Chair's Report
a. Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of September 16,
2003
As there were no corrections to the minutes, Chair Luoma announced
that the minutes stand approved as written.
b. Minutes of Board of Trustees Meeting of September
17, 2003
As there were no corrections to the minutes, Chair Luoma announced
that the minutes stand approved as written.
c. Draft Minutes of Executive Committee Meeting of
October 1, 2003
Chair Luoma reported that the draft minutes of the Executive
Committee meeting are included for information in the Board
packet.
d. Recognition of Immediate Past Chair: Trustee Mary
Choate
Chair Luoma recognized Trustee Mary Choate for her leadership
as Chair of the Board during the past two years. He stated that
the Board has grown into a policy-making body that has earned
the respect of all of the constituents of Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities. He thanked Trustee Choate and presented her
with a plaque in honor of her service and leadership.
e. Other
Chair Luoma stated that there have been discussions with Governor
Pawlenty’s administration regarding new initiatives, “bold
ideas” that will be proposed to the Governor for consideration
as he plans legislative and budget strategies for the years
2004 and beyond.
Chair Luoma stated that many of the Governor’s priorities,
particularly in the areas of rural revitalization and workforce
development, are closely aligned to the priorities of Chancellor
McCormick’s Work Plan and that these also are the priorities
of many legislative leaders.
Chair Luoma emphasized the importance of working with the Governor
and the Legislature stating:
- It presents the opportunity to reinforce value and service
to the people of Minnesota.
- It creates the potential for new state investment to help
implement the strategic plan.
- It showcases creative, future-oriented thinking and the
commitment to students, employers and the taxpayers.
He added that to seize this opportunity the Chancellor and
staff have asked the presidents and others to suggest ideas
about how to strengthen the ability to respond to the needs
of the state and also to the 235,000 students. They also have
solicited the input of state agency heads and many friends in
the community, including members of the Citizens Advisory Commission.
Chair Luoma stated that as we refine our thinking into “bold
ideas,” it is essential that we leverage the power we
have as a system to accomplish what we set out to do. Whatever
we propose ought to follow some guiding principles. It should:
- Make us more nimble and able to respond to immediate needs.
- Be consistent with our current priorities and direction.
- Build on our existing strengths and prior investments.
- Reinforce the need for the restoration of our funding base.
He added that there are a number of strengths on which to build
foundations already in place. For example, online learning is
an area where investments have been made and are ready to expand.
Likewise, areas such as teacher preparation, workforce development
and the ability to respond rapidly to changing needs in critical
industries are some of the areas to explore with the Governor
and Legislature.
Chair Luoma asked that all think hard, think big and think
creatively. Despite the financial challenges, he believes that
now is the time to take the opportunity to step forward.
Chair Luoma asked the Board members for their support to pursue
these conversations over the next several weeks to identify
some areas in which Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’
interests might align with those of the Governor and Legislature.
The Board of Trustees agreed to offer their support.
f. 50th Anniversary Minnesota’s Farm Business
Management Program
Chair Luoma recognized the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Farm Business Management Program’s 50th Anniversary. He
spoke of his own experience in farming growing up in northern
Minnesota. He stated that part of the mission of Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities is to support Minnesota by anticipating
and meeting the needs of the current and future workforce. He
added that he is very proud of the support to the farming industry
upon which Minnesota was built.
Chancellor McCormick stated that he and Senior Vice Chancellor
Linda Baer participated in the 50th anniversary celebration
of Farm Business Management Programs on July 6, 2003, at Breezy
Point Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota. Also attending the celebration
were Speaker Steve Sviggum, Minnesota House of Representatives;
Senator LeRoy Stumpf, Minnesota Senate; and Mr. Steve Wenzel,
State Director, USDA Rural Development. At the celebration,
Speaker Sviggum and Senator Stumpf presented special resolutions
in honor of the anniversary.
Chancellor McCormick introduced Senator LeRoy Stumpf, Mr. Steve
Wenzel, and Mr. Jim Boerboom, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota
Department of Agriculture.
Senator Stumpf thanked the Board and Chancellor McCormick and
stated that he was pleased to be present on behalf of the Minnesota
Senate. Senator Stumpf stated that the Farm Business Management
Program has had much value in greater Minnesota. He commented
that he was a participant in the program and found it very useful.
He added that the farm economy throughout the nation dropped
significantly during the early 1970’s and many farmers
sought help from the program to become more efficient and productive.
Senator Stumpf read the Senate resolution dated July 6, 2003,
commemorating Farm Business Management Education through Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities, observing 50 years of Farm
Management for Minnesota farmers and their families.
Chancellor McCormick introduced Mr. Steve Wentzel. Mr. Wentzel
stated that it was an honor and privilege to attend and added
that he grew up on a family dairy farm that is still in operation
today. He read a resolution signed by Speaker of the House,
Steve Sviggum, which was presented at the July 6, 2003, celebration.
Mr. Wentzel also read a letter from the President of the United
States, dated April 22, 2003, congratulating Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities in recognition of the 50th anniversary
of the Farm Business Management Program.
Vice Chair Robert Hoffman introduced Mr. Jim Boerboom. Mr.
Boerboom stated that he has had many personal experiences with
the Farm Business Management Program. He added that it is a
model that is unique in Minnesota and will continue for many
years to come. Mr. Boerboom read a letter from Minnesota Governor
Tim Pawlenty that was presented at the 50th Anniversary celebration
in July.
Chancellor McCormick introduced Senior Vice Chancellor Linda
Baer. Senior Vice Chancellor Baer stated that the Farm Business
Management Program serves approximately 4,000 students per year.
Ninety-two percent of farmers in the program recommend the program
to other farmers. She stated that students and their lenders
reported an average annual increase in net farm income of $5,000
per farm as a direct and immediate result of their participation
in the program. Senior Vice Chancellor Baer introduced Mr. John
Murray, state director of management programs, who has been
with the program for 37 of the program’s first 50 years.
Mr. Murray thanked the Board and Chancellor McCormick and others
involved in the celebration of the program. He stated that the
program was recognized at the Association of Career and Technical
Education with an award of merit.
Senior Vice Chancellor Baer concluded the recognition stating
that this is a great example of how Minnesota’s investment
in people has contributed to a better, stronger Minnesota.
