2024 WSU Board of Trustees Meetings

1. CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION – EMILY PATTERSON
2. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14 & NOVEMBER 9, 2023 – LABARCA
3. FINANCE AND AUDIT REPORT – MCCARTHY SNYDER
   1. FOUNDATION INVESTMENT REPORT
   2. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS REVIEW
   3. MILL LEVY BUDGET & YEAR TO DATE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES
   4. OPERATING BUDGET (BOT UNRESTRICTED)
   5. REVENUE & EXPENDITURES-FINANCIAL PLAN REVIEW
   6. BOARD INITIATIVES BUDGET REVIEW
4. BY-LAWS DISCUSSION - SCHLAPP
5. WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY/BIOMEDICAL CENTER UPDATE –MUMA
6. AS MAY ARISE

Upcoming BOT Meeting Dates:

Thursday, April 11, 2024 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164

Thursday, July 11, 2024 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164

Thursday, September 12, 2024 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164

INTRODUCTIONS

Labarca welcomed new general counsel, Jeff Degraffenreid and asked Board members to introduce themselves, and he shared his background.

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION

Emily Patterson shared the Wichita State 10-year Campus Master Plan with the board. 

The guiding principles for the process were:

Be the Engine for Innovation (Showcase the evolution happening on campus)

Foster a Holistic Culture (Unify the WSU experience across campuses and buildings)

Think Beyond the Classroom (Build an 18hr Campus)

There were 5 Key Analytical Findings

Highly Utilized Teaching Buildings Require the Most Work

Quality Laboratory Space is Lacking on Campus

College Are Highly Distributed Across Multiple Buildings

Older Buildings are Lacking Student Support Spaces

Office Area Per Person Is High Compared to Industry Standards

Patterson discussed the Framework – New Program Map of Campus detailing future building sites.  Meetings will be held to share this information with campus, partners, and community to build collaboration and excitement for this bold plan.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Labarca motioned to approve the minutes from September 14 and November 9, 2023.  Bastian seconded and the motion passed.

FINANCE & AUDIT REPORT

Bruun reviewed all the finance reports and handed out copies of the Board’s FY 2023 Independent Auditor’s Report and Annual Statements.   Dietz motioned to approve the reports, and McCarthy Snyder seconded.  Authorization for Bruun to approve project invoices was motioned by Rouser and seconded by Everett.

BY-LAWS DISCUSSION  

Schlapp discussed the need for the By-Laws to be reviewed and updated.  The board agreed to have Degraffenreid accomplish this update.

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY UPDATE

Muma discussed enrollment with major focus on retention and increased enrollment numbers.  He discussed the Cessna Stadium project timeline and next steps. 

WSU is rejecting the lone bid, then re-advertising for a construction manager to facilitate a more competitively bid project.

To facilitate a more competitively bid project, WSU will re-advertise for a construction manager at risk, and work to obtain more competitive bids within the project packages, prior to a June 1, 2024, project start, inclusive of scope contained in Phases 1A & 1B.

WSU will work with KSHSAA to setup more than adequate team camp area, temporary bleachers, and restrooms on the east side, to host a first-class 2024 State High School Track meet, negotiating a financial benefit to KSHSAA, given recent events and pending adjustment to timeline. Within available tools and resources, we will do whatever it takes to keep 2024 State Track in Wichita.

He shared a Wichita Biomedical Center handout and presentation with new renderings of the building and discussed the increased development in the surrounding core area.  Wilkins Softball Stadium is on track with phase 1-2 starting this summer.  The Shocker Success Center will open Fall 2024.  The Marcus Welcome Center addition will be completed next month.  He discussed the HUB for Advanced Manufacture which will be constructed southwest of Woolsey.  Muma announced that WSU research expenditures have increased 24% since 2020, mostly in industry led research, raising Wichita State University to #13 in Engineering Research & Development in the United States.

The board would like an update of the NISS (National Institute for Student Success) enrollment report and student demographics at the April meeting.  Labarca adjourned the meeting at 9:50 am.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Johnson
Assistant Secretary

1. STUDENT SUCCESS AND PERSISTENCE UPDATE – SHIRLEY LEFEVER
2. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 25, 2024 – LABARCA
3. FINANCE AND AUDIT REPORT – MCCARTHY SNYDER
4. FOUNDATION INVESTMENT REPORT
5. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS REVIEW
6. FY 2024 BUDGET TO ACTUAL AS OF END OF MARCH
7. MILL LEVY
8. BOARD OPERATING
9. BOARD INITIATIVES
10. FY 2025 BUDGET
11. MILL LEVY
12. BOARD OPERATING
13. BOARD INITIATIVES
14. MILL LEVY BUDGET NARRATIVE
15. REVENUE & EXPENDITURES- FINANCIAL PLAN REVIEW

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY UPDATE –SCHLAPP

AS MAY ARISE

Student Success and Persistence Update

Dr. Shirley Lefever updated the board on the Shocker student success center remodel located in Cliton Hall. She shared that the goal of the center was to equalize the six-year graduation rate for all students, focusing on students who are most at risk first-generation, low income and underrepresented populations. The Shocker student success center will become the “one stop” for student services. A question was asked about applied learning and its location on campus. The Career accelerator will be moving to the Marcus Welcome Center so new students can look at job opportunities while being admitted into the University. The board asked for a tour of both the student success center and the welcome Center when construction is completed.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Keith Lawing motioned to approve the minutes from January 25, 2024, seconded by Aron Bastion, motion passed.

Finance & Audit Report

Nancy McCarthy Snyder asked Troy Bruun to review the financial reports with the board. He reviewed the foundation investment report, infrastructure review, Fy 2024 budget to actual review, and the 10-year financial plan. Bruun then presented the FY2025 BOT budget for approval. Kevin McWhorter asked how priorities were determined with the City and County. Andy Schlapp gave a history of how we got to this point with priorities of Capital improvements and scholarships. Essentially the BOT budget is a 60-year living document that has changed with the needs of the community we serve. Currently capital improvements are around 34% of the budget and scholarships around 50% of budget and excess funds are directed to fund presidential priorities. Connie Dietz moved to approve FY 2025 budget, seconded by Junetta Everett, and motioned passed.

University Update

Andy Schlapp gave an update on what is happening at WSU. Much of the discussion focused on Students and how we can help grow the economy and provide the talent needed for the Kansas Workforce. Over 70% of WSU graduates take jobs in Kansas but more importantly 50% of students from outside of Kansas take jobs in Kansas when they graduate. The national average is around 20. The success of retaining our talent in Kansas through applied learning has been recognized by the State and they funded our program with an additional $5 million dollars.

Draft Minutes

The Wichita Biomedical Campus was funded at 205 million dollars. The groundbreaking will be May 8 at 11 a.m.. USD 259 will develop a future ready center for health care located in the Biomedical corridor.

The Hub for additive manufacturing and research building also received $16 million from the State added to the over $60 million from the Build Back Better Federal Grant. The project will break ground in June of this year. A question was asked if WSU was part of the Spirit Boeing Conversation. While we are not officially involved in the conversations, we are an interested party and are available to answer research and talent questions when asked.

Respectfully submitted,
Junetta Everett, Board Secretary

1. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES, APRIL 11, 2024 – LABARCA
2. CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENTS
3. FINANCE AND AUDIT REPORT – MCCARTHY SNYDER
   1. FOUNDATION INVESTMENT REPORT
   2. INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT REVIEW
   3. MILL LEVY BUDGET & YEAR TO DATE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES
   4. OPERATING BUDGET (BOT UNRESTRICTED)
   5. BOARD INITIATIVES BUDGET REVIEW
   6. REVENUE & EXPENDITURES-FINANCIAL PLAN REVIEW
4. REVIEW OF MILL LEVY BUDGET MEETINGS WITH CITY AND COUNTY – SCHLAPP/MUMA
   1. UNIVERSITY STADIUM
   2. WBC PHASE II
5. REVIEW BY-LAWS - DEGRAFFENREID
6. ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS - SCHLAPP
   1. CURRENT OFFICERS:
      1. LAURIE LABARCA (CHAIR)
      2. CONNIE DIETZ (VICE CHAIR)
      3. NANCY MCCARTHY SNYDER (TEASURER)
      4. TROY BRUUN (ASSISTANT TREASURER)
      5. JUNETTA EVERETT (SECRETARY)
      6. OLIVIA KERSCHEN (ASSITANT SECRETARY)
      7. ANDY SCHLAPP (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR)
7. BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD - SCHLAPP
8. WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY UPDATE – SCHLAPP/MUMA
9. AS MAY ARISE

Upcoming BOT Meeting Dates

• Thursday, September 12, 2024, 8-10:30 am

Additional Events

• Heritage Gala TBD
• BOT Holiday Party TBD

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Laurie Labarca asked for changes or additions to the minutes. Keith Lawing, Tracee Adams and Nancy McCarthy Snyder offered 3 changes to the minutes. Keith moved to approve the minutes and Dan Rouser Seconded. Motion passed.

Conflict of Interest Statements

Laurie asked that everyone sign these and return them to Olivia Kerschen.

Finance & Audit Report

Nancy McCarthy Snyder asked Troy Bruun to review the financial reports with the board. He reviewed the foundation investment report, infrastructure review, Mill Levy budget, YTD revenue and expenditures, Operating budget and the Board Initiatives budget. Nancy also said that Troy would be bringing new financial documents that will be more in line with our audit documents to future BOT meetings. Keith Lawing inquired about the cash that is not available for Board Initiatives. Cash not spent for Scholarships, Interns, Business and economic research, city and county government services stay in their respective funds until spent. All other unspent funds roll over to university strategic initiatives. We also keep 2.9 million in reserve for cash flow.

Keith Lawing moved to approve reports, seconded by Junetta Everett. Motioned passed.

Review of Mill Levy Budget Meetings with City and County

Andy Schlapp gave an update on meetings – he has met with all County officials, the city manager’s office and a few City council members. The meetings went well. We are working to schedule meetings with the remaining city council members. Both City and County elected officials are generally supportive of the university stadium project and Wichita Bio Medical phase 2 project.

Review of By-Law Updates

There were a few questions about some wording. Since the Board did not have a redlined version, it was decided to hold off on approving updated bylaws until the next meeting. Olivia Kerschen will send out the Red Line version of the bylaws so everyone can see what changes were made. Feedback should be sent to Olivia.

Election of New Officers

Andy Schlapp mentioned that Junetta Everett, Tracee Adams and Kevin McWhorter’s are being reappointed to the board 2024. Nancy McCarthy Snyder noted that she will only serve one more year. The suggestion was made that we send out a list of each officer’s role, duties and expectations ahead of the meeting before elections. Keith Lawing asked that we appoint a nominating committee next year. Historically, this has been done. Dan Rouser motioned to retain officers for another year, Tracee Adams seconded, motion passed.

Board of Trustees Award

Andy Schlapp nominated Jill Docking for this award since she has been instrumental in Wichita Biomedical Campus. Kevin McWhorter suggested that for next year, we start compiling a list of possible nominees throughout the year and send them out before the nominating meeting. It was agreed that the nominating committee being assembled could also address the Award’ nominee. Dan Rouser motioned to nominate Jill Docking, Junetta Everett seconded, motion passed.

University Update

Rick Muma gave an update on what is happening at WSU. Rick Muma also gave updates on Legislative programs funded stating it has been collectively one of the most successful outcome in the history of WSU. Muma updated current and future construction projects. Discussion focused on Phase 2 of Wichita Biomedical Campus and what that will look like. Also discussed WSU Stadium and the plan going forward. P11 building should be completed soon, and we plan to hold the next meeting in that space. Also discussed that the search for a new Provost has begun. This will be Werner’s last meeting, as he is retiring on August 9th. They are conducting interviews in the next few weeks to backfill his position.

Next board meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2024, but Olivia Kerschen will be looking for new dates to reschedule due to multiple conflicts.

Meeting adjourned.

Olivia Kerschen,
Board Assistant Secretary

1. BOT AUDIT – BRUUN & FORVIS
2. APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES, JULY 20, 2023 – LABARCA
3. FINANCE AND AUDIT REPORT – MCCARTHY SNYDER
   1.  FOUNDATION INVESTMENT REPORT
   2.  INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS REVIEW
   3.  MILL LEVY BUDGET & YEAR TO DATE REVENUE & EXPENDITURES
   4. OPERATING BUDGET (BOT UNRESTRICTED)
   5. REVENUE & EXPENDITURES-FINANCIAL PLAN REVIEW
   6. BOARD INITIATIVES BUDGET REVIEW
   7. AUDIT SERVICES RFP
4. BY-LAWS UPDATE – SCHLAPP & DEGRAFFENREID
5. WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY UPDATE –MUMA
6. AS MAY ARISE

Upcoming BOT Meeting Dates:

1. Thursday, January 9, 2025, 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164
2. Thursday, April 10, 2025, 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164
3. Thursday, July 10, 2025, 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164
4. Thursday, September 11, 2025, 8-10:30 am John Bardo Center, Rm 164

Additional Events:

1. October 29, 2024 – Heritage Gala (Board of Trustees Award presented) 5-8 pm, Beggs Ballroom (RSC)
2. December 6, 2024 – Board of Trustees Holiday Party 5:30-7 pm, TBD

Troy introduced Matt Cash from Forvis to review the audit findings. Findings were a clean audit with no deficiencies. After the review, there were no questions from the Board.

Dan moved to approve reports, seconded by Nancy. Motioned passed.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes

Laurie Labarca asked for changes or additions to the minutes. Keith moved to approve the minutes and Junetta Seconded. Motion passed.

Finance & Audit Report

Nancy McCarthy Snyder asked Troy Bruun to review the financial reports with the board. He reviewed the foundation investment report, infrastructure review, Mill Levy budget, YTD revenue and expenditures, Operating budget and the Board Initiatives budget. Dan inquired as to how the city/county has changed over the years. Andy provided a brief history regarding how expenditures and priorities have changed. Throughout the history of Mill Levy the city and county have asked the board to modify the mill levy budget to meet the changing needs of the Community and University. Today we are focusing on university projects that can grow the economy. A request was made for WSU Foundation to visit at a future meeting so we can learn more about WSUFAE benchmarks and rate of return. Also, during Mill Levy review, Keith suggested it would be helpful for Board members to have talking points around historical story of how Mill Levy came about, and its use and what the Board of Trustees role is around it. No other discussions.

Kevin moved to approve reports, seconded by Dan. Motioned passed.

Review of By-Law Updates

All changes were reviewed. One additional correction to the by-laws was to remove gender references (i.e. chairman) and to delete Article IV, Section 4. Motion to approve the changes to new By-Laws by Junetta, seconded by Connie. Approved.

University Update

Rick Muma gave an update on what is happening at WSU. Rick Muma also gave updates on Fall enrollments at WSU and how declining high school graduation rates could affect WSU in the future. Also discussed that the search for a new Provost is still underway. The Board asked Rick to talk about new article claims of plagiarism. The Board was comfortable with his and the Universities response to these allegations. The Board agreed to write a letter of full support of President Muma. The letter will be sent to KBOR and a copy to the Governor.

Next board meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2025. Olivia Kerschen will be sending out a calendar invite with location and details.

Meeting adjourned.

Olivia Kerschen Board Assistant Secretary