The University of West Alabama
Board of Trustees
September 9, 2004, 10:00 a.m.
Bell Conference Center

CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Alex Saad, Chairman pro tem, called the meeting to order and asked Dr. Joe Wilkins to give the invocation.
ROLL CALL
Ms. Earlene Lindsey, Assistant Secretary, called the roll and seven (7) trustees were in attendance. A quorum was present. (Note: Members attending were: Thomas Ballow, Jr., Louise Nolen, John Northcutt, Doris Oliveira, Alex Saad, Thed Spree, and Thomas Umphrey. Absent members of the Board were Terry Bunn, Lena Hardaway, Robert D. Keahey, Margaret Lovett, Preston C. Minus, and John Smith.)
Mr. Saad introduced and welcomed the SACS Special Visiting Committee, as follows: Dr. Jack Allen, Dr. Clarence Bristow, Dr. Sandra Harper, and Dr. Frederick Obear.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Dr. Umphrey made a motion to approve the Agenda, Mr. Thed Spree seconded the motion, and the motion passed without opposition.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. John Northcutt made a motion to approve the minutes from the Board meeting held on July 12, 2004, Mr. Thed Spree seconded the motion and the motion passed.
PRESENTATION OF APPROVED FY 2004-2005 BUDGET
Mr. Saad asked Dr. Tom Umphrey, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, to distribute the FY 2004-2005 Budget and noted that it was in line item form. He said the cover sheet would explain what was included with the distribution of the budget. Mr. Saad encouraged the Trustees to review the Budget and said that there would be a Budget and Finance Committee meeting around the 1st of December to discuss and consider any adjustment, if needed.
APPROVAL OF STRATEGIC PLAN
Dr. Holland reported that a Strategic Planning Committee, consisting of fifty-seven (57) people representing the different units within the University, met in January to being work on the Strategic Plan for 2004-2010. Mr. Jim Sisson, of Vantage Associates in Birmingham, led the Committee in developing a draft plan. He was on campus toward the end of March and conducted interviews with faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees, and members of the UWA Foundation Board. Following the interviews, surveys were distributed to people who were not involved in that aspect of the process. A two-day retreat was held in June and 22 members of the Committee attended, as well as the Chairman of the Board. At the end of that month, Mr. Sisson presented UWA with a two-page strategic plan. In August, a Board Retreat was held on the UWA campus with Mr. Sisson leading the discussion of this plan. The Board discussed their issues and following that meeting the draft was submitted to the University faculty and staff for their review. Dr. Holland pointed out that the "Draft" Strategic Plan was included in the package given to the Trustees for this meeting today, and asked for formal adoption of the Plan from the Board.
Mr. Saad said Mr. Spree had inquired if a review of all facilities was done in working on the new plan. Dr. Holland answered affirmatively on this question. He said several University facilities needed to be improved, and that he hoped to find funds for a multipurpose center that would house a gym and a wellness center.
Mr. Saad reported that there had been seven or eight trustees who had attended the Board Retreat in August to discuss this plan and he thought the meeting was very productive. Mr. Spree made the motion to adopt the five-year Strategic Plan for 2004-2010, Dr. Nolen seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
REPORT FROM FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Richard Schellhammer, Chair of the Faculty Senate, reported that the Faculty Senate is working on two projects, as follows: 1) collecting books to send to Baghdad, Iraq, as part of the "Books for Baghdad" project, and 2) working with the UWA administration to provide paid maternity leave for female employees. He said that the University of Alabama planned to collect and send at least 500 books, and he hoped that UWA could match this.
Dr. Schellhammer said that he believed the added benefit would help to recruit more qualified women to the faculty.
REPORT FROM STAFF SENATE
Mr. Mike Spencer, Chair of the Staff Senate, reported that great strides have been made since the organization was chartered in the 1990s, such as the staff equity pay schedule, increase in accrual of annual leave based on years of service, etc. He said no particular project was being pursued at this time by the current Staff Senate group.
REPORT FROM STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
Mr. Danny Hyche, President, reported on some projects he and the Student Government Association would be working on this year. They are: 1) allowing books to be charged to students' accounts, 2) more parking spaces for students, 3) providing more areas for students to visit, and 4) improve student life on campus. He said some of these concerns have already been addressed. A gazebo has been placed near Stickney Hall and another will be placed near the Duck Pond. He said that Dr. Holland has assured him all concerns are being addressed.
Mr. Hyche said that the SGA budget will include money to co-sponsor academic organizations, such as band and the cheerleaders. A new system has been implemented so that the SGA will be able to track funds given to organizations; new committees have been formed to research campus living which will hopefully assist in recruiting more on-campus students; and a food committee has been appointed to work with ARAMark to offer more to students, such as: 1) student appreciation day and 2) a themed dinner.
Mr. Hyche mentioned several other projects they would be addressing, as follows: 1) some funding for a new memorial to honor past and present students; 2) help purchase the new electronic sign; and 3) helping to create a Focus First program that would aid in vision screening for children in the area.
Mr. Saad invited everyone to attend the pillow fight at Saturday's home football game and stated the goal was to have the largest and be placed in the Guinness' Book of World Records.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Dr. Holland reported that the SACS Special Visiting Committee arrived on campus September 8th, started their interviews and would conclude this afternoon.
Dr. Holland expressed his appreciation to Dr. David Taylor and Ms. Patricia Pratt for their tireless work on completing the Institutional Follow-up Report that is due by September 22, 2004. The SACS Annual Meeting will be held December 5–7, 2004, in Atlanta, where he hopes that the probation issue will be resolved.
B. New Faculty and Staff Members
Dr. Holland distributed a list of new faculty and staff members and a report on the minority faculty and staff to the Board for their information. He stated that tremendous strides had been made in recruiting minority.
C. New Administrate Software Program
Dr. Holland explained that this software was needed very badly, but it would cost over a million dollars. The Committee who looked at the vendors for the system has recommended a vendor and the Deans' Council and the President's Council have all approved the Committee's recommendation. It will be installed over about an 18-month period. Some grant money has been received for this purpose. A $100,000 grant received for the E-campus initiative will be used, as well as the $300,000 in Federal monies received last year for this purpose. Also, there is a $300,000 Federal appropriation pending and the University is currently working on a request for 2005-2006.
Dr. Holland stated that currently the University works with two or three software systems and they apparently do not talk to each other. He said there are Federal mandates on reporting and the University must have a new system. Also, with ACHE, there are certain mandates on how reporting of information must be submitted on the students and faculty. He applauded the work of Paul Stewart and Dr. David Taylor in getting the University to this point.
D. Federal Grant Proposals
Dr. Holland reported that work is currently underway with UWA's consultant in Washington to obtain more Federal money for special projects. He said that he and Clemit Spruiell would be going to Washington this month to meet with Congressmen Davis and Bonner and Senators Shelby and Session to pursue more funding for initiatives currently in the planning stage.
E. Pending Projects and Funding
Dr. Holland said UWA has requested $1.1 million for the renovation of the second floor of Brock Hall into motel-type rooms which would compliment the Bell Conference Center. He pointed out that this renovation would expand the Conference Center's role in regional community and economic development and would allow two to three day conferences.
F. Regional Center for Community and Economic Development
Dr. Holland said the University is requesting funding for its Regional Center for Community and Economic Development. The Center, established in June 2003, as a partnership between the five-county West Alabama Regional Alliance and the University of West Alabama, has as one of its major goals the facilitation of collaboration among local, county, state, and federal agencies, private organizations, and interested individuals to expand economic opportunities for Black Belt residents. This funding would provide monies for operating expenses, as well as office renovation to accommodate an educationally-based business incubator, community services, and publications and materials. The amount of this funding request is $228,000.
G. Black Belt Rural Scholars Project
Funding in the amount of $333,390 is also requested to establish and operate an office of the Black Belt Rural Medical Scholars Partnership on the UWA campus. Dr. Holland said this partnership, consisting of sixteen public and private institutions (including UWA), is designed to: 1) identify individuals from rural, medically underserved areas of the State who have the desire and potential to pursue a profession in medicine – particularly primary care, 2) enhance the probability of success for these students, and 3) develop incentives to encourage these students to return to the State of Alabama to practice in these underserved rural communities.
H. Homecoming
Dr. Holland invited the Trustees to Parents' Day on Saturday, September 11, 2004.
Dr. Holland announced that the theme for this year's Homecoming will be "Hometown Heroes", and the local Army National Guard units, the Reserves and the veterans from Sumter County and the surrounding area would be honored. Tickets for the events have been sent to the Trustees and if more are needed, Dr. Holland added they should call Kaye Bryan in his office.
I. Leadership Network Development Conference
Dr. Holland reported that Congressman Artur Davis would be hosting a leadership network development conference on October 11 at the Bell Conference Center and that Governor Riley would be the keynote speaker. Approximately 300, ages 18 to 35, who have been identified across the State as potential leaders are expected.
J. Commencement
Dr. Holland reported that Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley would be the guest speaker at the Commencement on December 18, 2004.
K. Facilities Review Committee
A Facilities Review Committee was appointed last week to look at the facilities and space needs on campus in the following areas: Faust Hall, Pruitt Hall, and Selden and Speith Halls. As mentioned earlier, Dr. Holland said that future plans are to renovate a portion of Brock Hall and use it as motel space, consider plans for new seating in the gymnasium, and other needed projects. He said this Committee will be looking at the long range needs and make some recommendations. Also, as part of the charge to the Committee, Dr. Holland asked them to look at adding a new wellness and fitness center that would included a 3,000-4,000 arena, facilities for the basketball and volleyball programs, and offices for the Athletic Director and Sports Information Director. He said that some of the needs are more critical than others, but the process must be started.
L. Greenway Project
Dr. Holland stated that several projects were previously approved by the Board and he just wanted to provide an update. The Greenway plan was submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation and plans are to start on this project within this semester.
M. Cafeteria Renovation
Plans were submitted this week to the Alabama Building Commission for approval and, hopefully, will be started on schedule to complete the project by March 15, 2005.
N. Rodeo Complex
Following the Board's approval, the tractor was purchased and the plans and specifications have been received for the recycling facility at the Rodeo Complex. Dr. Umphrey asked, "What kind of recycling facility will this be?" Dr. Holland replied that it would be for compost and it was critical that it is built because of possible contamination to the water supply in the area.
Mr. Saad announced that he had a request from Mr. Spree for the Land Use and Facilities Committee to meet and discuss the Rodeo situation. He said he would be calling a meeting of this Committee during the month of October, possibly via a telephone conference call.
O. Tiger Stadium Lighting
Dr. Holland said the Board had previously endorsed this project and the Athletic Booster Club is raising the money for this project. Approximately $24,000 has been raised and the Boosters plan to have a good down payment on the lights and finance the remainder with Alabama Power Company. The deadline for completing this project is August 2005.
P. Webb Hall Memorial Plaza
Dr. Holland said that the Board previously endorsed this project. Rob McInturf, Director of Alumni Affairs, is working with the SGA President on this.
Q. Enrollment Report for Fall 2004
Dr. Holland reported that the enrollment report that was distributed to the Board was divided into two reports – one for on-campus and one for on-line students. The on-campus enrollment is 2,090, which indicates a decrease of 63 students over last year; there are 570 on-line students, representing an increase of 219 students; and the total combined enrollment is 2,600 for the Fall Semester.
Dr. Holland explained that a lot of time has been spent on trying to determine what might have caused the decrease in on-campus students. Most responses have been the probation status of the University from SACS, another reason could be the decline in Alabama students taking the ACT test. He said that UWA has to widen the base of potential students and recruiting must be more comprehensive. UWA can no longer depend totally on the recruiting staff; all faculty and staff will have to help to recruit students. Dr. Umphrey inquired if enrollment on campus was closed, and Dr. Holland said that it was already closed.
Dr. Umphrey moved to accept the President's Report, Mr. Spree seconded, and the motion passed.
OTHER ITEMS
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Saad welcomed the new faculty and staff.
Mr. Saad told Dr. Holland that the Board realized the importance of the grant requests and funding for the projects that are needed and would be behind him in these efforts.
Mr. Saad announced his appointments to a committee to review and revise the Board By-laws and Charter, as follows: Dr. Umphrey, Mr. Keahey, Mrs. Margaret Lovett, and himself. He said this Committee would be meeting in early October to begin this revision.
Mr. Saad apologized to the SACS Committee in that he had planned to say at the beginning of this meeting they might have to leave after an hour; however, he noted that the Board meeting only lasted an hour.
Dr. Umphrey asked again what the purpose of the recycling facility was, and added that Dr. Oliveira wanted to package and sell the material.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Saad stated this concluded the meeting. Dr. Umphrey made a motion to adjourn, Mr. Northcutt seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Lena Hardaway, Secretary
Earlene Lindsey, Assistant Secretary