Hello Colleagues!

This past weekend, Truman’s Board of Governors held their annual April meeting in conjunction with the Foundation and Alumni Boards meetings and the Foundation’s yearly recognition celebration.  During the Foundation Celebration, we honored a number of individuals and organizations whose generosity has earned them a place in one of our prestigious recognition societies.  In addition, the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award was presented to the Bayer Group, and the President’s Leadership Award was presented to Dan (’79) and Jan (’76) Shepherd and Dr. Gail B. Crump (’64).  Our bright, talented, and engaged students thrilled and amazed those attending the celebration.  MaKenna Carnes provided an awe-inspiring vocal performance.  Kenneth Damper highlighted his significant research opportunities, and Trenton Kiesling entertained on the piano and spoke about his experiences with studying abroad.  I extend my congratulations and great appreciation to everyone involved, most especially the Advancement Office and Sodexo.

The Board of Governors meeting, held Saturday afternoon, was led by Chair Nancy Gingrich.  Dr. Calaneet Balas (’98), President of the Foundation Board of Directors and Master of Ceremonies for Friday’s Foundation Celebration, and Lori Hart (’84), President of the Alumni Board of Directors, joined Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, to provide updates from their respective boards.  Dr. Kathryn Brammall, Professor of History and Faculty Senate President, provided the annual Faculty Senate Report.  In the President’s Report, I shared budget and legislative updates from Jefferson City and the status of the director transition for the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center.  In addition to sharing a report on various campus and community activities, I highlighted the Wind Symphony performance at Folly Theatre in Kansas City as a part of the College Band Directors National Association Conference and an article in USA Today that highlights the fascinating analysis Dr. Dean DeCock, Professor of Statistics, conducted on Caitlin Clark’s career statistics as an Iowa Hawkey.  The Board also reviewed financial reports and received status updates on enrollment and on-campus construction projects.

During their meeting on Saturday, the Board also approved several action items:

— Enrollment Fees for the 2024-25 Academic Year.  Academic year tuition and required fees for a Missouri resident undergraduate student will increase by $368, an increase of 3.9%.  Non-resident undergraduate tuition and graduate tuition and fee rates will also increase by 3.9%. 

— Bookstore Contractor.  Following a request for proposals, Barnes & Noble College was selected as the University’s bookstore contractor for a five-year period beginning July 1.  Barnes & Noble’s overall proposal provided the best financial options for students while still generating operating revenue and commissions for the Student Union Building operations.  The proposal also includes funding to renovate the existing bookstore facility.

— Investment Management Services.  Following a request for proposals, PFM Asset Management LLC will continue to provide investment management services for the University. 

— 2024 Summer Roof Replacement Project.  This project will address roof sections needing replacement on several major buildings, including Magruder Hall, Pickler Memorial Library, and Ophelia Parish. 

— 2024 Summer Paving Project.  Each summer, routine maintenance occurs for campus parking lots.  This summer, an asphalt overlay will be utilized on a large portion of the parking lot at the corner of Patterson and Franklin Streets near General Services. 

— Treasurers for Fiscal Year 2025.  The board annually appoints treasurers for the upcoming fiscal year.  These individuals are responsible for administering institutional funds.

A complete copy of the open session agenda can be found on the Board of Governors website.  The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, June 15.

It is hard to believe that we are heading into the home stretch of this semester!  I am deeply appreciative of all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students and our university throughout this entire academic year.  I hope you have a fantastic end to the semester!

Best regards,
Sue