Board Discusses Array of Topics

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   The Board of Visitors met for the first time this semester in the Spencer Gallery of the Fine Arts Center Oct. 12. The Board discussed a variety of topics including the upcoming opportunity to vote for Act 1. 

   “Act 1 will bring $4.1 million to this campus,” Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. “I ask that you vote.” 

   The chancellor also said the campus currently operated on outdated software and emphasized the importance of replacing it. He said UAM would be one of 10 colleges in Arkansas to have the e-corridor. 

   The Board discussed the university’s new strategic plan, the first one to be published in 10 years. 

   “It is rough, but we will go through and upgrade,” Lassiter said. “I’m very proud of this. If a strategic plan is not moving forward, the institution is not moving forward. 

   Jay Jones, the new vice chancellor of admissions, expressed positive sentiments about being in Monticello. He said he was looking forward to moving his family down. 

   “There is a lot of construction contemplated over the next couple of years,” Jones said. “One thing that attracted me to UAM was Dr. Lassiter. He has a plan.” 

   Clay Brown, vice chancellor of Student Affairs, introduced Lindsey Kight, the new director of Student Programs and Activities. Brown said he was glad they were successful at bringing Kight, a former student, back to UAM. 

   Brown also introduced Steve Davis, the new special events coordinator. Davis will coordinate with anyone off campus who wishes to use campus facilities. 

   Brown announced that cafeteria renovations had started. He said the renovations would include new floor, lighting counter-top areas and bar-type tables. 

   "Nothing had been done to it since it had been built in 1982," Brown said. "As we conclude this semester at Christmas, it should all be completed."

   Linda Rushing, vice chancellor of the UAM College of Technology-Crossett, updated the Board on status of the Crossett campus. 

   “We’ve always been serious about recruitment, but we’re really serious about recruitment now,” Rushing said. “Out masterplan is coming right along. We have everything we need. Everything is moving along very well.” 

   Rushing said that starting in the spring they would have $10,000, courtesy of the Economic Development Foundation of Crossett, to help assist students who need it. For students to qualify for the assistance, they must work in the Crossett area for 12 months and maintain a 2.0 GPA. 

   UAM remains the only campus in Arkansas where the governor appoints its board members; this became a topic of interest during the meeting.

   “I don’t have a problem with that, but the process is cumbersome,” Lassiter said. “It is not the governor’s fault. Basically, the board of trustees appoints you.” 

   Lassiter said he would like to be able to go to the legislature delegation and bring a recommendation of changing the board from a recommendation by the governor to the board of trustees. 

   “I like the make-up of our board,” Lassiter said. “It makes sure all seven counties we work in are present. Seven are alumni; two representatives from each campus.”

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