WHEREAS pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §59-125-1, et. seq., the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University is created and established as a body corporate for the purpose of effectuating the educational mission of Winthrop University;
WHEREAS pursuant to the Winthrop University Board of Trustees Bylaws art. II, it is the Board of Trustees’ duty to “provide oversight of the University’s mission;”
WHEREAS the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University is empowered by its bylaws and state law to select and empower the President to operate the university under the strategic direction of the Board’s expressed mission, vision, and values;
WHEREAS President Edward A. Serna, Ed.D., has led a team that achieved significant milestones in alignment with these guiding principles;
WHEREAS during his time President Serna has led an Administration to boost student retention rates, increase freshman and transfer enrollment and increased philanthropic gifts;
WHEREAS the overwhelmingly positive view of President Serna and his team-led approach within the Winthrop community has been substantiated by positive evaluations from the Faculty Conference, Staff Conference, and the Council of Student Leaders;
WHEREAS President Serna, alongside his team, has successfully steered the university through a strategic planning process, laying out a proactive and ambitious roadmap for Winthrop’s future;
WHEREAS through President Serna’s collaborative leadership style, the team has enhanced relationships with municipal, county, and regional entities, benefiting the university’s community engagement and regional impact;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that on April 25, 2024, the Winthrop University Board of Trustees hereby adopts the
contractual agreement between Edward
A. Serna and Winthrop University;
FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to terms the Board has ascended to and negotiated between the Board and President Serna, such contract being given effect at the time of its signing by both parties but no later than June 30, 2024;
FURTHER RESOLVED that President Serna’s contract should address both mutual buyouts to ensure the President’s continuity of leadership and employment period shall extend to June 30, 2029, as provided in the Contract Addendum as referenced and adopted as part of the terms of this Resolution, herein; and
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary to the Board of Trustees shall certify that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees approved this resolution on April 25, 2024, in a regular meeting scheduled by the Winthrop University Board of Trustees. Such resolution shall be maintained and publicly posted by the Secretary of the Board in a time and manner as required by law.
