Yvette Barker

The special call meeting commenced with roll call to confirm a quorum, followed by disclosures regarding conflicts of interest. The board transitioned into an executive session to discuss matters outlined in the Texas Government Code sections 551.071 through 551.074. Following the conclusion of the executive session, the board addressed regular business. Key items included the approval of new board of regents committee assignments and the approval of the 100-Day Tiger Reset Operational Plan Executive Summary. The operational plan aims to address six specific tactical issues raised by the state auditor in a December 2025 report and accelerate reform actions.

The meeting commenced with a quorum confirmation. Initial discussions included sharing positive updates such as the university being named a Fulbright H.B.CU institutional leader, a successful visit to Northern California involving student leader visits to Apple and Google, and an extraordinary alumni art exhibit at the museum. A key agenda item involved Commissioner Ellis funding two outdoor murals featuring Dr. Biggers' art. The board then addressed the objective and key results (OKR) for the College of Education, with the objective to establish it as a national leader in innovation and reform by December 31, 2027. This included key results such as hiring a nationally recognized dean by Q1 2026, hosting national conferences, and securing funding for a lab school or practice/study structure by Q2 2026. The board subsequently approved the OKR and the establishment and initial appointments for an advisory committee to support these strategic initiatives for the College of Education. Finally, the board addressed the mandatory review of the general education curriculum as required by the Texas Education Code, approving a resolution and appointing a curriculum review committee, including specific faculty and community members. A final item concerning the appointment of a dean for the Barbara Jordan Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs was postponed as it had not yet been considered by the appropriate committee.

The board meeting commenced with roll call confirming a quorum and outlined the agenda, which centered on high-level strategic planning. Key discussion areas included the president's report and an OKR workshop. The strategic planning review focused on re-evaluating and refreshing the mission statement, vision statement, and core values, ensuring they reflect the institution's history and future direction. Priority areas of focus were established: student achievement and outcomes, academic research and innovation, and operational excellence including technology and AI integration, all viewed as horizontally connected and in service to student success. A significant portion of the discussion addressed the relationship between research (including R1 status consideration) and student outcomes, emphasizing that research should primarily serve the student mission. Board members also discussed the need for a clear capability in storytelling to articulate the university's impact.

The meeting initiated with a roll call confirming a quorum, followed by disclosures regarding conflicts of interest. The Chairman highlighted several recent successes at the university, including the unveiling of a new golf simulation room, recognition of College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students, and the national recognition of Dr. Bulock as Time Person of the Year for environmental justice work. Key agenda items included the approval of a new Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Civic Engagement, James Earl White, who was presented as the sole finalist following a thorough search. Significant discussion centered on proposed revisions to the Board of Regents bylaws, including organizational renumbering, clarification of governing document consistency with subordinate entities (such as the faculty manual), and modifications to the terms and selection cycles for Board Officers (including a four-year/two-term limit for specific roles) and Committee structures. The revisions also involved removing the Executive Committee as a formalized entity capable of taking action on behalf of the board, clarifying that all committees are advisory, and setting parameters for committee meetings, agendas, and information requests. Finally, changes were made to reflect that the Board reports to the Board Counsel, not the General Counsel, and updates were made regarding communication procedures for board member information requests.

The meeting involved several key approvals and discussions. The Board unanimously approved the committee assignments for the Board of Regents. The Development and Legislative Affairs Committee received approval to amend the CCS fundraising contract for consultant services, not to exceed $450,000. The Administration and Finance Committee handled an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget to recognize revenue from the sale of existing planes and record an offsetting expense for down payments on three new flight simulators and one twin-engine airplane, with the remaining balance deferred to FY27. The Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Life Committee secured approval to negotiate and execute the acquisition of new twin-engine training aircraft and flight simulators. Furthermore, the committee received approval to establish a Memorandum of Understanding with South Texas College for a College of Pharmacy satellite campus, a key step towards establishing three satellite campuses by 2030. The meeting concluded with a transition into and subsequent return from an executive session.