Western Board of Trustees >Trustee Minutes

 

The Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University met in regular session on December 6, 1986, at 2:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Robinson Administration Building. Chairman Wallace N. Hyde presided.

ATTENDANCE

The following members of the Board were present: Mr. Clark, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Coward, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Forsyth, Dr. Hyde, Mr. Schell, Mr. Watson, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Woody.

Others present included: Chancellor Coulter; Vice Chancellors Carter, Dooley, Glenn Stillion, and Judith Stillion; Dr. Dowell, Assistant to the Chancellor; Dr. Alexander, Chairman of the Faculty; Mr. McCracken, Alumni Representative; Mr. Kucharski, Legal Counsel; Mr. Ramsey, Assistant to the Chancellor for WCU Programs in Asheville; Mr. Reed, Director of Public Information; 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 at 2:35 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

After indication of a typographical error to be corrected, Mr. Wilson moved that the minutes of the September 19, 1986, meeting be approved. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Cooper, acting as chairman in the absence of Mr. McGinn, asked Dr. Carter to report on the following items:

1. Property for Location of North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching

Following discussion, Mr. Woody moved that the location of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching be changed to the tract known as the Sutton Farm (across the four-lane highway from the campus) instead of the Norton Ridge property as previously approved. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

2. Project to Replace Astro-Turf at Stadium

Dr. Carter asked the Trustees to approve a project which would replace the Astro-turf playing surface on Bob Waters Field. Total cost of the project would be $546,000, to be financed in the following manner: $200,000 from the uncommitted reserves in the Stadium Maintenance Fund; $150,000 from the Recreational Facilities Trust Fund; and up to $200,000 to be borrowed for a period not to exceed five years, at an interest rate not to exceed 10 percent and without penalty for prepayment. Following discussion, Mr. Forsyth moved that the project and the method of financing be approved as presented. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

3. Project to Replace Heat Exchangers

Dr. Carter asked the Trustees to approve a project to allow replacement of heat exchangers for three residence halls. The project would cost $154,800 and would be funded from uncommitted reserves in the Dormitory System Revenue Account. Mr. Schell moved that the project and the method of financing be approved as presented, Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

4. Project to Replace Windows in Albright-Benton Residence Hall

Dr. Carter asked the Trustees to approve a project to permit replacement of windows in Albright-Benton Residence Hall. The project would cost $319,000 and would be funded from uncommitted reserves in the Dormitory System Revenue Account. Mr. Forsyth moved that the project and the method of financing be approved, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Dr. Carter then recommended that Danie Johnson, Architect, of Asheville be appointed as designer for the window project. Mr. Woody moved that Mr. Johnson be appointed, Mr. Watson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

INFORMATION REPORTS

1. Design of North Carolina Center for Advancement of Teaching

Mr. Wood presented the schematic design for location of the NCCAT on the Sutton property, with the entrance to be directly across from the main University entrance. This entrance has been discussed with the Department of Transportation, and there is a possibility that a traffic light will be erected at this intersection. The floor plans of the main building were discussed as they related to the programs and activities of the Center. The time schedule calls for bids to be received in July with the contractor in place in early fall. The total estimated cost is $7,381,000.

2. Financial Report for 1985-86

Dr. Carter and Mr. Wooten gave a comprehensive report on the state of the University's finances for 1985-86, using transparencies to indicate revenues, expenditures, percentages by objects and categories, and some highlights of fiscal activity. It was noted that expenditures in 1985-86 were $58 million and that there were over one thousand full-time employees, along with hundreds of part-time employees.

CHANCELLOR'S COMMENTS

1. Task Force on Teaching Effectiveness

Chancellor Coulter is very pleased with the activities of the Task Force on Teaching Effectiveness. A Revolving Institutional Exchange has recently been completed with Georgia College and the University of North Florida. Western is in the vanguard for improving college teaching effectiveness and there will be continuing discussions on this topic. There will be involvement by AASCU staff members in January or February.

2. Distinguished Professorship Campaign

In order to institute a distinguished professorship, the University must make available $333,000 from non-state funds. Planning for this campaign is underway and trustees will be kept informed.

3. Thailand Program

Chancellor Coulter will go to Bangkok in February to continue arrangements for 22 more Thai presidents to come here and to begin the process for Thai faculty members to come to Western. He will also go back to Yunnan University to discuss the establishment of an economic development center there.

4. Role and Mission Statement

A committee has been working on a new statement and has now completed its work. The statement has been circulated campus-wide and hearings have been held with the Faculty Senate and the Council of Deans. The statement will come to the trustees soon for study and approval. Following approval, the statement will be sent to all campus units for development of their individual role and mission statements.

5. Board of Governors' Task Force on Teaching

The report of this task force will go to the Board of Governors in January for approval. Adoption of this report will create major changes in teacher education programs.

6. Economic Development Center in Yunnan, China

Some feedback from Yunnan indicates that changes are already being made toward economic development of the province.

EXECUTIVE SESSION Open Meetings Law

Mr. Watson moved that this Board meeting now recess and immediately go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering the report of the Personnel Committee and acting thereon, discussion of possible property acquisition, and such other matters as may properly come before this Board under the Open Meetings Law of the State of North Carolina. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

RESUMPTION OF OPEN SESSION

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

REPORT OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Mr. Watson moved that the appointment of Dr. John Wakeley as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs be approved. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that the appointment of Dr. John Bell as Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences be approved. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that Dr. Max Williams be appointed Head of the Department of History. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved that twelve second-year probationary faculty be offered reappointment. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file with minutes material.)

Mr. Watson moved that one second-year faculty member not be offered reappointment. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file with minutes material.)

Mr. Watson moved that appointment of two new faculty members be approved. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file with minutes material.)

Mr. Watson moved that two leave of absence be granted. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. (List on file with minutes material.)

Mr. Watson moved that the Board approve the annual leave entitlement for Susan Hutto. Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

Mr. Watson moved approval of the recommendation for change in job title as shown on the agenda. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

The following resolution for Dr. Alice E. Mathews was prepared by Mr. Watson:

WHEREAS, Dr. Alice Elaine Mathews joined the faculty of Western Carolina University in 1968 as Assistant Professor of History after having graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Idaho, receiving the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and three years experience as a graduate research assistant and two years of experience in a "readership" at the University of California, and served as Instructor in History at the College of Idaho in 1965, 1967, and 1968;

WHEREAS, she continued her close relationship with Western Carolina University until her untimely death November 27, 1986,having attained the status of professor of history at the University;

WHEREAS, as a very efficient teacher, author, member of many University bodies and committees, compassionate friend, dedicatedand religious leader, she made many substantial contributions to the University, the community, and countless lives she touched;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of Western Carolina University does hereby express its deep sorrow at the passing of Dr. Mathews.

FURTHER, the Board does hereby express its profound gratitude for the privilege of the University in having had a fine relationship with Dr. Mathews and having been the recipient of her talents and generosity.

FURTHER, that a copy of this Resolution be spread on the permanent records of the Board and copy be furnished the family of Dr. Mathews conveying our sincere condolences.

REPORT OF THE PROPERTY AND BUILDINGS COMMITTEE

Mr. Cooper moved that the University administration be authorized to pursue the acquisition of the David Brown property. Mr. Woody seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to be conducted, Mr. Watson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Mr. Schell seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

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Chairman, Board of Trustees

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Secretary, Board of Trustees