The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting February 8-10, 2023 on Lawrence’s Appleton campus and via Zoom conferencing from those unable to attend. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations and decisions. Included in the materials were updates from the functional areas of the institution, including the Faculty Committee on University Governance (FCUG) and the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC).
The Board began with the General Session where the Task Force on Enrollment Size presented its months’ long analysis. Additionally, Dr. Ron Crutcher, former president of Wheaton College (MA) and University of Richmond, discussed the enrollment initiatives implemented at both of those institutions that resulted in increased financial stability. After which, the Enrollment Committee, Development Committee, Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee, Finance Committee, and Academic and Student Affairs Committee held their meetings, concluding with the Formal Board meeting. Much of each committee and subcommittee meeting was discussing the selection, implementation, and potential impact of the strategic initiatives and investments. Specifically, providing input on the brand elevation strategic investments and highlighting another busy construction season, including the purchase of 1025 E South River Street. The Board discussed the FY23 budget and that of the strategic investment expenses. Additionally, the Board celebrated the success of Giving Day and the arrival of two VPs, the VP for Advancement and the incoming VP for DEIA. The reports were delivered from the President, the Chair of the Board, and respective committee and campus leadership. Trustees and the campus leadership discussed the ever-changing higher education climate and our mechanisms to lead and respond, and our institutional decision-making strategy.
In the course of the February meetings, the Board:
- Approved the granting of tenure to Israel Del Toro, Assistant Professor (Biology).
- Approved the granting of tenure to Thelma Jimenez-Anglada, Assistant Professor (Spanish).
- Approved the granting of tenure to Nancy Lin, Assistant Professor (Art History).
- Approved the granting of tenure to Rebecca Perry, Assistant Professor (Music).
- Approved the granting of tenure to Graham Sazama, Assistant Professor (Chemistry).
- Approved the granting of tenure to Jesús Gregorio Smith, Assistant Professor (Ethnic Studies).
The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 17-19, 2023 on Lawrence’s Appleton campus and virtually via Zoom conferencing for those unable to attend in person.