Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2009
Attendees: John Burns, Sukant Misra, Alon Kvashny, Steve Fraze, Eduardo Segarra, Philip
Gipson, Kevin Pond, Cynthia McKenney (for Tom Thompson), Jane Piercy, Cindy Akers,
Norman Martin
1. Other
Dr. Cindy Akers distributed information on the Growing Graduate Program. The
previous plan of scheduling time for student visits with various departments within
the college is not feasible at this time. Therefore, departments may schedule events
they deem necessary for the visiting students, but the students must meet with the
CASNR Student Services Center staff for a 30-minute information session. Each
department will be granted up $900 to be used toward student travel expenses. No
more than $300 per student may be used.
Jane reminded the council of the Homecoming Breakfast scheduled this Saturday at
the Livestock Arena.
Jane reported that an outside source has been hired to arrange segments of video
for the Pig Roast. There will be a focus on scholarship donors. If you have any
suggestions or ideas regarding the Pig Roast program, please give them to Jane.
Dr. Segarra reported there are still questions regarding the graduate student
enrollment numbers for the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
These same issues were addressed last year at this time with the expectations that
the problems would be resolved. Dr. Akers will run a report for each department.
Dr. Gipson reported the NRM faculty are very interested in the Growing Graduate
Program. The department is in the process of modifying two majors, which will give
the department more flexibility. The law enforcement program is still in the
preliminary phase. In the near future there will be another scientist hired in the
Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
Dr. Fraze announced that Todd Brashears has received a grant. Dr. Fraze reported
the department had a Ph.D. application held up by the Graduate School.
Dr. Fraze announced that there will be Kansas State students here this weekend
who are considering attending graduate school here at TTU.
Dr. Misra announced that Dr. Vivien Allen received proof of concept for the LTAP
grant, which makes her eligible to compete for a $10 million grant.
Dr. Misra reported we are still waiting for information regarding the summer
incentive funds.
Dr. Misra reported the Cochran fellow visit went very well. The group commented
that West Texans were very friendly.
Dr. Pond reported that a large group involved in judging teams and coaches were
present at the TTU vs. UT game. Also, students on the teams will have an
opportunity to receive scholarships by selling a certain number of hams. Teams will
also be competing against each other for scholarships by selling the hams.
Dr. Pond announced that a group from the National Beef Producers Association in
Columbia will be on campus Friday.
Dr. Pond gave a brief report on the International Center for Food Industry
Excellence and USDA grant activity. The sessions are held in Las Vegas. The location
works well for groups to meet face-to-face. The location is inexpensive and very
accessible from all areas.
2. Approval of September 21, 2009 Minutes
Minutes of the September 21, 2009 meeting were approved.
3. E-Mail from Fred Hartmeister regarding a request for input and “heads up” items.
Dr. Burns distributed copies of the e-mail and asked members to note the deadlines.
4. E-Mail from Taylor Eighmy and Fred Hartmeister regarding the 2009 Doctoral
Fellowship Initiative (Scholarships for Summer 2010)
Dr. Burns distributed copies of the e-mail and asked members to note the deadlines.
5. Incentive for “Ag Clubs” to increase enrollment.
Dr. Burns reported that Dr. Shonrock has proposed an idea to increase the
enrollment next summer. A formal proposal will be forthcoming. The idea includes
the Student Government Association giving funding to clubs.
6. LEAD²¹
Information was distributed regarding the program. Applications are now being
accepted for the 2010-2011 class. The applications are due in November. Dr.
Hopper will communicate additional information to the members.
7. CODE Revenue Return to Colleges
Dr. Burns distributed copies of a letter from Provost Smith and Dean Baker
regarding revenue return to colleges. Discussion began and questions were raised.
Dr. Burns asked that comments be sent to him and he will forward the information
to Matt Baker.
8. Research Areas
Dr. Misra distributed information on research areas of strategic focus in CASNR.
This was prepared based on input from the department chairs and has been
forwarded to Dr. Taylor Eighmy.