MINUTES

 

TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS

 

REGULAR  SESSION

 

December 3, 2004

 

 

The Tennessee Board of Regents met in regular session on December 3, 2004.  The meeting was held in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Nashville State Technical Community College. Vice Chairman J. Stanley Rogers presided and called the meeting to order.  Upon instruction of the Vice Chairman, the Secretary called the roll.  The following members were present:

 

Mr. Frank Barnett

Mr. Edgar R. “Buddy” Bowers

Dr. Larry Burriss

Ms. Agenia Clark

Mr. Noble Cody

Mr. Tom Jackson

Mr. Jonas Kisber

Ms. Fran Marcum

Ms. Leslie Parks Pope

Dr. Richard G. Rhoda

Mr. Howard Roddy

Mr. J. Stanley Rogers

Commissioner Lana Seivers

Dr. Maxine Smith

Ms. Laura Wells

 

A quorum was present.   Members that were not available to attend the meeting were Governor Phil Bredesen, Chairman, Regent Bill Watkins and Commissioner Ken Givens.

 

I.          MINUTES OF PAST MEETINGS

 

The Minutes of the September 24, 2004 Quarterly Session and Minutes from a Special Called Session on October 20, 2004 were submitted to all members of the Board.  Regent Jackson moved for adoption of the Minutes.  Regent Pope provided a second to the motion.  The motion was carried.

 

 

 

II.         INTERIM ACTION REPORT

 

Vice Chairman Rogers called upon Chancellor Manning who presented to the Board for approval the Interim Action Report.  The report serves as a record of business transacted by the Office of the Chancellor since the previous meeting of the Board.  Regent Burriss moved for approval of the report.  Regent Roddy provided a second to the motion.  The motion passed.  A copy of the Report is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix A.

 

III.       REPORT OF THE COMMITTEES

 

A.     COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

 

The Committee on Academic Policies and Programs met in regular session on December 2, 2004, at Nashville State Technical Community College.

 

Vice Chancellor Paula Myrick Short presented six agenda items to the Committee.

 

The first item of business was the approval to establish two new degree programs, a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) program in Public History at Middle Tennessee State University; the second, a new academic doctoral degree (D.P.T.) program in Physical Therapy at Tennessee State University.  The new degree programs were unanimously approved.  The Committee also reviewed a proposal for the establishment of the Honors College at East Tennessee State University.  The mission of the College is to provide access to honors-distinctive academic, creative, and enrichment opportunities for a broad spectrum of qualified students and to provide recognition for undergraduate students who excel in distinct areas of academic achievement.  The Committee approved the establishment of the Honors College.

           

The second agenda item was approval of the TBR Strategic Planning Goals and Campus Mission Statements.  The TBR System Mission, Vision, and Planning Priorities were approved by the Board in September 2004.  After discussion, the Committee approved the proposed goals and outcomes for the key planning priorities.  These goals must be addressed in the strategic plans being developed by the system office and institutions.  Related to strategic planning for 2005-2010, the Committee also approved campus mission statements.      

           

The third agenda item was an update on Campus Strategic Plans for 2000-2005.  The Committee received summaries of campus accomplishments for 2003-2004.  These are available on the TBR website under Academic Affairs.  This was an information item with no action required.

           

The fourth agenda item was a report on a new initiative, the Regents Academic Leadership Institute. The Regents Academic Leadership Institute is a year-long cohort program that will provide leadership development opportunities to TBR universities and community colleges and will provide ongoing support to academic leaders.  The Institute is dedicated to strengthening the leadership abilities of our campus academic leaders.  Initially, the Institute will focus on leadership development for department/unit heads.  Vice Chancellor Short announced that Associate Vice Chancellor Treva Berryman will be the new director of the Institute. This report was an information item.

           

The fifth agenda item was approval of a proposed TBR Policy for awarding honorary degrees.  Honorary degrees are given to recognize individuals for extraordinary achievements. These achievements set a standard of high distinction and benefit TBR institutions.  The proposed policy was approved by the Committee.  Upon acceptance of this proposed policy, the Tennessee Board of Regents, in its business session on Friday, December 3, 2004, will entertain a motion to amend the By-laws to lift the prohibition on awarding honorary degrees.

           

As the final agenda item, the Committee approved the minutes of the special called meeting of the Committee of Academic Policies and Programs on November 9, 2004.  In the special called meeting, Vice Chancellor Paula Myrick Short discussed the goals and outcome statements approved by the TBR Strategic Planning Oversight Committee.  Vice Chancellor Short indicated that these goals and outcomes would be presented to the Committee at the December Board meeting for their approval. 

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

 

Regent Jackson moved for the adoption of the report and was seconded by Regent Smith.  The motion passed.  The policy for awarding honorary degrees is attached to the official copy of the Minutes at Appendix B.

 

B.     COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 

The Committee on Finance and Business Operations met in regular session on December 2, 2004, at Nashville State Technical Community College.

           

As the first item of business, the Committee received a report on the October 31, 2004, revisions to the consolidated 2004-2005 operating budgets of Tennessee Board of Regents institutions.  The Committee recommended approval of the October revised budget totaling $1,777,250,700 as summarized in Attachment A to the official copy of this Report.

           

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee reviewed and approved a revision to Tennessee Board of Regents Policy 4:01:07:02 – Foundations.  The revision allows the transfer of endowment funds from the institution to the foundation with written approval of the donor.

           

The next item on the agenda was a review of proposed revisions to Policy 4:03:03:00 – General Travel.  The Committee approved the revisions which increase in-state lodging rates and per diem rates to comply with State Department of Finance and Administration reimbursement rate increases effective November 1, 2004.

           

The final agenda item was a review of quarterly expenses of the Chancellor and presidents.  Future quarterly expense reports will be presented to the Committee on Audit.

           

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned.

                                                                            

                                                                             Respectfully submitted,

                                                                            

                                                                             COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND

                                                                             BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 

Regent Bowers moved for adoption of the report as acting chair on behalf of Regent Watkins.  Regent Clark provided a second.  A roll call vote was taken and the report was approved unanimously.    A copy of the October revised budget is attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix C.  Copies of the revised policies are attached as Appendix D.

 

 

C.     COMMITTEE ON AUDIT

 

The Committee on Audit met in regular session on December 2, 2004, at Nashville State Technical Community College.

           

As the first item of business, the Committee received a report of the special called meetings of the Committee on Audit on October 29 and November 23, 2004.  The minutes of the special called meetings were approved and are included as Attachments A and B to the official copy of this Report.

           

The second item of business was the review of audit reports issued by the Comptroller’s Office for Northeast State Technical Community College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Roane State Community College, Roane State Community College Foundation, and Walters State Community College.

           

The next item on the agenda was a review of audits issued by institution internal auditors.  A list of these audits can be found as Attachment C. 

           

A review of audit reports by external auditors was the next agenda item.  The Committee reviewed the audit issued by external auditors for the Medical Education Assistance Corporation.

           

The final agenda item was a review of the annual system-wide audit plan. The committee voted to approve the annual system-wide audit plan which is included as Attachment D to the officiall copy of this Report.

           

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned.

                                                                       

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON AUDIT

 

Regent Bowers moved for the adoption of the report on behalf of Regent Watkins.  The motion was seconded by Regent Clark.  The motion passed.  Copies of the reports mentioned are attached to the official set of Minutes as Appendix E.

 

D.     COMMITTEE ON PERSONNEL

 

The Committee on Personnel met at Nashville State Technical Community College on December 2, 2004, in Nashville, Tennessee.  

 

As the first item on the agenda, the Committee considered the Revision of TBR Policy 5:01:07:00 - Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.  Regent Bowers made a motion to approve the policy revision seconded by Regent Kisber.  The Committee approved the revision of TBR Policy 5:01:07:00 - Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee considered the revision of TBR Policy 5:01:01:11 – Days of Administrative Closing.   Regent Roddy made a motion to approve the policy revision seconded by Regent Smith.  The Committee approved the revision of TBR Policy 5:01:01:11 – Days of Administrative Closing.

 

There being no further business, the Committee on Personnel was adjourned.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                           

COMMITTEE ON PERSONNEL

 

Regent Cody moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Bowers provided a second to the motion.  The motion passed.  Revisions to TBR Policy 5:01:07:00 – Law Enforcement and Security Personnel and TBR Policy 5:01:01:11 – Days of Administrative Closing are attached to the official copy of the Minutes as Appendix F.

 

E.      COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION

 

The Committee on Compensation met at Nashville State Technical Community College on December 2, 2004, in Nashville, Tennessee.  

 

As the first item on the agenda, the Committee considered the Report of the Special Called Meeting of the Compensation Committee on November 16, 2004.  Vice Chancellor Adams presented a summary of the minutes to the Committee.  Regent Cody made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Regent Kisber.  The Committee approved the minutes of the Special Called Meeting of the Compensation Committee.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the Committee considered the new pay plan methodology for research incentives at Tennessee State University.  Vice Chancellor Adams discussed additional materials provided to the Committee on November 22^nd.  Vice Chancellor Adams reviewed the packet of information and the methodology used to award research incentives for faculty from both the University of Memphis and Tennessee State University.  Regent Pope made a motion to approve the new pay plan methodology, seconded by Regent Roddy. The Committee approved the Tennessee State University proposal.

 

There being no further business, the Committee on Compensation was adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION

 

Regent Bowers moved for the adoption of the report.  Regent Cody provided a second to the motion.  A roll call vote was taken.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

F.      COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

The Committee on Business, Community and Public Affairs met in regular session on December 2, 2004, at Nashville State Technical Community College.

 

As the first item on the agenda, the Committee received a presentation from Vice Chancellor David Gregory on the 2005 systemwide legislative initiatives.  The following items related to the budget were presented for approval:  1) seek funding for the system capital outlay and maintenance and also seek funding for equipment for the technology centers; 2) seek funding that provides matching dollars for research initiatives at universities; and 3) seek funding that provides matching dollars for Centers of Emphasis at community colleges.  Three additional items were presented relative to the 2005-2006 budget process:  1) support THEC recommendations for a private fundraising initiative and an increase in state appropriation for the community colleges and technology centers; 2) support full funding of any salary increases; and 3) support restoration of recurring funds for the Appalachian Crafts Center.  Regent Jackson moved for the approval of the 2005 systemwide legislative initiatives as presented.  Regent Barnett seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

 

Next, Vice Chancellor Gregory gave an update on Tennessee’s Education Lottery Scholarship Program.  First, he reported on the October 28 meeting of TBR’s Task Force on Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships.  The Task Force discussed the need to 1) establish the proper monitoring tools that are needed to assess the impact of the lottery on the TBR System, 2) establish a short-term strategy for modifications to or protections of the current program, and 3) establish a long-term strategy to prioritize program revisions that we believe are most important to connect the lottery with state higher education goals.

 

As of November 15, the total number of Hope Scholarship awards that have been paid to recipients is 30,060.  The total number of Hope Scholarship recipients attending public universities is 18,674.  Scholarship recipients attending community colleges total 6,017.  As collected on October 28, students receiving the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant totals 6,453.  Since the technology centers have rolling enrollment, it is anticipated that this number will rise significantly over the next several months.

 

As the final item of business to come before the Committee, it was announced that the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy would be presented to Mr. Roosevelt Luster at the meeting of the entire Board.

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS, COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

 

Regent Pope moved for the adoption of the report.  It was seconded by Regent Roddy and the motion passed. Next, the Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy was presented to Mr. Roosevelt Luster, a TSU alumnus. Mr. Luster provided words of appreciation after receiving the award.

 

 

 

G.     COMMITTEE ON TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

 

The Committee on the Tennessee Technology Centers met in regular session on December 2, 2004, on the campus of Nashville State Technical Community College.

      

Vice Chancellor James D. King presented five agenda items to the Committee and gave special recognition to Vice Chairman J. Stanley Rogers, Regents Frank Barnett and Tom Jackson, and Chancellor Charles Manning for their participation in the Technology Centers’ strategic planning process.

 

As the first item of business, the Committee reviewed and approved the following four (4) program proposals:

·        Modifications of the Tool and Die program at Jackson by relocating the program from TTC Jackson to the McWherter Center for the Advanced Technologies at Jackson State Community College.

·        Modification of the Drafting and CAD Technology program at Ripley by placing the program on inactive status;

·        Implementation of a Practical Nursing program at Hartsville to be located at the Sumner Regional Medical Center; and

·        Implementation of an evening/weekend Practical Nursing program at Hartsville to be located at the McFarland Specialty Hospital in Wilson County.

 

As the second item on the agenda, the committee received a status report on the Director’s Search at the Tennessee Technology Center at Hartsville.  Chancellor Charles Manning stated that a Special Called Board Meeting would be held to approve a recommendation upon completion of the search.  He also recognized recently appointed Directors Andy Forrester, Director of TTC McMinnville, and Jeff Sisk, Director of TTC Whiteville.

 

Next, the Committee received an Enrollment Report for the Tennessee Technology Centers for 2003-2004.

 

As the fourth item on the agenda, Assistant Vice Chancellor Carol Puryear gave a report regarding the re-accreditation visits by the Council on Occupational Education, the accrediting agency for the Tennessee Technology Centers, for years 2004 and 2005.

 

As the last item of business, the Committee received a report on the 2004 Tennessee Technology Center data included in the Council on Occupational Education’s National Report Card Model of Excellence in Workforce Education.

 

There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            COMMITTEE ON TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY

                                                            CENTERS

 

Regent Barnett moved for the acceptance of the report.  Regent Bowers provided a second and the motion passed. 

 

H.  AD HOC COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

The Ad Hoc Committee on Information Technology of the Tennessee Board of Regents met October 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. by conference call.  The following members  participated:  Regent Bill Watkins (Chair), Regent Buddy Bowers, Regent Fran Marcum, Regent Howard Roddy, Regent Larry Burriss, Doug Hurley, Lucinda Lea, Eddie Stone, TBR’s Chief Information Officer Tom Danford and Vice Chancellor Bob Adams.  Others in attendance were Chancellor Charles Manning and General Counsel Christine Modisher. 

 

Chair Bill Watkins and Chancellor Manning began the meeting with opening comments. 

 

Chief Information Officer Tom Danford gave a brief overview of the background of issuing the Request for Proposals.  Twenty-one companies were invited to bid.  Eleven shared an interest in submitting a proposal.  Three companies actually submitted proposals (one did not comply with the requirements of the RFP and one was submitted after the deadline).  The intent to award was issued September 27, 2004.  Reference checks were made on the vendors. 

 

Tom Danford provided the Committee with an analysis of SCT’s proposal which included analysis of their proposed software portfolio and cost.  Discussion ensued regarding implementation schedules and whether consolidation, regionalization, or separate implementation schedules would be the most beneficial for our System. 

 

Chancellor Manning introduced the organization of a steering committee that includes all university presidents and several presidents of TBR’s two-year institutions.  The steering committee will meet October 14, 2004,  to begin its initial review of implementation principles, cost analysis of administrative computing, hardware deployment methodology, software portfolio methodology, implementation methodology, and an implementation schedule.  Subcommittees will be identified to address each of the specific components. 

 

The next steps are for the steering committee to meet to begin their review and to begin contract negotiations with SCT.  Once completed, that information will then be presented to the Ad Hoc Committee for review. 

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                               

Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            AD HOC COMMITTEE ON

                                                            INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

Regent Bowers moved for the adoption of the report on behalf of Regent Watkins.  Regent Smith seconded the motion.  The motion passed.   

 

IV.       REPORT OF THE CHANCELLOR

 

Chancellor Manning began his report with the introduction of the 2004 – 2005 Maxine Smith Fellows.  This program prepares African-American TBR employees for higher levels of responsibility and authority by providing them with senior administrative staff experience.  Fellows are assigned to a senior professional mentor either at a governing board or one of our institutions and work on a specific project jointly chosen by the fellows and their mentors.  The goal is to create a larger pool of qualified African Americans for higher level positions in the TBR system.  This year there were 25 applicants and 11 Fellows were chosen to participate in the program.   Elizabeth McClaran, Coordinator of the Fellows program, introduced the Fellows and described their project assignments at the various campuses and at the Central Office.

 

Next, Chancellor Manning reported on the Brown v Board of Education 50^th Anniversary Faculty Symposium that was held at the Frist Center on Friday, October 8.  The symposium was designed to highlight faculty scholarships in the area of diversity.  Faculty from TBR universities presented their research on issues such as discrimination, civil rights, integration and other related topics.  A highlight of this event was a fireside chat with Regent Maxine Smith.  A commemorative poster was designed by two Tennessee State University students under the guidance of Carlyle Johnson, Chair of the TSU Art Department.  Chancellor Manning complimented Dr. Paula Myrick Short and Ms. Wendy Thompson for their work in facilitating this event.

 

The next item of the Chancellor’s report was an update on visits across the state.  Over the last couple of months, Chancellor Manning traveled across the state meeting with various service organizations and campus groups discussing the economic benefits of educating the citizens of the state of Tennessee, particularly the P-16 initiative, which is designed to improve participation in education from pre-kindergarten through college.

 

The project to replace the administrative software (ERP project) was the next item of Chancellor Manning’s report.  Based upon the technical evaluations, cost proposal analysis and in consultation with the Board’s Ad Hoc Committee on Information Technology, an “intent to award” was issued to the Sungard SCT Corporation. 

 

Next, Chancellor Manning provided updates on the two presidential searches – Tennessee State University and Walters State Community College.  The presidential search at Tennessee State University is co-chaired by Regents Frank Barnett and Maxine Smith.  Other members on the committee are Regents Buddy Bowers, Agenia Clark and Tom Jackson.  The Search Committee met on December 1 and narrowed the pool of 53 applicants down to 11 for further consideration.  The Search Committee is to meet again on December 13 to reduce the eleven finalists down to approximately three to five candidates who will be invited for interviews on the campus in late January.  The presidential search at Walters State Community College is chaired by Regent Jonas Kisber.  Regents serving on this Committee are  Regents Noble Cody, Fran Marcum, Leslie Pope and Howard Roddy.  Approximately 40 applicants have applied for this position.  The Search Committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on December 8.  It is anticipated that three to five candidates will be brought to the campus for interviews in early March.

 

Chancellor Manning then reported that there will be a special called Board meeting at the conclusion of the search for the director of the Tennessee Technology Center at Hartsville.  Prior to the special called meeting, each Board member is to receive information regarding the candidates that were interviewed and a bio on the recommended candidate. 

 

He then recognized the two directors who most recently joined the TBR System.   On October 20, the Board held a special called meeting and approved the appointment of Mr. Andy Forrester, Director at the Tennessee Technology Center at McMinnville and Mr. Jeff Sisk, Director at the Tennessee Technology Center at Whiteville.

 

Lastly, Chancellor Manning gave a reminder about the Legislative Reception for Tuesday, February 8, 2005 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville Hotel.

 

V.        REPORTS OF PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS

 

Director Johnny Williams, representing the technology centers, provided a report on recent activities that have taken place at the technology centers.  Representing the two-year institutions, President Jack Campbell reported on the activities of the two-year institutions since the last quarterly Board meeting.  President Sherry Hoppe, representing the universities, reported on events and activities that have occurred at the four-year institutions. 

 

VI.       UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Vice Chairman Rogers presented to the Board an amendment to the Board Bylaws regarding Honorary Degrees.  The proposed change is to reflect the following:

 

·        Delete Section X.2 which reads: “Honorary Degrees:  Honorary Degrees shall not be conferred by the institutions of the System.”

 

·        Renumber the subsequent sections of Section X.

 

The Board was notified of the amendment at the September Quarterly Board meeting.  Regent Marcum made a motion to amend the Bylaws as stated.  Regent Barnett provided a second.  The motion passed unanimously after a roll call vote was taken. 

 

VII.      NEW BUSINESS

 

The first item under New Business was the Spirit of Geier Award.  Middle Tennessee State University was the recipient of the award.  The award is given each year to honor the institution or individual demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Geier Consent Decree.  The award recognizes significant contributions to the TBR goal of increased access and opportunities at all of its institutions.  Middle Tennessee State University demonstrated creativity, persistence and success in planning and implementing its Geier programs.  Each initiative was implemented with substantive thought and planning and the campus embraced the Geier initiatives as “opportunities” to enhance the campus, the System, and the state. 

 

Next, Vice Chairman Rogers called on Chancellor Manning for the naming of the library at Walters State Community College in honor of Mr. R. Jack Fishman.  Regent Pope moved for the adoption of the naming.  The motion was seconded by Regent Bowers.  The motion carried.  President Jack Campbell addressed the Board on behalf of former Regent R. Jack Fishman.

 

Next on the agenda was a recommendation for the naming of Building 2 of the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University as the Charles Ed Allen Hall.  Chancellor Manning presented this item.  Regent Cody moved for the adoption of the naming and Regent Pope provided a second to the motion.  The motion passed.  Regent Pope provided comments on behalf of President Paul Stanton, East Tennessee State University.

 

Vice Chairman Rogers presented the next item which was a resolution for Dr. James Hefner, President of Tennessee State University.  Regent Jackson moved for the adoption of the resolution and Regent Roddy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  Dr. Hefner was present to provide comments of appreciation.

 

In closing, Chancellor Manning and Vice Chairman Rogers expressed their gratitude to Dr. George Van Allen and Dr. Johnny Williams for the wonderful job in hosting the meeting. 

 

 

VIII.         ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING

 

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

________________________________

                                                            Christine Modisher, Secretary

 

 

 

_________________________________ 

Charles W. Manning, Chancellor

 

 

 

__________________________________

J. Stanley Rogers, Vice Chairman