East Central Reporter

Considering improvements from Panther Trail to public relations, Eastern Illinois University's (EIU) board of trustees met on Nov. 13 at the Martin Luther King, Jr., University Union at EIU's Charleston campus.

The board first convened into an executive session to review employment, litigation matters and executive session minutes prior to reconvening to an open meeting. Rene Hutchinson acknowledged the late Robert Webb for his leadership and service in the Charleston and Mattoon communities and asked for a moment of silence in memory of him.

Hutchinson reported that the committee had reviewed the state budget impasse, advising the group that the House and Senate would hold a public forum on Nov. 18 to discuss the 2016 budget. He added that a proposed three-year plan includes program development, program delivery and enrollment management.

The board relations committee focused on outstanding areas in university advancement and noted that homecoming was successful, with the Class of 1965 and Pink Panthers in attendance for reunions. Taking a proactive approach, EIU Alumni Association President Tom DuBois emailed all Illinois EIU alumni to suggest that they urge their legislators to prioritize higher education.

A scholarship campaign surpassed its original expectations; as of Oct. 31, gifts and pledges had risen to $3 million.

Foundation news revealed that Judy Ethell is the new president and Mike Finkle is the vice president, with additional new members including Bill Hill, Cindra Stiff, Jeremy Yost and Barbara Baurer.

Marketing and Creative Services/Media Relations mailed out the alumni magazine. Richard Flight of the business and marketing department and his students are working on a research project designed to increase enrollment. Updates were given regarding ongoing audits, and other fiscal information was reviewed.

Joe Dively of the academic and student affairs committee revealed that over 150 faculty members took part in a “Publishing Scholars” incentive; the black student reunion and the career services job fairs were well attended. The board unanimously approved a new degree program, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations.

In action items, Dively was elected vice-chair. Additionally, the board approved minutes from Sept. 18 and voted to release executive session minutes from two previous meetings, approve a local bank as a depository for funds and rename the Panther Trail to become the Tom Woodall Panther Trail, in honor of the former faculty member.

On Roger Kratochvil’s suggestion, the board passed a resolution to encourage the passage of a state budget and funding for the university.

The president’s report focused on achievements and reassurances throughout the fiscal stalemate. Representatives from the faculty and staff senates, along with student government, also gave reports.