IHL March 2006 meeting highlights:

http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/admin/downloads/BdMarch06.pdf

Mr. Thomas W. Colbert and Ms. Robin J. Robinson were absent. (p. 1)

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2006 BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECOGNITION Mr. Bob Owens, Chair of the Black History Month Committee, stated that each year the Board recognizes one individual from each institution of higher learning who has contributed significantly to the positive advancement of diversity on his/her campus and in the community.

...Dr. Juliana Makuchi Nfah-Abbenyi University of Southern Mississippi (p. 1)

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A Week in the Life of a Faculty Member

Dr. Thomas Meredith noted that over the course of the next few months faculty members from various levels will be invited to speak about his/her typical work week. This is an informative way for the Board to learn about what occurs on the campuses.

Dr. John Hilpert, President of Delta State University, thanked the Commissioner and the Board for this opportunity to speak about campus life. Dr. Hilpert introduced the first presenter, Dr. Chester “Bo” Morgan, Professor of History at Delta State University. Then, Dr. Clinton Bristow, President of Alcorn State University, introduced the second presenter, Dr. Keith McGee, Assistant Professor of Biology at Alcorn State University. Dr. Meredith thanked both of the presenters for their informative presentations. (p. 2)

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The Board received a report on the 2006 - 2007 No Child Left Behind Act: Improving Teacher Quality Awards. This year, 11 grants to 8 higher education institutions totaling $1,142,609.00 will be awarded. These awards will provide professional development to 205 in-service teachers and 30 administrators across Mississippi. The institutions and amounts to be awarded are as follows:

...University of Southern Mississippi Mathematics $97,966.00

University of Southern Mississippi Administrative Leadership $106,213.00 (pp. 2-3)

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In relation to litigation and other matters: Payment of legal fees for professional services rendered by Bryan Nelson, P.A. (Statement dated 1/3/06) from the funds of The University of Southern Mississippi. (This statement represents services and expenses in connection with the Krell case.) TOTAL DUE.......................................................$462.50 (p. 6)

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Payment of legal fees for professional services rendered by Purdie & Metz (Statement dated 1/30/06) from the funds of The University of Southern Mississippi. (This statement represents services and expenses in connection with the Williams case.) TOTAL DUE.....................................................$28,253.46 (p. 7)

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System Administration - Approved the settlement of the case styled Davida Williams v. The University of Southern Mississippi. (p. 9)

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4. One of Dr. Meredith's goals is to increase healthy competition among the institutions whether it is on the playing field, in academic awards, or in research grants and contracts.

5. In December, IHL began its first annual Best Practices Competition, which is a Board-sponsored program designed to highlight efforts that create efficient and effective practices initiated within the System's institutions in the categories of academics; finance, business and administration; student services; and technology. Proposals were judged by peer groups within each of the universities. Winning first and second place institutions will receive $10,000 and $5,000 stipends. The 2005 Best Practices Winners Include: ...

Student Services - First Place • The University of Southern Mississippi's Luckyday Foundation Citizenship Scholarship Program Student Services - Second Place (pp. 12-13)

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2. Dr. Shelby Thames, President of The University of Southern Mississippi, introduced Mr. Joseph Morgan, Director of Procurement Services, who will be serving as the Interim Chief Financial Officer. (p. 13)

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Executive Session On motion by Ms. Whitten, seconded by Mr. Ross, and unanimously passed by those present, the committee voted to close the meeting to determine whether or not it should declare an Executive Session. On motion by Ms. Whitten, seconded by Mr. Owens, and unanimously passed by those present, the committee voted to go into Executive Session for the reason later reported by the Chair in Open Session and stated in these minutes, as follows:

Discussion of three litigation matters.
Discussion of two potential land transactions.

On motion by Ms. Whitten, seconded by Dr. Davidson, and unanimously passed by those present, the committee voted to return to Open Session.

...The committee discussed a potential land transaction at The University of Southern Mississippi campus. No action was taken. (pp. 16-17)



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http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/admin/downloads/BdMarch06-Special.pdf

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion by Ms. Whitten, and unanimously passed by those present, the Board voted to close the meeting to determine whether or not it should declare an Executive Session. On motion by Mr. Blakeslee, seconded by Mr. Patterson, and unanimously passed by those present, the Board voted to go into Executive Session for the reason later reported by the President in Open Session and stated in these minutes, as follows:

Discussion of a personnel matter at Mississippi State University.

On motion by Mr. Ross, seconded by Dr. Davidson, and unanimously passed by those present, the Board voted to return to Open Session.

On motion by Mr. Blakeslee, seconded by Mr. Estess, and unanimously passed by those present, the Board appointed Dr. Robert H. Foglesong to the Presidency of Mississippi State University effective Sunday, April 16, 2006.

On motion by Dr. Neely, seconded by Ms. Robinson, and unanimously passed by those present, the Board accepted the resignation of Dr. Charles Lee, the current President of Mississippi State University, effective Saturday, April 15, 2006.

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http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/admin/downloads/BDMarch06-Search Committee.pdf

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion by Ms. Whitten, and unanimously passed by those present, the Committee voted to close the meeting to determine whether or not it should declare an Executive Session. On motion by Dr. Magee, seconded by Mr. Estess, and unanimously passed by those present, the Committee voted to go into Executive Session for the reason later reported by the Chair in Open Session and stated in these minutes, as follows:

Interviewing candidates for the position of President at Mississippi State University.

The committee recessed until the next morning. The committee reconvened at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2006. The following committee members were present: Mr. Ed Blakeslee (Chair), Mr. Roy Estess, Dr. D. E. Magee, Dr. Bettye Neely, Ms. Robin Robinson, and Mr. Scott Ross. Other Board members attending the meeting were: Mr. Thomas Colbert, Dr. Stacy Davidson, Ms. Virginia Shanteau Newton, Mr. Bob Owens, Mr. Aubrey Patterson, and Ms. Amy Whitten. The Search Consultant, Ms. Jan Greenwood of Greenwood and Associates, also attended the meeting.

On motion by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Estess, and unanimously passed by those present, the Committee voted to return to Open Session.

On motion by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Estess, and unanimously passed by those present, the committee selected Dr. Robert H. Foglesong, a four star general, as the preferred candidate for the position of President of Mississippi State University.