Dear Colleagues

The Truman State University Board of Governors held its annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.  The President’s Leadership Award, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the Foundation, was presented to Steve (’70) and Katherine Justice and posthumously to Dr. Deb Kerby (’77, ’78), and the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to the Hearst Foundations.  In addition, we honored several individuals/ corporations whose generosity has gained them entry into one of our recognition societies.  Three bright, talented, and engaged students were spotlighted at the celebration.  Sydney Young highlighted her exceptional undergraduate research; Miranda Lee provided a spectacular trumpet performance; and Shikha Bhattarai showcased her experiences at Truman in a special edition of Tea Time with Sue.

During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Board Chair Cheryl J. Cozette, the Board heard several reports.  Kathryn Brammall, Faculty Senate President and Professor of History, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement; Calaneet Balas, 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 updates on bills in the state legislature and all of the campus activities happening that day. I also shared the very exciting news that a Truman student has earned the preeminent Goldwater Scholarship!  Congratulations, Thomas Schodl! Please join me in thanking Tony Vazzana, Daniela Ostrowski, Cassidy Dobson, and Marla Fernandez for supporting our students in applying for this prestigious scholarship.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and heard reports from their committee meetings related to academic affairs, enrollment, student life, and current on-campus construction projects.

The Board also approved several action items:

Enrollment Fees
To offset cost increases due to inflation that will not be covered by state appropriation, an increase of 4.9% was approved for tuition and required fees for Missouri undergraduate students starting with the 2023 Fall Semester.  In addition, non-resident tuition and fees will increase by 4.8%, and graduate tuition and fees will increase by 5 percent.

Faculty Early Retirement Incentive Program 2024
A one-time faculty early retirement incentive program with a separation/retirement date no later than May 31, 2024, was approved.  Eligible for the incentive program are all full-time employees holding faculty status currently employed at Truman who meet one of the following conditions by May 31, 2024:  1) MOSERS Participant (MOSERS retirement eligible on or before June 1, 2024); or 2) CURP Participant (age plus years of service equals 70 on or before June 1, 2024).  The program is not available to employees who have already retired under MOSERS or CURP or who have already committed their written intent to retire from the University.  The program is limited to 35 participants and provides a cash incentive payment of $30,000 which will be payable as a lump sum in the employee’s final paycheck.  The enrollment period runs from May 1 through June 1, 2023.  The Human Resources Office will distribute additional information as well as directions on how to apply.

Softball Artificial Turf Project
The Board approved a construction project that will install synthetic turf at the softball field thus allowing increased utilization of the field during wet weather, a reduction in maintenance costs for striping and drying agents, and a competitive venue to aid in recruiting students. The project was recommended by the Athletics Department and the Student Athletic Fee Accountability Committee.

2023 Masonry and Exterior Repairs Project
This approved construction project will address masonry repairs at Barnett Hall, Pershing Small Gym, Ophelia Parrish, and Stanton Gardens.  Exterior repairs will also be made to windows at Ophelia Parrish and the bridge connecting McClain Hall and Baldwin Hall, with work to be completed during the summer.

Branding and Marketing Management Consultant Contract Extended
A proposal previously approved at the February meeting from Enliven Agency LLC to perform Brand and Marketing Management Consultant services to support the University’s admission team was extended for an additional 120 hours of consulting support.  Work with the firm is going well and, due to the ongoing marketing director search, it was advisable to extend the scope of work with this firm.

Treasurers for Fiscal Year 2024
As per Board policy, the Board made its annual appointment of University treasurers.

The complete 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, June 17.

Here’s to a fantastic April filled with the joy of being together and celebrating an impactful and productive academic year!

All the best,
Sue