THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
Board of Trustees
December 2, 2002, 11:00 a.m.
Bell Conference Center

I. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Preston Minus, Chairman pro tem, called the meeting to order and requested Mr. John Smith to give the invocation.
II. ROLL CALL
Mr. Minus asked Mr. Noland to call the roll. Trustees present were as follows:
Mr. Dwight Duke, Mr. Preston Minus, Chairman pro tem, Dr. Doris Oliveira, Mr. Alex Saad, Mr. John Smith, Mr. Thed Spree, Dr. Tom Umphrey
Absent: Mr. Terry Bunn, Mr. Paul Hamrick, Mr. Robert Keahey, Dr. Louise Nolen, and Mr. Nat Watkins.
Mrs. Lena Hardaway arrived at 11:12 a.m.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING
There were no changes to the minutes from the meeting held on September 9, 2002, which had been previously distributed to the Trustees. Mr. Smith moved to approve the minutes, with Mr. Saad seconding the motion, and the motion passed.
IV. McILWAIN BELL AWARDS
Dr. David Taylor presented the recommendations for the recipients of the McIlwain Bell Awards, which are as follows:
Professional Staff: Ms. Mamie Reed
Support Staff: Mr. Doyle Truelove
Trustee Professorship: Dr. Donald Wayne Salter
Dr. Tom Umphrey made a motion to approve the slate of recipients, with Mr. Smith seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
V. PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Update on Bell Conference Center and University Library
The Conference Center and the Library projects are essentially complete. The computer. The computer labs will be installed in the Library very soon and several events for the Conference Center have already been scheduled.
Use of McConnell House
The University guestrooms will be moved to the McConnell House and the third floor of Webb will be renovated to provide more office space for Financial Aid.
Update on Paving Project
Mr. Noland reported that bids have been taken for the pacing project, the contract has been signed, and the pre-construction conference is scheduled for next week.
Marketing Study
Ms. Bari Watson, of the Office of Institutional Advancement, reported that she has been working on a marketing study for the University, and that it will cover the period of January 2003 to January 2004. She stated it would assist portraying the best image of UWA for its service area, as well as help with recruiting efforts.
Annual Fund
Dr. Holland reported that $190,000 has been raised through the Annual Fund this year. A goal of $200,000 for 2003-2003 has been set, and $85,000 has already been raised.
Enrollment
Dr. Holland reported that there is about 17% increase in enrollment applications for next year, compared to the current year. He stated that the Student Affairs staff have held several workshops at high schools for student counselors and there has been really good feedback.
Dr. Holland said the Governor-elect Bob Riley plans to meet with the boards from the State universities soon to discuss their needs.
VI. RESOLUTION RE $125,000 TRANSFER TO CITY
Dr. Tom Umphrey moved to adopt a resolution allowing transfer of $125,000 to the City of Livingston for construction of the rodeo arena top, which has been approved by the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. The funds will be used in connection with a CDBG grant that the City of Livingston has applied for and the City will administer construction of the top. The funds will be transferred, provided the City can construct the top within budget.
VII. RESOLUTION RE CITY SUBMITTING PLANS AND SPECS FOR UWA APPROVAL PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION
Dr. Umphrey made a motion that the Board adopt a resolution for the City of Livingston to submit plans and specifications to the University for approval by the University architect prior to any construction being done. Mr. Smith seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously.
VIII. OTHER
Mr. Thed Spree made a motion to hire Drayton Pruitt as the University's attorney, under the same terms and conditions that apply to our present attorney, Mike Kendrick. Compensation for Mr. Pruitt is to be no more per hour than we are paying our present attorney and that Chairman Minus negotiate this rate per hour with Mr. Pruitt. John Smith seconded the motion.
Dr. Tom Umphrey questioned the need to make this change. He stated that Mr. Kendrick was doing a good job for the University and was very knowledgeable of University matters. Mr. Alex Saad also questioned the need to make a change and stated he was very satisfied with Mr. Kendrick's service. Mr. Thed Spree stated that we were paying too much and the Mr. Pruitt would do the work for less. Chairman Minus called for a voice vote and after the vote, declared the motion had passed.
Chairman Minus then stated that he would contact and negotiate with Mr. Pruitt, and let Mr. Noland know the effective date Mr. Pruitt would assume the role as University attorney. Mr. Noland stated that we had a couple of cases now in litigations that Mr. Kendrick is handling.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. John Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Spree seconded the motion. After a voice vote, Chairman Minus stated the motion passed.
(NOTE: Since the meeting was adjourned, Item VIII on the Agenda "Recess of Meeting" was not taken up by the Board.)