Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their first meeting of the 2019 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Laura A. Crandall.  While meeting, Governor Crandall and the members of the Board took the opportunity to officially express their appreciation to Cheryl J. Cozette for her exemplary service as the 2018 Chair.

The Board heard several reports.  Keaton Leppanen and Deanna Schmidt, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report sharing the many impactful activities and initiatives planned throughout the academic year.  Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, provided an update on advancement and Foundation Board activities, and representatives of GibbonsWorkman, LLC, provided a report on the 2019 Missouri Legislative session.  Within their meeting, committee meetings and working session, the Board also reviewed financial reports and received updates on enrollment management, on-campus construction projects, the University Strategic Plan, and several areas within Student Affairs including the JED Strategic Plan and Residence Life.  In the President’s Report, I highlighted campus and community activities which have taken place since the Board’s last meeting.  In addition, I discussed my upcoming annual All-University Address scheduled for Thursday, February 14, at 3 p.m. in the Georgian Room entitled “Truman’s Truths.”  As previously noted, a webcast of my remarks will be made available to campus shortly thereafter.

In terms of action items, the Board approved the Academic Calendar for August Interim 2020 through Summer Session 2022 and two new academic programs, subject to the approval of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education:  Modern Language, B. A., and Philosophy and Religion, B. S.

The Board approved the Sesquicentennial Plaza Fountain Project, a project which involves replacing the fountain and completing the final phase of replacing bricks in front of the Student Union and the patio area south of the building entrance.  The plaza will contain personalized bricks and pavers purchased by donors and improved sidewalks and lighting to create an area suitable for a small stage.  In recognition of a gift  of $1,000,000, the plaza will be named the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennal Plaza and the remaining funds for the project will come from Foundation brick campaign funds and the Local Capital Budget.

In addition, three additional construction projects and one equipment purchase were approved.  The Violette Hall Roof Replacement and Recreation Center Repairs Project will replace the aging roof of Violette Hall and diagnose and repair the alarm system and HVAC control system of the Recreation Center.  The Natatorium Pool Liner Replacement Project, funded by the Student Athletic Fee and Plant Fund, will replace the liner in the natatorium pool.  The Greenwood Window Replacement Project, funded from the line item state capital appropriation, will replace approximately 75% of the windows in the Greenwood Building.  And, finally, the Board approved the purchase of two dual compression chillers.  The units to be replaced are 22 years old and help serve the chilled water loop which provides air conditioning to buildings on the central portion of campus.

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 13.

We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding group of Board members and, on behalf of the entire University, I thank them for the dedicated service and commitment to Truman and our students, faculty and staff.

Best regards,

Sue