Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held its first meeting of the 2025 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Philip J. Christofferson.  Other officers for the 2025 calendar year are Vice Chair William B. Lovegreen and Secretary Jennifer Kopp Dameron.  The Board recognized Nancy Gingrich for her exemplary service as the 2024 Chair.

The meeting consisted of several reports.  Marcia Humphreys and Lucas Manalang, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report highlighting the many impactful activities and initiatives that have occurred or are occurring during the current academic year.  Provost Eric Freedman provided an Academic Affairs Report, sharing a condensed version of his remarks from the Spring Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop (SPAW).  During the President’s Report, I discussed the impact of federal and state executive and legislative actions, the impact of those actions on Truman, and our strategy for determining how and when to respond.  In addition to receiving reports from their committees, the Board also heard a report on the January Foundation Board of Directors Meeting and reviewed their conflict of interest policy.

The Board approved four action items in open session:

–Independent Auditing Services:  Following a request for proposals and a thorough review process, the firm of RubinBrown LLP was selected to perform independent auditing services for a five–year period, beginning with fiscal year 2025 and ending with fiscal year 2029.  The firm was chosen based on its customized approach that meets the University’s aggressive reporting schedule, extensive experience with compliance audits and non-profit tax returns, excellent references from other institutions similar to Truman, and competitive and transparent pricing.  Since RubinBrown has provided independent auditing services to Truman for several years, the firm will address “familiarity risk” by rotating the engagement to a new partner who will be primarily responsible for issuing the audit report.

–Academic Calendar—August Interim 2026 through Summer Session 2028:  The calendar was developed in consultation with the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Academic Deans, and the Executive Leadership Team and is similar to the current academic calendar (August Interim 2024 through Summer Session 2026).

–Student Union Chick-fil-A Renovation Project:  The Chick-fil-A franchise agreement calls for facility upgrades on a periodic basis.  Currently, the Student Union has a Chick-fil-A Express with a limited menu.  The renovation will expand the size of the operation to a full-service model and include more menu options.  Work is scheduled for this summer, and this project is funded by the Food Services Improvements Fund.

–Ryle Hall Kitchen/Dining Improvement Construction Project:  As part of ongoing updates to Truman’s dining services, the Ryle Hall dining room and kitchen need improvements.  This project 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 will be replaced, including ovens, dishwasher and exhaust, tray return, and refrigeration units.  This project will begin in early June 2025, with completion prior to the fall semester.  Funding for this project is from the Food Services Improvement Fund.

A copy of the February 8th open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors Agendas website.   The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.

As we have settled into our new semester, I look forward to all the wonderful things our university will accomplish together this semester and into the future.

Best regards,
Sue