Board of Visitors Meeting November 18, 2022

Board Members in Attendance

Ms. Regina P. Brayboy
Lindsey Carney Smith, Esq.
Robert R. Hatten, Esq.
Mr. Steven S. Kast
Mr. John R. Lawson, II
Ms. Terri M. McKnight, CPA
Ms. Kelli Purdy Meadows, CPA, CCIFP
Ms. Christy T. Morton
LTC (R) Boris G. Robinson
Ms. Judy Ford Wason

Board Members not in Attendance

The Hon. Richard S. Bray
Mr. Sean D. Miller
Mr. C. Larry Pope
Dr. Lee Vreeland

From the University

Mr. Bruce Bronstein, Interim Chief Communications Officer
Dr. Bob Colvin, Interim Chief of Staff
Ms. Amie Dale, Liaison to the Board of Visitors
Dr. Rachel Holland, Faculty Senate President
Dr. Kevin Hughes, Vice President of Student Affairs
Dr. Quentin Kidd, Provost
Mr. Tom Kramer, Government Relations Liaison
Ms. Jennifer Latour, Vice President for Finance and Planning and CFO
Ms. Christine Ledford, Vice President for Administration and Auxiliary Service
Mr. Mike Martin, Chair of the Real Estate Foundation
Maureen Matsen, Esq., University Counsel
Ms. Kelley McGee-Sousa, Public Relations Director
Dr. Lisa Duncan Raines, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success
Mr. Keith Roots, Vice President for University Advancement
Ms. Celine Rosario, Student Government Association President
Ms. Adelia Thompson, Interim President

Others in Attendance

Ms. Lauren Kane, Student Presenter

Remote Participation (Closed Session Only)

Deb Love, Esq., Senior Assistant Attorney General and Chief, Education Section
Martin Baker, Managing Partner, Buffkin / Baker

Call to Order and Welcome: Rector Lindsey Carney Smith

At 12:05 p.m., Rector Carney Smith called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone present and called for a moment of silence to remember the victims of the tragic shooting at the University of Virginia.

Approval of Minutes: Rector Lindsey Carney Smith

For the first order of business, Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Visitors Regular Meeting on September 16, 2022. Vice Rector McKnight provided the motion, which was seconded by Ms. Wason and the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion from the board members who served on the Presidential Search committee to approve the minutes of the Presidential Search Committee Meeting on October 7-10, 2022. Vice Rector McKnight provided the motion, which was seconded by Mr. Hatten and the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of the members.

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Visitors Special Meeting on October 21, 2022. Vice Rector McKnight provided the motion, which was seconded by Ms. Wason and the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

She then called on Mike Martin to give a report on behalf of the Real Estate Foundation.

Real Estate Foundation Report: Mike Martin, Chair

Mr. Martin thanked the Board for allowing him to come back and give the annual report from the Real Estate Foundation. He began his report by provided the Board with an overview of the makeup of the Real Estate Foundation, its activities and trustees, as well as how they interact with the Board of Visitors. He celebrated the following successes and benchmarks:

Between student housing and retail development the current tax assessed value of properties is $210 million, current market value is $225 million.
Very low debt to market value
Current projects: New Administration building beside the old SunTrust building, PFAC building conversion to indoor golf center and the demolition of the Mariner building.
Revenues increased by 21% from 2015- 2023 which allows more funding to pass through to the University.
Good cash position, quality properties and good tenants.

After a brief discussion, Mr. Martin concluded his remarks and Rector Carney Smith thanked both he and Doug Hornsby and called on Interim President Adelia Thompson to give her report.

President’s Report: Adelia Thompson, Interim President

Interim President Thompson welcomed everyone and began the update on University activity:

Admission: Applications have been running about 30% ahead of last year and 35% ahead of pre-COVID years. Attendance at on- campus events has been great and our Admission team is back on the road in full force.
Student Life: Despite increased challenges, campus has risen to the moment to be sure our students - and our colleagues - have the resources they need to not only be successful but also healthy, supported, encouraged and hopeful.
Community Captains: We have 25 students who are now enrolled here as sophomores and freshmen and there are 120 high school students in cohorts 3 and 4 who are in full swing in the college prep program.
Athletics: The Captains are continuing to ride the winning wave of last academic year. Alumnus Paul Crowley completed his first year as head football coach and went into last week's conference championship game with six straight wins and two losses. Volleyball, field hockey, and men's soccer all brought their seasons to a close last week - but only after making it to the sweet sixteen tournament rounds. Men's and women's basketball are off to fabulous beginnings - both still undefeated, and both ranked in the top ten nationally. And - once again our National Champion women's soccer team is leading the country. They remain undefeated – building on that claim-to-fame from last season, and marching toward what we all hope just might be a repeat performance of last fall. They are now in tournament play – we are hosting games this weekend.
The Arts: The Ferguson Center has had marvelous crowds so far this season. And of course, a full menu of holiday shows starts rolling out tonight. New exhibits opened at the Torggler and the Ansel Adams show in the main gallery is a huge hit. Our music and theater students have had great success with their performances, and the annual Holiday Happening concert - now a tradition for this community that always draws a sold-out crowd, followed by the Lighting of the Lawn - will set the holiday spirit in full motion on December 4.
Academic Affairs: This is the 25th anniversary year for the President's Leadership Program which will include a year full of events with plans for the future unfolding. Many faculty searches are also underway this time of year, including the Aaron Professorship.

President Thompson concluded her report by briefing the group on activities with Richmond including the Council of Presidents, the Governor’s priorities, freedom of speech and the campus visit from members of the Governor’s cabinet.

The Rector thanked Interim President Thompson and called on Mr. Bobby Hatten to give the Finance and Facilities Report.

Finance and Facilities Report: Bobby Hatten

Mr. Hatten thanked the Rector and reported on the activities of the Finance and Facilities Committee which included a capital projects update, a SWaM report, a legislative affairs update and a review of the first quarter financial statements. He gave updates on the two major capital projects of the Luter Hall Expansion and the replacement of CNU North, as well as several campus infrastructure improvements underway, noting that the preliminary drawings for the expansion of Luter Hall have been reviewed and approved by Richmond and Glave has moved into construction drawings. He concluded his report by lauding the university over the growth in reserve balances and the University’s leadership for their wise and strategic stewardship and overall prudent fiscal management.

The Rector thanked Mr. Hatten and called on Vice Rector McKnight to give the Operations, Audit and Risk Report.

Operations, Audit and Risk Report: Terri McKnight

Vice Rector McKnight greeted the board and reported on the activities of the Operations, Audit and Risk Committee. She noted that current audits underway are progressing: there are nine issued audit points on Maxient audit that are targeted for completion next spring, the Disaster Recovery Planning audit follow-up has four remaining open points that are currently targeted for completion by next summer and the Laboratory Safety audit has four points completed with ten remaining open, which are targeted for completion by spring. She announced that the University has developed and adopted a Fraud, Waste and Abuse Detection, Investigation and Reporting Policy and Internal Audit will provide training and promote awareness of this new policy during a segment of the Human Resources New Supervisors Training Program.

She also detailed an unannounced inspection visit from the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Enforcement of the Facilities Management Department and Warehouse noting they issued a citation report that contained multiple violations but no fines were issued. The University’s Director of Environmenftal, Health and Safety submitted verifications of the corrective actions taken and VOSH has closed the file with appreciation of the University’s hard work.

Vice Rector McKnight concluded her report with an update about the ARMICS Accountant visit and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and how the university has partnered with CampusGuard, to undertake a complete assessment of our transaction compliance.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Vice Rector McKnight and Ms. Moody and called on Provost Quentin Kidd to give the Academic Affairs report.

Academic Affairs Report: Steve Kast

Mr. Kast opened his report by celebrating faculty and academic accomplishments by Dr. Kathryn Cole and Dr. Josh Patterson, Dr. Gwynne Brown and Dr. Kathryn Cole, Dr. Tarek Abdel-Fattah, Dr. Darlene Mitrano, and Dr. Elizabeth Ward.

He continued by giving an overview of the progress of the SACSCOC 5th year report, which is due March 15, 2023 noting that we have 22 out of the full 74 standards to respond to, celebrating that Christopher Newport was recently ranked #5 among Virginia colleges and universities on the Best Praxis Elementary Education Pass Rates in Virginia and gave more detail on faculty searches that are ongoing.

Mr. Kast then called on Provost Kidd to bring forward RESOLUTION 1: New Degree Program, The Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Analytics for the Social Sciences at recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rector Carney Smith called for any discussion. There being none, Mr. Kast made a motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

The Rector thanked Mr. Kast and called on Ms. Regina Brayboy for the Student Life Report.

Student Life Report: Regina Brayboy

Ms. Brayboy began her report by highlighting the successes of the Center for Career Planning noting that the Fall semester has been busy with four fairs hosted on campus to support students and their post-graduation outcomes to include: Accounting Days (boutique fair); the Fall Careers, Jobs and Internships Fair; the Graduate School Fair and the Physics, Computer Science and Engineering (PCSE) Careers, Jobs and Internships Fair (also a boutique fair). Attendance from students, employers and graduate schools was strong again this semester.

She then expanded on President Thompson’s report about Community Captains by sharing that plans are underway to begin recruitment for the fifth cohort in the coming month and events for all cohorts are underway. The team is also refining and developing programming and high impact practices.

In the area of Student Success, she reported on the Peer Educator Support Services where over 550 of students have participated in nearly 1,200 individual tutoring appointments this semester, supporting and covering topics in more than 100 courses. To date, peer mentors have completed more than 230 total meetings with nearly 60 students. Individual appointments with our student success staff have exceeded 2,200 this semester and there have been 25 workshops and a number of partnerships with on-campus student organizations to conduct programs tailored to their specific groups. In preparation for the end of the semester, there are plans to sponsor a number of programs and sessions to support students as they prepare for final exams and complete their semester.

In the area of enrollment management, advising and early registration have recently concluded for spring and summer terms with schedule adjustment periods scheduled in December and early January. Thus far, enrollment for spring semester appears to be consistent with last year.

Ms. Brayboy concluded her report by lifting up the recent successes of the President’s Leadership Program:

This year at the International Leadership Association (ILA) Case Study Competition, Christopher Newport students representing PLP and Leadership and American Studies (LAMS) worked with staff and faculty from both departments to prepare for this annual competition and four teams from Christopher Newport competed. At least one team from Christopher Newport has earned podium honors in this competition every year since 2013, including first place three times. Based on available records, no other college or university leadership program has such a track record of success.
PLP students also earned top honors, placing first and third, at the Virginia Military Institute’s Leadership and Ethics competition.
PLP staff are committed to finding additional co-curricular experiences for their students beyond participation in leadership competitions. Multiple students will present at national conferences at different times during the 2022-23 academic year.
PLP hosted the inaugural TEDxCNU on November 4th in the Torggler Fine Arts Center. Ten speakers, composed of students, faculty, alumni, and community members, shared their stories on the theme, A Life of Significance. Based on TEDx guidelines, 100 guests were able to experience TEDxCNU in person; in excess of 600 viewers followed the event via the livestream feed.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Ms. Brayboy for her report. She then called on Ms. Judy Ford Wason to give the Advancement Report.

Advancement Committee Report: Judy Ford Wason

Ms. Wason opened her report by congratulating University advancement on the strong start to the fiscal year with new gifts, new pledges and cash received equal to last year and ahead of pace toward the $6 million goal. She highlighted several other first quarter successes including parent giving, alumni giving, the arts and the return of the Wason Center’s Insider’s Breakfast featuring Governor Youngkin. Ms. Wason thanked Mr. Kramer for his creative and dedicated leadership to the Wason Center.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Ms. Wason for her report, recognized Mr. Keith Roots for the success of advancement and called on Dr. Rachel Holland for the Faculty Senate Report.

Faculty Senate Report: Rachel Holland

Dr. Holland greeted the Board of Visitors and focused on the conclusion of the semester with faculty writing the final lectures that will synthesize course objectives, organizing exam reviews, grading research papers, writing exams and calculating final grades. There has been an extensive amount of work done this semester by our faculty both in and out of the classroom and faculty are eager to get back into the archives, into the labs, out in the field, and back onto the stage.

As an example, she noted that in Fall of 2020, there were only 4 Sabbatical proposals submitted by faculty as there was so little opportunity for faculty research, but this Fall, the Senate Sabbatical sub-committee will evaluate 22 applications from our colleagues. She underscored the importance of sabbaticals and referenced the progress in research made through her sabbatical in 2021 and of Dr. John Finn whose work over the last four years culminated in a museum exhibition that opened at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach featuring a dozen original maps, about 50 photographs, audio excerpts from oral history interviews, several interactive maps, and a documentary short. She added that 15 different students have had the benefit of hands-on experience working with Dr. Finn as research assistants on this project since 2018.

On behalf of faculty, Dr. Holland offered a heartfelt thank you to the Board for their continued support of our faculty.

The Rector thanked Dr. Holland for her report and called on Ms. Celine Rosario to give the Student Government report.

Student Government Report: Celine Rosario

Ms. Rosario reported on the success of the semester’s events and engagement opportunities for students specifically calling out the candlelight Vigil held for the victims of the UVa shooting and the monumental success of Stroll to the Polls, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and “Glow in the Darcapella.” She gave an overview of plans for finishing the semester to include stress relief workshops, planning for staff appreciation day in the spring semester, gathering responses for SpeakUp CNU and working to plan open forums next semester.

She continued her report by highlighting anchor organization activity:

Campus Activities Board: Hosted 29 events this semester and on track to host 26 next semester including new events, like Comedy Cafe and Seasonal Sounds.
Student Honor Council: Has been working on panels, training the new class of 16 people and will induct them, planning honor week and working on a proposal for a conference in March for honor and enrichment offices in universities.
RHA: Held Trunk or treat during Halloween Weekend and is hosting their annual Pancake breakfast on December 4th. They are currently gathering data to look into replacing study room furniture in resident halls.
IFC: Helped put on the Candlelight Vigil on Monday and are having executive board interviews Sunday and will begin officer transitions before winter break.
SDEC: Is hard at work planning multiple events such as DRAG bingo and Intercultural festival, as well as continuing their PEER events which are smaller educational events on DEI. They are also working on initiatives related to accessibility on campus and a proposal for a diversity space on campus.
NPHC: Is continuing their behind the scenes work to reestablish on campus and planning various events within their organizations.

Concluding her report and on behalf of the student body, Ms. Rosario thanked the Board for their support and turned to Dr. Kevin Hughes to introduce the student speaker, Lauren Cane.

Dr. Hughes thanked Ms. Rosario and gave a brief introduction of Ms. Cane.

Ms. Cane greeted the board and proceeded to give them a heartfelt account of her student experience here at Christopher Newport recounting the organizations she is engaged with and what it is like to be a student on campus in the post-pandemic landscape.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Ms. Rosario, Ms. Cane and Dr. Kevin Hughes and proceeded to the next order of business.

Remote Meetings Policy

Rector Carney Smith gave a brief overview of the meetings by electronic communication means policy and called on Ms. Maureen Matsen to elaborate on the differences between the previous policy and this updated version.

After a brief discussion, the Rector called for a motion to approve Policy 1010. The motion was called by Mr. Kast, seconded by Secretary Morton and approved by a unanimous vote of the board.

13. Closed Session Under Freedom of Information Act, as amended: § 2.2-3711(A)(1) Personnel and under § 2.2-3711(A)(8) Consultation with Legal Counsel, as needed

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to enter Closed Session under Freedom of Information Act Section 2.2.3711(A)(1) Personnel and Section 2.2-3711(A)(8) Consultation with Legal Counsel.

Secretary Morton provided the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Boris Robinson and the motion was passed by unanimous vote of the Board.

Return to Open Session: Secretary Christy Morton

The Board returned to Open Session and Secretary Morton asked for a roll call certifying that only public matters were discussed that were identified in the motion by which the executive or closed meeting was called. All Board members present, certified to the above by roll call: Ms. Regina P. Brayboy, Rector Lindsey Carney Smith, Mr. Robert Hatten, Mr. Steve Kast, Mr. John Lawson, Vice Rector Terri McKnight, Ms. Kelli Meadows, Secretary Christy Morton, Mr. Boris Robinson and Ms. Judy Ford Wason.

Adjournment: Lindsey Carney Smith

Rector Carney Smith called for discussion or questions. There being none, she called for any new business to be considered. Hearing none, the Rector called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice Rector McKnight called for a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Ms. Brayboy and approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.