Administrative Council Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2009
Attendees: John Burns, Norman Hopper, Sukant Misra, Steve Fraze, Philip Gipson, Kevin
Pond, Jane Piercy, Tom Thompson, Eduardo Segarra, Alon Kvashny, Norman Martin
1. Approval of April 20, 2009 Minutes
Minutes of the April 20, 2009 meeting were approved.
2. India Trip – Norman Hopper and Sukant Misra
Drs. Hopper and Misra gave a brief report of their trip in April to India. In addition
to attending the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Production,
Processing and Utilization of Natural Fibers, they visited the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, the United States-India Educational Foundation, and the Tamil
Nadu Agricultural University. Collaborative research and academic possibilities
were discussed.
Dr. Hopper reported that there is a keen interest in distance programs. Exchange
programs are another possibility, but on a short term basis. Both faculty and
students have shown an interest in developing joint programs at the graduate level.
Dr. Misra announced that he, Dr. Hopper and Dr. Darren Hudson will be traveling to
Tajikistan to meet with research and educational institutions and others in
developing cooperative relationships with Texas Tech University.
Funding for these various trips was discussed. CASNR has an International
Programs account and a Farm Operations account that is used for international
trips. Dr. Misra confirmed that incentive awards can be used to fund international
travel for research endeavors.
3. New Doctorial Fellowships – John Burns
Dr. Burns referred the group to Provost Smith’s original email of April 2nd regarding
the 2009 TTU Doctoral Fellowship Initiative. There is still a question as to whether
or not the program will be funded with state monies.
4. Strategies to Support Teams of the College and University (Judging Teams, Rodeo
Team, Equestrian Team, Ranch Horse Team, etc.) – Kevin Pond
Dr. Pond reported his concerns and the need for assistance regarding the cost of
travel in supporting the various teams. The teams’ participation includes large
numbers of student groups. With the implementation of Banner, there is no longer
the flexibility of covering the costs. Programs will have to be cut if assistance is not
received. Endowment funds are covering some of the expenses for a few of the
teams. The Student Government Association (SGA) has covered some of the
expenses. Chris Guay has raised money for the Rodeo Team and Kris Wilson has
raised money for the Ranch Horse Team. Dr. Pond reported that an annual
operating budget for all the teams is approximately $200,000.
Dr. Pond reported that a budget for each program is being compiled, along with the
goals for each team. Once this information is compiled, the review process will
begin.
5. Other
Jane reported that she and Dr. Burns are traveling to Albuquerque, New Mexico on
Tuesday to make development calls.
Dr. Segarra reported that 35-40 students in their area will be graduating. Job
placements have been good.
Dr. Pond reported that four students have been accepted into veterinary school and
five students have been accepted into medical school. Job placements in their area
have been good. Dr. Pond also reported that a potential graduate student will be
visiting campus on Friday. Dr. Pond announced the department will be having their
“after graduation dinner” for students and family again this year.
Dr. Fraze reported that TAMU faculty were here on campus last week for the Doc @
Distance program. Twelve students were admitted into the program. The students
will be on campus in August for the induction seminar. Dr. Fraze announced that
Dr. David Lawver has been elected president of the Association for International
Agricultural and Extension Education.
Dr. Gipson announced that Mark Moseley was named the 2008 Outstanding
Alumnus for the Department of Natural Resources Management. Mr. Moseley is
with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dr. Gipson announced that
Jeannine McCoy will be receiving a Quality Service Award at the awards ceremony
today.
Dr. Hopper reminded the department chairs to report any events that the units have
scheduled for May and June of the sort that would bring groups of visitors to campus.
This information is due today and will be forwarded to Rob Stewart at his request.
Dr. Hopper stated that the department chairs should have received information
from Dianne regarding supplemental funds for the summer budget.
Dr. Misra reported that the Chinese delegation from Lanzhou University will be on
campus May 31 – June 3. There will be meetings scheduled with the department
chairs and selected faculty on June 1, 2, and 3. The exchange program with Lanzhou
University has been very successful.
Dr. Misra reported the Revenue Enhancement Allocation Task Force (REA)
preliminary report is in process. The Task Force will continue in the future. Also,
the Learning Outcomes and Assessments reports are on track. This information is
due July 1. Dr. Misra reported that President Bailey plans to continue the Strategic
Plan process.