Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2009
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Alon Kvashny, Steve Fraze, Eduardo Segarra,
Philip Gipson, Kevin Pond, Peter Dotray (for Tom Thompson), Jane Piercy, Cindy Akers,
Norman Martin
Guests: Scott Cooksey, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor
Gary Ratliff, Chief Investment Officer
Eric Fisher, Section Manager, Cash Investments
1.
Approval of October 19, 2009 Minutes
Minutes of the October19, 2009 meeting were approved.
2.
Endowment balances, investment return, etc. – guests
Information was distributed for one of the college endowment accounts. Mr. Ratliff reported that Texas Tech University has one of the best return on investments compared to other institutions. Mr. Fisher gave a brief explanation of the information that was distributed. Explanations were made regarding the beginning and ending market values for endowment accounts. Mr. Fisher reported that the endowment accounts are evaluated annually by the university’s Investment
Advisory Committee and the Board of Regents. The goal for return on investments is 4 – 4 ½ %.
3.
Research Incentive Awards – Dr. Burns
Dr. Burns reported the CASNR will continue to process the research incentive awards as it does at the present time. However, the dean’s office and departments may have to hold back a certain percentage of funds and come up with start-up costs in the future.
Dr. Burns reported that we do not have any new information on strategic hires at this time.
4.
Update on the visitors from Namik Kemal University, Turkey
Dr. Burns reported the three visitors from Namik Kemal University were very pleased with their visit at Texas Tech University. They are very interested in exchange programs between the two universities. A MOU with Namik Kemal
University was written and signed, including the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. College of Engineering.

5.
Other
Dr. Burns announced that he has requested from faculty, staff and graduate students suggestions for a new name for the old Animal Sciences building. A committee will select the best suggestion.
Jane reported the government internship interviews went very well. It was a great group of students.
Jane reminded the council of the upcoming Pig Roast on Thursday, November 5 th .
The program will have a newly revised format.
Dr. Akers distributed information on the Student Services Center’s monthly activities since August 2009. Dr. Akers will distribute the Center’s activities on a monthly basis in the future.
Dr. Akers hopes to have enrollment numbers from Admissions at the next meeting.
Dr. Akers asked the council members how involved they would like to be regarding the “gray area students.” The suggestion was made for the Center to continue using the same process that has been used in the past.
Dr. Akers reminded the council members of the Growing Graduate Program. Please contact her if you have any questions.
Gordon Davis and a group from the dean’s office will be traveling to the valley to meet with Ag teachers and high school students who have expressed an interest in the CASNR.
Dr. Segarra announced that the Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa chose Dr.
Thomas Knight to receive their 2009 Faculty Recognition Award. A reception was held on Thursday, October 29 th at the Merket Alumni Center.
Dr. Gipson reported that a new Native American graduate student will be starting their program. The NRM department received support from Dr. Juan Munoz.
Dr. Pond reported the Meats Judging Team did not win first place at the recent
Meats Judging Contest in Plainview. At this time, their efforts will be concentrated on the upcoming national contest.
Dr. Pond reported that there has been more interest in the Washington, DC internship program.
Dr. Pond reported they have hired a post-doc, Dr. Lyda Garcia, who will start on
November 10 th .
Dr. Pond reported the Colombian delegation that recently visited TTU was ready to sign a MOU. The MOU cannot be signed at this time because the State Department has placed them on the black list.

Dr. Fraze inquired about the status of HEAF funds. There is nothing to report at this time.
Dr. Kvashny reported that the department’s vacant position has been advertised.
Dr. Kvashny reported a group from Snyder has shown an interest in Landscape
Architecture, so a possible career day may be scheduled in the near future.
Dr. Burns gave an update on Dr. Misra. Updates will be forwarded to the council members as they are received.