Ferris State University

The Board of Trustees discussed an exception to the Board-approved policy Sec. 6-104, Employment Policy, to allow the University President to enter into a three-year employment contract with the selected candidate for the Division I Head Hockey Coach. Additionally, the Board discussed and approved a voluntary contribution to the Tonkin Drain Improvement Project, with the university making three annual payments to the Mecosta County Drain Commission.

The Ferris State University Board of Trustees held a regular meeting covering various administrative and strategic items. Key discussion points included the approval of a Master Lease Agreement for student housing at 5 Lyon, a State Capital Outlay request prioritizing the Allied Health Sciences Building renovation, and Phase III of the University Wireless Infrastructure Replacement and Enhancement project. Additionally, the board approved the acceptance of a MiLEAP-OST grant, amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding with The Ferris Foundation, and the establishment of new degree programs in Exercise Science, Special Education, Sustainable Transportation Service, and Professional Sales. The board also approved the elimination of degree programs in Geography Education, History Education, Political Science Education, and Respiratory Therapy. The President's report included recognition of partnerships and upcoming events.

The Ferris State University Board of Trustees held a regular meeting addressing several key areas. The board approved the consent calendar items, including minutes from the previous meeting, personnel items, appointments and reappointments to the Boards of Directors of FSU-Authorized Charter School Academies, and Charter School Academy Contract Reauthorizations. Conditional authorizations were granted for Learn4life High School Pontiac and Pillars Academy. The board also approved sabbatical leave requests for the 2025-2026 academic year and a new Bachelor of Science program in Data Science and Analytics. Revisions to the Investment Policy were adopted, and agreements with Parker Executive Search, DHR Global, and The Registry for professional services were approved. Additionally, the board accepted a grant award for the Jim Crow Museum, Archive, and Research Facility project.

The special meeting included an informal closed session for a periodic personnel evaluation of President Bill Pink. Upon returning to open session, the board approved a resolution regarding the President's compensation and benefits, which included granting a discretionary bonus for the 2024-2025 employment term.

The meeting included the approval of a resolution for items contained in the Consent Calendar, including personnel items. The board approved a slate of candidates for The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary General Fund Operating Budget, including Tuition and Fees, was approved. The board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Segal Company for a Salary Compensation Review for Administrative & Support staff. Finally, the board endorsed a resolution to extend the agreement with Harris Search Associates for a period of five years to assist in developing expanded pools of quality candidates for selected senior-level positions.