Sharon Biggers

The meeting began with a welcome to the Gerald L. Baliles Center for Environmental Education at Hull Springs Farm. The Consent Agenda was amended to exclude Policy 2011: Debt Management for further review, and the amended minutes were approved. Key discussions centered on the Six-Year Plan presentation, covering enrollment stability post-pandemic, retention efforts, and mental health initiatives. Enrollment targets were discussed, noting a current full-time undergraduate count around 3,200, with a sustainable goal of 3,400. The growth in student-athletes was reviewed, including scholarship strategies. Financial discussions included tuition control, low borrowing costs, and controlling employee-to-FTE ratios despite rising salary and benefit costs. The Post Graduate Success Initiative, based on Life Design and Practice Career Everywhere, was detailed. Philanthropy focused on increasing scholarship dollars, with a greater weighting towards need-based aid. Reports were given by the Student Government Association President regarding internal growth and support for student organizations, the Faculty Representative on summer research and community engagement, and the Alumni Association President on upcoming events and internship opportunities.

The Executive Committee meeting focused on several key agenda items. President Reveley remembered a recently deceased senior student and provided updates on successful philanthropic endeavors and positive application/enrollment metrics. A significant discussion centered on the Board's role in budgetary risk and opportunity analysis, given the nature of public university revenue and expenses, potentially leading to an educational review session in the March Board meeting. The discussion covered best practices for forecasting, dashboard creation, and cashflow, laying a foundation for developing debt management policies. Further general updates included the dedication of the Barbara Johns statue at the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall.

The meeting commenced with Rector White calling the session to order under inclement weather conditions. Key discussions included the approval of two new degree programs: a bachelor of science in data science and a master's of science in information technology. The President noted significant enrollment growth and endowment increase compared to pre-COVID figures, and mentioned the upcoming dedication of the Barbara Rose Johns statue. Vice Presidential reports covered student affairs, including support following the tragic loss of a student, updates on budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year, progress on capital construction projects, and rising Pell student retention rates. Academic affairs highlighted efforts to teach the ethical use of A.I., requiring A.I. statements on all syllabi. Athletics provided updates on team performances and discussed budget pressures due to inflation. Philanthropy reports showed strong annual giving growth, with scholarships remaining a priority. SGA accomplishments included work on parking and campus safety, while the Faculty Representative emphasized faculty mentorship.

The Longwood University Board of Visitors convened to discuss various strategic and operational aspects of the university. Key topics included enrollment trends, retention strategies, mental health initiatives, financial performance, and fundraising efforts. The board also heard reports from the Student Government Association, faculty representatives, and the Alumni Association. Discussions covered the university's six-year plan, postgraduate success initiatives, and mentorship opportunities for students.

The Longwood University Board of Visitors Executive Committee meeting included updates on the University's financial status, with its combined net position exceeding $290 million and an endowment valued at $112 million. Discussions covered enrollment trends, challenges in higher education such as NCAA changes and artificial intelligence, and potential impacts of a federal shutdown. There was also consideration of developing a general dashboard for the Board to review and discuss.