Approved

 

 

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes of the Formal Session

of

Thursday, May 1, 2014

 

A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Thursday, May 1, 2014 in the University Center of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.  The meeting was convened at 1:40 p.m. in the Marquette/Nicolet/Cadillac Rooms by Acting Chair H. Sook Wilkinson.

 

Trustees present included:

 

      Mr. Richard M. Popp, Chair (via telephone – 1:40 – 2:30 p.m. and 3:59 – 4:19 p.m.) 

Mr. Stephen F. Adamini               Mr. Steven M. Mitchell         Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen      

      Mr. Scott L. Holman                    Dr. H. Sook Wilkinson           Dr. David S. Haynes, ex officio      

      Dr. L. Garnet Lewis                      Mr. Gilbert L. Ziegler                                   

     

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

      Dr. Steven Neiheisel, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services

     

 

INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD

Dr. Ron Sundell, President of the NMU Chapter of the AAUP addressed the Board providing final thoughts before stepping down as NMU’s AAUP Chapter President.  He stated that he has addressed the Board many times over the past six years regarding many topics—over this time there have been many changes in Board members, administrators and now union leadership.  He said it is important to remember that it can take a long time to build a relationship and even a greater amount of time to ensure trust, yet that relationship can be lost quickly if it is not nurtured and maintained over time.  Over the past two years, President Haynes has done a great job in getting Union leadership and Board members together to begin building that relationship.  The AAUP appreciated the invitation to serve on the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee, to provide input to the Faculty Work subcommittee and to meet on several occasions about the importance of shared governance.  They also worked with President Haynes’ office this past year and co-sponsored two events concerning gender equity and diversity.  It is his hope that this working relationship will continue to grow under the leadership of the incoming President, Dr. Fritz Erickson, and AAUP President elect, Prof. Rebecca Mead.

 

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF NMU FACULTY MEMBER, STAFF MEMERS AND STUDENT

Provost Lang read a memorial for Dr. John Anderton, Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Geographic Sciences, who passed away on March 2, 2014.   Vice President Neiheisel read a memorial for Ms. Samantha Ward, a student who was scheduled to graduate on Saturday, May 3, who died on February 8, 2014.  Vice President Leach read memorials for Ms. Robin Rahoi, Registered Dietician, who passed away on December 17, 2013; for Mr. Bradley Rachuy, Building and Grounds attendant in Payne Hall, who died on February 15, 2014; and for Ms. Amy Joy Hendrickson, Staff Nurse at the Vielmetti Health Center, who died on January 1, 2014.  The Board of Trustees observed a moment of silence in their memory.

 

MOMENT IN NMU HISTORY

Dr. Russell Magnaghi, University Historian, presented on the history of the physical development of Northern Michigan University.

 

Over the last 115 years that NMU has been in business it has expanded from approximately 20 acres and one or two buildings to its present state.  The original 20 acres of the campus are the 20 acres around Cohodas Hall.  NMU started out with South/LongYear Hall (1900), Peter White Hall of Science, a gym and Library connector, and Kaye Hall (1915).  There was a fire in 1907, and NMU had to rebuild. 

 

Over the years more acres were added to the west, where the University Center is now located.  There was a running track and a baseball diamond in the 1920s.  In the 1930s a football field was added and was used into the early 1950s.  At that time, Memorial Field was built on the site where the Berry Events Center stands today.  The John D. Pierce Lab School, used for teacher training, was also built in the 1920s. 

 

After World War II, more land was purchased and more building construction continued - first cafeteria, first women’s dorm (Carey Hall-1948-49), and Lee Hall (student union).  In 1955 Spooner Hall was built for men, and the Hedgcock Field House was built, replacing the 1915 gym facilities.   In the 1960s Enrollment expansion continued (from several 100 to 5000-6000 students), and NMU became a University, and the campus physical plant continued to expand as well.  President Harden added the University Center, added land to Wright Street, opened many dorms, and the West Science Building (1966). 

 

Dr. John X. Jamrich became president and added the Edgar Harding Learning Resources Center in 1969 and Jamrich Hall in 1970.  Enrollment continued to demand expansion, and the PEIF and Jacobetti Complex were added.  In the years that followed the Superior Dome was added (1991), PEIF improvements were made, the Vandament arena was created, and the Services building was built.  In the 2000s the DeVos Art Museum and Art & Design complex was added with great improvement and expanded majors.  The Berry Events Center and the New Sciences facility were built, and the West Science building was updated.  At present, the New Jamrich Hall is under construction.  The Department of Engineering and Planning keeps on top of expansion with continuously changing and improving plans for future growth and improvement.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Academic Affairs

Dr. Zurbuchen, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, May 1, 2014.  A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #1). 

 

Finance

Mr. Ziegler, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, May 1, 2014.  A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #2). 

 

Based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Board took the following action:

 

            It was moved by Trustee Ziegler, seconded by Trustee Lewis, and supported unanimously by the Board to approve a temporary liquor license for the Wahtera Pavilion on June 13, 2014.

 

Executive

Dr. Lewis, Chair of the Executive Committee, reported on the meeting held on Thursday, May 1, 2014.  A copy of the report is appended to these minutes (Addendum #3.) 

 

Revised APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2014

Acting Chair Wilkinson announced that the recommended revised 2014 NMU Board of Trustees Standing Committee Appointments are included in the formals (Formal Recommendation F-12).  The appointments are as follows:

 

2014 NMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES STANDING COMMITTEES

 

Academic Affairs                          Finance                                               Executive

Thomas H. Zurbuchen, Chair          Gilbert L. Ziegler, Chair              L. Garnet Lewis, Chair

L. Garnet Lewis                               Stephen F. Adamini                      H. Sook Wilkinson

Steven M. Mitchell                         Scott L. Holman                           Thomas H. Zurbuchen

Richard M. Popp, ex officio            Richard M. Popp, ex officio         Richard M. Popp, ex officio

David S. Haynes, ex officio            David S. Haynes, ex officio         David S. Haynes, ex officio

 

Acting Chair Wilkinson also announced the revised ex officio appointments of Mr. Scott L. Holman and Mr. Steven M. Mitchell to the NMU Foundation Board of Trustees for calendar year 2014. 

 

 

ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS

 

It was moved by Trustee Lewis, seconded by Trustee Ziegler,and supported by the Board of Trustees to approve the Formal Recommendations.  (Addendum #4)

 

 

HLC ACCREDITION UPDATE

(Note:  Trustee Popp left the meeting at 2:30 p.m. during this report)

 

Ms. Kim Barron, Director of Institutional Accreditation and Assessment; Dr. Rob Winn, Associate Dean-General Education and Retention; Dr. Dale Kapla, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Programming and Faculty Affairs; and Ms. Jill Compton, Director of Audit and Risk Management, gave on update on the Higher Learning Center Accreditation process at NMU. (Addendum #5)

 

RECESS – Acting Chair Wilkinson recessed the meeting at 3:05 p.m. for a break.

 

RECONVENE Acting Chair Wilkinson reconvened the meeting at 3:15 p.m.

 

INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING STUDENT SPEAKING AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Dr. Neiheisel announced that Ms. Courtney Anderson Brown will represent the graduating class at Commencement ceremonies on Saturday morning.  She is graduating with a triple major of English, Theatre, and Entertainment Arts.  (Note:  Vice Chair Wilkinson presented Ms. Brown with a plaque on behalf of the Board at a Friday evening reception.  A photo was taken.)

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AND HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS

President Haynes announced Ms. Teri List-Stoll ’84, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Kraft Foods, as the Spring 2014 Commencement Speaker.  Ms. List-Stoll will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Business.

 

ASNMU REPORT

Ms. Katerina Klawes, 2014-15 ASNMU President, did not attend the meeting.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Haynes reported on the following items:

 

Mr. Brian Gaudreau was recognized and thanked for his heroic efforts in assisting with saving the life of a community member.  A photo was taken.  He mentioned NMU public safety officers also recently involved in life saving measures – Officers Tom Parks, Greg Carrier, and Jesse Wernholm.

 

Area sixth grade students from the Young Authors Program came to the President’s Office on June 28, 2014 to read to President and Mrs. Haynes.

 

There is a new video scoreboard in the Superior Dome.

 

President Haynes attended the Sports Hall of Fame Inductees ceremony and Student Athlete Awards Banquet.  Photos were shared with Trustees.

 

Coach Sten Fjeldheim was named National Ski Coach of the Year.  He led NMU to a seventh place finish at the NCAA Championships, four of the six skiers who participated in the NCAA Championships earned All-American honors, NMU swept the men’s, women’s and overall team titles at both the CCSA Championships and the NCAA Central Regionals.

 

Professor Alec Lindsay was named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year.  Professor Lindsay was honored at an April 11 luncheon in Lansing hosted by the President’s Council of State Universities of Michigan. 

 

The demolition of Jamrich Hall is scheduled for June 23 – August 8, the demolition of the link is scheduled for June 16 – June 27, and the backfill and site restoration is scheduled for August 11 – September 30.

 

A memorial ceremony for President Emeritus William Vandament was held in the Vandament Arena on April 21.  His ashes will be inurned into the wall of the arena, and a memorial plaque will be placed at the site.

 

A video on technology at NMU from the Intel website was viewed.

 

Dr. David Rayome was named the Dean of the Walker L. College of Business effective March 17, 2014.  Dr. Kerri Schuiling was named the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies effective July 1, 2014.  President Haynes thanked Dr. Harvey Wallace for his service and for agreeing to delay his retirement to stay on as Interim Dean.

 

President Haynes reviewed work on a Smart Zone and Invent at NMU Accelerator, recent visits with donors, meetings with the new ASNMU officers, and his attendance at recent alumni events.

 

FOCUS DISCUSSION:   

Dr. Dwight Brady, Professor of Communication and Performance Studies; Mr. Forrest Karr, Special Assistant to the President/Athletics and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports; and Mr. Eric Smith, Director of Broadcast and Audio Visual Services, presented on the collaborative effort of broadcasting at NMU.  (Addendum #6)  Staff responded to questions from Trustees.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE TENTATIVE FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014 AND THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 17-18, 2014 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD

 

President Haynes made this announcement for the public record.  

 

RECOGNITION OF PRESIDENT HAYNES

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Acting Chair Sook Wilkinson thanked President Haynes for his service to NMU these past two years.  He stepped into the role of the President at a critical time for some major initiatives:  many union contracts, construction of the new Janrich Hall, implementing a new enrollment management plan, reenergizing NMU’s community outreach and putting an intense focus on assisting the past and present members of the armed services.  He continues to work diligently on behalf of the university with a special focus on completing several staff reorganizations, work on this year’s budget and tuition proposals, and exploring new revenue sources in helping to bring the current NMU Foundation campaign to a successful close.  She also thanked Ms. Martha Haynes for performing double duty these past two years as Vice President for Advancement and NMU’s First Lady.  Trustee Ziegler asked to be on record saying he thinks David Haynes has done a tremendous job.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Acting Chair Wilkinson adjourned the meeting at 4:19 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

___________________________________

Theresa M. Nease

Secretary of the Board