Tennessee State University

The committee meeting focused on a legislative update regarding university relations with state government. Topics discussed included the state budget process, the university's upcoming sunset hearing scheduled for mid-2026, and the timeline for the upcoming legislative session. The committee also reviewed changes to university board structures, the anticipated process for trustee confirmations, and upcoming legislative hearings and events, including TSU Day on the Hill. Additionally, a brief federal update was provided regarding a congressional vacancy and upcoming special election.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by opening remarks recognizing a Provost for a technology innovator award. A modification to the agenda was made to remove the update on research and sponsored programs to a later meeting. Key discussion points included the approval of the November 21, 2025, student and academic affairs committee meeting minutes. The Vice President for Enrollment Management provided an update highlighting organizational restructuring progress, significant accomplishments in transfer credit evaluation turnaround time, and positive enrollment trends for Spring 2026, including increased transfer and freshman enrollment compared to the previous year, and an 87% freshman retention rate for the spring semester. For Fall 2026, applications, GPA of applicants, and standardized test scores were noted as being up compared to the previous year. The presentation detailed the multiple application sources and the quality of admitted students being maintained or improved despite an increase in overall admits. Scholarship revisions resulting in a lower discount rate (38% to 42%) were discussed, noting that 84% of admitted students currently have a scholarship. Enrollment goals for the upcoming year were reviewed, targeting 1,200 freshman students (a 163% increase) and 10% growth in transfer, international, and dual enrollment students. Yield initiatives were presented, including improvements to financial aid offer presentation via physical packets, campus collaborations, and communication campaigns aimed at admitted students.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by the Chair, including a tribute and moment of silence in honor of distinguished alumnus Amos-Leon' Otis. Outstanding TSU scholars presented on student-led planning and design initiatives for campus enhancements, including projects at the Avon Williams campus and residential facilities, supported by initial innovation space funding of approximately $175,000. The agenda was adopted, and the consent agenda, which included approvals for several committee meeting minutes from June, August, and September, was approved. Committee reports covered the Audit Committee's review of internal and external audit activities, the Finance Committee's approval of a revised Bank Reconciliation Policy and the Fiscal Year 2026 Revised Budget, the Student and Academic Affairs Committee's updates on enrollment and academic strategic initiatives, and the Governance and Governmental Affairs Committee's receipt of a legislative update. A federal funding update highlighted current funding landscape uncertainties, a year-to-date decline in grant awards, and strategies for mitigation. The President's Report detailed progress in academic success indicators, improvements in financial position related to MOU management, key leadership appointments, measures for long-term financial sustainability including a revised merit scholarship structure, and compliance updates regarding space utilization and real property assessment.

The Audit Committee meeting included several key discussions focusing on internal and external audit items. The committee reviewed the status of fifteen findings from the 2023 Financial and Compliance Audit Report of Action issued by the Division of State Audit. Several findings, including issues with oversight, untimely bank reconciliations, control deficiencies in financial statements, inadequate ledger controls, non-compliance with fee charges, and documentation failures regarding student withdrawals, remain uncorrected, largely due to staffing shortages. Partial correction was noted for accounts receivable collection procedures, and improvements are in progress for Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund guidelines. The status of Single Audit 2024 findings was also summarized. The committee also discussed results from a gap assessment conducted by the M&A Group concerning compliance with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Standards, noting updates to charters and the need to complete a strategic plan. Furthermore, the status of outstanding audit issues and the audit plan was reviewed, confirming the completion of the NCAA Student Assistance Fund FY 2025 review and the FY 2024 Single Audit follow-up.

The February 2026 meeting agenda covered multiple committee discussions and actions. The Governance and Governmental Affairs Committee reviewed a legislative update, including information on budget requests, the upcoming Board of Trustees sunset review in June 2026, and statutory changes affecting board size. The Finance Committee addressed the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 revised institutional budget, which showed an improved projected deficit compared to the proposed budget, driven by increased state MOU funds and enrollment revenue. Key financial actions included approving the Bank Reconciliation Policy (with required clarification) and moving forward with the approval of the YMCA Parking Transaction, which involves leasing 100 parking spaces for recurring revenue. The Finance Committee also sought approval to proceed with the administrative rulemaking process for new Parking Rules. Institutional Advancement provided updates on fundraising totals, noting a shift toward larger average gifts, ongoing CRM migration, and the strategic plan for a comprehensive fundraising campaign with priorities set on student experiences and campus infrastructure.