Pena L. Bedesem

This document outlines the new vision and mission for an Engagement Center, focused on fostering connections between students and alumni. Key efforts include engaging alumni through calls for events, thank-yous, and feedback, providing career support and networking opportunities for recent graduates, and instilling a sense of pride in their alma mater. The ultimate goal is to encourage alumni involvement through volunteering, event attendance, and philanthropic support.

The document covers the presentation of the Distinguished Citizen Award to Andy Baskin, '90. The discussion centered on Mr. Baskin's significant involvement with the Kent State University alumni chapter and his dedication to charitable causes, particularly his efforts to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation following the loss of his brother to the disease. Mr. Baskin expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized his commitment to eradicating cystic fibrosis through fundraising and awareness campaigns.

This document outlines the strategic objectives and anticipated impacts of the new building campaign for the Kent State University College of Business Administration. The campaign focuses on providing a transformative learning environment through active, immersive experiences, advanced technologies like a financial trading lab, and fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and business leaders. The initiative aims to attract high-quality students, improve business school rankings, and equip graduates with competitive skills for the global workforce, ultimately fostering pride and attracting talent to the Ohio workforce.

The special meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order to consider a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement between Kent State University and Kent State University Employees Local 153, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents approximately 385 employees in facilities management and culinary services. Prior to this, the Board met in Executive Session to review negotiations concerning employee compensation. The primary agenda item was the approval of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which the membership of AFSCME had ratified on November 5, 2025. The resolution authorizes the new agreement to be in full force and effect from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2028.

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session to discuss employment/compensation matters and negotiations. During the subsequent Committee of the Whole session, updates were provided on the university's Kent State Works campaign and compliance efforts related to Senate Bill 1. The Board Business Meeting addressed routine personnel actions, including granting emeritus status to faculty and staff. The External Relations and Philanthropy Committee recommended the naming of the Herb Page Men's Golf Program and the Dr. Paula Treckel Women's Golf Program, and reported on fundraising status and legislative advocacy, particularly concerning federal student financial aid and the state's operating budget. The Academic Excellence and Student Success Committee endorsed the Transformation 2028 plan for non-degree granting colleges, which is projected to save $1 million annually, and endorsed the required 2025 University Report on low-enrollment courses. This committee also approved the establishment of the School of Aeronautics and the School of Engineering within the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. The Audit and Compliance Committee recommended approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Internal Audit Plan. The Finance and Administration Committee recommended approval for an expenditure authorization for FY26 to maintain operations pending final state budget approval, the Kent State University Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project, revisions to nine university policies, and new tuition, room and board rates under the Tuition Guarantee Model for the Fall 2025 freshman cohort, as well as tuition and fee adjustments for other student categories. New Business included adopting the mandated Statement of Commitment and establishing the university policy concerning compliance with Senate Bill 1. Finally, the Board conducted the annual election of the President and reelected the slate of Board officers for FY26. Resolutions of appreciation were approved for retiring administrators Denise A. Seachrist and Mark Polatajko, and retiring Graduate Student Trustee Lara Shigo.