Dear Colleagues:

The Truman State University Board of Governors met on Saturday, February 6, under the leadership of Governor K. Brooks Miller, Jr., Board Chair.  The meeting took place in McClain Hall 206J.  Given the predicted winter weather conditions, all ten members of the Board participated virtually.

Governor Miller recognized Governor Jennifer Kopp Dameron for her exemplary service as the 2020 Chair of the Board, noting that the Board will recognize Governor Dameron in person at the Board’s April meeting.  Governor Miller then welcomed Amy Clendennen, Truman’s new General Counsel, who began her duties at the University on January 19.

Katie Alexander and Josh German, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report highlighting the organization’s many impactful activities and initiatives undertaken during the current academic year.

A representative of GibbonsWorkman, LLC, the firm which serves as legislative consultant for the University, provided a report on the 2021 Missouri Legislative session, and Dr. Tyana Lange, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, provided an enrollment management report.

Within their committee meetings, the Board received updates on the Early College Initiative (a dual enrollment initiative in which high school students take Truman coursework and earn college credit), efforts to enhance professional development for Academic Department Chairs, and searches for the directors of Diversity and Inclusion and the Student Recreation Center.

The Board also reviewed their Conflict of Interest Policy and were provided updates related to on-campus construction projects and financial and investment reports.

Finally, within my report, I provided a budget update and discussed the continued COVID-19 efforts undertaken by the University community and Adair County.  I also highlighted the new CPA Success Index Rankings that place Truman as No.1 among large and medium sized accounting programs (!) as well as the spectacular Kohlenberg Lyceum programs that have featured very talented Truman alumni.

In terms of action items, the Board approved the Academic Calendar for August Interim 2022 through Summer Session 2024 and authorized the demolition and removal of Randolph Apartments in line with the initial Residential Living Master Plan developed in 2005-06 which called for demolition after the residence hall update cycle was complete.

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, April 10.

In a time when gratitude and appreciation can be hard to find, please know that the members of the Board of Governors and I not only recognize, but are enormously grateful for your immense contributions and devotion to our students and our University.

Stay warm and continue to be well,
Sue