Dear Colleagues:<\/p>\n
The Truman State University Board of Governors held their first meeting of the 2019 calendar year this past Saturday under the leadership of newly elected Chair Laura A. Crandall.\u00a0 While meeting, Governor Crandall and the members of the Board took the opportunity to officially express their appreciation to Cheryl J. Cozette for her exemplary service as the 2018 Chair.<\/p>\n
The Board heard several reports.\u00a0 Keaton Leppanen and Deanna Schmidt, President and Vice President of Student Government, provided the annual Student Government Report sharing the many impactful\u00a0activities and initiatives planned throughout the academic year.\u00a0 Dr. Ernie Hughes, Vice President for University Advancement, provided an update on advancement and Foundation Board activities, and representatives of GibbonsWorkman, LLC, provided a report on the 2019 Missouri Legislative session.\u00a0 Within their meeting, committee meetings and working session, the Board also reviewed financial reports and received updates on enrollment management, on-campus construction projects, the University Strategic Plan, and several areas within Student Affairs including the JED Strategic Plan and Residence Life.\u00a0\u00a0In the President\u2019s Report, I highlighted campus and community activities which have taken place since the Board\u2019s last meeting.\u00a0 In addition, I discussed my upcoming annual All-University Address scheduled for Thursday, February 14, at 3 p.m. in the Georgian Room entitled \u201cTruman’s Truths.\u201d\u00a0 As previously noted, a webcast of my remarks will be made available to campus shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n
In terms of action items, the Board approved the Academic Calendar for August Interim 2020 through Summer Session 2022 and two new academic programs, subject to the approval of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education:\u00a0 Modern Language, B. A., and Philosophy and Religion, B. S.<\/p>\n
The Board approved the Sesquicentennial Plaza Fountain Project, a project which involves replacing the fountain and completing the final phase of replacing bricks in front of the Student Union and the patio area south of the building entrance.\u00a0 The plaza will contain personalized bricks and pavers purchased by donors and improved sidewalks and lighting to create an area suitable for a small stage.\u00a0 In recognition of a gift \u00a0of $1,000,000, the plaza will be named the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennal Plaza and the remaining funds for the project will come from Foundation brick campaign funds and the Local Capital Budget.<\/p>\n
In addition, three additional construction projects and one equipment purchase were approved.\u00a0 The Violette Hall Roof Replacement and Recreation Center Repairs Project will replace the aging roof of Violette Hall and diagnose and repair the alarm system and HVAC control system of the Recreation Center.\u00a0 The Natatorium Pool Liner Replacement Project, funded by the Student Athletic Fee and Plant Fund, will replace the liner in the natatorium pool.\u00a0 The Greenwood Window Replacement Project, funded from the line item state capital appropriation, will replace approximately 75% of the windows in the Greenwood Building.\u00a0 And, finally, the Board approved the purchase of two dual compression chillers.\u00a0 The units to be replaced are 22 years old and help serve the chilled water loop which provides air conditioning to buildings on the central portion of campus.<\/p>\n