Alabama A&M board Score Card

It's been a year, what progress has been made?

NEWS February 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jerome Saintjones
AAMU Trustees Elect New Head

Huntsville , Ala. ---- Closing out the October 2006 trustee meeting that resulted in a tie for the position of President Pro Tempore, Governor Bob Riley led the first half of the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees meeting Friday. February 23 also marked the day that surgeon L. Shefton Riggins was elected to head the Board.

“This is the first time I have ever been able to attend one of these meetings,” commented Governor Riley, “but I certainly hope it isn’t the last.” He expressed his optimism about AAMU’s leadership and progress, and he welcomed Thomas Beason of Huntsville and SGA President Daron Drew of Birmingham , Ala. , as the newest members to the board.

President’s Report
AAMU President Robert R. Jennings also welcomed and thanked the new trustees and made special presentations to a list of honorees. He then went on to tell the board that AAMU was taking steps to reverse the trend of declining enrollment, in addition to making significant increases in sponsored research.

The President informed the board of numerous past and upcoming campus events, including the December 2006 graduation, the honoring of nearly 40 Tuskegee Airmen, developments in student affairs, communications with alumni chapters, and networking opportunities in the private and public sector.

Jennings discussed the University’s current fundraising efforts channeled through area ministers and other constituents; infrastructure improvements; salary increases; the closure of the Knight-Sims court decree and the resulting $7.3 million for campus improvements.

“We remain focused on the goals we have presented,” said Jennings , noting that further gains will hinge on the board’s involvement and assistance.

Academic Affairs
The Board approved an addition to AAMU’s offerings of a program in construction management; granted modifications of due process procedure for tenure and promotion 2005-2006 applicants; and okayed the awarding of an honorary degree to Birmingham alumna Alease S. Sims, a major force in the Alabama higher education desegregation lawsuit. Provost Beverly Edmond also announced that spring commencement has been scheduled for May 12 at 9 a.m.

Edmond introduced the new director of admissions (Juan Alexander), engineering dean (V. Trent Montgomery), agriculture dean (Robert W. Taylor), arts and sciences dean (Matthew Edwards), and interim dean of graduate studies Caula Beyl).

Audit Committee (presented by Trustee Hall Bryant)
Interim Vice President for Business and Finance Charlie Rucker recommended the solicitation of an outside CPA firm for internal audit control work for a two-year period. The board approved the recommendation.

Business and Finance Committee
Vice President Rucker also secured the refinancing of 1998 revenue bonds and the securing of finances for the Wellness Center ; an across-the-board 5 percent raise in FY2008 for all employees pending adequate state appropriations; and an increase in student fees, which have not been raised in at least three years.

Athletics Committee
The Board also considered and approved a recommendation to ensure that the salary of the Head Football Coach fall in line with similar coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Faculty Senate Report (Dr. Earl Gooding, Faculty Senate President)
Senate President Gooding expressed gratitude for the faculty’s opportunity to participate in the advancement of the University and its willingness to work with the new Board head. Gooding urged the Board to pay special attention to the need for repairs to classroom buildings. He linked a decline in enrollment to the status of various facilities. He further urged that the administration develop a system that will ensure adequate training for personnel responsible for maintaining University facilities. Gooding noted that the Faculty Senate has reviewed and compared faculty handbooks in an effort to develop a top-notch document to submit to the administration.
Additional concerns: Gooding expressed concerns over a process through which middle- and upper-level administrators have been changed and selected, preferably deans and department head, in addition to a decrease in the salary of departmental heads owing to a new salary structure.

SGA Report (Daron Drew, SGA President)
Drew said the SGA is working tirelessly to address student grievances. The SGA, said Drew, produced a sell-out play prepared by students for students. She also thanked President Jennings for renovations of Bibb Graves auditorium and announced that students will hold a Student Appreciation Week following Spring Break and other activities.
Major Grievances: Completion of Student Wellness Center , and campus parking and lighting.

President’s Evaluation (Trustee Velma Tribue)
Trustee Tribue indicated that the presidential evaluation process will include input from Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, students, alumni and self-evaluation. The Board accepted the procedural instrument of evaluation but will gain input from the President.

Unfinished Business
The Board elected Velma Tribue of Dothan as its secretary. The Board also clarified, at the administration’ s request, that it had previously approved an across-the-board raise for faculty and staff during the current fiscal year without stipulations.

New Business
President Pro Tempore Riggins thanked the Board for its support and belief in him as its new leader. The board will confront a number of high priority issues, he stated. He noted that change is necessary for progress, and that the board had selected a President who would be strong enough to bring about needed changes. But Riggins added that the board,too, would have to undergo some change. He said he would work to unify the board and ensure that its membership understands the University’s mission and strategic plans.

“A board manual addressing the policies of the University and the duties of the board will be developed, along with an annual self-evaluation,” stated Riggins.

Riggins said the Board must take measures to ensure that it is a good steward of state resources.

President Pro Tem’s Committee Appointments: Academic Affairs (Trustee Montgomery); Business and Finance (Trustee Bryant); Audit Committee (Trustee Beason); Student Affairs (Trustee Melton); Research and Development (Trustee Avery); Athletics Committee (Trustee Sherrod); and Legal and Ethics (Trustee Gillis). The appointments were approved by the Board. The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.

Next Meeting Date
June 2007
T. Lee Harris President, AAMU Alumni Association Inc.