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Meeting Minutes, December 10, 2004

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Subjects: Administration, Board of Trustees, BOT Minute Books
Date: December 10, 2004
Format: Text/pdf
Original Format: Computer file
Resource Identifier: DECEMBER 10 2004.pdf
Language: English
Contributor: Offices of Board of Trustees and President
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Transcript: MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

December 10, 2004

The Trustee Finance Committee and Trustee Policy Committee meetings were held in the Board Room of the Administration Building beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 10, 2004. Minutes of the meetings are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

President McPherson called the meeting of the Board of Trustees to order at 9:07 a.m. in the Board Room.

Trustees present: Dolores M. Cook, Joel I. Ferguson, Dorothy V. Gonzales, Donald W. Nugent, Randall Pittman, David L. Porteous and G. Scott Romney.

Trustee absent: Colleen M. McNamara.

University officers present: President McPherson, Provost and President Designate Simon, Vice President Poston, Secretary Carter, Vice President and General Counsel Noto, Vice Presidents Denbow, Gray, June and Webb, Senior Advisor and Director Granberry Russell and Director Williams. Faculty Liaisons present: Melanie Helton, Robert Maleczka, Susan Melnick, Michael Moch and Jon Sticklen. Student Liaisons present: Kierra Hill, Andrew Schepers and Daniel Weber.

All actions taken were by unanimous vote of the Trustees present, unless otherwise noted.

1. On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Pittman, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the agenda.

2. On a motion by Mr. Romney, supported by Ms. Gonzales, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the minutes of November 12, 2004.

3. Executive Privilege

Chairman Porteous commented that this is the final Board meeting for President McPherson, and he offered a “Michigan State University Board of Trustees Tribute Honoring President Peter McPherson,” dated December 10, 2004. (Attachment A)

On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Nugent, THE BOARD VOTED to adopt the tribute.

Andrew Schepers, Student Liaison to the Board of Trustees, presented a Resolution from the Associated Students of Michigan State University and the Residence Halls Association commending President M. Peter McPherson for his loyalty and commitment to undergraduate education and to the Spartan community.

Jon Sticklen, Faculty Liaison to the Board of Trustees, presented to President McPherson a statement of appreciation and thanks for his service from the academic governance system.

President McPherson said that this is a moment that is both sad and exciting. He commented on how the University administration had struggled and achieved so much together. President McPherson thanked everyone for the kind words presented today, but noted that the accomplishments referenced in the resolution were made possible through the efforts of many people. President McPherson said he is proud of his 11 years of service and said that the best years are still ahead for the University. He encouraged the administration continue to demand the best of the University and never to be satisfied with what has been achieved.

President McPherson noted that, looking back through its history, MSU has met challenges by approaching them differently than other institutions. By taking calculated risks, MSU has achieved a great deal.

President McPherson said he would miss the struggles and challenges that he has faced, but he would miss the people he has worked with even more. President McPherson thanked the students and faculty for their resolutions and kindnesses.

4. President’s Report:

President McPherson announced that Fall commencement would begin at 7:00 that evening with the advanced-degree ceremony. The South African Ambassador to the United States, Barbara Masekela, would be the commencement speaker. In the 1970s, Michigan State University divested its investments in South Africa. That action established a relationship with South Africa that has been very special. Myron Magen, founding dean of MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, will receive an honorary degree.

Undergraduate commencement speakers will be U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Senator Dan DeGrow. President McPherson remarked that during his tenure as President, Senator Levin responded every time he asked him for help. Senator DeGrow has been a good friend and great help to MSU in advocating for appropriations to the University.

President McPherson said that three MSU professors were recently honored when they were selected as fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Only a handful of scientists achieve this prestigious honor. The MSU recipients were Edward Rothwell and Fang Peng from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Stanley Schriber of physics and astronomy and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.

President McPherson announced that Bhooma Aravamuthan, an MSU student from Kalamazoo, has received a Marshall Scholarship, totaling nearly $60,000. She is a major in biochemistry and physiology and will graduate in May. She plans to pursue both a Ph.D. and medical degree and become a physician/scientist.

President McPherson noted that MSU scientists were part of a team that sequenced the genome of a chicken. This has far reaching implications for animal scientists, but could also impact a number of human health issues, as both chickens and humans can be affected by the same viruses, bacteria and parasites. Jerry Dodgson, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics was the MSU member on this international research team. The work was published in the well-respected British science journal, “Nature.”

Mr. McPherson reported that MSU is continuing its outreach to Michigan leaders. Last week 28 of 40 newly elected state legislators took part in a three-day Legislative Leadership program. It is a unique program that is offered by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and MSU Extension.

President McPherson announced that MSU’s student-run radio station, WDBM-FM, also known as “The Impact,” has become the first college station in the country to broadcast digitally in high-definition radio. This technology is so new that only about 200 of the country’s 13,000 radio stations use it.

5. Public Participation on Items Germane to the Agenda

There was no public participation on items germane to the Agenda.

6. Personnel Actions

Provost and President Designate Simon presented the following personnel actions:

A. Fisher, Ronald, AN – Director, Honors College, Professor, Department of Economics, to change title to Dean, Honors College, effective January 1, 2005.

B. Riedinger, Jeffrey M., AN – Associate Dean, International Stiudies and Programs; Director, Center for Advanced Study of International Development; Professor, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, for a change in title to Acting Dean, International Studies and Programs and for a change in salary rate to $119,000, effective January 1, 2005.

On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendations.

Dr. Simon said that one of the objectives of the Honors College was to strengthen it and return it to the prominence it had formerly enjoyed. Dr. Fisher has accomplished that. Additionally, the title, “Dean of Honors College,” is common among institutions of similar size and caliber to MSU. The change will reflect the importance of this academic activity within the University, for both recruitment and retention of students. The change in title was reviewed and endorsed by the academic governance system.

Connie Currier, Chair of the Advisory Committed, said the advisory committee was consulted, and Jeff Riedinger’s appointment to Acting Dean was unanimously approved. John Hudzik, Dean of International Studies and Programs and Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Designate, said he has been extraordinarily fortunate to have had Jeff Riedinger as Associate Dean in International Studies and Programs, and MSU is very fortunate to have him in the role of Acting Dean.

Trustee Cook said she was delighted to see the change in title for Dr. Fisher because he has strengthened the Honors College and has strengthened the spirit of the college. Ms. Cook said she recently had conversations with Dr. Fisher and some of the students of the Honors College. The students spoke of their loyalty to the College. It mirrored the spirit that is seen in the two residential colleges at MSU.

Ms. Cook pointed out that Dr. Fisher had spoken many times about the Honors College in appearances across the country and has showcased students of the Honors College.

7. Gift, Grant and Contract Report

Vice President Gray presented the Gift, Grant and Contract Report for the period of September 23, 2004, through November 22, 2004. The report is a compilation of 324 Gifts, Grants and Contracts, 49 Consignment/Non-Cash Gifts and one Consignment/Non-Cash Loan, with a total value of $48,217,016.06.

On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Nugent, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the Gift, Grant and Contract Report.

8. Finance Committee

Chairperson Pittman presented the Trustee Finance Committee report and recommendations.

Fund Functioning as an Endowment

It was recommended that the Board of Trustees establish a fund functioning as an endowment entitled: Floriculture Endowment Fund.

On a motion by Mr. Pittman, supported by Mr. Porteous, THE BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

Mr. Pittman explained that the initial funding of $30,000, which was attained from registration fees generated from the Floriculture College of Knowledge certificate program, would be transferred from the Horticulture Non-Credit Institution account. Future revenues and gifts are expected to be added to this fund functioning as an endowment. The income will be used to enhance programs in the floriculture arena, with an emphasis on extension and outreach programs. Additional uses include floriculture research or teaching programs.

9. Policy Committee

Trustee Cook presented the Trustee Policy Committee report and recommendations.

A. College of Human Medicine and Grand Rapids

Ms. Cook presented a Resolution endorsing the recent Report by the College of Human Medicine Oversight Committee. (Attachment B)

On a motion by Ms. Cook, supported by Mr. Romney, THE BOARD VOTED to adopt the resolution.

B. Approval of Contract Terms and Conflict of Interest Management Procedures

It was recommended to the Board of Trustees that it approve the administration’s recommendation for execution of an amendment to a license agreement with Natural Therapeutics, LLC, consistent with earlier public notice given at a Board meeting on November 12, 2004, and with the applicable “License Amendment Term Sheet” presented to the Board for inclusion in its minutes. (Attachment C)

On a motion by Ms. Cook, supported by Mr. Romney, the BOARD VOTED to approve the recommendation.

10. Chairman’s Report

Trustee Porteous, on behalf of the entire Board of Trustees and the University community, extended condolences to Trustee Nugent on the passing of his father.

Trustee Porteous said he had had the pleasure of attending the Goldman Sachs Foundation banquet in Washington, D.C., where several national awards were presented to schools that had exceptional programs in international education. There were categories for universities, high schools and elementary schools. Mr. Porteous asked Dean Carole Ames to introduce members of her team and to describe the program for which they were recognized. Dean Ames presented Chairman Porteous with the certificate entitled, “Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize for Excellence in International Education.” Dr. Ames observed that this was one of the most prestigious awards for international education in the United States. It recognized MSU’s leadership in international education and the University’s work with pre-service teachers and outreach programming to K-12 schools. The award results from a ten-year partnership between the College of Education and the area study centers at MSU and also with K-12 districts. This award was earned because of the dedication and hard work of individuals who provided a range of leadership.

Dean Ames recognized John Metzler for his leadership in the studies center. Dr. Metzler directs outreach programming and has developed online resources for in-service teachers and schools to teach about Africa, Latin America and Asia, as well as study abroad trips for K-12 teachers. Dr. Ames then recognized Sally McClintock for her leadership in a professional development project that links MSU international students to K-12 teachers. The program is remarkable because of the enduring relationship that continues and benefits both countries, even after students leave MSU. Lastly, Dean Ames recognized John Schwille for his leadership in internationalizing the curriculum for K-12 pre-service and study abroad programs for students in Australia and South Africa.

Chairman Porteous presented a “Michigan State University Board of Trustees Tribute Honoring Randall L. Pittman,” dated December 10, 2004. (Attachment D)

On a motion by Mr. Porteous, supported by Mr. Nugent, the BOARD VOTED to adopt the Tribute.

Mr. Porteous referred to Trustee Pittman as an elite player who made all the members of the Board of Trustees better.

Jon Sticklen introduced Michael Moch, a member of the Facility Liaison Committee to the Board of Trustees. Professor Moch, on behalf of the Faculty Liaisons, presented Randall Pittman with a letter of appreciation.

11. Trustees’ Comments

A. Trustee Cook thanked Mr. Pittman for his service on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Ms. Cook opined that Governor Engler made a great appointment when he brought Mr. Pittman home to his alma mater.

Ms. Cook told President McPherson that it had been a privilege to serve with him.

B. Trustee Gonzales said she could not put into words her thanks for all of President McPherson’s hard work and long hours that he devoted to MSU. She said that President McPherson had moved MSU to the top. Ms. Gonzales thanked President McPherson.

Ms. Gonzales thanked Trustee Pittman for his hard work and service to the Board.

C. Trustee Nugent thanked the university community for its overwhelming support as he and his family dealt with the passing of his father.

Mr. Nugent said that he didn’t know Trustee Pittman before Trustee Pittman was appointed to the Board, but said that Mr. Pittman’s expertise had been extremely helpful.

Trustee Nugent told President McPherson that it was always nice to see a local farm boy do good. Mr. Nugent said President McPherson had made a huge contribution to MSU. Mr. Nugent acknowledged that President McPherson, in collaboration with Trustee Pittman, was instrumental in Michigan State enjoying a standing in the top two percent in returns on its endowment. Mr. Nugent wished President McPherson and Trustee Pittman well.

D. Trustee Romney noted that transitions are very difficult. He echoed the comments of the other Board members. Mr. Romney congratulated Dr. Simon and said he looked forward to working with her.

Mr. Romney thanked President McPherson for his leadership, service and dedication to Michigan State. Mr. Romney said it has been an honor to know Mr. Pittman and serve with him. Mr. Romney wished both well and said he looked forward to continued association with them.

E. Trustee Pittman told President McPherson that he believed history would put the President’s years of leadership at MSU in a perspective that cannot be articulated today. Mr. Pittman indicated he thought President McPherson’s leadership would be recognized as comparable to that of John Hannah. Mr. Pittman expressed heartfelt thanks to Mr. McPherson.

F. Trustee Ferguson commented that he supported President McPherson’s appointment as President in 1993, and within two years the President proved what a great job he would do. Mr. Ferguson said that Mr. McPherson has been an outstanding president. He continued that the skills Mr. McPherson brought to MSU made it a better place and have laid the foundation for even better years to come. Mr. Ferguson thanked President McPherson.

Mr. Ferguson pointed out that Trustee Porteous made two Board appointment recommendations to Governor Engler: Scott Romney and Randall Pittman. Trustee Ferguson said that Governor Engler commented after to Mr. Ferguson after their appointments that MSU had the best Board in the country, referring to Scott Romney and Randall Pittman.

Mr. Ferguson said that while he was running for re-election this year, he emphasized that Randall Pittman was the best person he ever served with on any board. Mr. Ferguson continued that Trustee Pittman’s dedication, energy and service to this institution have been outstanding. Mr. Ferguson pointed out that Trustee Pittman had made tremendous contributions to MSU prior to his appointment as Trustee, and although Trustee Pittman may be leaving his position as a Trustee of the University, his contributions to the institution will continue. Mr. Ferguson thanked Mr. Pittman for his service to the Board.

12. Trustee GPA Award Recipients

Chairman Porteous and President McPherson presented Trustee GPA Awards for 2004 Fall Semester to the graduating seniors listed below.

Name Major Grade Point
Kelly K. Megel Advertising 3.9863
Jordan M. Rash Accounting 3.9867
Amy M. McLean Communication 3.9873
Aaron W. Scheidies Kinesiology 4.0000
Ashley D. Brandenburg French 4.0000
Katherine R. Belsito Animal Science 4.0000

13. Public Participation on Issues Not Germane to the Agenda

Kierra Hill, a psychology senior in the Honors College, Student Liaison to the Board of Trustees and 2005 MLK Co-Chair, appeared to outline the 2005 schedule of events commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. The events run from January 14, 2005, through January 17, 2005. Many opportunities to celebrate MLK holiday are detailed at www. msu.edu/~aacm/MLK.

14. An Executive Session was not requested.

15. On a motion by Mr. Pittman, supported by Ms. Gonzales, THE BOARD VOTED to adjourn at 10:09 A.M.


Respectfully submitted,



L. Susan Carter
Secretary of the Board of Trustees
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