Dear Colleagues:

Truman Homecoming 2024, entitled “Squirrel Scouts,” was a resounding success!  Our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends each bring something unique to our community.  However, it’s the collective spirit of everyone that genuinely embodies the magic of Truman, a spirit we celebrated this weekend.  Like the iconic Truman squirrel, each of you is an invaluable part of our campus and identity, and we wouldn’t be the same without you!

Homecoming was also a time to celebrate the contributions of our alumni and friends.  In addition to honoring several individuals at the Homecoming Celebration on Friday evening, we were honored to host members of the Board of Governors, Foundation Board of Directors, and Alumni Association Board of Directors for their annual October meetings.  These individuals, with their unwavering service and dedication, are true servant leaders and we could not achieve our mission and vision without them.  They are not just representatives, but the living embodiment of the Truman spirit.

Regarding the Board of Governors meeting, Nancy Gingrich, Chair of the Board, began the meeting by recognizing two former Board members for their exemplary service and one student, Jacob Morris, for obtaining excellence in a nationally competitive activity.  Dr. Cheryl J. Cozette served as a member of the Board from April 2007 through April 2024 at the request of the Governor of Missouri in both April 2007 and May 2018.  Governor Cozette served as Secretary, Vice Chair, and Chair of the Board a total of three times, providing leadership in guiding the University through four presidential search processes and overseeing various committees of the Board.  Governor Ella Schnake served as Student Representative to the Board from April 2023 through her graduation from Truman in May 2024, providing a compelling and persuasive voice for students throughout her tenure.   Jacob Morris, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Education program, earned the title of NCAA National Champion in Men’s Discuss Throw at the 2024 NCAA Division II Track and Field Championship.

Representatives of RubinBrown LLP, an accounting firm, reviewed the university’s annual audit draft.  Tyana Lange, Vice President for Student Engagement, Enrollment, and Marketing, provided an enrollment report analyzing this year’s enrollment numbers and sharing new admission strategies and specific enrollment goals for the 2025-26 Academic Year.  I offered a President’s Report, noting several recent speaking opportunities in Columbia, where I highlighted Truman and our exceptional students.  I also reported on the continued work of the House Interim Committee on Higher Education Workgroup, shared the status of various on-campus searches, and noted that the Kirk Building renovation is on schedule to be completed in December.  Finally, during their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports and received updates on academic affairs, student services, enrollment, and construction projects.

In addition, six action items were approved by the Board:

1. Architectural Services for the 2025 Roofing/Masonry Project.  Several major buildings, including McClain, Magruder, and Pickler Memorial Library, need roofing section replacements.  Each of these buildings has sections of roofing which vary in age due to renovations and additions.  This project addresses these issues as well as masonry repairs at Pickler Memorial Library.  The schedule is designed to allow work to be completed during the summer of 2025.  Funding for this project will come from the Plant Fund.   After the Board approves construction bids, work will occur starting in May 2025.
2. Architectural Services for the Ryle Hall Kitchen/Dining Improvements Project.  As part of ongoing updates to Truman’s dining services, the Ryle Hall dining room and kitchen need improvements.  This includes new ceilings and lighting in the dining room, along with painting and some new seating areas.  In the kitchen, several major pieces of equipment require replacement, including ovens, dishwasher and exhaust, tray return, milk dispenser, ice cream machine, etc.  This project will be designed and bid to allow work to begin in early June 2025, with completion before the fall semester.  Funding for this project will come from the Auxiliary Food Services Fund.
3. Purchase of a 35-passenger Freightliner bus.   Truman’s 35-passenger bus was purchased in 2013 and recently surpassed 230,000 miles.  This bus represents one of three units that provides transportation to student-athletes.  This bus also regularly transports students to and from other regional off-campus events.  As a result of the unit’s age, repair and maintenance costs have begun to be significant.  The accepted proposal offered a unit with a proven and reliable drivetrain, the largest luggage area for team sports, and the closest service location to Truman’s campus.  Finally, the proposal included options for students, such as USB ports for all passengers, allowing connectivity to complete coursework during longer trips.
4. Revisions to the Alumni Association Bylaws.  The Truman Alumni Association Board of Directors met on July 13 and approved an updated by-laws document.  Per the association’s charter, the Truman Board of Governors must approve all by-law revisions.  The new alumni association by-laws provide the association with the latitude to develop a national alumni association.
5. Construction Project – HVAC System Upgrades Phase I Project.  Several facilities need upgrades to cooling towers, chillers, and air handling units.  This first phase will replace chillers in Magruder Hall and install a new heating and cooling system in Pershing Arena.  This project will also provide operational cost-savings via more efficient HVAC units.  Funding is from a state appropriation for this purpose.
6. Faculty Early Retirement Incentive Program 2026.  The Board approved a one-time faculty early retirement incentive program with a separation/retirement date no later than May 31, 2026.  Eligible for the early retirement incentive program are all full-time employees holding faculty rank currently employed at Truman, with a minimum of five years of service at the University,  and who meet one of the following conditions by May 31, 2026:  1) MOSERS Participant (MOSERS Retirement Eligible on or before June 1, 2026); and 2) CURP Participant (Age plus years of service must equal 70 on or before June 1, 2026).  The program is not available to employees who have previously retired under the MOSERS and CURP retirement systems or have already committed their written intent to retire or resign from the University.  The program is limited to thirty-five (35) participants.  It provides a cash incentive payment of $30,000, payable as a lump sum in the employee’s final check from the University.  The enrollment period runs from November 11 through December 20, 2024.  The Human Resources Office will distribute additional information and directions about how to apply.

The complete open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website. The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 7.

Thank you in advance to everyone working to make this weekend’s Truman Experience Weekend a fantastic recruiting event!

All the best,
Sue