Nick Estee

The committee reviewed the 2024-2026 Finance and Facilities Committee Work Plan and received a financial update for the first quarter of FY2026, noting strong liquidity and growth in the net position. Discussions regarding facility planning included status updates on various campus construction projects, such as the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center and the Student Achievement Center. The committee approved the solicitation of proposals for Construction Manager at Risk services for the Student Achievement Center project. Furthermore, the committee received an update on the University Foundation, which included the formation of a special campaign committee and a report on the endowment's performance.

The committee reviewed the fiscal year 2026 second-quarter financial update, noting strong institutional ratios and cash positions. Discussion took place regarding a proposed 15% increase in non-resident fees to comply with performance funding metrics and financial modeling. The committee addressed campus housing statistics, acknowledging projected bed shortages for upcoming semesters and evaluating potential short-term and long-term development strategies, including a new construction phase. Furthermore, the committee reviewed various campus construction project updates and approved a budget amendment to fund additional office space construction in the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center. Finally, an update on the university foundation's operating budget, endowment performance, and upcoming campaign strategy was presented.

The committee reviewed and approved its revised charter and work plan. Discussions included an academic enterprise report covering performance-based funding metrics, faculty retention and promotion updates, enrollment trends, and textbook affordability compliance. Additionally, the committee received the mandatory Foreign Influence Annual Report and the Sponsored Research Certification Report. A research report outlined strategic goals for infrastructure development, faculty incentives, and graduate program expansion. The student affairs report provided updates on tutoring center relocation, website redesigns, housing occupancy strategies, and the university's transition toward NAIA athletics participation.

The committee discussed several items, including the approval of the revised committee charter and a review of the work plan. Financial discussions covered the FY25 Q4 financial update, the approval of the FY26 University Carryforward Spending Plan and Fixed Capital Outlay Budget, the FY25 employee bonus plan certification, and an annual review of contracts exceeding $1 million. The committee also addressed 2026-2027 student housing rates and received updates on campus construction projects, including a budget increase for the Public Safety and Operations Center and the appointment of a designee for the Student Achievement Center competitive selection process. Additionally, the committee received an update on the Student Information System modernization project and reviewed the Foundation's financial reports, MOU revisions, and requests for the use of university resources.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing and recommending the Committee Charter for Board approval. Discussions centered on the Strategic Initiatives and External Relations report, which outlined a four-stage engagement model for economic development, government and international relations, and industry partnerships. Additionally, the committee approved the fiscal year's Strategic Initiatives and External Relations Work Plan.