Stanley Acker

The document is a transcript detailing President Leo's initial actions during his first week at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. His immediate priorities include listening to understand campus opportunities and challenges, identifying the university's distinctive characteristics, and collaborating with the campus community to define future priorities.

The meeting included the consideration and approval of several academic and administrative items across the University of Alabama system. Key discussion topics included the approval of new academic degree programs, such as a Master of Public Policy and Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy at the University of Alabama, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Physics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Additionally, the board approved the creation of the School of Data Science, renewals for participation in nutrition programs, and various endowed chair and professorship appointments. Several information items were presented, including certificate program changes, academic portfolio refinements, and updates regarding program modalities and closures.

The schedule includes meetings for the Investment Committee, Finance Committee, Physical Properties Committee, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Committee, Honorary Degrees and Recognition Committee, and the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, concluding with a full Board of Trustees meeting.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting involving the investment committee and discussions on university system resolutions. Key topics included a review of pooled endowment funds and liquidity and capital reserve pools, with performance updates and asset allocation strategies for private equity and real assets. The committee approved several new investment commitments and co-investments with managers, including KKR, Menlo Ventures, Align Capital Partners, and Scout Energy Partners. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved annual information technology plans for the university system and discussed the distribution of supplemental appropriations for university priorities as authorized by the state legislature.

The board meeting centered on the consideration and appointment of the 11th president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The process involved a search committee that conducted listening sessions, reviewed a large pool of candidates, and performed interviews to identify the best candidate. The board formally approved the appointment of Dr. Donald Leo as the new president.