Hello Colleagues!

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held their annual April meeting in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.  We honored a number of individuals whose generosity has gained them entry into one of our prestigious recognition societies.  In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to KPMG and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Major General John Cox and Mrs. Patricia (McMichael) Cox.  Our bright, talented, and engaged students thrilled and amazed those in attendance at the celebration.  Christian Baugher played an awe-inspiring marimba piece and Laura Alexander, accompanied by Dr. Lok Ng, provided a beautiful vocal performance.  Esther Lee shared a moving testament detailing how her foundation scholarship has allowed her to make the very most of her educational experience at Truman.  I extend my congratulations and great appreciation to everyone involved, most especially, the Advancement Office and Sodexo.

The Board of Governors meeting, held Saturday afternoon, was led by Chair Sarah Burkemper.  Governor Burkemper recognized Ethan Kershaw who provided public comment highlighting an environmental policy forum.  In addition, Governor Burkemper presented Governor K. Brooks Miller, Jr. with a framed gavel in recognition of his exemplary leadership as the 2021 Chair of the Board.

Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, President of the Foundation Board of Directors; and Jamie Matthews, President of the Alumni Board of Directors, shared updates from Advancement and their respective boards.  In the President’s Report, I provided budget and Greenwood updates, shared the fantastic news that Truman was once again recognized as a top Fulbright producer, and noted various campus and community activities that had taken place since the last Board meeting.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on enrollment and on-campus construction projects.

The Board approved several action items:

— Three new academic programs – Undergraduate Certificate in Business Analytics, Bachelor of Arts in Social Issue Advocacy, and Bachelor of Science in Social Issue Advocacy – effective with the 2022-23 Academic Year, subject to the approval of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

— Bank of Kirksville as the depository for the University’s checking accounts for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024.

— Board treasurers for FY 2023.

— Two items related to the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center Project.  The first includes the construction of a small two-story addition to create an accessible entrance to the building and house a new elevator; infrastructure improvements including HVAC systems, electrical services, fire alarms, sprinklers, and restrooms; first-floor construction; and roughing in of the second floor.  Funds for this project are available from the FY 2022 state capital appropriation and the grant from the Sunderland Foundation.  The second item approved architectural services to design the second floor of the building, repurpose the current gym, and install a new roof.  Funding for the final phase of this project will come from a recent federal appropriation supported by U. S. Senator Roy Blunt.  In addition to design and construction, funds from the federal appropriation will be used for furnishings and equipment.

— Tennis Court Resurfacing Project that will repair and resurface the tennis courts located south of Campbell Apartments.  Funds for the project are available from the student athletic fee budget.

— Summer 2022 Parking Lot Project.  Each summer, routine maintenance is performed for on-campus parking lots.  This project includes the parking lot and driveway at Barnett Hall and the parking lot and driveway behind Centennial Hall.  A small area at West Campus Suites will also be repaired.  Funds for this project are available in the Parking Repairs/Replacement Fund.

— Purchase of six Anatomage virtual anatomy tables to be installed in Magruder Hall in an existing lab space being remodeled for this purpose.

— Enrollment fees for the 2022-23 Academic Year.  Tuition and required fees for Missouri undergraduate students will increase by 3.89%.

A complete copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website.  The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, June 18.

It is hard to believe that the semester is almost completed!  My deep appreciation to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus throughout the entire academic year.  Wishing you a fantastic end to the semester!

Best regards,
Sue