Spring 2003 General Assembly Speech
Jan. 17, 2003, 2 p.m., Albert Taylor Hall
Thank you for adjusting your calendars to accommodate this assembly. When I learned that Governor Sebelius would deliver her budget proposal on Wednesday night, it seemed prudent to delay this assembly to allow discussion of her recommendations.
As we embark on another year and another semester, we have a great deal to celebrate. When I asked for some examples to highlight in this address, in 2 days I received 14 single spaced pages.
Clearly, we continue to excel even in the face of reduced resources. I applaud you for your efforts to enhance our academic programs and support services for students, to provide professional opportunities and mentoring for students, and to excel in your own professional activities.
In the Governor’s message, Wednesday night she called for civic involvement. This has been part of our mission since our founding 140 years ago. In recent years, we have specifically targeted service as part of our strategic plan and our performance indicators. If anything, we need to talk about our service to the community, state, region, and nation.
Recent accomplishments
We need to let others outside of the University know how much they get from their investment in Emporia State University. Our return on investment is significant through our economic impact as well as the more intangible but equally important service contributions. Let me take just a few minutes to mention several accomplishments of the past semester.
Brian Ferrell, a senior from Emporia, is president of the national chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, a division of Future Business Leaders of America.
Tyler Paul, from Enterprise and a stand out running back for our football team, was recognized as an Academic All American this fall.
Robert Everett scored in the top three on the CPA exam. Robert was a student in our Johnson County program.
Phil Samuels, Joplin, Mo.and S.J. Moore, Emporia, recently defeated debate teams from University of North Texas and Dartmouth to win the William Jewell College Tournament.
Two new degrees made their debut this fall: a bachelor’s degree in athletic training that meets national accreditation requirements and a revised master’s in biology. Across campus, faculty have scrutinized their programs to ensure they are up to date, rigorous, and viable. Also notable is the expanded options for evening classes in the MBA program to allow working professionals to earn their degrees as well as the ever increasing opportunities on-line.
A collaborative program with KCKCC will offer students in the metro area an opportunity to complete Early Childhood/Elementary Education in KC. While meeting the needs of placebound students in an urban setting, the University also turned its attention to rural KS by offering special education and reading courses for placebound students in Ulysses, Garden City, and Dodge.
The University addressed needs of 120 international students from 22 countries during the International Information Policy Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The University also is attentive to the needs of low income and ethnic minorities. An example is the Low Income Taxpayers Clinic Grant given to Dr. Becky Sheely to provide free services for taxpayers especially targeting the Hispanic population.
The Learning Institute, a collaborative venture between Lifelong Learning and the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, is proving to be a highly successful program. These examples highlight the breadth of our outreach from urban to rural, from underserved poplations in Emporia to underserved populations internationally.
Dr. Ken Weaver won the outstanding teaching award from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology
Bob Goltra received the Outstanding Academic Advising Award for administrators-an award developed specifically for ESU since we have won every award given by the National Academic Advising Association.
Diana Kuhlmann was selected as the National Association of College and University Business Officers Rising Star.
Dr. Charles Brown will spend a week in Greece next May complements of the Jacobsen Research Award from the International Society for Universal Dialogue.
Another international traveler is Dr. Ted Toadvine who has been invited to join the faculty of a prestigious 3-week symposium for post-graduate students in contemporary European philosophy in Italy this summer.
Elaine Henry had a remarkable opportunity to work with other artists and teach seminars in China this past fall.
Dr. Richard Schrock, a frequent visiting professor to China, returned this past year to continue his work with school personnel.
While many were munching on fudge and other holiday treats, Dr. Marco Polo Hernandez and Dr. Martin Cuellar supervised students in a study abroad experience in Spain and Dr. Ivan Blanco taught at our exchange university in France.
Judy Davison, Diane Miller, and Frank Mullins are involved with BIA schools throughout the nation to provide monitoring services related to IDEA.
David Kaplan testified before the Bush New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in Washington and was featured twice on CNN.
The American Association of Physics Teachers through funding from the National Science Foundation selected ESU as one of 11 institutions in the nation as a Rural Regional Center to provide inservice education for teachers of physics and physical sciences.
The School of Library and Information Management received a gift of $1.7 million from the John and Valeta Richel estate for scholarships/fellowships, an endowed professorship, and operating support. This gift represents the largest single gift from a donor in the University’s history. Such generosity demonstrates the trust that Mr. & Mrs. Richel had in our SLIM program.
This was a banner year for the Theater program with faculty and students receiving 7 Meritorious Achievement Awards at the 2002 Kennedy Center American College Theater Regional Festival. Clearly individuals throughout our area recognize the merits of our Theater program with 12,000 people attending productions this year.
Our fall enrollment was the largest since 1994 at just over 6,000 students. Our residence halls were filled at 99 percent. While the enrollment increase stretched our resources and class enrollment limits, the new funding process permitted the University to use the increased tuition revenues to offset some of our budget reductions. Lifelong Learning has had a banner year with a nearly 100 percent enrollment increase. Yet, it is noteworthy that our on campus enrollment increased by 5 percent over the past 5 years and we had a 13 percent increase in new freshmen this fall.
One avenue for us to achieve financial flexibility and accomplish our institutional goals is through external funding. I am pleased that submissions for external funding have increased by nearly $850,000 over the past year. The hallmark is the $3.8 M grant received by Dr. Seguin and Dr. Sehlaoui to provide ESL certification coursework for K-12 teachers. We are also in the final revisions of the Title III grant to be submitted next month.
Through the assistance of Linda Hazel and staff in the Great Plains Center for National Teacher Certification, ESU has the highest pass rate in the nation for candidates seeking National Board Certification. It is noteworthy that one in six Kansas educators has received at least one degree from ESU. I am also pleased that the satisfaction surveys of graduates of our teacher preparation programs are among the highest in the country. The retention of our graduates in the teaching profession is also higher than any institution in the state.
On November 1, the University officially completed the last of the Crumbling Classroom projects that have made a profound difference in our classroom environments as well as safety and accessibility needs.
Usually the domain of scout troops and PTO’s, our bake sale in September was a great success as we attempted to recoup $1.7 million “one cookie at a time”.
The subsequent sale of our cookbook and aprons raised over $2,000. Much of the recognition for organizing these events goes to Dr. Ron Keith, Dr. Dwight Moore, Jodi Ek and Marjorie Stevens. I have asked Dr. Keith to determine how we will spend the proceeds from these efforts. Not only did we raise some money, we had fun doing it. Such efforts bring together members of the campus in a positive and fun way. We need to more of these.
Another unique effort this fall has been the conceptualization of the Innovation Center. Although it has limited funding, it has encouraged two innovative efforts: one for Barbara Bleeker and her students to write, edit, and produce the first ESU Children’s Book. As the site for the WAW Children’s Book Award, this is an appropriate venture. Another project is a website “History’s Heroes” being developed by Joyce Theirer.
ESU was the first University in Kansas to be certified by the INS under the new SEVIS system to follow international students. Given the numerous changes that have occurred for international student services, this is a noteworthy accomplishment.
On February 15 the University will celebrate its 140th birthday. It is noteworthy that the SLIM program celebrated its 100th birthday this year and is recognized as the oldest, continuous program west of the Mississippi River.
A perennial program that deserves recognition is the Expanding Your Horizons in Math and Science conference held each spring for girls in grades 6-8. During the past 9 years, Marvin Harrell and Betsy Yanik have influenced literally thousands of girls to increase their interest in math and science and to foster career opportunities in these fields.
Several individuals/offices deserve recognition for their efforts to keep us healthy and in good physical condition. These include Norma Robinson in the Student Health Center, Donna Allen in the Wellness Center, Jo Kord in the Student Rec Center, and their respective staffs. We are very busy but we are only as effective as our bodies and minds allow us to be.
Excerpts from the graduating senior survey indicated students feel their experiences in their major field are characterized by mutual respect between students and faculty and that ESU is a stimulating place to study that has left them well prepared for future professional work or graduate study. They also indicated they felt they had made personal progress in their ability to put ideas together, to see relationships, similarities and differences as well as develop skills for lifelong learning.
I am impressed by the students I meet as freshmen and
watch as they mature and develop over the next four years. The value
added provided by ESU is truly remarkable. We are a learning community
where all faculty and staff have an opportunity to contribute to the
growth and development of our students.
I could add more and wish time permitted this opportunity. However,
please know that you are deeply appreciated. I hope you know that you
are. Please take time to enjoy one another and tell others how much
you appreciate them.
Employee Policy Manual
After many hours and careful review, the Employee Policy Manual will be available on-line in the very near future. The manual has been updated to reflect current University terminology, i.e. gender neutral, “department” rather “division”, etc. and has been reorganized to simplify our ability to find information.
Over the holiday break, I found a note from Dr. Kuehn dated August 1999 that made the observation that this effort “could be one of the most important university review committees this coming year.” Clearly, he appreciated the importance of this work but I don’t think he comprehended the effort he and others would devote to this committee. He went on to say in caps, “I FEEL STRONGLY THAT WORK ON THE FACULTY HANDBOOK AND REVISION OF THE UNIVERSITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL will save the University from potential headaches in the future.”
It has become apparent to the committee that some of our policies are outdated. Most of these were Faculty Senate Bills and changes must be initiated by this body. Dr. Keith is aware of these and work has commenced to bring them in alignment with current practice.
I have often stated the importance of having a University Handbook that is readily accessible by all employees. The web based product will address this expectation in a cost effective manner. I have been assured that only Barb Kern has authorization to make changes as they are approved. Furthermore, an electronic document will ensure that the manual is up to date at all times.
The efforts of Dr. Schwenn, Dr. Kuehn, Dr. Calhoun, Barb Kern, as well as many others who spent numerous hours during the past semester reviewing the document should be applauded. I have been assured by those involved in this project that the contents have not been altered. I urge all of you to routinely refer to the manual and bring suggestions for changes to the attention of your Faculty Senate representatives, Classified Assembly representatives, or your Vice President. Our intent is to have a manual that is up to date and user friendly.
Butcher Children's School
The closing of Butcher Children’s School has created heartache for many who had affiliation with this fine program. The decision by the school district ended a legacy the University has treasured. However, this was a school district program and a school district decision.
The building will be vacated by the school district next summer and will be available for University use next fall. As many of you know, the University has significant space needs and several programs have requested access to this space. I have reviewed these requests, considered them in context of the space available, and the overall organization of the physical space of the campus. I have met with the Vice Presidents and Director of the Physical Plant regarding how these needs can be met.
As you would expect, a domino effect occurs anytime an office or program is relocated. The preliminary configuration has been determined and I have asked the Vice Presidents to meet with the programs that will be impacted. Given the holiday break, all individuals have not been consulted. Barring any major obstacles, I hope we can announce the plans within the next couple weeks. I appreciate the curiosity some may have but hope you will understand the importance of faculty and staff having an opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of these plans prior to hearing about it through the media or other sources.
The budget
Now for the topic many of you really are here for: The Budget. The Governor delivered her budget proposal to the Legislature on Wednesday night. Those of us in attendance appreciate the Governor’s recognition that earlier budget cuts have done damage to higher education.
As Regent Ferguson stated in a follow up interview, “the bleeding has stopped but the pain is still very real.” You may have heard that higher education along with K-12 has been held harmless. What the Governor really said was that the budgets for higher education would remain at their current levels. That is the level following the unfunded mandates for the FY03 budget and subsequent allotments in August and November.
For ESU, this represents 7.7 percent or $2.3 million of our budget from a year ago. We had accomplished these budget reductions through some permanent changes such as combining the Associate Vice President and Graduate Dean positions, shifting the duties of the Dean of Enrollment Management to the Vice President for Student Affairs, eliminating a career counselor, combining the heads of CETECH and CATS into one position and downgrading the remaining position to a support level.
Other reductions were considered to be temporary such as holding positions vacant (TEC, architect) or using emergency funds, equipment funds, and other one-time sources that we could get along without for a year but not as part of a permanent reduction.
Our base budget is not being restored at this point and we now must determine how we will absorb a reduction of $2.3 million in our budget. We are very fortunate to have enjoyed enrollment growth and that the budgeting process allows us to apply tuition revenue to offset the losses in state funds. Never have new students looked so good as they are protecting us from the full impact of budget reductions.
Our enrollment must be maintained and, if we want any fiscal flexibility, it must increase. But, I also know that a fragile balance must be considered. That is, class size must be carefully monitored to ensure we do not jeopardize one of our greatest strengths. We must also provide students with an educational experience that reinforces their decision to attend Emporia State University.
As I indicated earlier this is a fragile balance: how much of our tuition income can be used to address the budget shortfall, how much should be devoted to equipment, technology, and support services to address student needs and expectations, and how much must be used for additional faculty and staff to address academic priorities.
I am delighted the Governor recommended 1.5 percent salary increases. We are keenly aware that such an increase is modest but it is something and attempts to acknowledge the work you have performed in the face of fiscal adversity as well as your dedication to the state of Kansas. The budget detail will be available early next week. I have asked Ray Hauke and Diana Kuhlmann to review these documents carefully and to begin discussion with the budget and tuition committee immediately. A meeting has been set for next Friday morning.
In addition to all of the items they will be considering, I have a personal commitment---restoration of our out of state travel funds. These funds were part of the FY03 reductions that I had hoped would be restored. Now that this money is gone from the base, we will need to re-allocate from other sources to return travel funding to a level that will enable us to fulfill our professional obligations. I don’t know whether we will be able to accomplish this promise in one year but we will make every effort to do what is possible.
A final observation regarding the budget: Please remember the comments above reflect the Governor’s recommendations. The next step will be consideration by the Legislature. We will not know the final budget for FY04 until late this spring. Yet, we must begin planning now with the information that is available.
CASE award
This week, ESU was honored for a program many of you were involved in last spring. The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) honored the Campus/Community Scholarship Challenge with a silver award.
Despite all of the budget concerns we have, last year you opened your hearts and wallets when you were asked to support our students through this fund-raiser for the Presidential Academic Awards (PAA) scholarship program. 63 percent of ESU faculty and staff gave nearly $38,700, tripling the previous record for on-campus participation and almost doubling the previous record for money raised on-campus.
The recognition by CASE is especially gratifying when coupled with the editorial in The Bulletin that personally thanked faculty and staff for making scholarships possible. The students in The Bulletin story expressed their gratitude for both the financial support and for setting such a positive example for ESU students.
Your support of the scholarship program has been mirrored by the Trustees of the ESU Foundation who have steadfastly held scholarships as their top priority as well as by the community who brought the amount raised for PAA’s to $222,000. Soon we will kick off the 2003 Scholarship Challenge. The goal for this drive is $400,000 with 70 percent participation from the campus and a target of $50,000. Please say yes when contacted by your campus chair. It is imperative for the University to continue our upward trend to recruit and retain high quality students.
In rememberance
Before we leave, would you please join me in a moment of silence for two of our colleagues who passed away during the fall semester: Larry Hannah and Gary McAmis. We appreciate their many contributions to the campus and we will miss them.
(pause)
Thank you.
Please have a wonderful spring semester. Thank you for all you do for the University, our students, and for one another.
Last Updated July 2, 2007>