Board told revenues up

Will Whiting
Managing Editor

    The University of Arkansas-Monticello's Board of Visitors met on the Monticello campus Oct. 5 in a general meeting to discuss UAM finances and other university-related issues.

   Board President Ian Beer of Monticello called the meeting to order. Following his call to order, individuals from various departments on campus issued reports about their areas. A portion of the meeting focused on the university ending the 2003-2004 fiscal year in the black.

   Dr. Mark Davis, vice chancellor for finance and administration, provided the board with positive news concerning the university's fiscal year end.

   “All of our revenues were up for this year,” Davis said. “Total revenues exceeded total expenditures by $2,392 for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.”

   Davis attributed the positive revenues to a variety of things, but he said he believes the recent increase in student enrollment was a significant factor.

   Davis also reported to the board on the master plan being developed for the university system. The plan will help university officials improve the campus appearance, landscaping, possible future developments and a variety of other detailed projects.

   “We are very excited about working with the architect over the coming year,” Davis said. “Not only is this exciting for the Monticello campus, but it is also exciting for the Crossett and McGehee campuses as they will be included in the planning.”

   In addition to finances, the board addressed several other university related issues:

• David Ray, vice chancellor for academic affairs, discussed current academic concerns including concurrent enrollment for high school students.
  
  “I recently met with 13 area superintendents to discuss the possibility of UAM coming back into their schools to offer courses,” Ray said. “The interest level is very high at this time.”
  
  Ray also announced his newest staff member. Former UAM employee Dr. Ranelle Eubanks returned to the university to accept the position of assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs at the beginning of October. Eubanks comes to UAM from Auburn University - Montgomery where she served as Director of the Student Services Center.
  
  Ray also briefed the board on the new academic catalog currently in the development stages. The catalog, set to be released in July 2005, will include all three campuses of the UAM system.
  
  
• Dr. Peggy Doss, vice chancellor for student affairs and university relations, presented the board with a brief homecoming update. According to Doss, several events will take place during the week preceding Halloween.
  
  “We are very excited about the homecoming festivities, and we hope our turnout is big,” Doss said. “In addition to providing our alumni and friends with a variety of activities homecoming weekend, students will also have numerous events to take part in during the week.”
  
  Additionally, Doss acknowledged the increase in student enrollment again this fall. Figures released by Doss indicated the enrollment for the UAM system to be at 2,942.
  
  Doss also included an update to the board on the 2004 annual phonathon fundraising campaign conducted through the university relations office. Current reports show the campaign has already exceeded the amount of gifts received this time last year.
  
  “We are very pleased with the success we have had so far with our phonathon,” Doss said. “It is exciting to know our alumni and friends are willing to give back to their university.”
  
  
• Athletic Director Alvy Early announced two new competitive sports coming to UAM. The new sports, women's volleyball and men's cross country, will keep the university in compliance with current athletic regulations.
  
  Early also announced UAM offered more athletic scholarships to deserving recipients this year. The increase in scholarship money came from the extra money generated in student athletic fees.
  
  
• UAM Chancellor Dr. Jack Lassiter addressed the board last. Lassiter complimented the work of the Higher Learning Commission team of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools who was on campus to re-accredit the university. Several members of the accrediting team made an appearance at the Board of Visitors meeting.
  
  Lassiter also told the board about ideas to the promote the university. Current plans include renting local billboards and movie theater advertisements aimed to promote UAM and help with student recruitment efforts. Lassiter said a video production team will be on campus homecoming week to shoot footage for a new recruitment video..

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