April Board of Governors Meeting

Dear Colleagues:

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held its annual April meeting, which coincided with meetings of the Foundation and the Alumni Board of Directors, as well as the Foundation’s annual recognition celebration.

During the Foundation celebration, we recognized those whose extraordinary generosity has earned them a place among Truman’s most distinguished recognition societies, including our newest society, Tried and True, which honors donors for consecutive years of giving.  The President’s Leadership Award, one of the University’s most prestigious honors, was presented to Jennifer Austin.  Jennifer earned two accounting degrees from Truman and has been a longstanding supporter of the University’s accounting program and the School of Business and Professional Studies, contributing to scholarships, student initiatives, and faculty development.  Attendees also had the pleasure of interacting with many of our amazing students.  Jack Blackburn, a senior music major, thrilled the audience with a fantastic vocal performance.  Aiden Wahrenbrock, a junior double major in accounting and business, shared a great testimonial detailing how his foundation scholarship has allowed him to make the most of his education at Truman.  A terrific jazz combo composed of Lyrick Baker (senior music emphasis groups major), Kayla Marker (senior English major), and Everett Scott (junior music major) entertained at the pre- and post-ceremony receptions.  Our alumni and friends had a wonderful time, and I extend my congratulations and great appreciation to everyone involved, especially the Advancement Office and Sodexo.

The Board of Governors meeting, held Saturday afternoon, was led by Chair Bill Lovegreen.  Governor Lovegreen welcomed new Board members Matt Gildehaus and Alan Hillier.  Governors Gildehaus and Hillier were appointed in early March to fill the expired terms of Brooks Miller and Sarah Burkemper.  Governor Lovegreen also noted that Governors Nancy Gingrich and Adli Jacobs, whose terms had expired, were reappointed to the Board.  Governor Lovegreen also presented Governor Phil Christofferson with a framed gavel in recognition of his service as the 2025 Board Chair.

Jackie Jackson, Vice President for University Advancement, Calaneet Balas, President of the Foundation Board of Directors, and Dustin Carmack, President of the Alumni Board of Directors, shared updates from Advancement and their respective boards.  In the President’s Report, I provided a legislative update and updates on several on-campus searches.   The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on construction projects.

The Board approved several action items:
–A resolution of appreciation for Sarah Burkemper, who served on the Board from March 2012 through March 2026
–University treasurers for Fiscal Year 2027
–Equity Bank as the primary depository of the University’s operating funds for FY27 and FY28
–Ophelia Parrish Exterior Stairs Project to replace the stairs outside the performance hall, which have deteriorated over many years of use and inclement weather
–Elevator Repair Project to improve the performance, reliability, accessibility, and efficiency of elevators in Baldwin Hall, Ophelia Parrish,  Picker Memorial Library, and Pershing Building
–Magruder Hall Transformer Replacement Project to replace the primary component, which has reached the end of its service life, that transfers electricity from Ameren’s main circuit to multiple circuits within Magruder Hall
–Expand marketing services with Enliven Agency for FY27, which includes increased brand marketing to enhance visibility and institutional awareness of Truman and saturation marketing to increase concentrated presence in priority geographic markets.  The expansion will be implemented through a two-phase, tiered approach to support near-term enrollment and long-term demand.
–Enrollment fees for the 2026-27 Academic Year.  To offset cost increases that state appropriations will not cover, tuition for full-time Missouri undergraduates carrying 15 semester hours will increase by $26 per credit hour, or $390 per semester.  This increase will place Truman in the middle of the public four-year institutions for tuition costs and all required fees.  The cost per credit hour for graduate programs will increase by $44.

The agenda for the open session is available on the Board of Governors’ website.  The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 13.

It is hard to believe the semester is almost over.  My deep appreciation to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus community.  Wishing you a fantastic end to the semester!

Sue