BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF LANDER UNIVERSITY
F. Mitchell Johnson Board Room
Lander University
Greenwood, South Carolina
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
1:00 p.m.
Presiding:
Mr. Jack Lawrence, Chair
Members of the Board in Attendance:
Mr. Robert Barber
Ms. Ann Bowen
Mr. Bobby M. Bowers
Ms. Holly Bracknell
Ms. Linda Dolny
Ms. Catherine Frederick
Mr. Ray Hunt
Mr. John Nicholson
Ms. Mamie W. Nicholson
Mr. George R. Starnes
Mr. Fred M. Thrailkill
Ms. S. Anne Walker
AbsentMr. Bob Brimmer
Mr. Maurice Holloway
Ms. Ann Hurst
Mr. Don Lloyd
Others in Attendance: President Daniel W. Ball; Dr. David Mash, Vice President for
Academic Affairs; Mr. Gary McCombs, Vice President for Business and Administration;
Mr. H. Randall Bouknight, Vice President for Student Affairs; Mr. Adam Taylor, Vice
President for Governmental Affairs; Mr. Ralph Patterson, Vice President for University
Advancement; Jeff, Athletic Director; and Ms. Sadie Erwin, Administrative Assistant,
President’s Office
Guests: Dr. Terri Lawson, Chair, Faculty Senate; Ms. Megan Price, Director, University
Relations and Publications; Mr. Dave Lorenzatti, Office of University Relations and
Publication; Ms. Eleanor Teal, Special Assistant to the President, Xinying Xu, Visiting
Scholar from Student Affair Center of Shanghai Normal University
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Chair Lawrence stated for the record that the appropriate publicity for the meeting, in order
to comply with the Freedom of Information Act, had been disseminated and this meeting
was in compliance with that Act.
The regular meeting of the Lander University Board of Trustees was called to order at 1:00
p.m. by Chair Lawrence who acknowledged and welcomed all guests. Chair Lawrence
would like to point out that your travel voucher may be signed off and monies donated to
The Lander Foundation.
Dates to Remember:
New Residence Hall Groundbreaking at 4:00 p.m. today.
Statement of Economic Interest Forms are due on or before March 30th, 2014.
Commencement – Saturday, May 3rd, 2014.
June Retreat and Board Meeting - June 10th and 11th, 2014.
MINUTES: IT WAS MOVED and seconded that the minutes of the last meeting, Friday,
December 13, 2013, be approved. A vote was taken; the motion carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS:
Chair Lawrence called upon President Ball for
comments. Dr. Ball announced the demolition projects of Coleman Hall and the President’s
House. Dr. Ball commented about the competitive enrollment environment with high
school graduates dropping the past few years, and with the warehousing of students from
Clemson and USC. Lander’s enrollment is going to be down this fall but unsure how many
at this point. Deposits are down 4-5%, acceptance down 2% and applications down 4-5%.
We don't know what that will translate into in the fall but we have some activities we are
doing to address this coming year and we will be discussing in detail at the June Retreat. Dr.
Ball stated he would be happy to discuss any enrollment issues or questions today but thinks
best to wait until June, as will have a better picture on enrollment, but that we do need to
plan and budget for a small decrease in enrollment for this fall.
At the request of Chair Lawrence, Dr. Ball then shared an Admissions video that was shown
at a recent meeting of alumni, recruits, parents, board members, and lander staff in
Spartanburg in February. After the video Dr. Ball concluded his comments.
Chair Lawrence shared a few comments about the video and the impact it made on 24
accepted students and their parents that were in attendance at the Spartanburg event. He
made a special note of the comment of an equestrian student on the video that stated,
“Lander is a small public university that has the feel of a private one.” The video is a great
starting place.
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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: Ms. Anne Walker reported on behalf of the Academic Affairs
Committee. She called attention to the report from the Office of Academic Affairs, which
had been distributed earlier. (A copy of the report will be made a part of the official
minutes.) Ms. Walker highlighted the following:
Ann Walker thanked everyone for their kind words and condolences with the recent sudden
passing of her husband David Evans.

Lander second to last in SAT Combined Mean for first time entering freshmen - 968.

Academic Affairs Committee Report includes request for more dashboard data –
some of the samples in this report include: FTE Enrollment, SAT Combined Mean,
and Graduation Rates-Three Year Trend. These are good charts and information.

Discussion on dashboard reports/charts and how samples of few from larger list will
be rotated each board report.

Honors College - will add another full house next semester with an additional 40
students bringing total to 80 students.

Orientation 101 – new launch of class that teaches students to be successful in
college. Dr. Ball commented that in the past this LU 101 program wasn't run well,
and this time around the help has been put back into the program.

IPEDS data feedback report – helps us gauge the pulse of higher education and to
see how we stand with nations universities.

Student Jamison Nicholas was selected to spend semester in Washington – honors
college student and 11th student from lander to be selected into this prestigious
program.
Ms. Walker stated that the Academic Affairs Committee had one action item to bring before
the Board for approval. She then presented the following action item:
1. New Program Proposal for Master of Science in Athletic Training:
Ms. Ann Walker presented the recommendation out of committee for approval of the new
program proposal for Master of Science in Athletic Training. Discussion followed. Dr.
Mash commented that the group that oversees this program nationally is recommending
this be a masters level degree and this will be a requirement in next 4-5 years, so Lander is
being proactive in moving in that direction now. Lander has phased out the bachelor degree
for athletic training and proposes setting up for the masters level degree. The graduates will
come from our own athletes. It is hard for them to work on bachelor degree when in season
with sport, but during graduate years will be more feasible. Demand for this profession is
expected to rise 30% in next few years. This is a growing field and we would be the first in
SC to have this Master of Science in Athletic Training. It has been approved by CHE and
SACS.
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IT WAS MOVED that the new program proposal for Master of Science in Athletic
Training be approved as presented. A vote was taken; the motion carried, all in favor.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Mr. George Starnes called attention
to the report from the Governmental Relations Committee, which had been distributed
earlier. (A copy of the report will be made a part of the official minutes). He then
highlighted the following:

The South Carolina General Assembly convened January 14.

The General Assembly did not meet for 2 weeks due to snow.

State Budget – the final forecast for state budget revenue for next year has been
completed and out of a total budget revenue of about half billion dollars, higher
education will receive about $6 million in new money which is about a dismal 1%.
USC and Clemson got $1 million each, Francis Marion and Lander got $500,000
each and the remaining $3 million will be divided among the other institutions. So
Lander fared very well with the meager money that went out.

January 21 Dr. Ball presented Lander’s budget presentation to the Higher Education
Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee. At that point, he requested
$300,000 in recurring funds to enhance the therapeutic riding services at our Lander
Equestrian Center and requested $825,000 in non-recurring funds to replace our
antiquated energy management systems.

Capital requests – There is no bond bill on the horizon. We asked for $36 million for
the Athenaeum – University Center, $14 million for library renovations, and $9
million for life safety, accessibility, storm water erosion and roof replacement.

Included in the report are a number of bills that have been proposed and Adam will
keep us informed on those that impact Lander and higher education.

Federal Loan from USDA has been approved - which would be used to enhance or
expand Lander Equestrian Center. In committee we have discussed our concerns
with that and before taking funds feel would need approval/vote from Board of
Trustees. Discussion followed.
Adam Taylor commented:
We have been approved but have not accepted $740,000 USDA Loan at 0% interest to be
paid back in 10 years. We asked for initial 60 day extension, and now in 2nd 60 day
extension through April 15th. We can ask for another extension pending our decisions.
Jack Lawrence commented that the board has concerns regarding what the future direction
of the Equestrian Center is, so before any borrowing, we need to decide what we want to do
as a board with the Equestrian Center. Mr. Lawrence has requested Dr. Ball, along with
Gary McCombs and Adam Taylor, look with further detail into what the problem is with
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reducing the costs out at the equestrian center and maybe have discussion at June board
meeting about what direction the university wants the equestrian center to take. What would
these dollars be used for?
Adam Taylor stated the funds from the USDA Loan would be used to enhance the
therapeutic riding center (last component of center that has not been built at this time) It
would be attached to the Burton Center and would allow services 12 months a year
regardless of the weather. It would have a climate controlled arena and classroom space.
Dr. Ball commented that the 740k is planned to be used to build this therapeutic riding
center. Fuji has committed to $100,000. Dr. Ball’s commitment to the board is that he will
not ask for any E&G money to build this center. We hope to raise the money through
private sources, and have 2-3 promising opportunities to get this money. Dr. Ball stated we
will have private commitments prior to accepting loan and idea is these private sources will
be such that over 9-10 years they will pay back the loan (so repayments will not be from
university money.)
Discussion followed – with questions proposed – Is this strategically important for Lander?
Can we get reports ready for board to address this as an agenda item at the June Board
Retreat meeting? What type of program needed, how it is to be funded, how many students
will be served, the borrowing of 740k, details of plan for paying it off?
Ms. Ann Walker commented that in beginning of the creation of bringing an equestrian
center to Lander, the idea was to have this therapeutic riding center and now questions why
commitment to move forward is on the table? The answer is money, times change, and
some board members would like a reexamination of this.
Mr. Lawrence concluded discussion with comment that a thorough examination is pending,
and requested results be sent to the board prior to June meeting so they have time to study
and address these issues at the June meeting.
FINANCE AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE: Mr. George Starnes called attention to
the report from the Finance and Facilities Committee, which had been distributed earlier.
(A copy of the report will be made a part of the official minutes). He then highlighted the
following:

Review change in methodology of allocating annual debt service payments. In past,
some of the loans we have taken we have been funding out of the E&G. Under this
proposal, if it is a loan for dormitory – then it should go under the auxiliary enterprises,
and if classroom space associated then that % billed back to the E&G budget. By doing
it this way it is reducing the E&G debt service by a significant amount and shifting the
debt service burden to Residence Life.

Review of FY 2013-2104 Budget Report (Action Item)
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Gary McCombs explained that the primary adjustments we are making to the revenue
budget are because of the reduction in enrollment and the unanticipated loss of revenue
from that, which was about $657,000. We are reducing the revenue budget by that amount.
Additionally, there is $150,000 in summer school revenue and we are not sure we are going
to meet that amount so we are going to put in a budget reduction on that as well, and then
$9000 for fees. We are moving money from one location to another within the institutional
budget; we are not changing the budget.
Board member asked how many students does this $657,000 decrease due to reduced
enrollment equate to. About 5% or about 50 students. FTE return usually 92% and came in
at 89%.
Ray Hunt brought up the question of what we are looking at as far as future tuition increase.
Dr. Ball commented that the state has unofficially capped at 3%, but we are going to budget
for 0% tuition increase for next year. We will have to see how enrollment materializes over
the next few months, currently down about 4%. We are going to cut the budget for next
year. 1% tuition increase is about $300,000, 3% would be $900,000 and that is not going to
make up for 100 students. And from expense side, we may have employee raises to cover if
the state passes that, health insurance costs, etc. We need more students!
Mr. Starnes stated that the Finance and Facilities Committee had one action item to bring
before the Board for approval. He then presented the following action item:
1.
Proposed Amendments to the E&G, Designated, Restricted and Auxiliary
Enterprises budgets: Mr. George Starnes presented the motion out of committee for
approval of the amendments to the E&G, Designated, Restricted, and Auxiliary
Enterprises budget of $1,693,524 based on information given in report and outlined
above.
IT WAS MOVED that the proposed amendments be approved as presented. A
vote was taken; the motion carried, all in favor.

Current Permanent Improvement Projects:
o
Groundbreaking on New Residence Hall today
o
Plaza Redesign Project is ready to go
o
Student Center Bearcat Den Renovation – The Wich Way
o
Hampton Avenue Property – TD Bank building renovated for use by Alumni Affairs
o
Coleman Hall Demolition - bids received – taking down brick by brick and will take
about 6 months.
o
Jackson Library is going to have a Starbucks Coffee Shop added summer 2014
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
o
PEES – old weight room converted to classroom.
o
Renovations in Barrett Hall nursing area
o
Williamston Dorm – mold issues have been addressed
Presidents Home Demolition - The State has approved for us to take it down. Mrs.
Ball, ET and Sadie are going over to take inventory and see if there is anything
historical or of use to hold on to. Next, contractors will come in for bids and we hope
to manage project on site without involving Columbia in anyway. We are anticipating
little or no asbestos and minimal lead paint and hope by graduation we are looking at
level ground. Estimated cost approximately $30,000 but too early to say for sure. Do
we want to salvage any brick? House built in 1942. Discussed possibly having an open
sale for people to come in.
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE: Mrs. Cathy Lee Frederick called
attention to the report from the Office of University Advancement, which had been
distributed earlier. (A copy of the report will be made a part of the official minutes.) She
then highlighted the following:

Thanked committee – Ann Bowen, John Nicholson, Ralph Patterson, etc. for
leadership in that area.

Fiscal year to date gift report total has exceeded last year at same point and has
crossed over the million dollar mark $1,005,754. Last year was about $912, 369.

March 26th is Lander Legislative Day at State House – alumni are heavily involved
in this event.

May 27th we will host a fund raising golf tournament at The Links at Stoney Point.
They are completely giving us use of the course which allows us to have a much
better fundraising opportunity. Hope to bring in 20k. The fundraising is completely
focused on scholarships and participants can give to current scholarships, create new
ones, or give to general scholarships.

Dan and Marge Ball Honors College Scholarship Competition – Gives honors
students a very nice way to compete for honors scholarships. The competition will
raise the awareness for opportunities for great students, and for raising money for
new scholarships. This concept will be up and running 2015-16 year.

The Lander Foundation Board Executive Committee received the University
Trustees proposal of a five year $20 million dollar capital campaign and will discuss
the plan with their full board at their May meeting. It is the place of the Foundation
Board to decide if those figures and ideas are doable and we look forward to hearing
from them by our next June meeting.

TD Bank Building/Hampton property – Alumni/Foundation hope to be in that
property by end of summer.
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STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Mr. Ray Hunt called attention to the report from
Student Affairs, which had been distributed earlier. (A copy of the report will be made a
part of the official minutes.) He then highlighted the following:

Student Housing - 1289 students this spring compared to 1347 last spring. Down 58
students.

Paid housing applications are about same.

Breaking ground on new residence hall today.

Implementation of the new Orientation 101 class this fall.

Homecoming very well attended.

Student Fitness Center very popular.

University had to shut down for 3 days due to snow – handled very well, no
incidences.

Reminder – March 26th – Lander Legislative Day at State House.
Randy Bouknight had no comments, except that snow days went well and grounds, police
did a great job and everything went smoothly.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS COMMITTEE: Mr. Hunt called attention to the
report from Intercollegiate Athletics, which had been distributed earlier. (A copy of the
report will be made a part of the official minutes.) He then highlighted the following:

Baseball Team is ranked 6th in Peach Belt.

Men's Tennis ranked 7th in Peach Belt.

Lander 1 of only 4 schools to have both Men’s and Woman’s Basketball Teams in
the Peach Belt Tournament.

Bearcat Club exceeded 400.

GPA for student athletes 3.03 with average being 2.83 for the student body.

Lander Sport auction to be held April 24th in Horne Arena.
Jeff May discussed current Peach Belt Conference make-up and possible adjustments for
next year. There may be 4 schools that will not be in Peach Belt. The conference is too
spread out for Lander.
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FACULTY SENATE: On behalf of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Terri Lawson, Chair of the
Faculty Senate, called attention to the report from Academic Affairs, which had been
distributed earlier. (A copy of the report will be made a part of the official minutes.)
She then highlighted the following motions that were passed through faculty senate and
brought to full faculty in February and were approved:

Fine Arts and Lectureship Series – Procedures for off campus FALS events.

Deadlines for annual evaluations of tenured faculty

Procedural changes for the evaluation of non-tenured faculty
Motions that have passed through the senate and will be presented to full faculty in 2 weeks:

Modification of the laptop requirement with a broader technology language that does
not specify that it has to be a laptop. This will allow for IPad, tablets, smart phones,
etc.

Change to the composition of the Tenure and Promotion Committee. Currently they
are all at large and it has passed the senate that the composition will change to 1
representation from each college and a 5th at large member. This will be coming to
the Board of Trustees for approval since it is in section 4 of the faculty handbook.)

Procedure for 6 year post tenure evaluation changes being discussed in senate and
will be coming to board for approval. This is a much more broad evaluation,
includes 2 peer evaluators, and currently requires a large report which may be
reduced.
Visitors to the Faculty Senate – Adam Taylor and Gary McCombs Mr. McCombs gave the
budget report to the faculty senate.
This will be Teri's last meeting. Lee Vartanian will be the incoming chair of the faculty
senate for 2014-2015. The whole board thanked Teri Lawson for her hard work and
enthusiasm. Applause given.
OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS:
Chair Jack Lawrence announced that Board Member Bob Brimmer has resigned as board
member by an email received in January. The reasons he gave were family and work
related. Bob's seat will have an interim appointment from the Governor. We can make
recommendations to the Governor and discussions have taken place regarding a few people,
one being Sally Self. Dr. Ball has called her and she is interested in serving on the board
again. President Ball has made this recommendation to Governor Haley. We are not sure
what Governor Haley will do yet.
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Bob had agreed to serve as chairman of committee for vision/strategic planning - “Vision
for Lander” with task of identifying Lander’s strengths, weaknesses, development of plan
and vision for moving forward in future. Chairman Lawrence has talked to Linda Dolny and
she has agreed to chair this committee. We are very interested in figuring out what Lander's
future direction will be and plan to involve the board, administration, faculty, student body,
and community in the development.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion made to go into executive session for purpose of discussing and considering an
employment contract - Motion approved.
Motion made to adjourn the executive session – Motion approved.
MOTION AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Chair Lawrence presented question if there were any motions as a result of the executive
committee meeting. Ray Hunt answered yes and stated:
I move that Lander University offer to amend the employment agreement discussed
in executive session to the employee and if accepted by the employee then the chairman or
secretary of the board of trustees is authorized to enter into such an amendment of
employment agreement. A vote was taken; the motion carried, all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, June 11th, 2014