Board of Trustees Meeting
February 25, 2002
A regular meeting of the University of Florida Board of Trustees was held on Monday, February 25, 2002 at 2:30 p.m., at the Century Ballroom of the University of Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Gainesville, Florida.
Chairman Criser called the meeting to order and a quorum was established. Mr. Criser delivered brief comments, including recognizing fellow Trustee Louise Courtelis for her work on behalf of the Florida Museum of Natural History and for her assistance regarding the Board of Trustees dinner at Powell Hall the evening before. Mr. Warrington moved for approval of the minutes of the December 13, 2001 and January 11, 2002 meetings of the Board of Trustees. The motion was adopted.
President Young delivered the President's Report. President Young noted the work of the President's Task Force on the Future of the University of Florida, which will be detailed later in the agenda. President Young summarized the plans for Gator Day in Tallahassee and recognized the lobbying team and trustees working on the various activities. On the IFAS front, President Young reported a new regional research and education center in the Manatee-Hillsborough County area as well as the dedication of two new IFAS buildings in Quincy and Ft. Pierce, respectively. President Young reported that the University Police Department, which is the only police department in the State University System accredited by national and state accreditation agencies, recently was re-accredited.
In regard to individual achievements, President Young noted the election of Dr. Brij Moudgil to the National Academy of Engineering, becoming the 18th University of Florida faculty member elected to the National Academies. President Young indicated the election of Dr. Win Phillips, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, as the Chairman of the Board for the American Association of Engineering Societies. He also recognized Dr. Kenneth Berns, Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine, who will be leaving the University to lead Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. President Young commended Dr. Berns for his accomplishments and achievements at the University of Florida, including the leadership exhibited in genetics, brain and cancer research initiatives. He noted that a public announcement soon would be made regarding new leadership at the Health Sciences Center.
President Young informed the Board of the passing of Dr. Bill Kunkle, Professor of Animal Science and Dr. Barbara Bennett, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, expressing his condolences to family and friends. President Young then made brief remarks about the Governor's initiative regarding technology centers, the University of Florida Foundation Corporate Leaders Weekend, and the University's strong position for the future.
Mr. Criser turned the Board's attention to the agenda item regarding admissions at the University, requesting Provost David Colburn to provide comments. Dr. Colburn discussed admissions at the University of Florida, including minority admissions and programs presently in place to attract minority students to the University of Florida. Dr. Colburn noted the intense competition for admission given the approximate 24,000 applicants competing for 10,000 freshman admission spots. Dr. Colburn also noted the expansion of the Opportunity Alliance Program, with the addition of two new high schools to the program and assisting with setting up computer labs in these schools. Dr. Colburn noted the University's commitment to admitting the top 5% of all public high school students in the state who apply and complete core requirements. Trustee Fernandez noted the plans in place for welcome receptions for admitted African-American students in different counties across Florida, in which other trustees volunteered to participate.
President Young then provided comments concerning the work of the Presidential Task Force on the Future of the University of Florida. President Young recognized Associate Provost Joe Glover who is leading the work of the Task Force. Dr. Glover updated the Board on the work of the Task Force, including the timeline for drafting recommendations. Mr. Criser emphasized the importance of the work of the Task Force, expressed the Board's support for its work, and stated that the University's efforts in strategic planning could be one of its most meaningful exercises for many years.
In regard to naming of facilities, Mr. Alfonso moved to approve the naming of the Citrus pathology laboratory at the IFAS Lake Alfred Research Station "The Margaret A. Ross Citrus Pathology Laboratory;" and moved to approve the name of the legal information center at the Levin College of Law "The Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center." The motion was adopted.
Terry Hynes, Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications, reported on the planning efforts to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the University of Florida. Dean Hynes recognized the assistance of the Foundation and the University Athletic Association in funding the planned events. Trustees Morgan and O'Connell offered assistance in such planning. Trustee Fernandez supported efforts to coordinate the work of the Sesquicentennial celebration so that consistent University marks and other symbols could be used across campus.
Trustee Marc Adler, in his role as President of the Student Body, made a brief presentation to the Board about Student Government at the University of Florida. Mr. Criser commended Mr. Adler and noted the excellent job he has done both as Student Government President and as a Trustee.
In regard to the proposed University of Florida rules, Trustee McGriff moved to approve the adoption of the University of Florida rules as contained in the board materials, and to approve the delegation to the President of final authority to approve changes to those rules in response to comments. The motion was adopted.
Mr. Criser recognized guest speaker Professor Jonathan Reiskind, whose subject was the United Faculty of Florida.
Mr. Criser then discussed the schedule for future Board meetings. After closing remarks, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
Charles E. Young
Secretary
Pamela J. Bernard
Assistant Secretary