June 10 and 11, 2010
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC
Members present: Kathy Bigham (Chair), Karl Folkens, Janet Smalley, Jane LaRoche,
Susan Smith-Rex, Donna Tinsley-Holley, Dalton Floyd, Sam Foster, Bob Thompson, Tim
Sease, Tommy Pope, Anthony J. DiGiorgio (ex officio).
Members absent: Frances Davenport, Lee Cox, David Vipperman
Representatives present: Sydney Evans, Student Representative; Marsha Bollinger, Faculty
Representative
Representatives absent: None.
Others present: Faculty and staff of Winthrop University,
The Board of Trustees met on Thursday, June 10 and Friday, June 11, 2010 on the campus
of Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.
Chair Bigham called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. on June 10. Dalton Floyd made
a motion for the Board to move into Executive Session, Bob Thompson seconded. The
Board met in executive session for the purpose of the contractual and personnel matter
of reviewing the recommendations of the Executive Committee on the performance evaluation
of President DiGiorgio. Janet Smalley moved the Board return to public session with
no actions taken. The motion was seconded by Jane LaRoche. The motion passed unanimously
by voice vote. At that time, the meeting was recessed with continuation planned for
the afternoon of June 11.
As there were no requests made for public comments, the meeting continued on June
11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Bob Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of April 16, 2010.
The motion seconded by Dalton Floyd. The minutes were approved unanimously as presented.
Chair Bigham reported that the Executive Committee had met on campus on May 26, 2010.
Several matters were reviewed and discussed. The materials from the meeting have been
forwarded to each of members of the Board. Chair Bigham asked that the Board consider
a number of resolutions for meritorious service:
Resolution Honoring Dr. Leland Cox for Meritorious Service to Winthrop University.
Sue Smith-Rex, of the Academic Affairs Committee read aloud the citation honoring
Dr. Cox for his six years of service to the Board as an elected representative of
Congressional District 4. The resolution passed unanimously.
Chair Bigham then asked that the Board consider a number of resolutions pertaining
to the performance evaluation and contract of President DiGiorgio:
Resolution Regarding Performance Evaluation of President Anthony J. DiGiorgio. Based
upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Board and input from the
Faculty Representative to the Board as well as individual Trustees, the Board recommended
the President receive an "Exceeds Expectations" evaluation. The resolution passed
unanimously.
Resolution Regarding Contract of President Anthony J. DiGiorgio. Again, based on the
recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Board and input from the Faculty
Representative to the Board as well as individual Trustees, the contract of President
Anthony DiGiorgio was extended for an additional year. The resolution passed unanimously.
The next order of business was the report of the Academic Affairs Committee. After
reminding the Board that each has received a complete set of briefing notes from all
of the committees, Committee member Dr. Sue Smith-Rex (in the absence of Committee
Chair Dr. Cox) read aloud the Resolution to Confer Emeritus Faculty Status on selected
retired faculty. The resolution passed unanimously to confer emeritus status to: Anne
Beard, associate professor of speech, Lawrence Mitlin professor of library science,
and Pat Wolman, professor of human nutrition.
She continued by reporting on the results of the recent tenure and promotion process
that resulted in thirteen faculty receiving tenure and promotions. Dr. Smith-Rex expressed
the committee's appreciation that Winthrop continues to award a salary increase to
those faculty receiving promotion.
Dr. Smith-Rex summarized the reports from each of the academic deans. Dean Murnane
of the Graduate School reported summer school enrollment in undergraduate classes
is up by 3.5% as compared to last summer's numbers. Acting Dean Burmeister reported
on the ways in which the students in CVPA are learning to market themselves using
a variety of electronic tools. Dean Weikle reported on the administrative reorganization
of the College of Business. Dean Rakestraw reported on the NetScope and NetLead grant
programs received by the College of Education. Dean Herring of Dacus Library reported
on the latest PASCAL news. Dean Jones of University College briefed the committee
on the upcoming plans to bring author of our next common book, Bill Strickland to
campus in October. Finally Dean Boyd of the College of Arts and Sciences reported
on the rededication of the Life Sciences Building in honor of Harry and Becca Dalton.
As the next order of business, Karl Folkens, Chair of the Finance Committee, briefed
the Board on the report of the external auditing firm, cline Brandt Kochenower and
Company, P.A. Mr. Kochenower focused his report on the risk assessment in relation
to the Banner software conversion. The committee discussed the importance of making
all employees aware of the state's Fraud Prevention Hotline and noted it access through
the Controller's and Associate VP for Finance's website. The committee did move into
executive session for the purpose of legal and personnel matters. No actions were
taken in executive session.
Mr. Folkens concluded his report by bringing forward the resolution to delegate authority
to the executive committee to set the 2010-11 tuition and fees schedule at a time
later in the summer. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Chair Bob Thompson began his report by listing the highlights of the recent Development
and Alumni events and the Alumni Reunion Celebration with 240 returning alumni. University
fundraising in the form of the Winthrop Fund is up 26% as compared to last year. Likewise,
there has been a 27% increase in the number of donors as compared to last year.
Advances in the Enrollment area continue to be made with the addition of an admissions
counselor dedicated to international students and an extensive follow-up campaign
with admitted students including telephone calls and e-mails.
Chair Janet Smalley began her report by summarizing the report of Athletic Director,
Tom Hickman. The spring GPA report is once again strong with an overall GPA of 2.94.
The overall women's cumulative average is 3.11 with the men's average at 2.85. Women's
tennis has the highest average GPA of 3.51.
Ms. Smalley then summarized the report of Vice President of Student Life, Dr. Frank
Ardaiolo. The latest news from the Bookworm is the introduction of the new rent a
textbook program that will reduce the cost of textbooks for students. Dr. Ardaiolo
updated the committee on the new food options that will be available in the campus
center next fall. Ms. Smalley concluded her report with an overview of the new Academic
Success Center funded through the FIPSE grant.
As the next order of business, Chair Bigham temporarily turned the meeting over to
Karl Folkens for the purpose of the election of the Board officers for academic year
2010-11. Nominating Committee Chair Jane LaRoche brought forth the recommendation
of her committee. Kathy Bigham was recommended for Chair and Dalton Floyd for Vice
Chair. Both agreed to serve if elected. The election was unanimous. The new officers
will assume their duties on July 1, 2010.
Dr. Marsha Bollinger began her report by reviewing curricular activity since April.
Changes ranged from minor adjustments in course numbering to substantive changes in
major requirements. The most involved change was the re-evaluation of the General
Education courses. Additional activities of the Faculty Conference include the work
with the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) upcoming accreditation
report and visit as well as the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Both aspects of the
reaffirmation of accreditation continue to require substantial time commitment for
the faculty.
Chair Sydney Evans reported her trip to Allegheny, Pennsylvania where she attended
a conference focused on student civility. Later this year she will be attending a
conference in Missouri to learn alternative ways to structure a Council of Student
Leaders. Overall, Ms. Evans reports an involved campus that is looking forward to
tackling the new challenges summer offers.
The President began his report by thanking the Trustees for their vote of confidence
in awarding him an "Exceeds Expectations" for his evaluation and by extending his
contract.
He continued his report by praising the faculty, students, and staff for the many
hours of work in preparation for the upcoming SACS reaffirmation of accreditation
visit scheduled for April 4 through 6, 2011.
The president reviewed the past academic year by summarizing the time spent trying
to come to understand the times we are in. More than ever we must be nimble and ready
to react quickly. The work we have undertaken as part of Readiness Winthrop will help
us do so. We must continue to prepare for the challenges of the future while taking
care of the current needs.
None.
None
Hearing no objections, Chair Bigham adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Kimberly Faust, Secretary to the Board for 2010-11
APPROVED BY THE BOARD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2010
