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Western Board of Trustees >Trustee Minutes

 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

BOARD ROOM, UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
December 8, 1983

 

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 8, 1983, at 10:00 a.m. in the Board Room of the H. F. Robinson Administration Building. Chairman Wallace N. Hyde presided.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present; Mr. Cooper, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Kahn, Mr. McGinn, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Schell, Mr. Watson, Mr. Williams, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Woody. Mr. Sossomon had called to say that he had to be in court.

Others present were: Chancellor Robinson; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Stillion, and Stoltz; Mrs. Jakes, Assistant to the Chancellor; Mr. Brown, Special Assistant to the Chancellor; Dr. Dowell, Chairman of the Faculty; Mr. Williams, Alumni Representative to the Board; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Ms. McDonald, Legal Counsel; Mr. Wood, Director of Institutional Studies and Planning; Mr. Wooten, Controller; and Mrs. Shuler, Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Hyde called the meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On motion by Mr. Wood, seconded by Mr. Schell, the minutes of the meeting of September 1, 1983, were approved as distributed.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. McGinn, Chairman of the Property and Buildings Committee, asked Vice Chancellor Carter to explain the items for action.

1. Designer for Capital Improvement Projects

Capital improvement funds for roof repairs and for repairs to the exterior of Belk Building have been obtained. For Roof Repairs Project "A", which includes Stillwell, Hunter, and McKee Buildings, the firm of Foy & Lee Associates, of Waynesville, is recommended. The total cost of this project will be $272,100.

Repairs to the exterior of Belk Building, at a total cost of $269,600, can be designed by Sutton Kennerly & Associates, of Greensboro; and it is recommended that this project be awarded to that firm.

Roof Repairs Project "B" for Reid, Robinson, Breese, Steam Plant, Physical Plant, and Killian Buildings will total $226,000. Acting under the Board policy which permits the Chancellor to appoint designers for projects up to $250,000, it is the Chancellor's intention to appoint Wood & Cort as the designer for this project.

Following discussion and upon proper motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Williams, the recommendations of Foy & Lee Associates for Roof Repairs Project "A" and Sutton-Kennerly & Associates for repairs to Belk Building were approved. Mr. Schell asked that the minutes indicate that he abstained from voting on this motion.

2. Naming of Regional Activity Center

Mr. McGinn Moved that the Regional Activity Center be named for Liston B. Ramsey, speaker of the House of Representatives in North Carolina and who has served this district in the legislature for many years. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Watson seconded the motion. Following discussion Mr. Woody moved that this item be handled in the Executive Session, and it was the consensus of the other members that this be done.

3. Naming of West Wing of Dodson Cafeteria

Mr. McGinn moved that the West Wing of Dodson Cafeteria be named the Mary Woods Flintom Room in honor of the former head of the food service. Mr. Wood then moved that this item also be handled in the Executive Session, and the other trustees concurred.

4. Status of Regional Activity Center Construction

Vice Chancellor Carter informed the Trustees of the problems caused by the steel subcontractor's having declared bankruptcy. The building is now some six to seven months behind schedule and it is highly unlikely that the opening game with North Carolina State University can be played next November. The general contractor has entered into a contract with Steel Fabricators, Inc., of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and the supply of fabricated steel is expected to resume about December 10. Work will continue throughout the winter as weather permits and the building will be placed under cover in the spring. In response to questions, Vice Chancellor Carter told the trustees that the best completion date now appears to be sometime in 1985 and that there have been no further reactions from the general contractor on the soil compaction problem since Law Engineering was employed to inspect the undercuts on the piers and the footings both before and after settlement. The University is in good shape with regard to actions taken and records kept on all problems.

APPROVAL OF PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS PROCEDURES

Chancellor Robinson told the trustees that an updating of patent and copyright procedures throughout the University System has been taking place. The proposed guidelines were sent to the Patent Committee of the Faculty Senate, which has the responsibility for recommending actions to be taken. The draft of the Committee is guidelines was returned to President Friday and approved there, and it is now ready for action by the trustees. Upon proper motion by Mr. McGinn, seconded by Mr. Woody, the patents and copyrights document was approved. (Copy on file with minutes material.)

RECOGNITION OF TRUSTEE WILLIAMS

Chancellor Robinson explained that Mr. Williams had requested that no publicity be given to his role in helping the University obtain the cars supplied for the Athletics Department. Chancellor Robinson did ask, however, that the trustees be aware of the assistance given by Mr. Williams and that a round of applause be accorded him in appreciation for his efforts.

INFORMATION REPORTS

1. Trip to China

Chancellor Robinson and Vice Chancellor Stoltz discussed their recent trip to Yunnan University in Kunming, China, and showed slides they had taken in China. The faculty exchange is underway, with two Chinese professors having been here during the fall semester. Two professors from Western will go to China during the spring semester.

2. Education Hearing in Asheville

One of the Governor's regional hearings on education will be held in Asheville on December 15. Chancellor Robinson will be speaking on the role of higher education in improving the public schools.

3. Annual Financial Report

Vice Chancellor Carter distributed the financial report for the year ending June 30, 1983, and he and Mr. Wooten discussed the report with the trustees.

4. Additional Information on Regional

In response to questions from the Trustees, Vice Chancellor Carter said the general contractor is pouring concrete and working on anything that can be done and plans to continue working during the winter when weather is at all feasible. The contractor is making the best effort he can with what he has to work on. There was a discussion of the time overrun and its consequences to the institution, and the Trustees were informed that a meeting has been held with officials from State Construction and the Attorney General's offices as a measure to insure that the University's interests are protected.

5. Development Foundation Activities

Vice Chancellor Dooley gave a report on the Development Foundation, indicating that in the year ended June 30, 1983, there was growth in receipts, expenditures, and assets. Fourteen new Patrons of Quality were obtained, and there was a 50 percent increase in the endowed scholarships program. The athletics budget remains in the black, with additional funds to be received from the playoff games.

6. Computers on the Campus

Mr. Wood brought the Trustees up-to-date regarding availability of computer equipment on the campus. In addition to the two VAX-780's in the Computer Center and the VAX-730 in the Math Lab, there are 120 terminals and 118 microcomputers. There are three labs housing 40 terminals and 30 microcomputers for students, some of them available on a 24-hour basis. Over 40 faculty members now own personal computers, and 42 faculty members took the course offered recently to learn basics of these machines. There will be a large article in the Asheville Citizen in the next few days on the computing capability of the campus.

RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION

In recognition of the success attained by the 1983 football team, Mr. Watson moved that the following resolution honoring Mr. Robert Lee Waters be adopted:

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University takes great pride in the contributions of Robert Lee Waters, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. He has created an athletic program distinguished by undaunted courage, fierce competitiveness, good sportsmanship, and an understanding of the highest values of athletic endeavor. His modest and unassuming character is a model for young men and women.

Bob Waters has given us an exciting brand of athletics, and the electric air he creates on the football field is unrivaled in our annals.

Throughout his fifteen seasons as Head Football Coach, Bob Waters has always been the Coach of the Year for this Board, the University Community, and fans in the thousands.

The 1983 season has seen an especially stellar performance by Mr. Waters. He has steered the team to an undefeated season in Southern Conference play. He has taken it to post-season victories over Colgate and Holy Cross. He has placed it in the semifinals of the NCAA Division I-AA National Playoffs. He has aroused interest in and support for the University beyond comparison. He has earned from his peers their acknowledgment of his achievements in being named Southern Conference Coach of the Year.

This Board, in appreciation for all that he means to Western Carolina University, expresses to Mr. Waters its own salute, and by this Resolution extends to him its official congratulations and commendations, on this eighth day of December, 1983.

Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. McGinn then moved that the following resolution be adopted:

WHEREAS, the 1983 Western Carolina University Football Team has demonstrated what can be achieved by determination, dedication, and hard work, especially in the face of adversity; and,

WHEREAS, this group of Catamounts will enter the record books as Western Carolina University's finest football team in fifty years of intercollegiate play; and,

WHEREAS, the 1983 team has soared from a fledgling start to go unbeaten in eleven games, to go undefeated in the Southern Conference, and to gain national prominence and the spotlight in the NCAA National Playoffs; and,

WHEREAS, these Catamounts have brought State, Regional, and National attention to Western Carolina University, reflecting the University's efforts to be the best possible; and

WHEREAS, this team will stand forever in the finest traditions of the Purple and Gold;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University congratulates and applauds this team in its quest to bring a national championship to the University, and expresses its admiration and appreciation for all of these accomplishments;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board salutes the 1983 Catamount Football Team for the example it has set in the finest tradition of "never-say-die" athletic competition, on this, the eighth day of December, 1983.

Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Chairman Hyde encouraged the Trustees' attendance at the game in Greenville on Saturday.

EXECUTIVE SESSION   Open Meeting Act

Mr. Watson moved that the Board convene in Executive Session to consider personnel matters and such other matters as it is entitled to consider in Executive Session as permitted by the Open Meetings Law. Mr. McGinn seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

RESUMPTION OF OPEN SESSION

Mr. Watson moved that the Board now reconvene in open session, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Chairman Hyde requested that Vice Chairman Watson assume the chair.

REPORT OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Watson requested that Mr. Woody present the report of the Personnel Committee.

Mr. Woody moved that the administrative appointment of Vivian L. Deitz be approved, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that the faculty appointments be approved, Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that the staff appointments be approved, Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that the adjunct faculty appointments be approved, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that the reappointments of second-year faculty members be approved, Mr. Edwards seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that Dr. Gerald Eller be designated Professor Emeritus of Biology and Professor Mary Morris be designated Professor Emeritus in Hunter Library. Mr. Wood seconded the motion with an expression of appreciation for their services, and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Woody moved that a leave of absence for Clifford R. Lovin be approved, Mr. McGinn seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.


REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Mr. McGinn moved that the action of the Board in Executive Session naming the Regional Activity Center for Liston B. Ramsey be affirmed, Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried.

Mr. Schell moved that the action of the Board taken in Executive Session naming the Mary Woods Flintom Room be affirmed, Mr. Edwards seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Edwards moved that the Board adjourn sine die, Mr. Williams seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION

Immediately prior to lunch, Chairman Hyde reconvened the Board into open session to consider the following resolutions:

1. Resolution Honoring Patricia Anne Howell

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University takes great pride in the contributions of Patricia Anne (Trish) Howell, Head Coach of the Women's Volleyball Team. In two years as head coach, she has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership and has become a model for the young women on the volleyball and basketball teams.

Trish Howell is an outstanding alumnus of Western Carolina University, earning her Master of Arts in Education degree in 1981.

In her first year as head coach during the 1982 season, she took the Lady Cats to a second-place finish in the Southern Conference and won 16 straight matches on the way to an outstanding 33-12 record.

This year, she exceeded last year's performance, winning 29 of 37 matches, going undefeated in the Southern Conference, and capturing the Southern Conference title. In recognition of her achievements, in November of this year she was voted Southern Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year.

This Board, in appreciation for Trish Howell's outstanding work as Head Volleyball Coach, extends to her by this Resolution its official congratulations and commendations, on this eighth day of December, 1983.

2. Resolution Honoring 1983 Volleyball Team

WHEREAS, the 1983 Western Carolina University Women's Volleyball Team has won the first Women's Southern Conference title for the University; and,

WHEREAS, the Lady Cats won the Southern Conference women's volleyball tournament and completed the 1.983 season with an 18-match winning streak, a 9-0 mark in Southern Conference competition, and a 29-8 overall record; and,

WHEREAS, senior Judy Green was named the Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament's Most Valuable Player; and,

WHEREAS, Seniors Judy Green, Anna Wike, Robyn Keeler, and Vickie Warner completed their final year of competition as a group that won 138 of 178 matches in their careers, a state title, several in-season tournaments, were conference runners up in 1982 and Southern Conference champions in 1983;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University congratulates and applauds the Women's Volleyball Team for bringing these honors and distinctions to Western Carolina University, and expresses its admiration and appreciation to them, on this eighth day of December, 1983.

A motion was made and seconded that these resolutions be adopted, and it carried unanimously.

The meeting was then declared adjourned.

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Wallace N. Hyde, Chairman

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Avis Phillips, Secretary