering updates from the University of Louisville Foundation and UofL Health, a year-end review of institutional goals, and the announcement of a National Institutes of Health designation for the university as a Clinical and Translational Research Center. Additionally, the board conducted an evaluation of the President's performance, discussed institutional self-evaluation processes, and met in executive session to address personnel matters and pending litigation.

The board discussed several items, including the status of the five-year undergraduate student success plan, updates on university community engagement initiatives, and presentations from student entrepreneurs on their research and business ventures. Additionally, the board approved several personnel recommendations, including new appointments and endowed professorships across various colleges. Other approved actions included the creation of three new graduate certificates in healthcare management fields, a signature delegation policy, and capital projects involving renovations at Jim Patterson Baseball Stadium and the Planet Fitness Kueber Center. Finally, the board received and approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

The committee reviewed and approved a reconsideration request for DesiCorp, Inc. regarding a transaction involving UofL faculty members Drs. Jonathan Kopechek and Michael Menze, who hold equity in the corporation. The request was necessary for the faculty members to receive a U.S. Department of Defense award for developing blood products based on University of Louisville research protocols. The committee confirmed that the request met established institutional criteria for managing potential conflicts of interest, including the determination that the contract is in the best interest of the university and does not involve human subjects research.