President Sias also informed the board that Dr. Mary Spor will join the university as an Associate Vice President for Grants and Sponsored Projects in September. She has received over $20 million in grants and has already begun work on grant opportunities for KSU.
President Sias recognized KSU Athletic Director, Dr. Denisha Hendricks for being featured in the NCAA magazine, Champions. Dr. Hendricks, at 33 years of age, is one of the youngest university Athletic Directors in the U.S. Dr. Hendricks is also one of 15 African American female university Athletic Directors. Dr. Hendricks also serves on a NCAA leadership committee. President Sias also informed that board that over 37% of KSU athletes are on the Honor Roll and congratulated Dr. Hendricks for representing the university well.
President Sias discussed changes in federal rules. President Sias informed the board that the federal Pell grants can no longer be used for summer semesters. KSU is down 8% in summer enrollment that is mostly attributable to the change in the Pell grant program.
President Sias stated that Congress did not increase the student loan interest rates this summer. President Sias will be monitoring the possibility that Congress may enact Sequestration rules. She is concerned that Congress may attempt to balance the budget with cuts in funding to Higher Education.
President Sias reminded the board that it is the 150^{th} anniversary of the Morrill Act, the Congressional precursor to the 1890 Morrill Act that provided federal funds to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The 1890 act allowed access to higher education to black Americans by supporting historically black colleges and universities.
President Sias offered her annual report for the university. President Sias distributed a comprehensive written report and orally highlighted the following items:
KSU values learning, excellence in teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom
Kentucky State Board of Regents Meeting Minutes, July 27, 2012 Page - 4 - of 8