Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past weekend under the leadership of Chair K. Brooks Miller, Jr.

In addition to the reports held in morning committee meetings – financial, investment, and a report on the upcoming Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW), the Board at their regular meeting received annual reports from Jerry Wollmering (Athletics), Winston Vanderhoof (Staff Council), and Tyana Lange (Enrollment Management), with the last report focusing on our incoming class of students and the recruitment efforts already underway for the Class of 2022.  I also provided a president’s report which included the introduction of Dr. Saint Rice, Truman’s new Director of Diversity and Inclusion, as well as updates on our Fall 2021 COVID-19 Campus Plan and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget process.

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

Revised Operating Budgets for Fiscal Year 2022
The original budget, approved at the Board’s June 12^th meeting, was revised based on the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriation bill signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on June 30.  The bill includes a 3.7% increase in state funding, and funds have been allocated to the personal service category which includes employee salaries and benefits.  It is anticipated that salary policies for the calendar year 2022 will be presented to the Board at their December meeting.  In addition, funding through the GEER Excels program allocated for expansion of the Nursing Program was added to the original budget along with additional funding for the Regional Professional Development Center.

Local Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2022
These budgets are reviewed and approved annually to provide funding for major building and renovation projects on campus.  This year’s budgets were designed to reflect institutional priorities in Truman’s Strategic Plan and the Campus Master Plan as well as provide general budget parameters.  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 2023
This request, submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), is for funding to support the Education and General Budget.  Truman’s Fiscal Year 2023 request includes a funding increase linked to the rate of inflation, maintenance and repair funds, and what are known as New Decision Items which would target new academic initiatives.

A copy of the complete agenda from the August 7 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 22, 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.  We are so excited to welcome new students, faculty, and staff to campus and to reconnect with returning students and members of the University community.  I am happy that we can once again come together for the Fall Opening Assembly scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall as well as the Ready-or-Not Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for Friday, August 20, at noon.  This year’s luncheon will be held on the Quad and as is tradition, we will have many wonderful door prizes donated by friends of the University to give away.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come celebrate the fantastic people who make Truman such a special place.

Enjoy your last few days of summer, and here’s to a great new year!

Best regards,
Sue