Executive Committee Meeting June 6, 2024

The Executive Committee met on June 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in Meeting Room 201 of the Freeman Center with Chair of the Committee Lindsey Carney Smith, Esq., presiding.

Present from the Committee

Lindsey Carney Smith, Esq., Chair and Rector
William A. Estrada, Esq. (at large)
John R. Lawson, II
Christy T. Morton, Secretary
The Honorable Ronald L. Tillett
Lee Vreeland, Ed.D.

Absent from the Committee

Terri M. McKnight, CPA, Vice Rector
Mr. C. Larry Pope (at large)

Remote Participant

LTC (R) Boris G. Robinson - Remote participation permitted due to distance between the member’s primary residence and the meeting location pursuant to Code of Virginia § 2.2-3708.3(B)(4). Mr. Robinson participated from Round Rock, TX.

Other Board Members Present

Brentley K. Archer
Regina P. Brayboy

Present from the University

William G. Kelly, President
Jennifer B. Latour, Chief of Staff
Maureen Matsen, Legal Counsel
Brian Puaca, Faculty Senate Representative
Other members of the Cabinet

At 10:02 a.m., Chair Carney Smith officially commenced the Executive Committee meeting, extending a warm welcome to all attendees. She noted that Mr. Robinson was joining remotely and acknowledged the absence of Vice Rector McKnight and Mr. Pope.

Chair Carney Smith called for a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting on April 18, 2024. Mr. Estrada provided the motion, it was seconded by Christy Morton, and the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of the Board.

The meeting then transitioned to its main agenda with presentations from university personnel. Ms. Vanessa Buehlman, Director of the Bonner Service Scholars Program, delivered a detailed presentation on the program's history and its current funding needs for FY25. Dr. Colvin, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, followed with an update on the Strategic Compass initiative, discussing the inclusive process of gathering ideas and data, with plans to make recommendations to the President in the fall. Chair Carney Smith took a moment to formally recognize Dr. Colvin's significant contributions, which was met with applause and appreciation from the Board.

President Kelly was then invited to update the Board on various topics, including the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP), discussions on net price, and the ongoing work of the Shoe Lane Task Force.

The committee then discussed the possible establishment of a prohibition of weapons regulation. Chair Carney Smith explained the differences between policy and regulation, prompting Dr. Hughes and Ms. Matsen to review the policy updates and the regulatory process.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the election of Board officers. The process for selecting a presiding officer to bridge the gap from June until the annual Board of Visitors meeting in September was explained, alongside a recommendation for a review of the bylaws concerning the timing for officer elections.

Chair Carney Smith expressed gratitude to President Kelly for his leadership and to all members for their engaged participation, marking a productive meeting focusing on significant organizational and strategic matters.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:12 a.m.