Approved
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Formal Session
of
A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, May 3, 2013 in the Cohodas Hall of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 8:00 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Meeting Room, 602 Cohodas by Chair L. Garnet Lewis.
Trustees present included:
Dr. L. Garnet Lewis, Chair Mr. Steven M. Mitchell Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen
Mr. Stephen F. Adamini Mr. Richard M. Popp Mr. Gilbert L. Ziegler
Mr. Stephen L. Gulis, Jr. Dr. H. Sook Wilkinson Dr. David S. Haynes, ex officio
Senior staff and counsel present included:
Mr. Kurt McCamman, Legal Counsel
Ms. Martha B. Haynes, Vice President for Advancement
Dr. Paul L. Lang, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board
Ms. Theresa M. Nease, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary of the Board
There were no requests to address the Board.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF NMU STUDENTS
Provost Lang read memorials for James Lewis who passed away on January 12, 2013 and Monica Matus, who passed away on April 5, 2013. The Board of Trustees observed a moment of silence in their memory.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF PRESIDENT EMERITUS DR. WILLIAM VANDAMENT
President Haynes read the following memorial for President Emeritus Dr. William Vandament.
About a week ago, the NMU Family lost one of its great leaders. Dr. William (Bill) Vandment died on April 20 at his home in California after a long battle with bone cancer. He was 81 years old. Dr. Vandament was Northern Michigan University’s 10th president, serving in that position from 1991 until his retirement the summer of 1997.
A trained psychologist, Bill Vandament started his career as a teacher, but would spend most of his professional service as a long-time university administrator, holding high-ranking administrative positions at Ohio State University, New York University and California State University at Long Beach prior to coming to NMU.
Bill was greatly respected, not only in the higher education realm, but also on campus and throughout the Upper Peninsula community. He valued transparency and campus and community input in his decision-making. He was known for his participation in student activities, especially his trumpet playing with the pep band at Wildcat sporting events. He was somebody who knew how to draw people together, even during the challenging budgetary times which were a part of his tenure. He was loved by nearly everyone who knew him for his caring personality, vision and great sense of humor. Bill is survived by his wife Margery and their two daughters, Lisa and June.
On behalf of the campus community and the NMU Board of Trustees, please join me in a moment of silence to honor the life and accomplishments of Northern Michigan University President Bill Vandament.
The Board of Trustees observed a moment of silence in his memory.
MOMENT IN NMU HISTORY
Dr. Russell Magnaghi, University Historian, presented on the economic impact of NMU on the community in the early days.
The first economic study on the impact of NMU on the local economy was conducted in 1999.
Various cities in the Upper Peninsula vied for the location of the college. The college was first located on the north end of the existing campus in the wilderness. Some thought this was a bad location and spoke about the miasmic fevers that might come from the summer heat and humidity coming off of the Dead River. This anchored the north end of town, and in 1907 the first house was built by a Mathematics professor on Presque Isle Avenue. This began the development of the north end of Marquette.
There were monetary rewards to the city by having a college in Marquette, such as an increase in population from administrators, faculty, staff and students. At that time, the city consisted of approximately 10,000 people. In the 1920s over 600 students came to campus-90% from out of the Marquette commuter area. This brought money to the area in terms of food and lodging.
Longyear Hall construction began in 1901. It cost $25,000 to build the dormitory at that time which is comparable to $587,810 in 2013. Money came in to Marquette for the building construction and maintenance of the buildings.
There were also many cultural rewards to having a college in Marquette such as art and culture in buildings, lecture and musical series, plays, orchestra presentations, and a short wave radio station. Many dignitaries visited campus such as Presidents Gerald Ford, George Bush and Barack Obama; Eleanor Roosevelt; Mohammad Ali; Kurt Von Schuschnigg; and Alexander Hage.
The campus expanded to university status in 1963.
Through the 20th Century and up to the present day, NMU plays an extremely important role in the economic and cultural life of the city.
FOCUS DISCUSSION:
Provost Paul Lang presented on types of degrees, enrollment patterns, and degrees awarded in the Health Sciences programs at NMU. (Addendum #1)
Dr. David Lucas, Department Head of Physics presented on the Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Chiropractic programs.
Dr. Rob Winn, Associate Dean-College of Arts and Sciences and Co-Director of the Brain Tumor Research Center, presented on the Brain Tumor Research Center and the role biology plays in health sciences.
Dr. Timothy Hilton, Associate Professor of Sociology/Social Work, presented on the bachelor of Social Work program.
Prof. Carol Johnson, Instructor-College of Business, presented on the Information Processing programs.
Dr. Linda Riipi Department Head of Clinical Sciences, presented on the Laboratory Sciences (Certificate program in Clinical Assisting, Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, and Baccalaureate programs in Medical Laboratory Scientist, Microbiology, Cytogenetics, Molecular Science, Clinical Systems Analyst, and Science Technology), Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, and Speech, Hearing and Language programs.
Dr. Nanci Gasiewicz, Associate Dean of Nursing Education/Director School of Nursing, presented on the Nursing programs.
Dr. Mary Jane Tremethick, Department Head of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, presented on the Athletic Training, Health, and Sports Science programs.
They responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
RECONVENE – Chair Lewis reconvened the meeting at 10:07 a.m.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ACCREDITATION
Dr. Jamal Rashed, Dean of the College of Business, presented on the College of Business Accreditation. (Addendum #2). Discussion followed.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING STUDENT SPEAKING AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Dr. Lang introduced Ms. Robin Feuerman from Longwood, Florida, who will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow. She is graduating magna cum laude with a Social Work major and a Human Behavior minor. On behalf of the Board, Chair Lewis congratulated Ms. Feuerman and presented her with a plaque. A photo was taken.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS
President Haynes announced Ms. Felicia J. Fields, Group Vice President for Human Resources and Corporate Services at Ford Motor Company, as the Spring 2013 Commencement Speaker. Ms. Fields will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Business.
President Haynes announced that Dr. Michael J. Roy, former Interim NMU President and Vice President for Finance and Administration Emeritus, and will receive an Honorary Doctor of Business.
Ms. Amber Lopota, 2013-14 ASNMU President, presented on ASNMU activities (Addendum #3). She responded to questions and comments from Trustees.
NMU BAJA TEAM REPORT (SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS)
Prof. Robert Malor introduced two students from the NMU Baja Team. Mr. Dan Klim and Mr. Andrew Miller presented on the student organization
(Addendum #4).
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A group of NMU Academic Service Learning faculty, graduate students, and administrators attended the 2013 Giving and Volunteering Celebration at the State capitol where NMU received the Engaged Campus of the Year Award.
NMU’s Superior Edge program was chosen as a Silver Award winner by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, which is known as NASPA. The Superior Edge Program received the honor in the category titled careers, academic support, service learning, community service and related.
The Technology Innovation Awards for Students recognizes exemplary use of innovative technology, including but not limited to the TLC laptops, in applications associated with their academic studies. President Haynes recognized this year’s winners of the award--Mr. Ian Fox, whose project was titled Diorama LED/MP3 Driver Printed Circuit Board (present at the meeting) and Mr. Scott Miljour, whose project was titled Electronic Medical Record Tool for Nursing (not present at the meeting).
The Board recognized Ms. Rozemary Howard and her advisor, Dr. Erich Ottem. President Haynes reported on the success of her research on fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
President Haynes reported on the Sports Hall of Fame Dinner, Business Scholarship Breakfast, Student Leader Fellowship luncheon and dinner, and the Young Author’s Reading with the President activity.
President Haynes, Vice President Martha Haynes, Provost Paul Lang and Dean Jamal Rashed traveled to the United Arab Emerates (UAE) visiting four universities and with a member of the royal family who is the head of higher education. This visit will lead to the placement of several NMU graduate degrees in the UAE.
NMU will be entering the new hockey league, WCHA.
NMU alumnus, Mr. Ron St. Martin, conducted a situational game theory on international enrollment at NMU in January. NMU alums who work in the international community flew into Marquette at their own expense to participate in the game. Mr. St. Martin has agreed to conduct five more games for NMU. The next game will take place this summer. President Haynes thanked Mr. St. Martin for the donation of his time, talent, and travel expenses for these games (Mr. St. Martin was not present).
NMU visited the Menominee area as part of its Road Scholar tour visiting with many businesses, health care agencies, schools, and alums in the area. Trips are planned for Sault Ste. Marie, Houghton and Traverse City this summer.
The Veteran’s Center project has a location on campus and has been expanded. Excellent work is being done on campus with veterans, and the results are being seen in the recruitment efforts.
President Haynes reported on NMU Foundation gifts including: 1.) $1.5 million – testamentary commitment in support of the College of Business and Performance Studies from an anonymous donor, 2.) $245,000 – gifts from several anonymous donors to establish an endowed scholarship for support of U.P. students, 3.) $72,000 – bequest left to Special Projects, 4.) $50,000 from Dr. Mark Lovell ’77, Chairman and CEO of ImPACT to fund currently enrolled Masters Level Program Students in research opportunities within the HPER Department, 5.) $25,000 from Dr. and Mrs. Mark Lovell, an endowed scholarship fund created in honor of Mark’s parents, Roberta and Robert Lovell, to assist deserving student athletes, 6.) $51,000 ($26,000 from Helen Nault ‘47, and $25,000 from Peter and Jacqueline Nault) to the Dr. William H. Nault Educational Scholarship, an endowed scholarship fund established to provide financial support of U.P. students pursing degrees in the field of Education, 7.) $25,000 from Stephen Latus, an undesignated gift, and 8.) $20,000 from Richard Lundin for the Lundin Honors Research Fellowships.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Dr. Wilkinson, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, May 2, 2013. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #5).
Mr. Gulis, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, May 2, 2013. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes
(Addendum #6).
Executive
Mr. Popp, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on meetings held on Thursday, April 17, 2013 and Thursday, May 1, 2013. A copy of the reports are appended to these minutes (Addendums #7 and #8).
Dr. Lewis stated that the Executive Committee discussed that it was time for the President’s annual review, and that process has begun. Concurrently, President Haynes reminded the Committee that it was also time to commence with the Presidential search process, as he has served as Interim President for one full year as of May 12th. The Board will be meeting with a consultant from the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) to get them up to speed on what they need to know to run an effective, efficient and professional search. Details regarding the search process will be forthcoming in the next few months.
It was moved by Trustee Zurbuchen, seconded by Trustee Gulis ,and supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #9)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSION TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, JULY 11-12, 2013 MEETING OF THE BOARD
President Haynes made this announcement for the public record.
Chair Lewis adjourned the meeting at 11:17 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Theresa M. Nease
Secretary of the Board