Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their first regularly scheduled meeting of the 2018 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Cheryl J. Cozette.  Other officers include Vice Chair Laura A. Crandall and Secretary Jennifer Kopp Dameron.  The Board took the opportunity to officially express their appreciation to Mike LaBeth for his exemplary service as the 2017 Chair of the Board of Governors.

Kyra Cooper and Sarah Holtmeyer, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided a wonderful annual Student Government Report.  Michael Gibbons and Tricia Workman, representatives of GibbonsWorkman LLC, provided a report on their work as legislative consultants for the University.  In addition, the Board, within their meeting and via committee meetings, reviewed financial reports and received on-campus construction project updates.

Within the President’s Report, I reported on the Governor’s budget recommendations for next fiscal year.  As previously noted, I will be discussing the budget situation and how we can control our own destiny at my All University Address scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, at 3 p.m. in the SUB Georgian Rooms.

In terms of action items, the Board approved three new academic programs subject to the adoption of each program by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education:  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.; Mental Health Counseling, M.A.; and School Counseling, M.A.  The Board also approved the Campbell Apartments Balcony Repair Project.  The project will be funded from the auxiliary capital funds budget.

Finally, the Board amended the one-time faculty early retirement incentive program for 2018 previously approved at their December meeting.  The amendment will allow those faculty members who reach age 60 by December 31, 2018, to qualify for the program.  The enrollment period runs thru February 16, 2018, and the Human Resources Office will distribute additional information as well as directions on how to apply.

A copy of the open session agenda 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 regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, April 14.

In times of tragedy and challenge, Truman has proven time and again that we are a caring and supportive community.  As we mourn Maya’s passing and navigate the difficult days ahead, please take extra care of one another.

Best regards,

Sue