Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met this past Saturday under the leadership of Dr. Cheryl J. Cozette, Board Chair.

To begin their day, Board members enjoyed the opportunity to view the new virtual anatomy tables in Magruder Hall as well as the renovation progress at the Kirk Student Success and SKILLS Center and the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center. Committee meetings were held at 11 a.m., followed by their regular Board meeting at 1 p.m.

During their regular meeting, the Board approved the Operating Budgets and the Academic Promotion Salary Policy for Fiscal Year 2024.  Operating budgets were developed using state funding based on recommendations made by Missouri Governor Parson for FY2024 appropriations.  The General Assembly approved the proposed increase of 7%; however, the Governor has not signed the FY2024 appropriation bill.  Because the appropriation matches the Executive Budget proposal, approval is expected.  In addition, starting with FY2024, those faculty members who are promoted in rank to Associate Professor will receive an academic year salary increase of $3,800 and those promoted to Professor will receive an increase of $7,500.  These amounts have not increased since FY2019 and were previously set at $3,600 and $7,200.

In addition, the Board approved the FY2025 State Capital Improvement and Maintenance Request and the West Campus Annex Demolition Project.  The State Capital Request includes requested funds for nine top priorities including multi-location HVAC upgrades, a power systems infrastructure upgrade, an emergency electrical backup system, and updates to McClain Hall, Pickler Memorial Library, Violette Hall, and Barnett Hall.  Although it is not likely that these requests will be approved, the capital requests must be submitted each year to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and the Missouri Office of Administration.  The demolition project for the West Campus Annex, now beyond repair, will include the abatement and demolition of the building.

I provided a President’s report which included updates on the end of the legislative session, including the university funding formula and efficiency study work being conducted at the request of the legislature and progress in the work with our federal government relations policy services consultant.  Tyana Lange, Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment and Marketing provided an enrollment report.  The Board also heard reports from their three committees, received an audit preview, and reviewed financial reports and the status of previously approved construction projects.

During the closed session, the Board reviewed recommendations for promotion and tenure effective with the 2023-2024 Academic Year.  Faculty promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and granted Academic Tenure include:

Brad Carlson, Theatre
Julene Ensign, Health and Exercise Sciences
Xin Gao, Music
Joanna Hubbard, Biology
Katherine Judd, Psychology
Joyce Patrick, Biology
Kafi Rahman, Computer Science
Drew Sieg, Biology

Faculty promoted from Associate Professor to Professor include:

Julia Edgar, Communication Disorders
Michael Rudy, Political Science

Please join me in congratulating these dedicated faculty members and thanking them for all that they do on behalf of our students and the University.

The open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.  The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, August 5.

I hope your summer is enjoyable and restorative!

All the best,
Sue