Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Vice Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron.

As follow-up to their discussion in June, the Board reviewed proposed fundamental metrics related to the University’s next strategic plan.  The next step in the process is to involve the University community, and additional details will be shared soon after the fall semester begins.  Jerry Wollmering, Director of Athletics, provided the annual athletics report.  Within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on various summer initiatives within academic and student affairs, construction projects, financials reports, investments, and enrollment management.  The Board also discussed their honorary degrees policy deciding to table a recent nomination until a review of their policy is complete.

In terms of action items, the Board approved five items within the area of budget and capital projects:

Revised Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020
The original budget was revised based on the funding bill signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on June 10.  The bill provided $1,000,000 in additional state support.  After the 3 percent withholding from additional state funds, a total of $970,000 is available for the Education and General Budget and $271,191 was added for the MoExcels program in the Restricted Funds Budget.  If the appropriation continues to remain in place and based upon the enrollment census for the Fall 2019 Semester, salary recommendations will be readdressed with the Board in October and/or December.  No change was made for the Fiscal Year 2020 Auxiliary Budget.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2020
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus.  This year’s budget has a major focus on utility and infrastructure improvements for both academic and auxiliary buildings including masonry and roofing repairs, storm drainage improvements, HVAC system replacements, future dining and kitchen projects, and projects within the housing system.  All proposed project expenditures will come before the Board following the usual procedures and will be subject to individual Board approval.

State Appropriation Request for Fiscal Year 2020
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  As in previous years, Truman’s Fiscal Year 2020 request includes a core appropriation increase and increased funding based upon the Performance Funding model.

Greenwood Site Development Project Engineering Services
Services are required for design and preparation of bid documents to move this phase of the project forward.  Included in this phase are structural, site development and mechanical/electrical/plumbing components, with the final project scope adjusted to match the funds for this project.

Student Government Fair Grounds Naming Proposal
During the 2019 Spring Semester, Student Government submitted a naming proposal requesting that the former Fair Apartments lot be renamed Fair Grounds.  The approved proposal noted that the word “Fair” will maintain the legacy and memory of Dr. Eugene Fair, the Sixth President of the University and after whom Fair Apartments was originally named.  The word “Grounds” will assist with the goal of expanding upon the purpose of the green space allowing students to use the space as an outdoor recreational area to convene, relax and play.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 3 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Friday, October 18, in conjunction with Truman Homecoming activities.

The August Board meeting signals that summer is nearly over and the new academic year is about to begin.   It is always exciting to welcome our new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  I look forward to a remarkable year and seeing you at the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall and the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 16, at 12:00 noon in the Georgian Rooms of the Student Union Building.

Enjoy your last few days of summer, and thank you for all you do for Truman!

Best regards,

Sue