Vernell Bennett, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs will also serve on the Search Committee.
President Sias reported that the university has received several applications for this position and that the Search Committee for this position has begun reviewing applications.
President Sias stated approximately 12 faculty positions are open and that those positions are expected to be filled soon.
President Sias reported that three firms have been selected as finalists for the internal audit role. She expects that a decision on a firm will be made soon.
President Sias discussed the Kentucky Certified Public Manager Program (KCPM) that has been a component of the program at the state government's training agency, Governmental Services Center. This center is located on KSU's campus. The KCPM program curriculum was revamped with the assistance of Dr. Cherie Dawson-Edwards, current University of Louisville professor (former KSU professor) and Dr. Denisha Hendricks, KSU Athletic Director. After this curriculum update, KSU is ready to restart the program with GSC.
President Sias stated that KSU had ended its celebration of its 125^{th} anniversary last November with a community dinner featuring Kentucky Proud products and an absolutely awesome performance by the Dance Theater of Harlem Ensemble (DTHE). DTHE performers demonstrated their talents at KSU's Bradford Hall. During the performance, KSU students and members of the public participated as well. Attendance at both the dinner and the DTHE performance exceeded the university's expectations.
President Sias noted that attendance at KSU's Homecoming festivities ranked 8th of all HBCU Homecomings in 2011.
President Sias discussed changes in the Pell Grant program which will affect some of the university's students. President Sias stated that she believed that the university may face a loss of $400,000 from the federally-funded Title III program as a result of reductions to the federal budget.
President Sias is affiliated with the following professional organizations: