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KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS REGULAR MEETING

*** Meeting Was Conducted in Person and by Teleconference *** February 16, 2024 10:00 a.m. EST

Board of Regents Room Julian M. Carroll Academic Services Building, 2nd Floor 400 East Main Street Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (Primary Physical Location)

MINUTES *****

I. Call To Order

The Board's Chair, Regent Tammi Dukes, called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

II. Roll Call

The Board's Secretary, Zachary Atwell, called the roll:

Regent Tammi Dukes, Chair Present

Regent Michael Adams, Jr., Vice Chair Present

Regent Edward Fields Present

Regent Ernie Fletcher, MD Present

Regent Edward Hatchett, Esq. Present

Regent Jason Moseley Present

Regent Charles Moyer, PhD Present

Regent Robert Ramsey, Sr. Present

Regent Herman Walston, EdD Present

Regent Savion Briggs Present

All ten Regents were present and in attendance at roll call.

III. Approval of the Agenda

MOTION by Regent Walston:

Move the Board to approve the agenda of the February 16, 2024, meeting of the Board of Regents. Seconded by Regent Hatchett and passed without dissent.

IV. Closed Session

A. Pending and Possible Litigation

Pursuant to KRS 61.810(1)(c), the Board moved to closed session to discuss pending and possible litigation.

MOTION by Regent Fields:

Move the Board to enter closed session to discuss pending and possible litigation. Seconded by Regent Ramsey and passed without dissent.

V. Consent Agenda

When the Board reconvened from its closed session, Chair Dukes announced that no action was taken while in closed session. She then called for a motion to enter open session.

MOTION by Regent Fields:

Move the Board to enter open session.

Seconded by Regent Walston and passed without dissent.

Next, Chair Dukes presented all Consent Agenda items. Before calling for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Chair Dukes invited Regents' questions and comments.

Regent Moyer shared his observations regarding the KSU Foundation, including excerpts from a certified letter that he had recently received from the KSU Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Donald Lyons. He also discussed recommendations for renegotiating the MOU between the University and the KSU Foundation.

Chair Walston asked whether any conversation had occurred between the Foundation and the University prior to the development of the recommendations presented by Regent Moyer.

Regent Adams sought clarification regarding the number of meeting requests that had been extended to the Foundation.

Regent Fletcher asked whether the Foundation receives any federal funds and inquired as to what the Foundation's audit requirements might be, based upon the sources of funding.

Regent Walston inquired whether the Foundation's audits occur on a yearly basis.

Regent Fletcher wondered about the Foundation’s lack of fidelity to the University and contributors to the Foundation, finding it odd that they are collecting money “with Kentucky State on it” but deferring it for purposes and individuals not related to KSU.

Regent Hatchett stated that it was his understanding that in the past KSU had turned over to the Foundation certain Covid-related federal funds and queried whether the federal audit requirement follow those funds into the Foundation, and further inquired whether this was the only incidence of the Foundation handling federal dollars. General Counsel Atwell and President Akakpo responded that the Foundation does hold some Title III funds on behalf of the University.

Regent Fletcher asked whether the Foundation’s audit shed any light onto the basis for which 35% can be charged to the University under the current MOU.

Regent Ramsey requested that the recommendations for renegotiating the MOU include a requirement that the Foundation provide the University with quarterly financial updates rather than annual reports.

Hearing no further questions or discussion, Chair Dukes read all the Consent Agenda items, supra, and called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda:

MOTION by Regent Moseley:

Approve the Consent Agenda.

Seconded by Regent Fletcher and passed without dissent.

A. Actions Recommended by the Investment & Advancement Committee

• i.Approval of Board Order Authorizing the President to Renegotiate the MOU with the KSU Foundation, Inc.
• ii.Approval to Issue an RFP for Investment Management Services

B. Actions Recommended by Academic Affairs Committee

• i.i. Approval of Revised Faculty Evaluation Policy

C. Minutes from Previous Board and Committee Meetings

• i.November 21, 2023, Finance & Audit Committee Meeting Minutes
• ii.November 27, 2023, Board Retreat Minutes
• iii.November 28, 2023, Board Meeting Minutes
• iv.December 18, 2023, Board Meeting Minutes
• v.January 29, 2024, Finance & Audit Committee Meeting Minutes
• vi.January 30, 2024, Investment & Advancement Committee Meeting Minutes
• vii.January 31, 2024, Academic Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
• viii.February 1, 2024, Student Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes
• ix.February 2, 2024, Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

D. Approval of Resolutions of Appreciation

VI. Information Items

A. President's Report

President Akakpo began his presentation by thanking the Regents for their support over the last seven months and then highlighting successes within the University’s Nursing program. Next, he shared updates regarding the University’s capital requests to the General Assembly and reported on efforts to identify the amount of Land Grant funding that has actually been spent. President Akakpo also expressed concern regarding significant HVAC-related issues that had occurred during a recent bout of extreme cold weather.

Regent Walston asked whether Land Grant funds could be used bring the Rosenwald Building up to date, relative to the HVAC failure that President Akakpo had described.

Regent Fletcher sought clarification as to the exact amount the House approved on capital as well as the additional amount that President Akakpo would be seeking from the Senate for asset preservation.

B. University Senate Reports

i. Faculty Senate Report

This agenda item was presented by Dr. Helen Smith, Faculty Senate President. Dr. Smith reported recent activities of each of the four Faculty Senate Committees. The Professional Concerns Committee continues to field questions from faculty regarding the resumption of the tenure and promotion process. Dr. Smith also noted concerns relative to the faculty evaluation process. Faculty senators have just received a copy of the most recently completed salary study and look forward to learning when and how the study will impact the University's salary guidelines and current salaries. In closing, Dr. Smith stated that investing in campus human resources—faculty and staff—is at least as important as investment in facilities.

ii. Staff Senate Report

Ms. Keymia Herve, Staff Senate Treasurer, presented this agenda item. Ms. Herve reported that an election is underway to select a new Staff Senate. Despite logistical challenges, the Staff Senate has been able to adapt its voting procedures to ensure an inclusive and accessible nomination process. Voting will commence once all nominations have been received. Following the selection of the Staff Senate, officers will be elected. Ms. Herve remarked that the resilience and commitment of the University’s staff members has been crucial in navigating challenges, and she is confident that, despite the current circumstances, the process will be successful.

Regent Ramsey queried whether there was a hard deadline by which Staff Senate members and officers would be chosen. Ms. Herve replied that the process would be completed by February 28.

iii. SGA Report

Regent Savion Briggs, SGA President, presented this agenda item. The SGA continues to serve as a platform for student voices to be heard, and it has recently been involved in many activities to advance KSU's campus. Regent Briggs identified those activities, including reaching out to students regarding student town hall meetings; working with Dr. Stephanie Mayberry, Vice Provost of Student Affairs, to re-open the Student Center game room and re-establish Walmart runs; and participating in extensive community engagement events. SGA elections will be conducted within the next two months, coinciding with the SGA's Leaders of Tomorrow project.

Regent Walston commented that he would like to see opportunities for KSU students and student leaders to serve as mentors in the University’s Promising Youth Center for Excellence program.

C. Academic Affairs

All Academic Affairs information items were presented by Dr. Michael Dailey, Interim Provost and VP, Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Scott Wicker, Interim Vice Provost, Academic Affairs.

i. National Student Clearinghouse Partnership

Dr. Wicker reported that the Master Service Agreement has been approved by the University’s General Counsel and has been updated from the 2021 version to reflect new content. The agreement is now awaiting the President’s signature and identification of the University’s major point of contact. Dr. Wicker highlighted several new enhancements that will now be available.

Chair Dukes queried whether an effort or initiative had ever occurred to digitize the University's physical records.

ii. Management Improvement Plan Updates

Next, Dr. Wicker and Dr. Dailey discussed the status of individual MIP Objectives and deliverables, including an overview of policies currently being updated as required by the MIP.

Regent Fields requested Dr. Wicker to explain the Credit for Life Program.

As to MIP Objective 4.13.1, Regent Fletcher inquired whether the minimum class size of 15 students applies to both graduate and undergraduate classes.

Regent Moyer asked whether the University currently has a different tuition structure between graduate and undergraduate courses.

Regent Moyer further queried what proportion of scholarships granted by the University come from the KSU Foundation, from the University’s operating budget, or from gifts to the University for scholarships that do not go through the Foundation.

Moving ahead, Dr. Wicker also identified MIP objectives tied to additional funding for the University upon their completion, noting that some of today's action items related to those objectives will unlock additional funding for the University.

Regent Fletcher-Inspired whether pro formas or break-even points had been calculated relative to the online learning program and if so, what the projected numbers were.

iii. Academic Calendar

Dr. Dailey and Dr. Wicker highlighted several key dates in the upcoming 2024–2025 Fall and Spring Academic Calendars, noting an emphasis on long-range planning.

Regent Walston asked how soon the calendar would be finalized and whether staff and academic calendars would be aligned moving forward.

iv. KY-WV Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Update

Dr. Wicker explained the mission of the KY-WV LSAMP consortium and identified recent updates and developments. Dr. Wicker noted the importance of KSU investment in this consortium and partnership as the University moves forward with its vision for the future.

v. Gray Associates Decision Intelligence Platform User Access

Dr. Wicker described data and resources available to Regents while using this platform and provided login instructions.

D. Finance & Administration

i. Expenses Report

This agenda item was presented by Dr. Wendy Dixie, Interim VP, Finance & Business Affairs, and Ms. Tonya Walker, Controller. Dr. Dixie directed the Regents to the Board materials that had been provided in advance of the meeting, specifically those regarding expenditures over $100,000 since November 2023. She then invited any questions or comments.

Chair Dukes asked whether the expenditures were coming out of the normal operating account or a grant fund.

ii. Report on Student Account Collections

This agenda item was presented by Controller Walker. As of Feb 15, $20.7M has been collected, leaving an outstanding accounts receivable balance of $6.5M, with anticipated aid coming in at $2.5M. Therefore, the outstanding balance is projected to be $4M. However, 130 students are currently enrolled in a payment plan, and this is expected to bring in an additional $1M; therefore, the outstanding student accounts receivable is probably closer to $3M.

iii. Personnel Update

This agenda item was presented by Ms. Candace Raglin, Director of Human Resources. Ms. Raglin presented positions that have been filled since the last Board meeting, separated out by E&G and Land Grant.

Regent Walston queried whether Upward Bound was a Title III program and sought clarification as to the source of funding for the Upward Bound Director's position.

VII. Action Items

A. Academic Affairs

• i.Approval of Restructuring of Colleges
• ii.Approval of Tuition Rates for May, Summer, and Winter Sessions
• iii.Approval of Dual Credit Tuition Rate Increase
• iv.Approval of Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program
• v.Approval of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Program
• vi.Approval of Online Cybersecurity Program
• vii.Approval of Credit for Life Policy Update
• viii.Approval of Center for Global Learning & International Services
• ix.Approval of Distinct Structure for Online Education
• x.Approval of tuition Rates for KYSU Online
• xi.Approval to Adopt Faculty Senate Revisions to the General Education Core Courses

Chair Dukes stated that the Academic Affairs action items were provided to the Board for review seven days in advance of the meeting; therefore, unless there were any comments or questions, she would ask the Board to approve the Academic Affairs action items.

Regent Fields posed a question regarding the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources’ organizational chart.

Regent Walston inquired why there did not appear to be a foreign language or sign language requirement.

Regent Moyer asked whether some courses appearing in the University’s catalogue are not being currently offered and if so, how they are identified.

Hearing no further questions, Chair Dukes re-identified the list of Academic Affairs action items, supra, then called for a motion for approval.

MOTION by Regent Walston: Approve the Academic Affairs action items.

Seconded by Regent Fields and passed without dissent.

B. Finance & Administration

• i.Approval of Cost Increase to Combs Hall Renovation Project
• ii.Approval of Personnel Actions
• iii.Approval of Bucks for Brains Endowment Match for an Endowed Professor in STEM+H

Like the Academic Affairs action items, Chair Dukes stated that the Finance & Administration action items were provided to the Board seven days in advance of the meeting; therefore, she would ask the Board to approve the F&A action items, absent any questions or comments.

For the record, Chair Dukes reiterated that the Finance & Administration action items were: (1) approval of the cost increase to the Combs Hall renovation project; (2) approval

of personnel actions; and (3) approval of the Bucks for Brains endowment match for an endowed professor in STEM+H.

Regent Walston requested that the funding source for the Upward Bound Director's position be changed, subject to the Board's prior conversation that had occurred during informational agenda item 6(D)(iii) (Finance & Administration Personnel Update).

MOTION by Regent Briggs:

Move the Board to approve all Finance & Administration action items as noted. Seconded by Regent Hatchett and passed without dissent.

C. Athletics

i. Approval of Resolution of Appreciation

Chair Dukes announced that KSU would be holding a special press conference on February 17, 2024, to honor Mr. Gerald Cunningham, a graduate of KSU and an outstanding member of the KSU Men's Basketball Team from 1973 to 1977. She further noted that the Board has been asked to honor Mr. Cunningham by approving a Resolution of Appreciation for him. AD Ramon Johnson presented this action item.

No separate motion or vote was required to approve this Resolution of Appreciation, as it was included in Consent Agenda item 5(D).

D. Governance

• i.Approval of Board Training Policy
• ii.Approval of Revised Policy on Policies

These agenda items were presented by Chair Dukes.

MOTION by Regent Walston:

Move the Board to approve the Governance action items.

Seconded by Regent Fields and passed without dissent.

VIII. Closing Remarks

Prior to offering closing remarks, Chair Dukes invited Regent Briggs to share additional information that had not been included in his SGA Update. Regent Briggs stated that KSU's SGA has been invited to the White House by Vice President Kamala Harris, which drew a round of applause from the Regents and audience members.

In closing, Chair Dukes extended her gratitude to her fellow Regents, along with the University's faculty and staff, for their dedication and contributions. She also thanked CPE for their ongoing collaboration with KSU and shared her deepest appreciation for the students of KSU.

IX. Adjournment

MOTION by Regent Walston:

Move the Board to adjourn.

Seconded by Regent Moyer and passed without dissent.

The meeting adjourned at 12:26 p.m.

Submitted by:

Zachary Atwell, Secretary

Board of Regents

Kentucky State University

Regent Tammi Dukes, Chair Board of Regents Kentucky State University

Approved with no corrections

___

Approved with corrections