The University of West Alabama
Board of Trustees
Student Union Building
September 14, 1998
Approved Minutes

1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Terry Bunn, Chairman pro tem, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m., at which time he indicated there did not seem to be a quorum present.
2. ROLL CALL
Mr. Bunn requested Mr. T. Raiford Noland, Assistant Secretary, to call the roll.
Members present were: Mr. Pierce Boyd, Mr. Terry Bunn, Dr. Doris Oliveira, Dr. I. Drayton Pruitt, Mr. Thed Spree
Absent trustees were as follows: Mr. Dwight Duke, Mr. Robert D. Keahey, Mr. Herbie Malone, Mr. Frank E. McGough, Mr. Preston C. Minus, Dr. Louise B. Nolen, Rev. Samuel P. Pettagrue, Jr., Mr. John M. Smith
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Due to no quorum being present, Mr. Bunn said that no action could be taken on the minutes from the last meeting, and thanked the trustees who did attend. He added that the budget for the new fiscal year beginning October 1 could not be adopted today; however, any questions or matters related to the budget could be discussed. He also stated that he would communicate with Mr. Noland and the trustees to determine if this matter will be dealt with by the Executive Committee or if the meeting today will be recessed and continued at a later time.
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Athletic Committee – Mr. Spree reported that the football team won its first game of the season last Saturday, and encouraged the trustees, faculty and staff to support these athletes. He introduced Mr. Gary Busby, the President of the UWA Booster club, who reported on the Booster Club Deer Hunt to be held on January 8-9, 1999. He stated plans are to install new flooring in Faust Hall, renovate the weight room, and a project to have a room on campus for meetings, athletic memorabilia, etc. Also, he encouraged anyone to sign up for the football trip to Delta State.
Mr. Spree introduced Jayson Schoenfeld, the new Rodeo Coach. In addition, he distributed a list of the amount of scholarships given to UWA athletes and stated that more monies need to be made available for this purpose to enhance recruitment.
Land Use Committee – Dr. Pruitt reported that this Committee met this morning. The Board had previously approved receiving bids on the lease of a two-acre parcel of land on campus. This was initiated because Rush Medical Group was interested in obtaining this property on which to build a clinic; however, they did not see the advertisement and, therefore, they did not make a bid for the property and no other bids were received. He stated that the Committee authorized Mr. Noland to make further contact with the Rush Medical Group administrator to determine if they are still interested in leasing the two-acre site and, if so, negotiate the lease price at no less than the minimum set by the Land Use Committee. Also, Dr. Pruitt said the Committee authorized Mr. Noland and Mr. Holycross to proceed on the roofing contracts on several of the campus buildings from the bond issue monies that the University is receiving. The Committee also authorized the University to obtain plans and specifications and an estimated cost to light the softball and intramural complex and report back at the next Board meeting. He would like to have a comparative analysis done on what Alabama Power Co., Honeywell, Inc., and others could propose for the re-working of the heating and cooling systems on campus to determine if some of this work could be done through energy savings.
Mr. Boyd inquired if the north end of campus could be looked at for the possibility of planting trees, or some other type of investment project.
Honorary Degree Committee – Mr. Spree reported that the Committee recommends that Mr. Paul Broadhead should receive an honorary degree at the next commencement. Dr. Pruitt stated that Mr. Broadhead is a native of Needham, Alabama, and has lived in Meridian for many years. He has developed holdings all over the country, and is an outstanding businessman. He recently purchased the Sedgefield Plantation in Union Springs, Alabama, and has plans for it to become a place for retreats. In this endeavor, Mr. Broadhead has contracted with the University to assist him in developing such amenities as nature trails, horseback riding areas, etc. It would be a place for executives to meet and bring their families. He also has plans for this type of facility in Tennessee and New Mexico, and wants to involve UWA in this process.
Budget and Finance Committee – Mr. Bunn reported that Mr. Malone (Chair of this Committee) was unable to attend today, but had reviewed the budget, and asked Mr. Noland to go over the summaries provided to the trustees on September 2 and provide responses to any questions anyone may have. Mr. Boyd asked about the Miscellaneous Income, and Mr. Noland stated it was revenue such as lease income for the cellular tower and any other revenue that did not go into a line item.
Mr. Boyd also asked if the certificates of deposit were at all local banks, and Mr. Noland stated that was the case. He also asked if there was any more allotted for academic scholarships this year; and Mr. Noland stated after the 6 1/2% across-the-board increase was given, and increased for longevity, promotions, equity and increased credentials which amounted to an 8.34% increase in expenditures, there were no funds remaining for increasing the scholarships. Mr. Bunn pointed out that the health insurance premiums have also increased, and the University will have to absorb an additional $77,000 annually.
5. NATURE TRUST DIRECTORS
Dr. Richard Holland reported that the Sumter County Nature Trust Committee consists of five members, and that two current members whose term is expiring have ben asked to serve again. The Board needs to take action on this matter, which will be delayed until a quorum is present.
6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Roach paid tribute to Dr. Don Hines, who has been a friend of his for some 21 years. He also expressed his appreciation to the Board for allowing him to serve the University of West Alabama as President. He commented on some of the accomplishments made during Dr. Hines’ tenure as President. Currently, this quarter has shown an increase in the number of honors’ students. The television production studio is now in operation and will play a major role in the distance learning program for the University.
He stated that several from the University will be attending the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools annual meeting in December, and preparations for the 2002 visit of SACS will proceed in the near future.
Dr. Roach indicated his desire for more fund raising in the private sector for the University, and will coordinate these efforts with Mr. Spruiell’s office.
He further stated that a decision was made, and approved by the Dean’s Council to initiate an internal search for the position of Academic Provost. Interviews are being held this week and, in his opinion, this process will come to a conclusion within a week when an announcement should be made.
He stated he would be interacting with the different alumni chapters, and civic and cultural groups. He also stated that he feels it is vitally important to maintain higher education partnerships with other schools. His main three goals, therefore, are (1) participate in the fund-raising efforts, (2) increase the technological capabilities on campus, and (3) to continue the partnerships with other institutions. He stated that security on campus is very important, and that UWA is ranked in the top 40 schools for being a safe campus.
Dr. Roach restated his commitment to the Board of Trustees, the faculty, staff, and students to do the best that he can in his role as President. He added that he would like to pursue the possibility of having a retreat, possibly on an annual basis, to discuss the matters of concern for the University.
Mr. Bunn stated how excited the Board was to have Dr. Roach as the new President, that he had the support of the Board, and they looked forward to working with him.
Mr. Boyd commented that he felt a national search should have been done for the position of Provost; Mr. Bunn replied that this was an opportunity for the employees who have done a good job to be promoted. Dr. Roach said that he believes the University is in compliance with all affirmative action guidelines in this process.
Dr. Pruitt asked Dr. Roach to send a letter to the family of Governor George Wallace, who passed away last night, expressing the sympathy of the University and its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Ervin Wood reported that registration has gone well for the Fall Quarter – last year’s total was 2,069 and this year it is at 2,072 and could possibly increase with the late registration students.
Dr. Pruitt asked if Dr. Wood would develop a plan to reach more of the transfer students from the community colleges. Dr. Wood stated that he would work on this.
Mr. Bunn recessed the meeting until another time, or until the next scheduled meeting. He stated he did not anticipate calling a special meeting to resolve the budget matter, but would meet with Mr. Noland to make a decision, and would ask the Executive Committee to meet and resolve the budget and other matters and advise the trustees.