Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors held their annual April meeting on Saturday in conjunction with meetings of the Foundation and Alumni Boards and the annual Foundation Banquet.  It was wonderful to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic gathering of alumni and friends on campus who give back so generously to Truman with their time and talent.  At the Foundation Banquet, we honored several individuals whose generosity has put them into one of our prestigious recognition societies.  In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to A. T. Still University and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Larry and Sharron Quisenberry.

During the Board of Governors meeting, led by Chair Laura A. Crandall, the Board heard several reports.  Scott Alberts, Faculty Senate President and Professor of Mathematics, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report sharing highlights of the new Dialogues curriculum.  I provided the President’s Report noting various campus and community activities which had taken place since the last Board meeting.  And finally, within their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports, approved engagement letters for the annual financial audit, and received updates on enrollment management, the course repeat process, the Student Research Conference, HLC Progress/Update, and the Bookstore remodeling project.

Two action items within the area of finance and auditing were approved.  The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Truman State University Board of Governors and the Truman State University Foundation Board of Directors.  The Foundation is an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with and supporting the University, and the approved memorandum formalizes the previous and future operations between the two entities.  In addition, the Board of Governors amended their Conflict of Interest policy by amending the category of “Relatives” to include a wider range of persons related by blood or marriage.

Finally, within the area of budget and capital projects, the Board authorized the approval of the Chiller Replacement Project for Violette Hall and Student Union Building.  Bid openings for the project will take place on April 16.  Once finalized, the project will begin in mid-May with construction complete within 10 weeks.  The Board also approved the purchase of an upgraded projection system for the Del and Norma Robinson Planetarium and Multimedia Theatre ensuring that the Planetarium is able to continue to serve the campus and surrounding community.  The current star projection system powering the facility since Fall 2014 is out of date.

A complete 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 15.

While writing, I also wanted to extend my sincere appreciation for your hard work and dedication to our students and our campus.  I wish each of you a wonderful end to the spring semester.

Best regards,

Sue