4/1/05 Administrative Council Meeting Minutes

In attendance: Dr. Sam Gingerich, Scott Rawles, Perry Sansing, Mary Margaret Roberts, Patsy McDaniel, Anika Perkins, Dr. Lea Helen Evans, Susan Sobley and Wahnee Sherman.

Absent: Dr. Claudia Limbert, Nora Miller, Dr. Bucky Wesley, Dr. Mark Bean, and Dana Vaughn.

In the absence of Dr. Claudia Limbert, Dr. Sam Gingerich called the meeting to order.

1. The minutes from 3/4/04 were approved.

2. Item from President’s Cabinet:

Budget - Dr. Gingerich noted that the IHL presidents may be going to Jackson today as a group to talk with legislators about the budget situation. The House wants to fund K-12 raises and the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), but many say doing so will hurt other agencies. Scott Rawles added that the presidents are wanting to do some advocacy work to help bring the House and Senate closer to a resolution. It may come down to raising taxes. A special session probably will be needed.

General updates:

Mary Margaret Roberts said as of yesterday the MUW Foundation has raised $6.3 million for FY 2005 compared to $5.1 million this time last year. The spring mailers have gone out. An email to campus about the “Legends of Rock and Roll” concert will go out today.

Mr. Rawles reported that he, Ms. Roberts, and Dr. Limbert went to Washington, D.C., last week to attend the memorial service for alumna Marie Charlotte Stark. Her estate will fully fund the Pohl Chair and some of the Stark Building. He and others are working with Senator Cochran on a project.

Susan Sobley announced that Staff Council is working on a Staff Appreciation Luncheon. The possible date is May 19. The MUW Foundation will cover the cost of the luncheon. There will be prizes given away. Many members of Staff Council are dissatisfied with the Staff Classification Plan because they feel the salaries do not compare to those off campus. Many staff are nervous about the budget situation and a possible loss of jobs. A staff member asked that she recommend that there be a crosswalk from McDevitt to Hogarth.

Dr. Lea Helen Evans had nothing to report because the Faculty Senate did not meet last week due to Spring Break. The group will meet this afternoon.

Anika Perkins reported that Visions is out. They are working on the next issue, which should be out July 1. They are sending out many press releases, especially about faculty members.


Wahnee Sherman mentioned that Nora Miller will come to the next Director’s Council meeting to discuss the budget. MUW’s orientation assistants placed third in the skit competition at a recent conference. SGA elections are set for April 14. The Hearin Alumni Panel discussion, a shoe drive for the Salvation Army, and spring scholars registration will be held next week. W Fest will be held this weekend. 250 students are registered this year, a large increase over last year.

Patsy McDaniel said the Inter-Alumni Council met at IHL Monday to discuss the College Fair, budget, and Mississippi scholars events. Another meeting is planned for July. A 5-county chapter organization meeting was held in Indianola yesterday. Leflore, Bolivar, Washington, Sunflower, and Humphreys counties will be called the Delta Chapter. Becky Izard, class of 1945, has been named an Ageless Hero. Judge Mary Libby Payne, class of 1954, was honored Wednesday with a resolution. Evelyn Farrion, class of 1968, represented MUW at the installation of Steven Ballard as chancellor of East Carolina University where Farrion is professor of nutrition. Approximately 500 alumni from 24 states have preregistered for Homecoming.

Dr. Gingerich reported that he and Dr. Limbert made a presentation to the IHL Board last month about the reorganization plan. It was well received and should be approved at the April Board meeting. He will continue to meet with faculty of the various colleges, and interim deans and department heads will be appointed soon. Completion of the Academic Master Plan will be delayed a semester to give more time to gather comparative information and have discussion. Awards Evening is set for April 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Pope Banquet Room. The President’s Cabinet met yesterday to discussion retention and to develop strategies. Dr. Limbert will take a lead role, and a group will be formed.

Perry Sansing noted that the state’s budget situation looks bleak due to political infighting and the financial situation. The House is saying K-12 must be funded first before anything else. This keeps pushing the end of the session.