Southern University Board of Supervisors public meetings in 2022

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is meeting to elect 2023 officers and review several policy updates. Items for decision include changes to intercollegiate athletics travel rates, a new ADA policy, and an increase in the energy surcharge fee at SUBR.

• Increase energy surcharge fee from $4 to $10 per credit hour for SUBR
• Approval of updated Intercollegiate Athletics Travel Policy using GSA Rates
• Approval of revised ADA Policy to comply with La.R.S.46:2ly594
• Personnel actions including a $138,600 position for Calaundra Clark at SULC
• Check presentations from SHE-CAN and Legacy House Media, LLC/Matador Spirits

The Board of Supervisors elected new leadership for 2023 and approved several personnel appointments and policy updates. The meeting also included the presentation of multiple donations totaling over $3.4 million for various university campuses.

• Elected Myron Lawson as Chairman
• Elected Dr. Rani Whitfield as Vice Chairman
• Approved Intercollegiate Athletics Travel Policy update
• Approved ADA Policy revisions
• Approved Southern University Law Center Faculty Handbook revisions
• Approved 13 personnel appointments and salary adjustments
• Approved 4 years of probationary credit for Associate Professor Katherine Macfarlane
• Approved MOU between SUBR School of Nursing and Ochsner

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors approved several academic changes, including a new Cybersecurity B.S. program and the removal of a 1972 student protest campus ban. The board also authorized FY 2023-2024 budget requests and various personnel appointments and salary adjustments across the system.

• Approved new Bachelor of Science Program in Cybersecurity (SUNO)
• Approved moving Addictive Behaviors Counseling and Prevention degrees to the School of Social Work (SUNO)
• Approved removal of Campus Ban of 1972 Southern University Student Protest (SULC)
• Approved FY 2023-2024 Budget Requests and Addenda for all system campuses
• Approved $5.00 Cheer/Dance Fee reinstatement (SUNO)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with DOTD for Information Center Project
• Approved Sports Medicine Services Agreement between SUNO and Ochsner Clinic Foundation
• Approved personnel actions for positions $€60,000+ across SUS, SUNO, SUBR, SUSLA, SUAREC, and SULC

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will consider approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for several major capital projects at the Baton Rouge campus, funded by the US Dept. of Education HBCU Capital Financing Program. Other action items include scope changes for a science building at SUSLA, capital outlay requests, and a new annex for the Law Center. Committees will also review personnel actions, policies on copyright and free speech, and various memoranda of understanding.

• Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for SUBR projects: Student Union, Student Apartments, Global Innovation and Welcome Center, Outdoor Classroom/Amphitheater, Fisher Hall Phase 2, T.H. Harris Hall Learning Lobby, New Public Safety Building
• Scope change for Louis Collier Hall Science Building at SUSLA to build new 6,000 sq ft science laboratory annex
• Request for FY2023-24 Capital Outlay Requests for the Southern University System
• Approval of Act 959 project for Southern University Law Center annex building ($1.7 million)
• Approval of personnel actions for positions ≥$60,000 at SUAREC, SULC, and SUNO

The Board of Supervisors approved several capital projects, including a new law center annex and a science laboratory annex. New system-wide policies regarding free speech, non-academic due process, and copyright were adopted. The board suspended a decision regarding the dissolution of the SUNO Foundation agreement until the next meeting.

• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for SUBR projects including Student Union and New Public Safety Building
• Approved construction of a 6,000 sq ft science laboratory annex at SUSLA
• Approved $1.7M annex building for Southern University Law Center
• Approved Digital Millennium Copyright Act, Campus Free Speech, and Non-Academic Due Process policies
• Approved five personnel appointments/adjustments with salaries $60,000 or greater
• Approved naming the Joe Stewart Strategic Leadership Institute (SULC)
• Approved MOU between SUNO and HomeFree-USA, Inc.
• Suspended motion to dissolve the October 1, 2020, MOA between SUNO Foundation and SUNO

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will consider approving the FY 2022-2023 operating budgets for all campuses and units, including athletics. The board will also vote on terminating the BS in Electronics Engineering Technology program, approving three-year academic plans, and several personnel actions with salaries over $60,000. Other items include facility updates, policy revisions, and memoranda of understanding.

• Approval of FY 2022-2023 operating budgets for all campuses (separate attachment)
• Termination of BS in Electronics Engineering Technology program (SUBR)
• Personnel actions: Robert Renee ($85,000), Jarius Ballard ($85,000), Shawn Charles ($158,109), Sean Woods ($130,000), and others
• Approval of revised Uniformed Personnel Policy and new Leave Absence policy
• MOU with Global Resource Solutions for subcontract with USAF (SUNO)

The Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2022-2023 operating budgets for the system and its campuses. Other key actions included terminating the BS in Electronics Engineering Technology and approving several personnel appointments and policy revisions.

• Approved FY 2022-2023 operating budgets for system and campuses
• Approved termination of BS, Electronics Engineering Technology program
• Approved three-year academic plans for system institutions
• Approved revised Uniformed Personnel Policy, Leave Absences policy, and out-of-state fee waiver revisions
• Approved personnel actions for 11 positions equal to or greater than $60,000
• Approved nomination of Samuel Ibekwe, Ph.D., P.E. as Emeritus Professor
• Approved amendment to By-Laws for student membership
• Approved MOUs with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Global Resource Solutions, Inc., and National Urban League

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will meet in multiple committees to consider approving a feasibility study for a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies at the Shreveport campus, establishing a Health Equity Law & Policy Institute, and initiating a search for a new chancellor at Southern University at Shreveport. The board will also receive updates on major construction projects including a $36 million honors dormitory and a $45 million student life center, and approve several personnel actions with salaries ranging from $60,300 to $175,000.

• Feasibility study for a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies at Shreveport Office Campus Instructional Site
• Establishment of a Health Equity Law & Policy Institute at the Southern University Law Center
• Initiation of search for chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport
• Facility projects: $36M Honors Dormitory, $45M Student Life Center, $11.4M Law Library renovation
• Personnel actions: new appointments including Chief of Staff ($175,000) and Dean of Education ($100,000)

The Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of a Health Equity Law & Policy Institute and a feasibility study for a legal studies degree in Shreveport. The board also authorized several high-salary personnel appointments and approved multiple Memorandums of Understanding for SUNO. Action to dissolve the SUNO Foundation agreement was removed from the agenda.

• Approved feasibility study for Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies in Shreveport
• Approved establishment of Health Equity Law & Policy Institute at SULC
• Approved Shared Leave Pool Policy
• Approved appointment of Brandi Wicks as Assistant Professor ($82,482)
• Approved appointments for Lanetta Barthelemy ($75,000), Jamaul Jackson ($75,000/$65,000), and Allen Vital ($150,000)
• Approved appointments for Willie Jones ($100,000) and Tanya Rose ($100,000)
• Approved appointments for Michael Taylor ($60,300) and Harold Mellieon ($90,000)
• Approved search firm hire for Southern University at Shreveport chancellor

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will consider approving four capital projects under Act 959, including a $5M Global Innovation Center, a $1.5M T.H. Harris Learning Lobby, a $2M Outdoor Classroom, and a $500k Public Safety Building. The board will also vote on academic program fee increases for Allied Health and Nursing at SUSLA, salary adjustments for faculty across campuses, and a contract extension for the head baseball coach. Additionally, several personnel actions and a sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola are on the agenda.

• Approval of Act 959 capital projects: Global Innovation Center ($5M), T.H. Harris Learning Lobby ($1.5M), Outdoor Classroom/Amphitheatre ($2M), New Public Safety Building ($500k)
• Academic program fee adjustments for Allied Health and Nursing programs at SUSLA
• Salary and wage adjustments for faculty at SUBR, SUNO, SUSLA, SULC, and SUAREC
• Contract extension for Head Baseball Coach Chris Crenshaw (2-year extension)
• Establishment of Insurance Law and Policy Institute at Southern University Law Center

The Board of Supervisors approved several capital projects, faculty salary adjustments, and administrative appointments. They also established the Ray L. Belton Endowed Scholarship Fund and named Dr. Ray Belton President Emeritus.

• Named Dr. Ray Belton President Emeritus (Unanimous)
• Approved $10M total for four Act 959 projects including a Global Innovation and Welcome Center
• Approved salary adjustments for faculty at SUBR, SUNO, and SUSLA based on SREB benchmarks
• Approved two-year contract extension for Head Baseball Coach Chris Crenshaw
• Approved sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling Company
• Approved contract with Instructure to implement Canvas learning management system
• Approved establishment of the Insurance Law and Policy Institute at SULC
• Approved $25,000 MOU between SULC and Zinpro for the Heirs Property Initiative

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors is reviewing several action items including curriculum updates, faculty appointments, and new online degree programs. The agenda also includes updates on major construction projects across the university system.

• Proposed $54,000,000 for New Southern University Laboratory School
• New 100% online Public Administration degree program for SUNO
• Approval of faculty appointments at SULC with salaries up to $130,500
• Agreement for thermal energy services with Louisiana Energy Partners
• Update on $68,500,000 STEM Complex Building design

The Board of Supervisors approved several curriculum changes, new online degree formats for Psychology and Public Administration, and tenure-track faculty appointments. The board also authorized a revised tuition waiver for employees' immediate family members and various inter-institutional agreements.

• Approved Spring 2022 Commencement Resolutions and a posthumous Juris Doctor degree for Angelo Corceone
• Approved curriculum changes including a Culinary/Food Management Certificate and new courses in Interdisciplinary Studies and Social Work
• Approved offering B.A. in Psychology and Public Administration degrees as 100% online programs at SUNO
• Approved RN to BSN articulation agreements with SUSLA and Baton Rouge Community College
• Approved tenure-track faculty appointments for seven individuals at SULC
• Approved revised tuition waiver to fully waive tuition costs for employees and immediate family members
• Approved SUS Cybersecurity Plan and Procedures for Management of Cash Assets
• Approved realignment of the Office of Internal Audit and a new Internal Audit Charter

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors and its committees are reviewing various campus updates, including large-scale facility projects and faculty promotions. The agenda includes discussions on new scholarship endowments, intercollegiate athletic travel policies, and potential changes to the SUNO Foundation.

• Establishment of a $100,000 Roy Griggs School of Business First Generation Endowed Scholarship at SUSLA
• Update on $68.5 million New STEM Complex Building and $35.5 million School of Business project at SUBR
• Approval of personnel actions for positions with salaries equal to or greater than $60,000
• IBM software license agreement renewal valued at the equivalent of a $15,000,000 gift
• New MOU between SUNO, New Orleans Police Dept., and New Orleans Family Justice Center for grant applications

The Board of Supervisors approved multiple personnel appointments, tenure promotions, and salary adjustments. It also authorized several academic articulation agreements and memoranda of understanding with external institutions and agencies. Mid-year budget adjustments and a new athletics travel policy were also approved.

• Approved 17 personnel actions including new appointments and salary adjustments
• Approved tenure and promotion to Full Professor for Devaiah Kambiranda, Angela Bell, Regina Ramsey, and Shawn Vance
• Approved articulation agreement between Tougaloo College and Southern University Law Center
• Approved MOU between SUNO, New Orleans Police Dept., and New Orleans Family Justice Center
• Approved articulation agreement between SUNO and Xavier University College of Pharmacy
• Approved MOU between SUNO and Danubius University of Galati
• Approved Mid-Year Budget Adjustments (FY22 BA-7 #2) Revised
• Approved Southern University System Intercollegiate Athletics Travel Policy

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees are meeting to vote on personnel contracts, academic promotions, and several inter-institutional partnerships. The body will also review a uniform campus free speech policy and receive updates on various facility construction projects.

• Employment contract for Mr. Dennis Shield, President-Chancellor Elect
• Uniformed Policy on Campus Free Speech for SU System campuses
• Salary adjustment and title change for Christopher Rogers to $100,000.00
• Naming the Department of Business at Southern University at Shreveport as the Roy Griggs School of Business
• MOU with St. Tammany Parish School District for a Residency Teacher Education Program

The Board of Supervisors approved several Memorandums of Understanding for educational partnerships and a new employment contract for President-Chancellor Elect Dennis Shields. The Board also approved faculty tenure, promotions, and personnel salary adjustments. Additionally, the Board approved a uniform policy on campus free speech.

• Approved employment contract for Mr. Dennis Shields- President Chancellor Elect
• Approved MOU with Education Farm for the Propel Program (SUBR)
• Approved MOU with St. Tammany Parish School District for Residency Teacher Education Program (SUNO)
• Approved MOU with White and Case, LLP for an externship program (SULC)
• Approved MOU with Jefferson Parish Schools for teacher tuition reimbursement (SUNO)
• Approved service agreement with Trusted Provider Network, LLC for professional development (SUNO)
• Approved uniform policy on campus free speech (SUS)
• Approved 4% salary and wage increases for permanent full-time employees (SULC)

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors will meet on February 18, 2022, to consider several action items, including the selection of a new System President-Chancellor. Committees will also discuss new academic programs, institutes, contracts, and personnel actions. The agenda includes updates on facilities projects and recruitment efforts.

• Request Approval to Develop a New Cybersecurity Certificate Program (SUSLA)
• Request Approval to Establish the Heirs Property Institute at the Southern University Law Center (SULC)
• Request Approval of Renewal of Ricoh Printing Contract (SUBR) for 29 months through 6-30-24
• Request Approval of Faculty Retirement Incentive Plans for SULC and SUBR
• Personnel actions on positions equal to or greater than $60,000, including new appointments and salary adjustments

The Board of Supervisors appointed Dennis Shields as President-Chancellor and approved several new academic programs and institutes. The board also authorized faculty retirement incentive plans for SULC and SUBR and approved a healthcare contract for SUNO students with Ochsner Health Services.

• Appointed Dennis Shields as President-Chancellor (14-1-1)
• Approved dissolution of agreement between SUSLA and Texas A&T (14-1-1)
• Approved Cybersecurity Certificate Program at SUSLA
• Approved establishment of Heirs Property Institute and Federal and Corporate Solutions Institute at SULC
• Approved faculty retirement incentive plans for SULC and SUBR
• Approved contractual agreement between SUNO and Ochsner Health Services
• Approved renewal of Ricoh Printing Contract for SUBR through 6-30-24
• Approved revisions to Employee and Immediate Family Members Tuition Waiver Policies

Southern University Board of Supervisors

The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees are meeting to decide on several personnel actions, including faculty equity adjustments and new appointments. The agenda also includes updates on campus facility renovations and requests for new graduate degree programs.

• Approval of new Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences program at SUBR
• Personnel actions for 13 positions with salaries ranging from $63,656.70 to $177,500.00
• Update on SUSLA Collier Science Building renovation contract for $178k
• Approval of faculty equity adjustments and retirement incentive plans at SUBR
• Dissolution of the agreement between SUSLA and Texas A&T

The Board of Supervisors installed Attorney Edwin Shorty as Chair and Dr. Rani Whitfield as Vice Chair. The board approved a new graduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, faculty equity adjustments, and several high-salary personnel appointments.

• Installed Atty Edwin Shorty as Board Chair and Dr. Rani Whitfield as Vice Chair
• Approved Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences degree program (SUBR)
• Approved curriculum changes for Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling merger (SUBR)
• Granted Emeritus Professor status to Dr. Nadia Nedzel (SULC)
• Approved Mid-Year Budget Adjustments FY22 BA-7 (SUS)
• Approved equity adjustments for associate professors at SUBR
• Approved 11 personnel appointments/adjustments for positions $60,000+ (excluding Mark Frederick)
• Tabled dissolution of agreement between SUSLA and Texas A&T