Trustees approve four new degree programsPosted: May 5th, 2009CONTACTS: John Shibley, e-mail, 906-635-2314; Tom Pink, e-mail 635-2314.
GESTURE OF THANKS I – Lake Superior State University President Rodney Lowman reads a Board of Trustees resolution commending Barbara Cliff for service as Chair of the LSSU-governing body. Cliff, whose term as trustee officially ends in January, is making the transition to CEO of Windber Medical Center in rural western Pennsylvania. Trustee W. W. "Frenchie" LaJoie step in as Chair this month. He is shown in the foreground with fellow trustees Cindy Dingle and, across the way, Chuck Schmidt during the public meeting on May 1. (LSSU/John Shibley)
A print-resolution photo that runs with the caption above can be found by clicking here.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s Board of Trustees, meeting during its regular session on Friday, May 1, approved four new degree programs, saluted recipients of the Employee of the Year Awards for 2008 and 2009, and bid farewell to Board Chair Barb Cliff, who is leaving to take a job out of state.
The board also heard a campus environmental sustainability report from student Brianne Lunn, discussed the university’s finances and coming accreditation visit with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and read a resolution of appreciation for Joe Herbig, vice president of finance, who is leaving LSSU this month.
During his remarks at the beginning of the meeting, LSSU President Rodney Lowman recognized hockey fan Cliff with a signed Laker hockey stick and a board resolution.
“Dr. Cliff has served the University with dignity and diplomacy as a board member,” Lowman said. “Her service to LSSU complements her long record of Laker pride, her support for the health professions, her great passion for Laker hockey and her support for all students.”
Cliff was also recognized by nursing student Rebecca Bloom, a graduating senior from Algonac, for her support of the LSSU nursing program. Cliff, whose term as a board member would have expired this December, has been chair of the board for two years.
As part of his academic affairs report, LSSU Provost Scott Amos sought recommendation for and received approval for promotion of Kimberly Muller from assistant professor to associate professor of mathematics, and received approval on four new academic programs, including a bachelor of science in conservation biology, bachelor of arts in conservation leadership, a bachelor of science in electrical engineering technology and an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology.
“When we first discussed this, I was surprised to see the conservation leadership offered as a BA instead of a BS degree,” said Trustee Chuck Schmidt. “But as we went through it yesterday, I thought it was very intriguing to have a degree in the sciences such as this. It sets us apart a little bit and provides unique opportunities for students.”
LSSU Biology Professor Dennis Merkel said the conservation leadership degree would be valuable for persons interested in positions such as the head of a watershed council, where he or she would be a one-person office and would need skills in finances, public relations, communication, grant-writing and more.
Amos also reported on the status of the university’s accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and said the university is on track for the HLC accreditation visit in November 2010. LSSU committee leaders from several accreditation groups working on the self-study report required for HLC accreditation made presentations at the meeting. At the conclusion, Amos said he would be looking for one person to coordinate, write and edit the self-study report, which he said needs to be candid in identifying the university’s challenges and demonstrating a plan to address them.
At the conclusion of Amos’ report, Cliff said the board wants accreditation on every one of its meeting agendas so that any stumbling blocks, resource needs or challenges may be addressed.
In an enrollment update, LSSU Enrollment Services VP Bill Eilola said the number of students registered for this fall is 100 more than last year at this time and nearly 200 more than this date in 2007. Eilola credited work done throughout campus on improving retention, including follow-up by academic units and department secretaries.
Eilola said LSSU has slightly fewer applications for the coming year, as do most universities in Michigan, but said he expects to see activity increase in the coming weeks as families compare financial aid awards and consider their personal economic situations.
Fisheries and wildlife management student Brianne Lunn reported on a campus sustainability review that was undertaken by Prof. Dennis Merkel’s interdisciplinary class, The Human Environment.” Lunn said the students created five projects to look into campus recycling and energy conservation efforts.
“We found out that the campus is doing more than we thought; we just didn’t know about it,” Lunn said.
Students in subsequent classes will continue the efforts in the coming years.
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, the board was introduced to Finance VP Herbig’s replacement, Sherry Brooks, an LSSU alumna who is currently an assistant professor in the LSSU School of Business, Entrepreneurial and Legal Studies. Brooks, a certified public accountant, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from LSSU and was formerly treasurer for Tendercare Inc. and assistant controller for Bay Mills Indian Community.
The board approved a slate of officers for the coming year, selecting W.W. “Frenchy” LaJoie as chair and new members Patrick Egan and Jenny Kronk as first and second vice-chairs, respectively. Staff members Brooks and Kaye Batho will serve as treasurer and secretary, respectively.
In other business, the board approved several appointments to public school academy boards and recognized LSSU Employees of the Year from 2008-2009 and 2007-2008. Last year’s Employees of the Year were Colleen Barr and Jerry Stephens, while this year’s recipients are Judy Bawks and Al Case.
GESTURE OF THANKS II – Graduating Lake Superior State University Nursing student Rebecca Bloom (Algonac, Mich.) thanks outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Barb Cliff for all of the support she has provided to LSSU's nursing program. Bloom and her fellow seniors pooled resources for the farewell gift, shown wrapped on the table. Cliff, an LSSU nursing alum and hospital administrator, has been instrumental in consolidating LSSU's nursing program during her tenure as trustee at Lake State, including the establishment of a scholarship in her mother's memory. Bloom presented the gift as LSSU faculty and staff looked on during a public meeting on May 1. (LSSU/John Shibley)
A print-resolution photo that runs with the caption above can be found by clicking here.
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