June 19, 2015
Members present: Kathy Bigham, Karl Folkens, Glenn McCall, Jane LaRoche, Susan Smith-Rex,
Janet Smalley, Tim Hopkins, Don Long, Tim Sease, Randy Imler, Donna Glenn Holley,
Scott Middleton, Ashlye Wilkerson, Julie Fowler, Debra Boyd(ex officio).
Members absent: Scott Talley
Representatives present: Ian Deas, Student Representative; John Bird, Faculty Representative
Representatives absent: None
Others present: Don Worthington, The Herald; Adarrell Gadsden, The Johnsonian; Renee
O'Neal, CN2; members of Winthrop faculty and staff;
The Board of Trustees met on Friday, June 19, 2015 on the campus of Winthrop University,
Rock Hill, SC.
Public Comment
There were no requests for public comment.
Call to Order
Chair Bigham called the meeting to order at 1:11 p.m. She welcomed all present.
Executive Session
Karl Folkens moved with a second from Donna Holley that the Board meet in executive
session for the purposes of discussion of employment and compensation matters involving
certain current and future university employees and to discuss negotiations incident
to proposed contractual arrangements concerning the possible purchase and sale of
real property. The vote was unanimous. Kimberly Faust, Debra Boyd, John Bird, and
Ian Deas were invited to remain for the executive session. Tim Hopkins moved the Board
end executive session, Randy Imler seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice
vote. No actions were taken in executive session.
Return to Public Session
The Board returned to session with a moment of silence for the Charleston shooting
victims. Chair Bigham then welcomed a number of special guests and media at today's
meeting including Mr. Warren Boyd. Ms. Bigham thanked him for the help and support
he gave to Debra during this past year when she assumed the additional duties of Acting
President.
She next welcomed Mr. Ray McGetty, the in-coming Council of Student Leaders president.
Ms. Bigham acknowledged Ms. Betty Triplett. Betty served in the president's office
for over 15 years. We owe her many thanks for the great work she did in support of
the president and the Board. She has decided to retire at the end of this month and
we are happy she could be with us today.
The newest member of the President's Office staff is here todayMs. Tammie Phillips.
Tammie's first day was Tuesday. She is the new Assistant to the President. She comes
to us from the Winthrop Foundation where she worked for the last two years. We look
forward to getting to know Tammie.
Approval of Minutes
Don Long moved to accept the minutes from the meetings of August 19, 2013 and April
17-18, 2015. Sue Smith Rex seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of
the minutes as submitted.
Report of the Executive Committee and Board Chair
Chair Kathy Bigham reported on the June 5, 2015 meeting of the executive committee.
The main order of business at the meeting was to review the committee agendas for
today's meetings and to hear updates from President Boyd. Materials relating to those
updates are included in the Board meeting materials and Chair Bigham urged the Trustees
to read the materials as well as the quarterly reports and committee minutes.
Chair Bigham then asked Ian Deas to step to the front of the room while Ashlye Wilkerson
read the resolution to honor him for meritorious service to the Board. As this resolution
is from the executive committee no second was needed. Chair Bigham called for the
vote; the resolution passed unanimously.
Chair Bigham then asked Mr. Warren Boyd to join President Debra Boyd as Mr. Karl Folkens
read the resolution for her for meritorious service to the University. As this resolution
was from the executive committee no second was needed. Chair Bigham stated eleven
months and three weeks ago the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University made the decision
to appoint Dr. Debra Boyd as Acting President in order to maintain university operations
while the Board searched for a new president. Debra's action far exceeded expectations.
Her financial stewardship was outstanding. She restored faith, confidence, and trust.
It is the honor of the Board to recognize both her and her husband, Warren Boyd, today.
Chair Bigham called for the vote; the resolution passed unanimously.
Mr. Randy Imler read the resolution to honor the President Search Advisory Committee
for meritorious service to the university. As this resolution is from the executive
committee no second is needed. Chair Bigham thanked the many employees and friends
of Winthrop who gave of their time to serve Winthrop in this most important way. Embracing
the ideal of shared governance, the Board created the President Search Advisory Committee
and enlisted the help of the leadership of the Faculty Conference, the Staff Conference,
and the Council of Student Leaders in addition to senior administrators, alumni, the
local business community, and our local elected officials. The inclusive process began
with the Committee providing valuable insight to our presidential search consultant
and ended with feedback on the final three candidates given directly to us. Together
we were able to find a new leader, Dr. Daniel F. Mahony, eminently qualified to become
the 11th president of Winthrop.
Chair Bigham called for the vote; the resolution passed unanimously.
Mr. Don Long will read the resolution in Support of Knowledge Park. The final version
of this resolution was not available at the time of the executive committee meeting;
therefore Jane LaRoche moved to adopt the resolution; Janet Smalley seconded the motion.
Chair Bigham called for the vote; the resolution passed unanimously.
Report of the Committee on Compensation
Committee Chair Janet Smalley began her report by summarizing the work on the new
Performance Appraisal System. It is good for supervisors as well as employees, as
the process mandates the clear identification of both job duties as well as measures
of success. All full-time, permanent employees have completed the process and will
undergo an annual review from this point forward.
The Committee also reviewed the latest status update from the Competitive Compensation
Committee. In studying comparative salaries for the Rock Hill area, it was noted that
our lowest paid employees earn about $4.00 less than their counterparts in the area.
While there has been some difficulty in getting comparative data for review, the Committee
continues their good work. It is the intention of the University to add a line item
to next year's budget to begin to address compensation issues across campus.
Report of the Committee on Academic Quality
Committee Chair Sue Smith-Rex reported on plans for an Office of the First Year Experience.
The office will oversee a number of existing programs, including ACAD 101, the peer
mentor program, HMXP, and the common book program. A new app, "Winthrop Student Success",
has been launched for both iOS and Android compatible mobile devices. The app allows
current students to access resources such as tutoring opportunities, upcoming cultural
events, managing financial aid, and an events calendar.
A leadership team will be named in the fall and will be charged with conducting an
audit in preparation for our SACSOC fifth year report. Academic year 2015-16 is the
transition year for the QEP--the Global Learning Initiativeand we must plan for the
continuation of the global learning initiative.
Chair Rex brought forward a Resolution to Confer Emeriti Faculty Status for the following
faculty: Rebecca Evers, Professor of Special Education; James McKim, Professor of
Computer Science; Mark Mitchell, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership; Anne
Olsen, Associate Professor of Computer Science; Peter Phillips, Professor of Biology;
Marilyn Sarow, Professor of Mass Communication; Martha Spears, Professor of Management
As the resolution came from a standing committee, no second was need; Chair Bigham
called for a vote. The resolution passed unanimously.
A second resolution was brought forth to Create the Specialist Degree in Educational
Leadership. This degree program will develop school district leaders by emphasizing
equal education for all students, ethical behavior, advanced communication skills
and interpersonal relationships.
As the resolution came from a standing committee, no second was need; Chair Bigham
called for a vote. The resolution passed unanimously.
Report of the Committee on Enrollment and Retention
Committee Chair Karl Folkens reviewed the enrollment and retention report provided
during the committee meeting. In summary, the number of applications is trending positively
and while there are many nuances in the data, overall, the enrollment and retention
numbers are positive. Likewise, orientation and housing numbers have increased as
compared to this time last year. Overall, the admissions and enrollment division is
cautiously optimistic about Fall 2015 enrollment totals.
The committee then discussed activities that could be done by the Trustees in support
of enrollment. Trustees have been using a unique code number as a way to advertise
and encourage deserving students to apply. The code, when entered on the Winthrop
application, waives the application fee.
Report of the Committee on Intuitional Advancement and Development
Committee Chair Tim Hopkins reported on plans to finalize the Distinction: a Campaign
for Winthrop. The most current report shows that we are approaching $900,000 this
year and that funds are up by $100,000 in the last week. There is an increase in the
number of donors by 564 over this time last year, which has been attributed to the
new automated Phonathon system where 340,000 calls were made compared to 41,000 last
year. Unrestricted funds currently total $190,865 toward the annual goal of $600,000
from 2,132 donors over this time last year when the total was $153,862 and 1,600 donors.
The tentative date for the celebration to close the Distinction campaign is September
18, 2015.
Over the past few weeks the Division is undergoing a realignment of roles and responsibilities.
Advancement Services is now an official department within the Division of Institutional
Advancement and job descriptions have been updated. Ryan Sheehan, Director of Advancement
Services, is currently working on compliance, security and standard operating procedures
with the Winthrop Foundation. Winthrop Foundation and Advancement Services have collaborated
to review, update, and implement internal controls to promote efficiency, mitigate
risk, and pursue compliance with industry standards.
A new Planned Giving web page will be operational by July 1. Winthrop has signed a
contract with Crescendo company who will maintain the web page and send regular emails.
Crescendo is also a resource for financial and legal advice.
On the Major Gifts side, we have restructured the staff so that the Major Gifts Officers
are focused solely on fundraising. We have also implemented a tracking system which
shows that the Major Gifts officers have completed 271 visits and are managing 1,100
donors and prospects.
Robin Embry, newly appointed Executive Director of the Winthrop University Foundation,
gave a PowerPoint summary of 2014 and plans for 2015. Ms. Embry's presentation showed
an increase in scholarships and grants and a 19% increase in fundraising.
Report of the Committee on Student Life and Athletics
As Committee Chair Scott Talley was not able to attend today's meeting, Mr. Tim Sease
chaired the meeting in his absence.
The Committee heard a report from Assistant VP of Student Life, Chief Frank Zebedis
on the new contract with Barnes & Noble College for the Winthrop University Bookstore.
Winthrop's bookstore contract provider is determined every number of years according
to State Budget and Control Board rules. Prior to the new contract with Barnes and
Noble beginning on July 1, Follett had been a university partner for 34 years.
Mr. Tom Hickman, Director of Athletics, presented an update and brief overview for
the Athletic Department. In the spring semester 64% of the Student Athletes had a
3.0 GPA or better. Women's golf with an overall GPA of 3.56 replaced men's tennis
with the best GPA for the spring semester. The overall semester GPA for all teams
is 3.11. Two student athletes earned All American honors this spring.
News from the Big South Athletic Conference is the adoption of a 5-Year Strategic
Plan. Five areas of core values and goals were set forth in the strategic plan. They
are Basketball Success, Media Exposure, Academic Centrality, Student-Athlete Experience
and Messaging/Branding. The plan calls for minimum basketball arena size which is
on a 10-year timetable rather than the 5 years for the remainder of the plan.
Report of the Committee on Finance
Committee Chair Glenn McCall thanked the Winthrop administration, faculty, staff,
and students for efficiently cutting costs this past fiscal year. The finance and
budget team at Winthrop deserves special thanks for the good work they did in analyzing
and meeting needs of the University this past year.
Mr. McCall asked the Board to consider a Resolution to Adopt the Tuition Schedule
and fees for Fiscal Year 2015-16. The resolution proposes a 2.5 percent undergraduate
tuition increase for in-state and out-of-state students and a 4 percent tuition increase
for Graduate School tuition. Room and board fees will increase by 4%.
Mr. McCall stated the proposed increase is the lowest in 16 years. If passed, this
will be the second year in a row that the board of trustees has approved a historically
low tuition increase. The increase is due, in part, for rising energy costs as well
as strategic initiatives that focus on student success and degree completion.
Winthrop in-state undergraduate students will pay $7,078 in the fall semester, $172
more than in fall 2014. In-state graduate students will pay $579 per credit hour,
and out-of-state graduate students will pay $1,114 per credit hour. Mr. McCall reminded
the Board that summer school tuition, although not voted upon by the Board, will continue
to follow the pricing of a 25% reduction in semester fees.
Needing no second as this is a recommendation from a standing committee, Chair Bigham
called for the vote. The resolution passed with 12 yes votes and 1 no vote.
Report of the Chair of Faculty Conference and Faculty Representative to the Board
Dr. John Bird described the current, ongoing work of the Faculty Conference. He reminded
the Board that the Fall 2015 incoming freshmen will begin their studies at Winthrop
under the new General Education program. This new program will make it easier for
students to change majors. Dr. Bird thanked the faculty for their willingness to work
on an accelerated schedule to make major changes to curriculum requirements in order
to finalize the General Education program revisions.
Dr. Bird announced he was reelected to the position as chair of Faculty Conference
and Representative to the Board of Trustees. This news was met with great pleasure
by the Board. In turn, he thanked the Board for allowing him to voice the faculty
perspective.
Report from the President of the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) and Student Representative
to the Board
President Ian Deas reported on the most recent activities of the Council including
a visit by a number of Council of Student Leaders to the Statehouse, annual LIFT conference,
and the "Justice or Lack Thereof" panel discussion featuring Representative Tommy
Pope.
Mr. Deas thanked the Trustees for welcoming him to the Board and allowing him to represent
the student body at Winthrop. He introduced his successor, Mr. Ray McKetty, a junior
from Greenville, SC, to the Board. Mr. McKetty will join the Board at their August
meeting.
Report from the President
President Boyd began her report by thanking the Trustees for the opportunity to lead
Winthrop this past year. She commented positively on the Board's decision to have
an inclusive search for the 11th president of Winthrop and hopes the inclusive, collaborative
atmosphere between the Board and the campus will continue. Dr. Boyd thanked the Board
for agreeing to the lowest tuition increase in 16 years and stated the University
is stronger because of the Board's efforts and leadership this past year.
Report from the Nominating Committee
Chair Bigham turned the meeting over to Glenn McCall to receive the report from the
Nominating Committee. Mr. McCall asked chair of the nominating committee Janet Smalley
to announce the slate of candidates for Board Officers for Fiscal Year 2015-16. Ms.
Smalley thanked her committee, Donna Glenn Holley and Tim Sease, for their good work.
On their behalf, she made a motion that Kathy Bigham be elected as chair and Karl
Folkens as vice-chair.
With no second needed, Mr. McCall called for a vote. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. McCall returned the meeting to Chair Bigham.
New Business
There was no new business.
Adjournment
Scott Middleton moved to adjourn the meeting with a second from Julie Fowler. The
vote was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly Faust, Secretary to the Board
