The University of West Alabama
Board of Trustees
Bell Conference Center
September 11, 2006, 10:30 a.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President pro tem Alex Saad. At this time, Dr. Richard Holland, University President, announced that there would be a brief period of silence in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the McConnell Chimes would play the appropriate music, and remarks and prayer would be led by Father Richard Losch afterwards.
II. ROLL CALL
Mr. Saad asked Ms. Earlene Lindsey to call the roll. The following trustees were present: Mr. Thomas Ballow, Jr., Mr. Terry Bunn, Mrs. Margaret Lovett, Dr. Louise Nolen, Mr. John Northcutt, Dr. Doris Oliveira, Mr. Alex Saad, and Dr. Tom Umphrey. Absent were Mrs. Lena Hardaway, Mr. Robert D. Keahey, Mr. Preston C. Minus, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Thed Spree. Ms. Lindsey reported that a quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Saad said before he asked for approval of the agenda, he would like to make some changes to the original proposed agenda that was previously sent to the Board of Trustees, as follows: under Item I, add the Memorial Service; under Item V, Report of the Board President, add Section D, Honorary Degree Recommendation; under Item V, also add Section E, Appointment of Ad-hoc Committee on Student Housing, remove the Item on Special Called Meeting on November 11, 2006, and add Report by Mr. Tom Stipe on the Marketing Campaign; under Item VII, add Report of the Institutional Advancement Committee. Mr. Saad asked for a motion to approve the agenda with these changes, Mr. Northcutt so moved, Mrs. Lovett seconded the motion, and the agenda was approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR JUNE 5, 2006
Mr. Saad asked if there were any corrections or changes to the minutes of the meeting of June 5, 2006, and indicated a copy was in each Trustee’s binder. There were no changes to the minutes, and Mr. Northcutt made a motion to approve the minutes. Mrs. Lovett seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.
V. REPORT OF THE BOARD PRESIDENT
A. Schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for 2006-2007
Mr. Saad said the tentative special called meeting that was to be on November 11, 2006, will not be scheduled because of a conflict in scheduling the Jerry F. Smith Group. He added that they had hoped to have a joint meeting with the UWA Foundation to hear the Smith Group’s presentation on the Capital Campaign Feasibility Study; however, it appears that this may take place at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting in December.
B. Trustee Emeritus Policy
Mr. Saad presented a proposed Trustee Emeritus Policy for the Board’s consideration. He said this was discussed at the last Board Retreat and the Board thought this would be a way to honor those Trustees who have served. Mr. Northcutt made a motion to approve the policy, Dr. Oliveira seconded the motion, and the motion was approved. Mr. Saad said the Executive Committee would develop the criteria for awarding emeritus status to a Trustee.
C. Letter from Mayor Cecil P. Williamson, City of Demopolis
Mr. Saad indicated a copy of this letter was in each Trustee’s binder and added that Mayor Williamson was very complimentary of the UWA Center for Community and Economic Development, specifically of Mr. James Mock, Director, and she had submitted a press release regarding this.
D. Honorary Degree Recommendation
Mr. Saad reported that the Executive Committee is making a recommendation to bestow an honorary degree on Mr. Ronald McDowell, based on the recommendation made by the Faculty Honorary Degree Committee. Mr. Saad informed the Board that biographical materials, letters of support, and information on Mr. McDowell’s work were including in their binders. Mrs. Lovett seconded the recommendation, and the motion passed.
E. Appointment of Ad-hoc Committee on Student Housing
Mr. Saad named the following to serve on this committee: Mr. Tom Ballow, Mr. John Northcutt, Mr. Danny Buckalew, Mr. Luther Gremmels, Mr. Kaylon McDuff, Mr. Raiford Noland, and himself serving as chair. He said this committee will report to the Facilities Committee and then to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Saad said this committee would conduct a fact-finding mission and have a one-year goal to bring the necessary information back to the Board. Mr. Bunn moved to approve this committee, Mrs. Lovett seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
VI. PRESENTATION OF UNITED STATES FLAG FROM IRAQ
Mr. Saad announced that Corporal James Holcombe, who served the United States in Iraq and also has been pursing a degree at UWA when not on active duty, would like to present the University a U.S. flag that was flown over Iraq. He said Corporal Holcombe enlisted in the Army in 2001 and was mobilized to Iraq in December 2004, where he served almost a year and received several medals of commendation.
Corporal Holcombe remembered September 11 and December 7, 1941, and noted that the Country suffered a great loss and was driven into war because of these events. He said in spite of these events, the U. S. flag has still flown and served as a morale booster to the many men and women who have fought for freedom. He said this particular flag was flown over Iraq on September 11, 2005, and presented it on behalf of the soldiers who have served our country or who will be serving in the future. He also presented a framed declaration indicating that the flag was actually flown over Iraq. Mr. Saad and Dr. Holland thanked Corporal Holcombe for this gift and asked him to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
VII. REPORT OF THE INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Mrs. Lovett reported this Committee met at 8:30 this Vice President Spruiell and his staff. She commended Mr. Spruiell and his staff for their hard work. Mrs. Lovett said the following were discussed: major gifts to the University, 2006 legislative session, some reorganization and new staff members and the upcoming capital campaign. Mr. Ballow seconded the motion to accept the report, and the motion was passed.
Mr. Saad announced that he was appointing Dr. Oliveira to serve on the Academic Programs Committee, Mr. Northcutt to serve on the Athletic Committee, Dr. Oliveira to serve on the Institutional Advancement Committee, and Mrs. Lovett to serve on the Facilities Committee. He said these additions would help to have a quorum at the committee meetings.
VIII. ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Mr. Northcutt said this committee met at 9:30 this morning, there was a quorum, and no action was taken. He said a very informative report was presented by Dr. Taylor, and would refer a more detailed report to him in the next item on the Agenda. A second to approve this report was made by Dr. Oliveira, and the motion passed.
IX. REPORT OF THE PROVOST
Dr. Taylor said he would like to join President Saad and President Holland in thanking all service men and women who represent the United States in so many locations today.
A. Online Program
Dr. Taylor reported that the online program has grown from 13 in 2002 to 1,479 in 2006. He thanked Dr. Joe Wilkins and his staff, the College of Education, the College of Business, and all others who have helped with this program. He said a self-study of the online program, with Dr. Neil Snider serving as chair, has been completed and that he, Dr. Snider, and Dr. Holland had met and are now in the process of implementing many of the changes that were recommended by the committee. He said the University is also in the process of arranging for a consultant to come to the campus to help the University address the other recommendations.
B. New Faculty and Staff
Dr. Taylor indicated there was a list of new faculty and staff in each Trustee’s binder. He said some of the positions were already in place, but several are new positions. Dr. Taylor said some of the new positions were as a result of growth and new initiatives.
Dr. Taylor presented a chart on the diversity of faculty and staff at UWA. One black faculty member has been lost due to health problems, he said, and hopes are to move very rapidly to replace that person. Dr. Taylor also noted in the administrative staff category, the percentage of minorities has increased.
Dr. Taylor also reported that in the Knight lawsuit, UWA was first to reach a settlement; however, he said Judge Murphy decided to place all of the settlements in abeyance and pursue a new trial, possibly during the first week of October, to hear several issues pertaining to this case. Dr. Taylor said Judge Murphy will focus on several items: continual concerns over the low number of black faculty at Alabama public institutions (Dr. Taylor noted that UWA is not among those institutions of primary concern.), concern over need-based financial aid for Alabama students, and funding issues for Alabama A & M.
Dr. Taylor said, hopefully, this new trail will bring a conclusion to this matter for UWA. He also called the Board’s attention to an article in Inside Higher Ed, in which Mr. James Blacksher, a lawyer for the plaintiff in the case, cited the University of West Alabama as making substantially more progress than other schools and noted that the gains in the hiring of minorities at UWA have been dramatic.
C. Diversity
Dr. Taylor presented a report on the international faculty and students at UWA. He said now has a total of 17 international students from eleven different countries. Dr. Taylor said there are five international faculty, three of whom are new this year.
D. Internationalization of Campus
Dr. Taylor said the University just recently secured a rental house which will serve as headquarters for the international students. It is located between the Presbyterian Church and the Julia Tutwiler Library. This house will be funded by the students themselves, with the help of a group called Friends of the International Students. Dr. Taylor announced that a reception would be held this afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Webb Hall Parlor for the international students, and he encouraged everyone to attend and meet these students.
Dr. Taylor said the University is also about to launch an international programs website, developed by Denys Lupshenyuk, an Edward Muskie scholar from Ukraine who is in his second year of study at UWA concentrating on higher education. Dr. Taylor said that Mr. Lupshenyuk is currently serving an internship and shadowing the Chair, Dean and Provost in his studies.
Dr. Taylor reported that the University is sponsoring another tour abroad next year, a tour of Greece. He said this is under the auspices of Continuing Education.
E. Faculty Achievements
Dr. Taylor provided each Trustee with a seven-page handout of the University faculty achievements and asked each Board member to remind these faculty how proud the University is of their work.
F. External Grants
Dr. Taylor reported there were some rather large grants funded last year. He said Dr. Martha Hocutt worked with the University of Alabama on a grant for the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative Center. He said Dr. Hocutt would be glad to discuss this with any of the members of the Board.
Dr. Taylor said the University received a large grant that will fund an outreach and partnership project to encourage parents to become more active in the education of their children. He said this money will also fund a resource center at the Campus School and will enable the University to purchase two digital finger-printing machines. Dr. Taylor said all teachers and nursing students have to be fingerprinted before their certificates or licenses are issued and noted that there is a tremendous backlog with the State in processing the fingerprints. He said these machines will assist in receiving a much faster turn-around for these students.
G. Teaching Excellence and University Research Grants
Dr. Taylor distributed a report on these grants. He stated that these are grants where the faculty member receives financial support for research and for projects that enhance teaching effectiveness.
H. Academic Program Equipment Purchases
Dr. Taylor presented a list of purchases made in the last year for the academic areas, totaling $352,000.
I. Faculty Searches
Dr. Taylor announced there are several vacant positions on the faculty, and searches are undergoing to fill those positions. He also said there are two searches for positions at the decanal level.
Mr. Saad said, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, he would like to commend the faculty for their achievements.
X. REPORT FROM THE FACULTY SENATE
Dr. Alan Brown, Faculty Senate Chair, reported that Dr. Richard Schellhammer has chaired a sub-committee to work on a paid maternity leave proposal. He said this proposal should be presented at the next Senate meeting on September 19.
Dr. Brown said the Faculty Senate is now exploring the pros and cons of TIAA-CREFF that could possibly offer another form of supplemental retirement to the employees.
Dr. Brown said the Senate is also working vigorously on establishing a memorial to faculty and students who have served in the armed forces during wartime. He said by the end of September, a Senate sub-committee consisting of Dr. Jeff Gentsch, Ms. Sheila Limerick and himself will begin the process of designing a monument, tracking down the names of veterans, and identifying sources of funding. Dr. Brown said they hope to have the monument completed by the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the University of West Alabama, and they would welcome donations or suggestions from anyone who is interested in assisting with this project.
XI. REPORT FROM THE STAFF SENATE
Ms. Pam Hall reported that the Staff Senate has supported a recent Coping with Stress Workshop that was sponsored by Student Life and also supported the Leading Edge program that brings together college women to expose them to critical issues facing Alabama, to connect them with experienced women leaders in the State, and to provide them with resources to use their leadership skills in service projects on campus and in the community.
Ms. Hall thanked Corporal Holcombe for his gift to the University and commended him for returning to UWA and pursing his degree.
Ms. Hall thanked the administration and Board of Trustees for their continuing to provide the wonderful benefits program to each employee.
XII. REPORT FROM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
Ms. Danielle Buckalew, SGA President, said she is very excited about the upcoming year. She said President Holland challenged the SGA to leave its mark on campus and they have joined forces with the Alumni Affairs Association and purchased some red and white shakers to hand out at the football games. Ms. Buckalew said the SGA has also joined with the Campus Activities Board to have a “whiteout” at the televised football games. She reported that the SGA donated $2,000 to the Rodeo team to help with its program and $2,000 to the University Theatre department. She thanked the Board for its continued support and encouragement.
XIII. REPORT FROM INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
A. Feasibility Study
Mr. John Crawford, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, reported that Jerry F. Smith Group is performing a feasibility study to determine the goal for the University’s capital campaign. He said representatives from the JFS Group are in the process of interviewing about 100 alumni or more and should complete their report by late October or early November. Mr. Crawford said upon completion of the study, Mr. Smith will present his report and make a recommendation to the University’s Board of Trustees as to the amount that will be set for the capital campaign goal.
B. Marketing Campaign
Mr. Crawford introduced Mr. Tom Stipe, who has joined UWA as a marketing consultant. He said Mr. Stipe served as the Director of University Relations at the University of Alabama for many years.
Mr. Stipe said he was very glad to have the opportunity to join the University of West Alabama and was very impressed with the work that preceded him. He said he has made a few changes in the advertising program and is currently using the theme “there is something about this place” in some commercials. He proceeded to show three advertisements on video that are running in the Birmingham, Meridian, and Mobile areas.
XIV. REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
A. University Strategic Plan and Scorecard
Dr. Holland gave an update on the Scorecard for the University’s Strategic Plan that was adopted for 2005-2009 at the Board Retreat in January. He said one recommendation was to hire a grant writer and noted that Dr. Becky Harvard was hired as a consultant who has been very helpful in the grant application process for the University. Dr. Holland referred to some of the successes of the grants received that were included in Provost Taylor’s report. Dr. Holland said Dr. Harvard will probably retire at the end of this year and the University is seeking someone to work into this position and further the success in grant writing.
He said one of the objectives was to increase scholarships, and this year there is an additional $100,000 for scholarships. Dr. Holland also noted that a jobship program was initiated about two or three years ago to assist with some of the clerical needs and noted this program has proven to be very successful.
Dr. Holland said Dr. Taylor presented a report on the online self-study and that the plan is being implemented.
Under Facilities, Dr. Holland said the facilities review process is tied into part of the capital campaign. He said the budget included funding to update technology in the amount of $50,000 and this would continue to be in the budget each year. He said the University would continue to apply for grants to fund the outreach program and the regional Center for Economic and Community Development. Dr. Holland said in the appropriation from the State, there was a restricted amount of $200,000 for this specific project and that the University has also received from the federal government a grant for $345,000 to be used for the same purpose. Dr. Holland said, at this time, there is $595,000 to enhance the University’s outreach and economic development program. The University will also continue to seek funds for its Center for the Study of the Black Belt.
Dr. Holland said under the Image category in the Strategic Plan, the University is striving to communicate the successes of the faculty, staff, and students, and some of these have been mentioned in Dr. Taylor’s report and in the Alumni Magazine.
Another goal in the Strategic Plan was to replace the outdated computer system. He announced this is being done, that the University selected the Datatel system, and there will be one more large payment on this system. After this last payment, there will be only costs for upgrades to the system in the future. He said the networking system needs to be updated and there is $200,000 in the budget this year for this purpose.
Dr. Holland said that student housing was a major concern on campus and proposals are being sought on how to convert the existing facilities into acceptable housing units.
Dr. Holland referred to the Objectives Scorecard for the University. Dr. Oliveira asked if the students who work in the Jobship Program perform any confidential duties, and Dr. Holland said they usually just answer the phone, run errands, etc. He said they are not allowed to see personnel files or anything of a confidential nature.
Under Enrollment, Dr. Holland said the goal was 3,375 for this semester and the actual enrollment at this time is 3,601, which is a 16% increase over last year. Under Grants, the goal was $600,000 and this will be exceeded. The first-time freshmen is 355, retention goal was set at 70% and last year it was 69%, so work will have to continue on this goal. There was a goal of 300 for this year for Trustee scholarships, and 313 have been awarded. Dr. Holland said the goal for Alumni Scholarships was set at 55, and 60 have been awarded; the Graduate Rate goal was set at 35% and the actual was 35%; the goal for Terminal Degree Faculty was set at 77%, and the actual for this semester is 79.2%; the goal for the Average ACT Score for Incoming Freshmen was set at 21, and it actually is 20.2; the goal for transfer students was set at 220, and the actual is 186 at this time. The minority faculty goal was 13, and the actual is 13, while the minority professional staff goal was 13, but the actual increased to 16.
B. Informational Items
1. Organizational changes in the Julia S. Tutwiler College of Education, Department of Athletics, and Division of Financial Affairs
Dr. Holland reported that at the last meeting of the President’s Council, certain organizational changes were approved. One was in the COE, which had previously consisted of a dean and three departments. The President’s Council approved a change from three departments to two. The Foundations of Education and Leadership and Instruction departments were combined into the Department of Teacher Certification.
In the Athletic Department, Dr. Holland said the position of Assistant Athletic Director was created. Mr. Wes Gordon will serve in this position. He said in the Office of Financial Affairs, there were a couple of title changes, i.e. the position of Supervisor of Payroll, Insurance and Personnel was changed to Director of Human Resources and the position of Director of Purchasing and Property Control was changed to Business Manager with a reassignment of day-to-day supervisory duties.
2. Establishment of the Office of Outreach Services
The Office of Outreach Services has been established and the University is awaiting a grant for this purpose. He said this office will enhance the University’s outreach and hopefully will strengthen the partnership with the faculty, staff, and the business, industries, and communities that are served by the University.
C. Adoption of Campus Street Names
In 1990, Dr. Holland said the Board of Trustees approved a resolution naming certain streets on the campus and indicated the guideline at that time was for the street to be named after the most prominent building on the particular street.
He said that a list was in each Trustee’s binder of the previously approved street names and a few new streets that did not exist in 1990. Dr. Holland said there are several reasons why this is being done: one is that a project for campus signage is in process, and also the University is looking to expand its emergency planning. He said as a part of this, a 911 address must be in place. Dr. Holland indicated that a list of fifteen street names is being presented to the Board for consideration. He said the new names are: Alfa Drive, which goes to the Alfa Environmental Center; Lake Drive, which begins at University Drive and extends to the entrance of Lake LU and Baseball Complex; and Rodeo Drive, which enters the Don Hines Arena complex. Dr. Holland noted that the Winton and Naomi Wise Loop would actually consist of two streets, Stadium Drive and University Drive.
Dr. Holland asked for the Board’s approval so that the signs can be obtained and so that the University can apply to the Emergency Management Office for 911 addresses. Dr. Umphrey moved to adopt the street names as presented, and Mr. Northcutt seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
D. Annual Fund and Athletic Fundraising for 2005-2006
Dr. Holland reported that from October 2005 to September 2006, over $400,000 was raised through the Annual Fund. He said the Athletic Department raised $233,000.
E. 175th Anniversary Committee
Dr. Holland referred to the Committee’s report in the Trustees’ binder, and noted some recommended events and activities. They are as follows: to establish a 175th Society, publish an anniversary book, develop a documentary, have a commemorative calendar for 2010, have a print series that will be suitable for framing, have a campus tour booklet, add to the series of Christmas ornaments that the Alumni Office currently offers, have special mementos, special edition diplomas, and special commencement speakers, provide special recognition to the accomplishments of alumni at Homecoming events, and hold a lecture series. Dr. Holland stated that the Committee is seeking stories of their memories at the University from the alumni, faculty, and staff.
F. Center for Study of the Black Belt
Dr. Holland presented a report from Dr. Tina Jones, Director of the Center for the Study of the Black Belt, and stated the goal of this office is to foster greater appreciation and understanding of Alabama’s Black Belt and regional culture.
Dr. Holland said the Department of History and Social Sciences hosted a two-day event which promoted the culture and history of the Black Belt region. He said twelve papers from nine universities in a variety of academic disciplines were presented.
Dr. Holland said in the Spring 2006, the Department of Languages and Literature launched its Symposium on the Literature of the Black Belt, which emphasized literary contributions of the region and introduced the public to the hidden vitality of the region.
Dr. Holland distributed an informational card to the Trustees that listed the dates of the taping for the Sucarnochee Revue on campus. He said this program features talent from the Black Belt and is taped live in Bibb Graves Auditorium. He said these live productions are formatted and distributed to different radio stations, currently being aired on the Alabama Public Radio on Saturday nights at 10:00, on the Troy University network, the Mississippi Public Radio network, Colorado Public Radio, WMOX station in Meridian, WIN in Demopolis, and the Shady Grove Radio network.
Dr. Holland said the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival is scheduled for April 2007 and indicated that this will be a special one because of the dedication of a monument to honor Vera Hall for her outstanding contributions in music from this area. He said the University is working with the Alabama Blues Project, which will be part of this event. Dr. Holland also said Willie King has also committed to perform at a concert on that day as part of the dedication.
Dr. Holland said a Black Belt Museum, under the leadership of Dr. John Hall, is a current project and its primary objective will be to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit natural history specimens and historic artifacts, crafts, and artworks from the central Black Belt area.
Dr. Holland said work is being done on the new Black Belt Garden on campus, located at the Jack Pleasant Greenhouse. He said the Garden will be used for the preservation, education, and study of the native flora of the central Black Belt.
Dr. Holland reported that the first Black Belt Summer Institute was held this past summer. This institute focused on the architectural history of the region. He said the program will continue next summer. There will be daytime excursions conducted throughout the region to view the architecture, and at night the group will experience some of the literature of the region.
G. Special Events for 2006-2007

Dr. Holland announced the following events:

September 16 Family Day, UWA Football vs. Southern Arkansas

September 20 Constitution Day, Wallace Hall Auditorium

September 21 UWA Football vs. Henderson State will be televised from Tiger Stadium.

October 6-7 Homecoming

Dr. Holland noted to the Trustees that if they need lodging accommodations for Homecoming, please let his office know. He also noted that they could remove any items from their binders, but should leave the binders.
Dr. Umphrey moved to accept the President’s Report, Mr. Northcutt seconded the motion, and the motion passed.
XV. ADJOURN
Dr. Umphrey moved to adjourn the meeting and Mrs. Lovett seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Lena Hardaway
Secretary

Earlene Lindsey
Assistant Secretary