Chair Dukes asked for a motion to approve the budget as it has been presented. Motion made by Regent Moyer. Regent Fields seconded the motion. There were no dissenting votes. The 2027 budget was approved. Motion Passed.

Dr. Bigard presented information on a piece of farm property to expand the College of Education program. The property consists of 70.15 acres in Midway with a list price of $1.6 million that has been approved by CPE.

Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, spoke on the project. Dr. Bernard said they needed additional farmland so that faculty has room for their projects as well as their graduate students. He said they have had 27 projects at their farm over the past 18 months and have added nine new faculty in the school.

Regent Fields said he had concerns about the listing agent as a person that is employed here. Dr. Bernard said she accessed the land through the MLS real estate system, adding that she is not the listing agent for the land.

Regent Hatchett asked about the process of getting the university to a very specific piece of property. Dr. Bernard said it's a general search and went into more specific details. Dr. Akakpo also responded.

Regent Hatchett asked if it was located next to a data center. Dr. Bernard responded no.

Regent Obielodan had a question regarding an equine science technology assistance degree program in the future. Dr. Bernard responded in detail.

Dr. Bigard said they received a couple of bids for the beverage agreement and Pepsi was selected as the vendor at a total cost of $114,000 for year 1. It is $25,000 annually for years 2 through 5.

Regent Moseley questioned if the university is getting any free products out of this or products at discounted rates. Dr. Bigard and Ms. Eileen Butts, director of purchasing, responded.

Regent Hatchett asked if the two bids were close together or far apart. Ms. Butts said Pepsi offered three times as much as the other bidder.

Chair Dukes asked for a motion for approval of the beverage agreement. Regent Fields made the motion. Regent Obielodan seconded the motion. No dissenting votes. The beverage contract was approved. Motion Passed.

Mr. McNear summarized the list of projects that are currently in progress and the budget for the projects. Those projects include ASB roof and windows, Carver Hall renovation, Chandler Hall renovation, Kentucky Hall renovation, Exum Center exterior repairs, Bell Gym exterior stairs, Hume Hall, Combs Hall renovation, McCullin Hall renovation and