February 7 Board of Governors Meeting

Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held its first regular meeting of the 2026 calendar year this past Saturday, under the leadership of newly elected Chair William (Bill) Lovegreen.  Other officers for the calendar year are Vice Chair Jennifer Kopp Dameron and Secretary Taylor W. Burks.

The meeting included several reports.  Dr. Tim Walston, Interim Provost, presented the annual Academic Affairs Report, and Student Government President Alex Peterson and Student Government Vice President Ben Croat presented the annual Student Government Report.  The reports highlighted the impressive efforts of our faculty, staff, and students.  During the President’s Report, I introduced Dr. Jackie Jackson, Vice President for University Advancement, who joined the University on January 26.  I provided updates on the searches for Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost (EVPAAP), Assistant/Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management (AVPEM), Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies, and Chief Operating Officer (COO).  The EVPAAP Search Committee is reviewing applicants, with a goal of identifying candidates for Zoom interviews by March 6th, followed by on-campus interviews March 30 – April 7.  The AVPEM position description was posted last week; the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies will be posted this week; and the COO position will be posted after spring break.  In addition to legislative updates from Washington DC and Jefferson City, I highlighted Truman’s recent inclusion in The Missouri Times’ “This Week in Missouri Politics College Tour,” hosted by Scott Faughn.  I, along with a panel consisting of Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin; Associate Vice President for University Advancement Charles Hunsaker; and Student Government President Alex Peterson, participated in an episode that aired on February 1, focusing on the value of a liberal arts education and the impact of Truman and the University’s alumni on the state and region.  Committee meetings included status reports on finance, construction projects, and student engagement, and the working session focused on enrollment strategies.

In terms of action items, the Board approved two construction projects.  The Summer 2026 Roofing and Masonry Ryle Hall Project will replace sections of masonry and the flat roof at the east entrance of Ryle Hall.  The Campus Boiler Plant Deaerator Tank Replacement Project will replace a malfunctioning deaerator tank at the boiler plant.  A deaerator tank is a pressurized vessel that removes corrosive dissolved gases from boiler feedwater, protects the boilers, and improves overall efficiency.  The project will also be completed in the summer.

The agenda for the February 7th open session is available on the Board of Governors website. The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 11.

Enjoy the warmer weather and I look forward to all the wonderful things we will accomplish together this semester!

Best regards,
Sue