MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
October 28, 2002

In Open Session
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees met on Thursday, July 18, 2002 in the Jefferson Room, Grawemeyer Hall, at 4:00 p.m. with members present and absent as follows:

I. Call to Order

Having determined a quorum present, Chair Loving called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

II. Report of President

Five Year Review, Vice President for Research

Acting President Ramsey acknowledged Vice President for Research, Dr. Nancy Martin, for her many accomplishments during the past five years. Although scheduled for discussion, because of quorum, they did not discuss Dr. Martin’s five year review. He recognized Dr. Martin’s remarkable understanding of the research enterprise and how it sustains academic achievement at all levels of instruction at the University, as well as its potential to stimulate economic development and prosperity in the community. He noted that prior to becoming UofL’s acting president, he worked with Dr. Martin in various capacities. He praised Dr. Martin’s contributions toward the improvement of extramural funding and dedication to supporting faculty research.

Contingency Budget Planning

President Ramsey reported that during the trustees’ recent retreat, he discussed budget scenarios. He further noted that he recently mailed to the trustees options and scenarios for dealing with the potential 3% reduction. He reiterated the state has not yet reduced the University’s appropriation, the CPE has advised university officials to plan for a 3% nonrecurring cut at this time. He has invited Dennis Jones, President of the National Center for Higher Education Management Services, to talk about budget issues with Trustees and various University groups. Dr. Jones will also work with the newly appointed President’s Advisory Committee on budget and planning.

Dr. Ramsey reported on the donor dinner held last week and commented that two additional donor functions are scheduled before the end of the Fall semester.

II. Report of Chair

Chair Loving referenced the proposed 2003 Board of Trustees meeting schedule, noting the Board will begin meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the Jefferson Room beginning in January 2003. She invited the Board members to review the proposal and let staff know quickly if this proposal schedule will be difficult to implement.

III. Update on Presidential Search Committee

Mr. Bridgeman reported the Presidential Search Committee met on October 1 and October 21 to discuss the candidate pool for the presidency. The Committee continues to gather information as it begins narrowing down the list of candidates for further consideration. At the October 1 meeting, he said the Committee agreed to continue to accept nominations. He reported the chairs of the constituency committees presented information regarding their committees’ suggestions for the characteristics and traits of the preferred candidate. He said the committee recognized and thanked the constituency committee chairs for their investment in the search process. He noted that in closed session, the Committee began discussing the pool of candidates and agreed to obtain additional information from Korn-Ferry International prior to distilling the candidate pool.

At the October 21 meeting, he reported the Search Committee listened to a briefing from Bill Funk, the Committee’s search consultant, regarding the characteristics of the stronger candidates in the pool. Mr. Funk described the candidates’ involvement with AAU, Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research Universities, and schools that compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Mr. Funk complimented the University for attracting a strong candidate pool and was optimistic about finding an excellent candidate for the UofL presidency. Following Mr. Funk’s report, the Search Committee discussed the candidates on whom it wanted to collect additional information.

Mr. Bridgeman said the Committee’s next step is to obtain in depth background data on the stronger candidates and to discuss a smaller candidate pool. He noted that throughout the discussion at all Search Committee meetings, the members stressed that they did not want to sacrifice thoroughness for expediency. He said the committee members recognized that the right president opens the door to a new beginning at the University.

V. Executive Session

Mr. Ensign made a motion, which Mr. Bridgeman seconded, to go into executive session to discuss litigation matters. The motion passed.

VI. Open Meeting Reconvenes

The meeting reconvened at 3:24 p.m. Chair Loving reported that the Board discussed litigation matters during its executive session.

VII. Adjournment

Mr. Green made a motion, which Mr. Bridgeman seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 3:26 p.m. The motion passed.