The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved a number of resolutions at its quarterly meeting on Friday, February 17, 2023. The full text of those resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.
Resignation of Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy
The Board voted to approve the resignation of Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy as President of Illinois State University as of February 14, 2023. Find more information in the statement released by the University.
Appointment of Dr. Aondover Tarhule as Interim President
The Board approved the appointment of Dr. Aondover Tarhule as Interim President of Illinois State University, effective February 17, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Tarhule comes to the role after serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Tarhule arrived at Illinois State in 2020 and has more than 26 years of higher education faculty, staff, and administrative experience.
Journal subscriptions
Trustees authorized renewal spending with EBSCO Industries of up to $10.5 million for e-journal and database subscriptions for Milner Library. The authorization will cover the three fiscal years, 2024-2026, with expenditures not to exceed $3.5 million each year. EBSCO Industries is the primary periodicals and electronic databases vendor for Milner Library and provides volume discounts to the desired database and subscription services.
Updated bond resolution
The Board authorized an amended Auxiliary Facilities System (AFS) Bond Resolution. The AFS Bond Resolution was originally adopted in 1985 and limits the Board with provisions that are outdated and do not reflect current auxiliary financing and market practices. The updated AFS Bond Resolution will update the list of campus buildings and allow more flexibility in making strategic capital investments.
Upgrade for Rachel Cooper and Fairchild halls
The Board of Trustees authorized a capital project to design and construct an upgraded mechanical system to replace the heating and domestic water piping systems in Rachel Cooper and Fairchild halls at a budget not to exceed $2.5 million. The academic buildings opened in 1952.
Williams Hall rehabilitation pre-construction services
The Board authorized funds for necessary pre-construction—architectural and engineering design— services (A&E Designs) for Williams Hall rehabilitation and renovations for the Center for Integrated Professional Development (CIPD). This directs the University administration to establish a budget, and appoint architects and engineers, and other necessary project consultants at a cost not to exceed $1.75 million. CIPD houses faculty professional programming, development, and training efforts. Williams Hall was originally built as ISU’s library in 1939. Library building additions were completed in 1957, 1963, and School of Business additions in 1978 and 1979. Along with CIPD, Williams is home to classrooms and temporary and transitional space for the University.
CEFCU Arena renovation project
The Board of Trustees approved a construction renovation project to renovate CEFCU Arena Room 150 into an Athletics Business Office at a cost not to exceed $550,000. The project will rectify a disparity in space assignments allocated for the men’s and women’s programs in the arena. The Women’s Volleyball program will relocate into the current Athletics Business Office Suite on the main floor. The move requires the relocation of the current Athletics Business Office into suitable space in CEFCU Arena Room 150.
Felmley Hall Annex, greenhouse pre-construction
The Board authorized expenditures not to exceed $4 million for building and pre-construction—architectural and engineering design—projects for the Felmley Science Annex (FSA) and the FSA Greenhouse. FSA opened for classes in 1963, and the greenhouse in 1964. Both have been determined to function well below university requirements for laboratory, classroom, and greenhouse space. The pre-construction projects will allow for the planning of updated facilities that can also incorporate growing needs of the Mennonite College of Nursing and the new College of Engineering.
ISU Farm facilities
The Board of Trustees authorized the necessary efforts to acquire and/or lease the proper equipment, animal supplies, and other operational needs for the Illinois State University Lexington Farm at a cost not to exceed $3 million. The funds will assist in bringing the farm back to full operations after a fire in November of 2022. The fire destroyed approximately 66 percent of the Beef Barn, including the calf birthing room, and forced the temporary displacement of 116 cattle into externally owned neighboring farm operations through the University’s connections with the Illinois Farm Bureau. Funds will be reimbursed through the insurance settlement less a $100,000 deductible.
Student health insurance
The Board awarded the Student Health and Accident Plan to Aetna Student Health. The Board voted in 2022 on a policy with Aetna Student Health with a provision of up to nine renewal periods. This renewal will reach through the 2023-2024 academic year. Student insurance rates will be $281 for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 sessions and $211 for the summer 2024 session. This means there is no increase (0%) in the student health plan for the coming academic year.
CPA Dressing Room naming
The Board of Trustees approved the naming of a dressing room in the lower level of the Center for Performing Arts (CPA) addition as the Dr. Edward & Mrs. Judith Hines CPA Dressing Room in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Dr. Hines is an Illinois State University Distinguished Professor of Higher Education. The couple have a long and engaging relationship with Illinois State and CPA. In addition to their support to the Fine Arts Complex Fund, the Hines established a scholarship in the Redbirds Rising Campaign for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts through the Civic Chorale Excellence Fund Endowment.
Recognition of former trustees Dr. Mary Ann Louderback and Mr. Robert Dobski
The Board expressed appreciation for former Board of Trustees members Dr. Mary Ann Louderback and Robert Dobski. Louderback was appointed by former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to the Board and participated in her first meeting in May of 2015. Her most recent term, during which she served as Board chair, expired in January of 2023. Dobski was appointed by former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to the Board and served from July 2008-February 2013. He was reappointed by former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner in 2015, and again by current Illinois Governor J.D. Pritzker in 2019. His term expired in January of 2023.
