August 21, 2017
Members present: Karl Folkens, Glenn McCall, Jane LaRoche, Tim Hopkins, Don Long, Randy Imler, Tim Sease, Julie Fowler, Sandra Stroman, Kathy Bigham, and Dan Mahony (ex officio).
Members absent: Scott Middleton, Janet Smalley, Ashlye Wilkerson, Donna Holley
Representatives present: Tadean Page, Student Representative; Michael Lipscomb, Faculty Representative
Representatives absent: None
Others present: Kirk McSwain, Tammie Phillips, Judy Longshaw
The Board of Trustees met on Monday, August 21, 2017 on the campus of Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.
There were no requests for public comment.
Chair Folkens called the meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. He welcomed all present.
Don Long moved to accept the minutes with edits from the meeting of June 23, 2017. Glenn McCall seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of the minutes as edited.
Kathy Bigham moved with a second from Jane LaRoche to move into executive session pursuant to South Carolina Ann. 30-4-70(a)(1) and (2) for the purposes of discussion of employment matters involving certain current and former university employees and for a discussion of proposed contractual arrangements. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Dan Mahony and Kimberly Faust were invited to remain for the executive session.
Sandra Stroman moved with a second from Randy Imler to end the executive session and return to public session. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
President Mahony briefed the Trustees on activities related to the start of the new academic year. A number of activities have been planned for the new and returning students including a new "First Night Fireworks" as well as the annual "Rock the Hill" celebration introducing our new students to the Winthrop athletes. Ms. Leah Kendall, director of the First Year Experience Office, is to be congratulated on her leadership of the "Rock the Hill" celebration. Each year the event grows and becomes more impressive.
As Winthrop moves into the second year of the strategic plan, it is critical to be periodically monitoring progress and reporting results. In order to coordinate the efforts and results, five working groups have been created. Vice Presidents have been charged with leading the groups. They include: strategic initiatives related to Enrollment and Retention (1.1, 1.3, 1.4) chaired by Eduardo Prieto, Vice President for Access and Enrollment Management; strategic initiatives related to Culture of Innovation and New Programs (1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) chaired by Debra Boyd, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs; strategic initiatives related to Faculty and Staff Recruitment and Retention (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) chaired by Lisa Cowart, Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity, and Wellness; strategic initiatives related to Facilities, Technology, and Budget (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.6, 5.7) chaired by JP McKee, Vice President for Finance and Business; and strategic initiatives related to Advancement (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5) chaired by Evan Bohnen, Vice President for Institutional Advancement;
President Mahony concluded his report by updating the Board on the status of FY2017 budget. Although the year-end reporting is not yet finalized, the current status is positive and seems to be on track for adding monies to the net reserve.
Karl Folkens applauded the Winthrop Foundation and Winthrop Real Estate Foundation for their good work on our behalf. Per our memorandums of understanding, the Board of Trustee chair and Committee on Advancement and Development chair are invited to attend the Foundation meetings. This has permitted a good exchange of information and we plan to build upon this base by creating more opportunities for the full Boards to interact.
Chair Folkens announced a change in committee leadership with Glenn McCall assuming the chair duties for the Committee on Compensation.
Chair Folkens delivered the report of the Executive Committee. The Committee met earlier today to consider the 2017-18 Agency Head Planning Objectives for President Mahony. Building upon last year's successful and inclusive process to develop a strategic plan for the university, the performance objectives will be based on the key strategic priorities of (a) enrollment growth and increased retention and graduation rates, (b) promoting a culture of innovation, with an emphasis on global and community engagement, (c) attracting and retaining a high quality and diverse faculty, staff, and administrators (d) maintaining and creating facilities, technology, and programs in support of the Winthrop experience (e) ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
Mr. Folkens brought forth a resolution from the Executive Committee to accept the objectives as stated. As no second was needed, Mr. Folkens called for the vote. It was unanimous in favor of the resolution.
Mr. Folkens then brought forth a resolution from the Executive Committee to endorse the Winthrop University Tree Plan. The plan was developed by Chris Johnson, Director of Sustainability, and approval of this plan will Winthrop to seek certification and grant funding for maintenance and replacement of our campus trees.
As no second was needed, Mr. Folkens called for the vote. It was unanimous in favor of the resolution.
There was no new business.
Jane LaRoche moved to adjourn the meeting with a second from Tim Hopkins. The vote was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly A. Faust, Secretary to the Board
