Board of Trustees News

The Board of Trustees held its spring meeting from May 15-17 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, May 15. The topic of the discussion was “belonging”. Vice President for Student Life Chris Card kicked off the conversation by sharing that belonging might be defined as students’ perceived social support on campus, a feeling of being connected or feeling cared about, accepted, respected and valued by the group. Students in attendance shared the places where they felt that they did and did
not belong. The group also discussed strategies that may help to increase students’ sense of belonging at Lawrence. It was noted that diversity and inclusion efforts on campus were appreciated, that more could be done to incentivize interactions between student groups (including politics, religion, College and Conservatory, etc.) and that formal mentorship programs could be beneficial. In attendance were students from a range of class years and affiliations, trustees, and members of the President’s Cabinet.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board. Trustees and the president’s cabinet revisited the university’s strategic plan, Veritas est Lux, and advised on priority areas for the next academic year. At the meeting, the Finance Committee endorsed the proposed FY20 budget, including a special endowment draw. The Board also approved a Real Estate Transaction Policy.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the election of Mei Xian Gong ’11 as a Recent Graduate Trustee
• Approved the election of Frederick Fisher as a Term Trustee
• Approved the election of Cheryl Wilson Kopecky ’72 as a Term Trustee
• Approved the election of Jon M. Stellmacher as a Term Trustee
• Approved the appointment of Michael Cisler ’78 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee
• Approved the appointment of Steven Mech ’93 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee
• Approved the promotion of Scott Corry to Professor (Mathematics)
• Approved the promotion of Andrew Knudsen to Professor (Geology)
• Approved the promotion of David McGlynn to Professor (English)
• Approved the promotion of Rob Neilson to Professor (Art)
• Approved the promotion of Arnold Shober to Professor (Government)
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree for the 2020 Commencement speaker to be announced in early 2020.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 30-November 1, 2019 at Björklunden.

The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting from February 13-15 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee and the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC).

The meeting began with a Diversity and Inclusion workshop on Wednesday, February 13 followed by a dinner with facilitated discussion. The workshop and dinner were led by consultant Tanya Odom. Central to these discussions was the idea of equity and the
extent to which all members of the university community, regardless of background, are provided an equal opportunity for success.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and Chair of the Board. The Board reviewed the overarching strategic goals outlined in the university’s strategic plan, Veritas est Lux. Discussion was focused on decreasing operating costs while
maintaining efficiency and quality of service. The Finance Committee discussed the cessation of the Perkins loan program and recommended that the Board use Lawrence’s share of Perkins loan repayments through Fiscal Year 21 be used to fund supplemental grants for students originally qualified for Perkins funds. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee gave a report on the results of the campus climate survey administered in spring of 2018. Key concerns were pedestrian safety, especially on College Avenue, and a lack of acceptance of multiple perspectives on campus. Issues of campus climate have been made a priority on campus and future Board meetings.

At dinner on Thursday, February 14, the President introduced new staff members including the new Riaz Waraich Dean for the Center for Career, Life and Community Engagement, Title IX coordinator, and the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of the Diversity and Intercultural Center. They were also joined by newly tenured faculty.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the granting of an honorary degree for the Report to the Community
• 2019
• Approved the promotion of Allison Fleshman to the rank of Associate Professor
• Approved the promotion of Alyssa Hakes to the rank of Associate Professor
• Approved the promotion of Brian Piasecki to the rank of Associate Professor

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 15-17, 2017 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its fall meeting from November 1-3 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee and the Lawrence University Community Council.

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Thursday, November 1. The topic of the discussion was the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life. The university’s Center for Spiritual and Religious Life is entering its third year and the dinner conversation sought to gauge the impact of the Center and its mission on the lives of students. Most students reported coming to Lawrence with a variety of religious experiences. Students reported that places where spiritual encounters happen range widely across campus from places like Sabin House, local houses of worship, nature, music spaces, and Björklunden. Though most students reported they felt open about sharing their religious identities, it was recognized that tensions can sometimes arise. Sabin House is a critical space for a variety of conversations around spirituality and
religion on campus. Students cite that their spiritual identity has been greatly enhanced since coming to Lawrence and that they have developed connections to wellness and wellbeing through spiritual exploration.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and Chair of the Board. The Board reviewed the President’s priorities for the academic year as well as a summary of results from the Campus Climate Survey administered in spring of 2018. Survey findings suggest that there is an overall feeling that the campus is committed to becoming more inclusive but there are concerns about lack of respect for differing social and cultural perspectives, difficulties communicating across differences and an overall stressful culture. Pedestrian Safety was the focus of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Lawrence continues to work with the City of Appleton to make crosswalk and lighting improvements. The Enrollment Committee celebrated a strong incoming first-year class of 400 students. Lawrence continues to make progress towards
achieving a graduation rate of 85% through work with a recruiting consultant in addition to analyzing why students choose to leave Lawrence. The Finance Committee continues to consider program enhancements that can lead to increased auxiliary revenue as well as expense reduction measures to achieve a balanced budget.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree during 2019 Commencement

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 13-15, 2019 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its spring meeting from May 16-18 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the
Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, May 16. The topic of the discussion was the experience of student-athletes at Lawrence. Many of the students noted that they wanted athletics to be a part of their college experience. They felt that Lawrence offered the academic experience they were looking for with the added opportunity to be a part of a team. Students talked positively about the relationships they had built with their teammates and coaches and how these relationships had come to shape their college experience. It was mentioned that there were difficulties in the Alexander Gym and the Wellness Center being located on opposite sides of the river. Some felt that there could be better communication and support from teams that use the differing facilities. Some also mentioned that there was room for improvement in terms of the quality of the facilities and equipment, but that this had not impacted their decision to choose Lawrence. In attendance were student athletes from numerous athletic teams, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered by the President and Chair of the Board. The board reviewed current enrollment data and data illustrating where it would make sense for Lawrence to deepen its market presence beyond core markets of Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Madison, and the Fox Valley. As of May of 2018, enrollment activity had increased compared to the previous year at the same time. The Board approved of a new degree, the Bachelor of Musical Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation, to be granted at Lawrence. Additionally, the Board approved the 2019 budget.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the election of the Class of 2021 Term Trustees for terms ending June 30, 2021.
• Approval of the re-appointment of Non-Trustee Committee Members for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2018.
• Approved the election of the Officers of the Board.
• Approved the election of Quoc Bao Nguyen Ha ‘07 as a Recent Graduate Trustee.
• Approved the election of Sidney K. Ayabe ’67 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Christopher W. Murray ’75 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Dennis L. Klaeser ’80 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Barbara Smith Lawton ’87 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Dean G. DuMonthier ’88 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the appointment of Jeffrey A. Fox ’72 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Development Committee.
• Approved the appointment of J. Terrence Franke ’68 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.
• Approved of the appointment of Jason Spaeth ’92 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for November 1-3, 2018 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting from February 14-16 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, and the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, February 14. Students who had completed an internship or research experience had the opportunity to share how their experience impacted their course of study and further prepared them for their life after Lawrence. Students agreed that their peers should begin to seek out internship and research opportunities early in their time at Lawrence to maximize career exploration and skill-building opportunities. In attendance were Lawrence students from both the college and the conservatory, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board followed by an update on pertinent data from the 2017 Fact Book. Topics included public perceptions of higher education, including a conversation about legislative affairs and connections with local representatives on important issues, and
suggested future partnerships and commencement speakers for Lawrence. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee provided an update on the Life After Lawrence Task Force, the results of an external review of the office of career services, and proposed work expected to take place to further aid students in preparing for their
lives after college.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Set the Comprehensive fee for the 2018-2019 academic year
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree to of the 2018 Commencement speaker.
• Approval of the Promotion of Celia Barnes to the rank of Associate Professor of English and award of tenure
• Approval of the promotion of Alison Guenther-Pal to the rank of Associate Professor of German and award of tenure
• Approval of the award of tenure to J. Copeland Woodruff, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Opera Studies
• Approval of the promotion of Kurt Krebsbach to the rank of Professor

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 16-18, 2018 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its fall meeting from October 25-27 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, October 25. The topic of discussion was the experience of students who had studied abroad. Study abroad represents a significant component in how Lawrence includes high impact
learning opportunities in the curriculum. For some students, the availability of study abroad opportunities played a significant role in choosing to attend Lawrence. When asked about what encouraged them to study abroad students credited faculty encouragement, the desire for language immersion, an opportunity to gain confidence,
and the desire to experience other cultures. Students cited Lawrence’s academic calendar and a complicated pricing structure as challenges to studying abroad. In attendance were students ranging from sophomores to seniors that have studied abroad, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s
cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered by the President and the Chair of the Board. The board received updates on the first round of program reviews that took place over the summer. The new process shortens the time between external programmatic reviews which take place every ten years by adding an internal review process every
three years. The Board also reviewed data from an admitted student survey which revealed college attributes deemed to be most important to students. The subcommittee on buildings and grounds voted to move forward with both the loft and kitchen renovation projects in Sage Hall. The board also discussed the value of off-campus study. At the next meeting, the Board will review a proposal to change the complicated pricing structure for off-campus study that many students noted as a barrier to participation.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the election of Robert A. Anker ’64 as Trustee Emeritus.
• Approved the election of Robert C. Buchanan ’62 as Trustee Emeritus.
• Approved the election of Overton B. Parrish ’55 as Trustee Emeritus.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 14-16, 2018 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its spring meeting from May 17-19 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, May 17. Seniors preparing to graduate in June shared the topics of their Chandler Senior Experience research projects. It was noted that the relationship between the Chandler Senior Experience and Freshman Studies programs offered a great balance in shaping a unique liberal arts education. Students agreed that the opportunity to combine intellectual and personal interests and complete a piece of formal writing that will help form decisions about future endeavors were great strengths of their Senior Experience research, despite varying experiences across departments. In attendance were seniors from both the college and the conservatory, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board followed by a discussion of the Strategic Plan Refresh, which will shape university priorities through at least 2022, and pertinent data from the most recent Fact Book. Topics included retention, graduation, and the university’s financial resources. The Board specifically discussed the need for continued dialogue in closing the projected budget shortfall. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee provided an update on how Lawrence is preparing for reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. There was an update on the comprehensive campaign from and the approval of the 2017-18 budget.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the election of the Officers of the Board.
• Approved the election of Derrell Acon ’11 as a Recent Graduate Trustee.
• Approved the election of Lydia Howarth ’75 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of David Knapp ‘ 89 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Sara Quandt ’73 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the promotion of Andrew Mast to the rank of Professor.
• Approved the promotion of Lifongo Vetinde to the rank of Professor.
• Approved the revised Investment Committee Charge
• Approved the corporate Resolution

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 25-27, 2017 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting from February 15-17 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, February 15. The topic of the discussion was “Becoming a More Inclusive Lawrence”. There was praise for the improvements made to the university’s hiring processes and the new hires in administrative and faculty roles that further advance the issues of diversity and inclusion, as well as the new, more accessible Diversity Center. It was acknowledged that students and student groups are becoming more intentional about creating dialogue and welcoming other students into their groups and spaces, but there is always room for improvement. Students pointed out the need for prompt communication regarding updates, timelines and progress being made on campus and noted that this has not been particularly strong in the past. In attendance were a number of students from a
variety of student organizations, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board. The Board engaged in a discussion pertaining to changes in higher education with regard to a proposed update of the Academic Freedom Statement, which was drafted by the Faculty Curriculum Committee, to be more responsive to emerging issues. The Subcommittee on Buildings and Grounds provided an update on the completion of the renovations at Colman Hall as well as the relocation of the Diversity Center to the first floor of Memorial Hall. There was an update on capital campaign planning, and the Board approved revisions to the Term Trustee and Recent Graduate Trustee Commitments Statements.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the promotion of Ian Bates to the rank of Associate Professor and award of tenure
• Approved the promotion of Lori Hilt to the rank of Associate Professor and award of tenure
• Approved the promotion of Erin Lesser to the rank of Associate Professor and award of tenure
• Approved the promotion of Mark Phelan to the rank of Associate Professor and award of tenure.
• Approved the revised Trustee Commitments Statement
• Approved the Recent Graduate Trustee Commitments Statement

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 17-19, 2017 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its fall meeting from October 26-28 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, October 26. The topic of the discussion was the experience of international students at Lawrence University. The discussion included topics such as choosing to attend Lawrence, engaging in student organizations, and support for international students. International Student Services received high praise from the students, who also noted that there is always room for improvement, particularly in career support. In attendance were a number of students who hold passports from countries other than the US, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

On the morning of October 28, the Board engaged in a diversity and inclusion workshop led by a facilitator from Jones & Associates, a firm specializing in institutional diversity and inclusion. Through a series of activities and active discussions, the Board considered its role (as a body and as individuals) in fostering an inclusive community at Lawrence.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board, and the Board considered the results of the recently-conducted Board Self-Assessment survey, which is administered to trustees to evaluate the governance functions of the Board, and ways to continue improving effectiveness. The Board also
reviewed the President’s priorities for the current academic year and provided feedback. The Subcommittee on Buildings and grounds discussed the need for additional student housing and strategic targets for the university’s age-of-facilities ratio. There was an
update on capital campaign planning, and an update from an ad hoc committee charged with evaluating the university’s investment management.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the election of John Ellerman ‘58 to trustee emeritus.
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree for Commencement 2017 (recipient TBA in early 2017).
• Approved the promotion of Beth Haines to the rank of Professor.
• Approved a special endowment draw to support capital campaign operations.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 15-17, 2017 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its spring meeting from May 18-20 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, May 18. The topic of the discussion was student leadership at Lawrence and the role of the Lawrence University
Community Council in shared governance. Conversation centered on the role of student government and how to articulate that to peers as well as the challenges and rewarding aspects of student leadership on campus. In attendance were LUCC class representatives, committee chairs and the executive board, trustees, members of the president’s cabinet, and observers.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board, and the Board discussed institutional priorities for the coming academic year, was updated on personnel searches underway, considered the pace of change at the university and continued the conversation on campus climate. The group also discussed aspects of planning, which is already underway, for Lawrence’s next capital campaign. These discussions included all trustees present, the president’s cabinet and Board observers.

The spring meeting of the Board is considered the annual meeting, when new trustees, recent graduate trustees and officers are elected, term trustees are renewed, non-trustee committee members are appointed and board operational documents requiring amendments are updated. The Board also celebrates retiring trustees (those who have reached their term limits or are leaving the board for other reasons) for their service to Lawrence. This year, John Ellerman and
David Knapp reached term limits and will leave the Board effective June 30, 2016.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the promotion of Karen Leigh-Post to the rank of Professor
• Elected three new Term Trustees: William Hochkammer ’66, John Huber ’84 and Cory Nettles ‘92
• Elected a new Recent Graduate Trustee: Tamika Franklin ‘05
• Elected Board officers: Susan K. Kane ‘72, chair; David C. Blowers ‘82, vice chair, Dale R. Schuh ‘70, secretary
• Approved the Fiscal Year 2017 budget
• Approved the charge for a new Advisory Committee on Public Affairs

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 26-28, 2016 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.