V. Ratification and Approval of Appointments:

Chairperson Bearden yielded the floor to President Burse to offer recommendations for appointments. President Burse presented the following Presidential appointments for approval and ratification by the Board:

• A.Dr. Deneia Thomas as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs for Assessment and Evaluation at the rank of Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences with tenure;
• B.Gregory Rush as Vice President for Business Affairs; and
• C.Dr. Candice Jackson as Chief of Operations with academic rank of Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Literature, Languages and Philosophy with tenure.

Regent McFayden made a motion to vote on the ratification and approval of the President's appointments. Motion was seconded by Regent Henry. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote on the motion. The appointments were ratified and approved unanimously.

VI. Election of Officer:

President Burse presented Gregory Rush, the newly confirmed Vice President for Business Affairs, and recommended that he be approved to serve as Treasurer for the Board of Regents. He commended Mr. Rush's work as Budget Director and stated that it was customary for the Vice President for Business Affairs to serve as Board Treasurer.

Regent McFayden made a motion to vote on the election of Gregory Rush to serve as Treasurer for the Board. Regent Henry seconded the motion. Chairperson Bearden called for a vote on the motion. Mr. Rush was elected unanimously.

VII. Reports:

Academic Affairs Committee Report:

Regent Farris presented the Academic Affairs Committee report. She began by stating that a quorum was present for the committee meeting. She also stated that Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright had given the Executive Summary at the Committee meeting.

Regent Farris reported that although the 2009 Cohort showed improvement in graduation rates, graduation rates remain unacceptably low. The Committee discussed various methods to improve graduation rates. She stated that faculty, staff, and students must all be accountable. Higher expectations of both students and professors are required early on in each student's academic career. Regent

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