BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
October 18, 2007

Members Present: Ms. Gloria Stephens, Mr. Larry Morhous, Mr. Norris Kantor, Ms. Anne Crowe, Mr. James Palmer, III, Ms. Ashley Froy, Ms. Angie Lambert
Members Absent: Mr. John Shott, Mr. Jeffrey Forlines, Dr. Lyn Guy, Mr. Daniel Frost
Guests/Staff: Dr. Albert Walker, Mr. Jim Nelson, Dr. Tom Blevins, Ms. Shelia Johnson, Dr. Tracey Anderson, Dr. Sapphire Cureg, Ms. Leah Taylor, Ms. Anita Barilla, Dr. Bernie Dragich, Mr. Chris Majors, Ms. Deirdre Guyton

Call to Order
Chairman James Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Bluefield State College Othello Harris-Jefferson Student Center Private Dining Room.
Approval of Minutes – September 20, 2007
Mr. Palmer asked for corrections or a motion to approve the September 20, 2007 minutes. A motion was made (LMorhous/NKantor) that the minutes be accepted as presented. Motion carried.
President’s Report – Dr. Albert Walker
2007-2008 College Goals
- Complete BOG Special Designated Presidential Goals
- Increase Student Retention and Enrollment for Bluefield State College
- Complete the Strategic Plan and Begin Implementation
- Continue Effective Financial Management with Emphasis on Budgeting and Accounting Process Re-engineering and Make Access to Data and Communication Timely for Various Audit Firms
- Submit a Proposal from Each School to Establish a New Program or Major/Minor and at Least Two Proposals for Grant Funding
- Build the Bluefield State College Foundation’s Scholarship Endowment
- Cultivate and Strengthen Support for, and Awareness of, Bluefield State College as a quality Educational Institution
- Develop New or Provide Renewed Opportunities to Foster or Increase Awareness and Understanding of Diversity by Bluefield State College Faculty, Staff, Administration, and Students
- Update and Develop Hiring Practices and Procedures in Accordance with State and Federal Laws and Regulations
- Replace and Upgrade Computers, Electronic Classrooms, and Computer Network Devices
Veterans Upward Bound Program Status Report
Dr. Walker called the group’s attention to the Resolution in the BOG packet in support of the Veterans Upward Bound appeal to the U.S. Department of Education to restore funding for the BSC-based program.  All VUB personnel have been placed in new positions.
Enrollment and Student Affairs
- In the absence of Mr. John Cardwell, Dr. Walker reviewed the enrollment figures included in the BOG packet.
- There are currently 37 international students enrolled, representing several countries. Dr. Walker called the group’s attention to a picture of the attendees at the reception for international students held at his home earlier this month.
- Border County enrollment is currently 108 students compared to 80 last year.
Financial and Administrative Affairs – Ms. Shelia Johnson
- Ms. Johnson reviewed the various audits currently being conducted on the campus.
- Review of the budget and expenditures as of August 31, 2007.
- Ms. Johnson reported on problems with the chiller in the Ned Shott Physical Education Building and discussed the process being followed to correct the problems.  She expects this project to cost approximately $180,000.
Institutional Research and Effectiveness – Dr. Tracey Anderson
Dr. Anderson gave an update on the Strategic Plan process. She reported that progress is being made but the Steering Committee feels that a February 2008 date for completion is unrealistic. She invited all Board members to participate in the process and informed them that the next meeting will be on October 31, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. in the Conley Hall Conference Room.
Virtual College, Technology, and School of Education – Dr. Tom Blevins
Dr. Blevins shared a handout of the online courses and explained the CART (Center for Applied Research and Technology) and the Web CT systems. He reviewed the statistics with the group. Discussion followed.
Multicultural Affairs – Dr. Sapphire Cureg
- Celebrated various heritage months during the fall semester and reported that the events were well attended.  These activities give students, staff, and faculty an opportunity to learn of other cultures.
- Worked with Student Government Association to formalize and organize an International Student Organization. Now the organization is structured so it can be recognized by the college and will have access to the resources available to all organizations.
- Visited four middle and high schools in Bluefield and Princeton to create increased awareness and visibility for BSC. Approximately 80 to 100 students from these schools will be on campus in the spring 2008.
- A three hour cultural sensitivity training will be offered to faculty and staff in spring 2008. The purpose of this training will be to raise cultural awareness among faculty and staff and to uncover cultural assumptions.
- Dr. Cureg reported that she has reviewed best practices in recruiting international students in conjunction with the enrollment management staff and Dr. Jamkhandi, coordinator of the International Initiatives Program.
- Has received approval for the HEPC Social Justice grant in the amount of $9,600.
- Working with faculty to revitalize the idea of reintroducing a mentoring program for minority and international students. Board members will be contacted to participate.
Institutional Advancement and Planning
Dr. Walker called the group’s attention to a brochure in the BOG packet on the Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP). This program provides scholarships to economically disadvantaged students with benefits to the contributor in the form of tax credits. He encouraged all Board members to take part in the NIP and to encourage others to participate as well.
Institutional and Media Relations – Mr. Jim Nelson
- November 14, 2007 – Mr. Sylvester and Mrs. Janice Myers will be on the BSC campus for an Executive in Residence Program to share their insight with BSC students. Mr. Nelson reviewed accomplishments for both Mr. and Mrs. Myers. On November 13, 2007 the Bluefield City Board will be reading and signing a proclamation honoring the Myers and their accomplishments.
- Annual Report – important information about BSC.
Other
Ms. Angie Lambert, faculty representative to the Board, shared an overview of faculty salaries compared to other institutions. Ms. Lambert reviewed and explained the information in the handout she distributed. Discussion followed.
 Executive Session
A motion was made (LMorhous/NKantor) to go into executive session at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried.
A motion was made (NKantor/LMorhous) to resume regular session at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried.
Next meeting Date – November 15, 2007
With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Anita Barilla