Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with the annual Foundation Banquet, the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series, the Unveiling of the Dr. Troy D. Paino Presidential Portrait, the Celebration of the Life of Denise L. Smith, and the Sesquicentennial Presidential Celebration.  It was fabulous to have such a large gathering of alumni and friends on campus while we honored those who so generously give back to the University in time, talent and treasure.

In regard to the Sesquicentennial Presidential Celebration, it was extremely cool to have all 16 past University Presidents represented.  A listing of those representatives can be found below:

• Joseph Baldwin (1867-1881), our Founding University President, represented by Sarah Holtmeyer, current Student Government Vice President
• William P. Nason (1881-1882) represented by his great grandson George Nason
• Joseph Blanton (1882-1891) represented by his great grandson David Anderson Blanton III
• William D. Dobson (1891-1899) represented by his great-great grandson Rayburn B. Dobson, Jr.
• John R. Kirk (1899-1925) represented by his great grandson Todd Kirk
• Eugene Fair (1925-1937) represented by his grandson Erik Robert Fair
• Walter H. Ryle (1937-1967) represented by his son Walter H. Ryle IV
• Clark Elkins (1967 to 1969) represented by Steve Justice, a student during President Elkins’ tenure
• Eli F. Mittler (1969-1970) represented by his son Ted W. Mittler
• Charles J. McClain (1970-1989) represented by his spouse Judge Ann Covington
• Robert A. Dager (1989-1990)
• Russell G. Warren (1990-1994), represented by William V. North, a member of the Board of Governors during President Warren’s tenure.  Dr. Warren was the only living President who could not be with us due to a previously scheduled engagement in Vietnam.
• Jack Magruder (1994-2003)
• Barbara Dixon (2003-2008)
• Darrell W. Krueger (2008-2010)
• Troy D. Paino (2010-2016)

It takes a group effort to coordinate all of these spectacular events, and I thank all who were involved (this weekend and over the past few months) in the success of the weekend’s activities.  All of the feedback has been extremely positive, and I know that is the result of the tremendous work of this amazing group of individuals.

During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Chair Cheryl J. Cozette, the Board approved a resolution of appreciation recognizing the service of Governor Michael A. Zito, an out-of-state Board member who served on the Board from January 2010 to January 2018.  Governor Zito resigned from his position in January 2018 after serving two years past his expired term.

In terms of reports at the Board meeting, I provided a President’s Report sharing an update on the Fiscal Year 2019 budget as well as highlighting a number of activities that had taken place since the last meeting of the Board.  Dr. Vaughan Pultz and Dr. Debra Cartwright, President and President Pro-Tempore, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  In addition, the Board, at the meeting and within their committee meetings, was given updates on the Student Research Conference, several 2018 Spring Semester student events, TruStar, financial reports, and on-campus construction projects.

Two action items within the area of finance and auditing were approved.  The Board appointed Bank of Kirksville as the depositary for the University’s checking accounts during the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, with renewal possible for the next two fiscal years.  They also extended contractual services with RubinBrown LLP of St. Louis to perform audit services for the 2019 Fiscal Year.

Within the area of academic and student affairs, the Board approved an Alternative Calendar for Accelerated Online Programs which would apply to three on-line programs scheduled to launch in 2019:  Graduate Certificate in Data Science (launching January 2019); Master of Counseling: School Counseling (slated for launch August 2019); and Master of Counseling: Mental Health Counseling (slated for launch August 2019).

Finally, within the area of budget and capital projects, the Board accepted the proposal of Follett Higher Education Group for operation of the Truman Bookstore for a five-year period beginning July 1, 2018.  In addition, they approved the following four construction projects:

• Pickler Memorial Library Fire Suppression Systems Project. Based on the need to maintain this critical facility, this project was recommended as the top priority for the Summer 2018 construction season and will replace the sprinkler and alarm system which were installed when the library was expanded and renovated in a multi-year construction project thirty years ago.  Funds for the project are from the Plant Fund budget, supplemented by funds donated for improvements to the Presidential Portraits Reading Room.
• Student Union Building Audio/Visual Technology Improvements Project. This construction project will provide upgraded technology in the Georgian Room, Activities Room, Alumni Room, Conference Room and Down Under.  Funds for the project are available in the Student Union Reserve Account.
• Fair Apartments Asbestos Abatement and Demolition Project.  This project involves the demolition of Fair Apartments, a one-story apartment complex located on Patterson Street across from Violette Hall that was last utilized to house students during the 2014-15 Academic Year.  In a study by an outside firm in 2005-06, it was determined that it was too costly to renovate the facility to meet current standards.  The project will be funded by the Auxiliary Plant Fund and, once demolition is complete, the space will be seeded into grass.
• Missouri Hall Carpet Replacement Project.  This Summer 2018 project will replace the carpet in the corridors and common spaces of the residence hall, and funds are available in the Auxiliary Improvements Budget.

A copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website located at http://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/.  The next regular meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Saturday, June 16.

I wish each of you a wonderful end to the spring semester.

Best regards,

Sue