Board of Visitors Meeting September 14-15, 2023

The Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors met Thursday, September 14, through Friday, September 15, 2023.

On Thursday, September 14 there was a welcome breakfast for new Board of Visitors members at 9:00 a.m. in the Brauer Room in Christopher Newport Hall followed by an orientation for new members beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the David Student Union Boardroom. All Board members were invited to attend a golf cart tour of campus at 11:40 a.m., welcome lunch at 12:15 p.m. followed by classroom observation. The Operations, Audit and Risk Committee and Executive Committee met on September 14 at 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. respectively. The Board of Visitors held a faculty social on September 14 at 5:30 p.m. on the McKnight Veranda at The Gregory P. Klich Alumni House (72 Shoe Lane, Newport News, Virginia) followed by a Board of Visitors dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the University President’s House (1205 Riverside Drive, Newport News, Virginia) – no official business was conducted at either of these events. On Friday, September 15, the Board assembled beginning at 8:00 a.m. for committee meetings followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m. Separate Minutes were taken for Orientation and each of the Committee meetings that were held.

The annual meeting of the full board was held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 1:15 p.m. in the David Student Union Boardroom with Rector Carney Smith presiding.

Present from the Board

Lindsey Carney Smith, Esq., Rector
Mr. Brently K. Archer
Ms. Regina P. Brayboy
William A. Estrada, Esq.
Mr. John R. Lawson, II
Ms. Terri M. McKnight, CPA, Vice Rector
Kelli Purdy Meadows, CPA, CCIFP
Mr. Sean D. Miller
Ms. Christy T. Morton, Secretary
LTC (R) Boris G. Robinson
Dr. Lee Vreeland
Ms. Judy Ford Wason

Absent from the Board

Mr. C. Larry Pope
The Honorable Ronald L. Tillett

Present from the University

Mr. William G. Kelly, President
Dr. Robert Colvin, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Ms. Amie Dale, Liaison to the Board of Visitors
Mr. Jim Hanchett, Chief Communications Officer
Dr. Kevin Hughes, Vice President of Student Affairs
Mr. Kenneth C. Kidd, Director of Administration and Operations for the President’s Office
Dr. Quentin Kidd, Provost
Dr. Rob Lange, Dean of Admission
Ms. Jennifer Latour, Vice President for Finance and Planning and CFO
Ms. Christine Ledford, Vice President for Administration and Auxiliary Service
Maureen Matsen, Esq., University Counsel
Mr. Kyle McMullin, Director of Athletics
Dr. Brian Puaca, Faculty Senate President
Dr. Lisa Duncan Raines, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success
Ms. Adelia Thompson, Vice President for Advancement, External Engagement and Arts

Others in Attendance

Ms. Katie Bennett, Student Government Association President (2023-24)
The Honorable Nathaniel Fontaine, Alumni Society President
Ms. Gabriella San Diego, Student Presenter

Board of Visitors Schedule

Upcoming Meetings:

November 16-17, 2023 (Freeman Center)
February 8-9, 2024
April 18-19, 2024
June 6-7, 2024

Call to Order and Welcome: Rector Lindsey Carney Smith

On September 15 at 1:15 p.m. Rector Carney Smith called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and thanked everyone for their efforts making this academic year successful. She also explained the change in the board meeting structure to spread out over two days in order to accommodate two additional committee meetings and encourage more faculty and student interaction. She proceeded with a special welcome to President Kelly, Nate Fontaine, Brent Archer and Will Estrada to their first board meeting. She also welcomed back the SGA representative Ms. Bennett and Faculty representative Dr. Puaca. Following her welcome, she reviewed the successes of the past year, lessons learned, and challenges being faced not only at CNU, but also across the landscape of higher education. She concluded her welcome by casting the vision for the board this year: show up and be an active participant, do your research and reading, be open and transparent and keep building upon and make new connections with the campus community.

Approval of Minutes: Rector Lindsey Carney Smith

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve the minutes of the Full Board Meeting on June 9. Mr. Lawson provided the motion, it was seconded by Secretary Morton and approved unanimously by the Board.

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve the minutes of the President’s Annual Performance Review on June 9. Mr. Robinson provided the motion, it was seconded by Ms. Wason and approved unanimously by the Board.

Executive Committee Members Designated: Lindsey Carney Smith

Pursuant to the Bylaws, Article VI, Section 2, the Rector appointed the following members of the Board to the Executive Committee: Terri M. McKnight, CPA, Vice Rector; Christy T. Morton, Secretary; John R. Lawson, II; LTC (R) Boris G. Robinson; The Honorable Ronald L. Tillett; Lee Vreeland, Ed.D.; Judy Ford Wason (at large); C. C. Larry Pope (at large) alongside the Rector.

Rector Carney Smith welcomed President Kelly to give his first President’s Report to the Board of Visitors.

President's Report: Bill Kelly

In his first formal report to the Board of Visitors, President Kelly expressed his gratitude to the Rector, the Board, and the broader community, warmly welcoming new members Mr. Archer, Mr. Estrada, and Mr. Fontaine. He reflected on his initial days as president, emphasizing the overwhelming support he received during his inauguration and the significance of community engagement. President Kelly praised the senior leadership team for their unwavering dedication, especially during the transitional phase. He recounted his multiple trips to Richmond, interactions with local officials, business leaders, faculty, and students, and highlighted his wife Angie's involvement in community events like CNU Idol.

Addressing the challenges faced by the university, President Kelly discussed the recent budget cuts, tuition increase, and the pressing need to solidify the scholarship base. He also touched upon the enrollment challenges posed by larger Virginia universities and emphasized the importance of enhancing brand recognition.

Transitioning, President Kelly announced exciting opportunities for the Univeristy, including the groundbreaking of a new integrated science center phase 3, plans for introducing a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree and potential collaboration with Riverside Health System for a nursing program. He proudly shared Christopher Newport’s recent accolades and emphasized the pivotal role of the Strategic Compass in shaping the university's future. Concluding his address, President Kelly relayed positive feedback from Secretary Guiderra, who praised our values and alignment with the Commonwealth's vision, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the privilege to serve as president.

Executive Committee: Lindsey Carney Smith

The Rector thanked President Kelly and began the Executive Committee Report. She noted that during the Executive Committee meeting the primary focus was on the review and proposed amendments to the Bylaws, notably the addition of the Athletics Committee and plans to incorporate a faculty representative to the Board of Visitors. The committee also discussed the reaffirmation of the University's Campus Violence and Prevention Committee and Threat Assessment Team, in line with the 2008 Code of Virginia mandates and its subsequent updates.

Rector Carney Smith brought forward RESOLUTION 1: Changes to and Continuation of Campus Violence and Prevention Committee and The University's Threat Assessment Team at the recommendation of the Executive Committee. She called for any discussion. There being none, Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve Resolution 1. Mr. Robinson provided the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

She continued the report noting that in light of the recent SCOTUS decision, the committee deliberated on admissions policies, concluding that day-to-day admissions operations should be under the University president's purview.

Rector Carney Smith then brought forward RESOLUTION 4: Delegation of Responsibility for Admissions, its Policies, Processes and Practices at the recommendation of the Executive Committee. She called for any discussion. There being none, Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to approve Resolution 4. Dr. Vreeland provided the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Finance and Facilities Report: Lindsey Carney Smith (acting Chair)

In the absence of Mr. Tillet, Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee, Rector Carney Smith gave the report. The committee began by revisiting its annual charge to ensure they were on track with their responsibilities. Ms. Ledford, provided insights into the latest capital projects and the SWaM report.

On the legislative front, Ms. Latour and Mr. Kramer highlighted the recent budget amendments approved by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. These amendments encompassed various areas, including a 2% salary increase set for December 2023 and the green light for planning the replacement of the Plant Operations building. The topic of tuition increase, approved in April, was also addressed. Despite receiving additional funds from the state, the funding was not sufficient to rollback the tuition increase due to existing budget shortfalls. Looking ahead to the 2024 General Assembly Session, the committee has forwarded budget requests to the Governor and the Secretary of Education. These requests span across system-wide items, expansion of current programs, and bolstering student and administrative services. The end of September will see the submission of the operating budget requests.

The committee also delved into the financials, examining the revenue and expenditure statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. They discussed the annual Debt Service report and the internal budget reductions for 2024. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2023 six-year plan, which has been sent to the Commonwealth for feedback. This plan, which will be finalized in November, projects a 5% tuition increase each year for 2025 and 2026, based on worst-case scenarios without additional state support.

The Rector called on Secretary Morton to give the Operations, Audit and Risk Committee report.

Operations, Audit and Risk Report: Christy Morton

Reporting on behalf of the Operations, Audit, and Risk Committee Secretary Morton noted that they received reports from Faith Belote, Director of Internal Audit, and Ashleigh Andrews, Chief Human Resources Officer. The meeting highlighted the Quality Assurance Review (QAR) conducted every five years to ensure audit activities align with international standards. The committee also discussed an institutional-wide survey assessing Christopher Newport’s ethical values and organizational structure. On the HR front, the university's spans of control and strategic workforce planning were reviewed, revealing an increase in employee numbers due to enhanced recruitment and retention strategies, though challenges persist in service position recruitment. The university's turnover rate is a commendable 15%, below the state average. Secretary Morton concluded by thanking past chair Vice Rector McKnight and acknowledging the contributions of Ms. Latour, Ms. Belote, Ms. Andrews and their teams.

The Rector thanked Ms. Morton and called on Dr. Vreeland for the Academic Affairs Report.

Academic Affairs Report: Lee Vreeland

Dr. Vreeland began her report highlighting the faculty and student showcase that occurred during their committee meeting by faculty and students on their advanced work in biomedical sciences. She then called on Provost Kidd, Dr. Jean Filletti, Ms. Karyn Ward to provide history on the teaching program, set the stage for the introduction of the new degree program and to provide further background information on the degree proposal.

Following their synopsis, Dr. Vreeland brought forward RESOLUTION 2: New Degree Program, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education at the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rector Carney Smith called for any discussion. There being none, she called for a motion to approve Resolution 2. Dr. Vreeland provided the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Dr. Vreeland continued with an update on Christopher Newport’s 5th year Interim SACSCOC review and called on Associate Provost Lyons who shared that the report has been submitted, the University did not have to do a referral report along with the submission–noting that only 10% of schools get to do that, and the success of the Quality Enhancement Plan for undergraduate research literacy has been successful. The next step next year is to begin work on the 10-year report. Mr. Lyons acknowledged the work of the 5th year report committee and the support of Ms. Thompson and Dr. Colvin.

Dr. Vreeland closed her report by noting that the university is exploring virtual reality in education through the digital humanities program, will be conducting a study in 2024 to gauge faculty experiences, and will soon indicate low-cost textbook options in class schedules.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Dr. Vreeland and called on Mr. Robinson for the Academic Affairs Report.

Student Life Report: Boris Robinson

Mr. Robinson opened the Student Life Committee report by covering the various aspects of student life at Christopher Newport University.

Admission: The Freshman Class of 2023 exceeded its enrollment target, with notable academic achievements. However, challenges loom on the horizon, including demographic shifts leading to fewer high school graduates, increased competition from larger Virginia public universities, and the growing student debt crisis. Mr. Robinson explained that this is exacerbated by CNU's relatively higher net cost compared to other public institutions.

Enrollment and Student Success: Emphasis was put on the financial aid challenges faced by in-state students from lower-income backgrounds, given that a significant portion of Christopher Newport’s student body comes from families who are less demonstrate low need. On a positive note, the Enrollment and Student Success segment spotlighted the success of career fairs, particularly one focused on accounting and finance.

Student Affairs: Attention was called to the rising demand for Counseling Services, with many freshmen grappling with homesickness, feelings of being overwhelmed, and difficulties in social integration.

Mr. Robinson then brought forward RESOLUTION 3: Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Training at the recommendation of the Student Life Committee. Rector Carney Smith called for any discussion. There being none, she called for a motion to approve Resolution 3. Mr. Robinson provided the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Mr. Robinson and began the Athletics report.

Athletics Report: Lindsey Carney Smith

Rector Carney Smith introduced and explained the proposal to create an Athletics Committee of the Board of Visitors. Five years ago, recognizing that state funds did not support athletics, the university established the Athletics Advisory Council as a fundraising entity. She shared that this council has been successful, raising over $1.2 million in the past year. However, a significant challenge has emerged: finding competitive matches, as many Division III schools are hesitant to compete against stronger teams. Rector Carney Smith emphasized the university's commitment to its student-athletes, offering them top-tier education and facilities. She finished her report by stating that an Athletics Committee would aim to bolster fundraising and use its influence to navigate the complexities of athletic conference affiliations. As such, a preliminary meeting was convened around this area to discuss the state and future of the university's athletic programs.

Rector Carney Smith called on Ms. Brayboy to give the President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report.

President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report: Regina Brayboy

Ms. Brayboy reported that the President's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Christopher Newport University has recently convened for the academic year to review its foundational guidelines and membership. She reminded everyone that the council, known for its diverse representation, includes members from the university, former board members, and the broader community. Ms. Brayboy underscored that President Kelly has emphasized the significance of DEI at CNU, drawing from his personal background in the area. She shared that Vidal Dickerson also provided the council with updates on the state's pending diversity plan and the initiation of several programs to bolster DEI efforts. These include a partnership with Interfaith America for leadership development, a tutoring initiative in collaboration with various educational institutions to address pandemic-induced learning loss, and an online curriculum from the Constructive Dialogue Institute to enhance civil discourse skills among students.

Ms. Brayboy continued that the council is also actively addressing the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, ensuring our compliance while maintaining a comprehensive approach to student recruitment. The council also discussed a recent article about Christopher Newport’s community development, expressing their intent to work with this topic.

Rector Carney Smith thanked Ms. Brayboy and called on Dr. Puaca for the Faculty Senate Report.

Faculty Senate Report: Brian Puaca

Dr. Puaca, professor of History, took the opportunity to update the Board on the Faculty Senate's activities and objectives for the year. He began by warmly welcoming President Kelly, emphasizing the Senate's commitment to supporting his leadership and the university's overarching mission.

A significant portion of the report was dedicated to the Senate's agenda. Key among these was the desire to foster a closer relationship between the faculty and the Board of Visitors. Dr. Puaca proposed several initiatives to achieve this, including the introduction of a dedicated faculty seat on the Board, the Education Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation. He also stressed the importance of transparency, suggesting the annual publication of contracts for top university positions.

Another pivotal point was the issue of faculty compensation. Dr. Puaca advocated for better remuneration, aiming for a benchmark at the 60th percentile of Christopher Newport’s peer group. He also highlighted the disparity in some administrative salaries that exceed this benchmark.

Dr. Puaca concluded by expressing gratitude for the board's increased engagement on campus, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such interactions for both faculty and board members.

Alumni Society Report: Nate Fontaine

Mr. Fontaine, representing the Alumni Society, emphasized the widespread presence of CNU alumni both nationally and internationally. He advocated for stronger ties between the Alumni Society Board and the Board of Visitors and praised President Kelly's focus on alumni engagement. Mr. Fontaine highlighted a shift from donation-based alumni metrics to genuine engagement activities. The Alumni Society Board is refocusing on chapter relationships, with virtual meetings for chapter leaders and a streamlined committee structure. They've initiated a "Life After Graduation" video series and plan "lunch and learn" sessions. Mr. Fontaine also mentioned the Alumni Society Board's scholarships and introduced the "Captain for Life" award, with Dr. Jane Chambers as the proposed recipient. He concluded by inviting questions, showcasing his dedication to alumni engagement.

The Rector thanked Mr. Fontaine for his leadership and called on Ms. Bennett for the SGA report.

Student Covernment Report and Student Presentation: Katie Bennett

Ms. Bennett started her report sharing that the university has been bustling with activities since students returned from their summer break. Various councils and associations, including the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Residence Hall Association, and Alternative Breaks, have been actively organizing and planning events. The Interfraternity Council emphasizes balancing academics with Greek life, while the Panhellenic Council is preparing for events like the Women's Leadership Summit and Circle of Sisterhood. The Residence Hall Association is expanding its community connections and collaborating with the Campus Activities Board for events like Thai Diversity. Alternative Breaks has organized service trips focusing on youth and environmental restoration.

The Captain's Log, a publication, is set to release its third weekly issue, and the Campus Activities Board has successfully hosted several events with more planned. The Student Government Association (SGA) is also planning various events and initiatives, with the speaker highlighting an upcoming meeting in Richmond. The SGA expressed appreciation for President Kelly's transparent and committed approach, noting the positive student response to his initiatives.

Lastly, Ms. Bennett introduced Gabbi San Diego, a senior studying business and marketing, a dedicated student-athlete who has been actively involved in various service roles, including serving as the Student Athlete Advisory Council President and being a part of the Leading Captains program.

Ms. San Diego reflected on her enriching journey at Christopher Newport. As a business major, president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and a point guard for the Women's Basketball team, she has been deeply involved on campus. Guided by principles emphasizing integrity and character, she found Chrsitopher Newport’s community values resonating with her own. Ms. San Diego highlighted the university's commitment to environmental initiatives and its emphasis on service. She praised the University’s holistic educational approach, fostering critical thinking over rote learning. While basketball has been central to her life, this university has offered her a multifaceted experience, shaping her into a well-rounded individual and leader. She expressed gratitude to the Board for their support and the opportunities Christopher Newport has provided.

Closed Session Under Freedom of Information Act, as amended: § 2.2-3711:(A)(9) Gifts, Bequests and Fund Raising

Rector Carney Smith called for a motion to enter Closed Session under the Freedom of Information Act, as amended: § 2.2-3711(A)(9) Gifts, Bequests and Fund-Raising for the purpose of discussing gifts, bequests and fund-raising activities.

Secretary Morton provided the motion, it was seconded by Ms. Wason and approved by a unanimous vote of the Board. Rector Carney Smith then asked for all observers to leave the room.

Return to Open Session: Christy Morton

The Board returned to Open Session and Secretary Morton asked Ms. Dale for a roll call certifying that only public matters were discussed that were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was called. All Board members certified to the above by roll call: Rector Carney Smith, Mr. Archer, Ms. Brayboy, Mr. Estrada, Mr. Lawson, Ms. McKnight, Ms. Meadows, Mr. Miller, Ms. Morton, Mr. Robinson, Dr. Vreeland and Ms. Wason.

A recommendation came to the Board out of the Advancement Committee for Board of Visitors to formally recommend to Trustees of the CNU Education Foundation that they terminate the Horticultural Society endowed scholarship and move the funds into the Weiss Endowed Merit Scholarship in Biology. Rector Carney Smith called for any discussion. There being none, she called for a motion to provide the recommendation. Mr. Lawson provided the motion and it was passed by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Adjournment: Lindsey Carney Smith

Rector Carney Smith called for any new business. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.