https://digitalcollections.eku.edu/files/original/6579bf5e02ed0e7ae966eb1f88dc28e9.pdf 0f04d8370de49c81d1408b5b07e87a5a PDF Text Text Minutes of a Regularly Scheduled Meeting Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents December 12, 2019 Black Box Theater Center for the Arts Eastern Kentucky University Call to Order A regular quarterly meeting of the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents convened at 1:02 p.m. at the Black Box Theater, Center for the Arts, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky. Mr. Lewis Diaz, Chair of the Board, presided. The following members of the Board were present: Present Mr. Lewis Diaz Mr. Alan Long Mr. Juan Castro Ms. Laura Babbage Ms. Nancy Collins Dr. Jason Marion Ms. Lynn Taylor Tye Mr. Vasu Vasudevan Ms. Janice Sword Way Ms. Madison Lipscomb Mr. Bryan Makinen, Corporate Secretary* Absent None Others Present Dr. Michael Benson, President Ms. Dana Fohl, University Counsel Dr. Jerry Pogatshnik, Interim Executive Vice President for Academics and Provost Dr. Gene Palka, Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management Mr. Barry Poynter, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Members of the faculty, staff and media *Bryan Makinen resigned his duties as Staff Regent on December 1, 2019, but will continue to act as Corporate Secretary. Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 1 of7 �Information Items A. Written Informational Reports 1. Mr. Ethan Witt, Legislative Update Mr. Ethan Witt, Director of Government & Community Relations, submitted a written report to the Board, a copy of which is incorporated herein and will be included with the official copy of the minutes. 2. Marco Ciocca, Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Marco Ciocca, Chair of Faculty Senate, submitted a written report to the Board, a copy of which is incorporated herein and will be included with the official copy of the minutes. 3. Caelin Scott, Staff Council Chair Ms. Caelin Scott, Chair of Staff Council, submitted a written report to the Board, a copy of which is incorporated herein and will be included with the official copy of the minutes. 4. Ms. Madison Lipscomb, President, Student Government Association Ms. Madison Lipscomb, SGA President, submitted a written report to the Board, a copy of which is incorporated herein and will be included with the official copy of the minutes. B. Oral Informational Reports 1. Dr. Michael Benson, President President Michael Benson delivered the following report: Good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to make a presidential report to the Board, one last time. I shall be brief. At our core, we are a teaching university. That is what our faculty do and that is the thing in which we take the most pride and make the biggest impact. By nature and practice, I strive to be a curious, constant learner. Recently, I read what many consider to be the finest one-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln by the historian with 3 first names: David Herbert Donald. Dr. Donald taught at Johns Hopkins for 12 years before becoming the Charles Warren Professor of American History and Civilization at Harvard for nearly two decades. There are so many Lincoln anecdotes woven throughout this work, it's hard to single out just one. But for illustrating my point today, I'll take this one found on page 576. Early in April 1865, President Lincoln decided to visit Richmond as soon as the navy had removed most of the Confederate torpedoes in the James River. Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 2 of7 �When the U.S.S. Malvern, Admiral David Farragut's flagship, could not pass a line of obstructions the Southerners had placed in the river, the President transferred to a shallow-draft barge, pulled by the tugboat Glance. After the strong river current forced the Malvern against the bridge, the tugboat was detached to rescue it, and twelve sailors rowed the President's barge upstream. President Lincoln was amused. "Admiral," he said to David D. Porter, who was in the party, "this brings to my mind a fellow who once came to me to ask for an appointment as minster abroad. Finding he could not get that, he came down to some more modest position. Finally, he asked to be made a tide-waiter (or a customs inspector). When he saw he could not get that, he asked me for an old pair of trousers." "But it is well to be humble," Lincoln concluded (p. 576). Here is the greatest president in our nation's history, being rowed into Richmond in a small barge just days before Lee's surrender at Appomattox and 11 days before his tragic assassination at Ford's Theatre. And he uses the occasion as a teaching moment with one of his inimitable stories. What a lesson in humility and leadership. No one of us is bigger than this place. We are simply stewards of the resources granted to us with a charge to make it better. To quote one of my heroes, George Washington Carver, "Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied." That is what we have tried to do here at Eastern Kentucky University, a place that has meant so much to so many for so long. We will always be Colonels. At each of your places are evidences of two things I'm very proud of: the first is a booklet detailing the transformational projects which have reinvigorated our campus; the second is an infographic about our recent high school recruiting visits. We talk constantly about budgets and programs and facilities and pensions and many other things: but at day's end, we are here for students. Full stop. They are and should always remain our primary focus. My family and I thank you for this privilege to serve and wish you all the best in the future. Go Colonels! 2. Lewis Diaz, Chair Chair Lewis Diaz delivered the following report: Thank you, Mr. President. You mentioned Coach Wells. I watched the press conference and I first want to share with you that the hashtag "Hell's Bells Here Comes Wells" is pretty good. I liked it. Mike, your service to EKU has been outstanding. I looked at some information that Craig gave me from your first couple years about the things that you set out to accomplish, and when you look at that list, it's this update that you just gave us. Everything that you set out to do when you got here, you have done. You have served as President with tremendous zeal, and the university is better for you having been here. You have faithfully done your duty. As President, Dr. Benson worked to create a new ceiling for this institution and the students it serves. During his tenure we saw an increase in retention rates, graduation rates, freshmen class GP A, periods of record enrollment, record giving, and as we have talked about, the most extensive revitalization of our campus in more than fifty years that includes new residence halls, a first-class Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 7 �dining facility, phase two of the state's most impressive science building, new and renovated athletic facilities, a new student recreation center, and the renovation of the Powell student center that reimagines that space in its entirety. All of these accomplishments happened at a time where there were shrinking state appropriations, resulting in tough decisions and fundamental changes to the way that EKU operates. Throughout, Dr. Benson worked tirelessly to manage change on campus and advocate for Eastern off campus. Dr. Benson is a historian. I am too. I believe that when historians look at Eastern Kentucky, and they look at its Presidents, they will look to Dr. Benson as Dr. Martin's rival. Dr. Benson is the Dr. Martin of our generation, and for that I thank you, sir. I also know that later today, we will take on a resolution to confer upon President Benson the title of President Emeritus, which is well deserved. That's not something that we've done for every President, but if ever there was a President to do it for, it's Dr. Benson. Sir, I am so honored to have met you and to have had the opportunity to work closely with you. I call myself a President Benson fan. C. Executive Session Chair Diaz entertained a motion pursuant to KRS 61.815 to enter closed session for the purposes stated in KRS 61.801(l)(f), for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the appointment or discipline or dismissal of an individual employee pursuant to KRS 61.810( 1)(f). A motion was made to go into executive session by Regent Tye. The motion was seconded by Regent Collins. The motion passed by voice vote, and the Board, thereby, convened in closed, executive session at 1:44 p.m. A motion was made by Regent Babbage to come out of executive session and return to the open session of the Board of Regents meeting. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed by voice vote and Board of Regents thereby returned to open session at 3:42 p.m. Chair Diaz noted that no action was taken during closed session. Action Items A. Consent Agenda Chair Diaz presented to the full Board the following items on the Consent Agenda for approval: i. Approval of the Minutes for the Full Board Meeting on August 29, 2019 A motion was made by Regent Babbage to approve the minutes for the Full Board meeting on August 29, 2019. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. ii. Personnel Actions Report Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page4of7 �A motion was made by Regent Vasudevan to approve the Personnel Actions Report. The motion was seconded by Regent Collins. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. iii. Approval of the OVC Governing Board Certification Form A motion was made by Regent Babbage to approve the OVC Governing Board Certification Form. The motion was seconded by Regent Vasudevan. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. iv. Approval of Degree Candidates for Fall 2019 A motion was made by Regent Castro to approve the Degree Candiates for Fall 2019 commencement. The motion was seconded by Regent Marion. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. v. Council on Academic Affairs Presentation A motion was made by Regent Castro to approve the Council on Academic Affairs program proposals. The motion was seconded by Regent Collins. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. vi. Approval of Honorary Degree for P.G. Peeples A motion was made by Regent Babbage to approve an honorary degree for P.G. Peeples. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. vii. Approval of Audit for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019 A motion was made by Regent Long to approve the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. viii. Land Lease - Kit Carson Commons Project A motion was made by Regent Castro to approve the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. The motion was seconded by Regent Tye. The motion passed unanimously by rollcall vote. New Business Regent Long recommended a made motion to employ David Mcfaddin as the interim President for Eastern Kentucky University. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. One resolution was presented to the Board for approval: Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 7 �Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents Resolution in Recognition of Michael T. Benson and Designation as President Emeritus. Regent Long presented the following resolution: WHEREAS, Michael T. Benson, D. Phil., was appointed by the Board of Regents as the Thirteenth (13 th ) President of Eastern Kentucky University beginning August 1, 2013; WHEREAS, during Dr. Benson's tenure, the University has awarded nearly 42,000 total degrees, has reached record high enrollment of 16,881 students, has increased its freshman retention rate by 11 percent, and has increased its four-year graduation rate by almost 20 percent; WHEREAS, under Dr. Benson's leadership, the University embarked on a nearly $300 million campus revitalization, the most ambitious initiative in its history, including the construction of a Science Building, two public-private residence halls, the Turner Gate, the University's first parking garage, the University Carloftis Gardens; the privately-funded student dining facility, the student-funded recreational center and renovations to the student center, the privately-funded Eastern Scholar House, and improvements in athletics facilities, including a new baseball stadium, new softball stadium, new baseball and softball hitting and pitching facilities, upgrades inside Alumni Coliseum, and a new east side of Roy Kidd Stadium; WHEREAS, Dr. Benson has served as President of the University with distinction, teaching courses; being a bold, public advocate for higher education and tirelessly representing the University as a leader among his peers on SACS-COC committees, NCAA committees, OVC committees, CPE committees, and as an author of numerous articles and one book on the impact of higher education to the Commonwealth and society more broadly; WHEREAS, Dr. Benson's vision for the University and personal mantra of "Make No Little Plans" has thrusted the University into a nearly-complete $50 million capital campaign, the largest and most successful campaign in University history, with nearly 75% of the campaign goal being raised; WHEREAS, Dr. Benson's faithful and successful service to the University has presented him with a litany of opportunities to promote EKU in Kentucky and beyond; WHEREAS, all of these accomplishments and more happened during a period of shrinking state appropriations, resulting in tough decisions and fundamental changes to the operation ofEKU. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Eastern Kentucky University Board of Regents hereby highly commends Dr. Benson for the invaluable contributions he has made to Eastern Kentucky University; and, with special appreciation for the excellent leadership he has provided, Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 7 �for the countless hours he has devoted, and the exemplary service he has rendered, the Board of Regents hereby officially bestows the title of President Emeritus upon Dr. Michael T. Benson. Done this the Twelfth Day of December, 2019, by the Board of Regents of Eastern Kentucky University. A motion was made by Regent Babbage to approve the Resolution in Recognition of Michael T. Benson and Designation as President Emeritus. The motion was seconded by Regent Long. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Adiournment Regent Marion thanked President Benson for the model of moral character that he sets in the Richmond community and his service to Eastern Kentucky University. Student Regent Lipscomb thanked President Benson for his leadership throughout her time at EKU. Regent Makinen thanked President Benson, his wife, and children for their service to EKU and the Richmond community. Regent Makinen praised President Benson' s character and integrity in the face of the hardest economic times of the institution' s history. Regent Vasudevan praised President Benson' s efforts in increasing the visibility and reputation of EKU throughout his tenure. Chair Diaz stated that there will be a search committee for a permanent President. Regent Marion will co-chair that search committee together with Bryan Makinen as Corporate Secretary. The Board will immediately issue an RFP to hire a search firm to assist the co-chairs in creating a committee and to guide the committee in the process of choosing the next President of EKU. There being no further business, Chair Diaz requested a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Regent Long to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Regent Castro. The motion passed by voice vote, and the meeting was thereby adjourned at 3:56 p.m. Regularly Scheduled Board of Regents Meeting Minutes Page 7 of7 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource EKU Board of Regents Records Subject The topic of the resource Eastern Kentucky University Description An account of the resource This collection consists of records relating to the Board of Regents and includes minutes, agendas and supporting documents. Only parts of the collection have been digitized at this time, but more will be added until all minutes are available. This collection is invaluable to anyone researching the history of Eastern Kentucky University. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Eastern Kentucky University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1906-present Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource minutes Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 0001-010 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Board of Regents Minutes Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Eastern Kentucky University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Board of Regents Records Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019-12-12 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource minutes Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context bor_minutes-2019-12-12