V. Action Items:
Action Item: Regent McFayden moved to ratify the conferral of degrees on KSU graduates who met the requirements to graduate at the May 13, 2017 Spring Commencement ceremony. Regent Farris seconded the motion. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote and the motion was approved on a vote of 7-0.
Action Item: Regent Farris made a motion to ratify the conferral of honorary degrees on Dr. Herman Walston, long-time KSU professor and contributor, and on the graduation speaker, Dr. Otis Moss III. Regent McFayden seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a vote of 7-0.
Action Item: Regent Gilmore made a motion to approve the President’s proposed revised holiday schedule, which includes additional paid holidays for KSU employees. Regent McFayden seconded the motion. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote on the motion and the motion passed 7-0.
Regent Farris asked that future meetings be scheduled well in advance. She also asked that the date for the Student Regent to be sworn in be clarified.
Action Item: Regent McFayden made a motion to cancel the June 16 meeting and to reschedule it for June 30. Regent Gilmore seconded the motion. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote and the motion passed 7-0.
Dr. Brown discussed realigning management structure. He stated that he had reviewed the management structure at several sister institutions in the Commonwealth and at various HBCUs and the Strategic Plan. Based upon his review and evaluation of the current management structure, he determined several senior management positions should be realigned.
Dr. Brown explained his rationale for restructuring. He stated KSU needed a Vice President for Student Life and Engagement to enhance the brand and focus on increasing enrollment and retention.
He also emphasized the need to have a Vice President who can solely focus on development. He stated a comprehensive university should have an endowment of $1 million for every year of existence. So, the University should have an endowment of $130 million, which it does not have at the current time. This position should be separate from Alumni Affairs and developing brand identity.
Action Item: Regent McFayden made a motion to realign job titles in the Cabinet and senior management structure, as requested by President Brown. Regent Gilmore seconded the motion. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote and the motion passed 8-0.