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President Meehan's Report to the Board |
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JACKSONVILLE -- October 16, 2001 --
University trustees on Monday adopted a strategic plan for JSU's athletic
program and gave
President Meehan power to negotiate for the purchase of a building at the
former
Fort McClellan. In other business, the President presented the following report: Houston Cole Library – The Library’s new roof system is 70% complete. The granite panels have replaced the marble on the first three floors of the north face of the building. The anticipated completion for the entire project is August 2002. Martin Hall – The Martin Hall project is complete with the exception of some mechanical problems. The mechanical engineer and architect are working to resolve the remaining issues. The building is occupied and classes are being held in the facility. The building will be rededicated in Spring 2002. Roof Replacements - The contractor for roof replacements, Simco Construction has completed approximately 95% of the project. This project includes roofing the Athletic Field House, part of Mason Hall, the dome on Merrill Building, the Press Box at Paul Snow Stadium and the boiler room. Ladiga Trail – The Chief Ladiga Trail contract has been awarded to J.F. Morgan GC, Inc. of Oxford, AL by your actions this morning. We are looking forward to having the Jacksonville portion of the Trail complete through the campus. The University’s portion will feature an information kiosk for the University and parking lot and staging area for visitors using the trail. The trail is used by visitors as well as students and university employees and will be an additional way to feature the University. Joe Ford Economic Development Center – Our joint building project with Gadsden State Community College is approximately 85% complete. The Alabama Legislature and Governor Siegelman approved an additional appropriation of $100,000 for the facility in its proposed 2002 budget. The anticipated completion of the building is December 2001. We will schedule a Board meeting during 2002 in the facility so that you may have a firsthand view of the facility. Chimney Peak – The Chimney Peak roadway project is approximately 20% complete. This project will provide a paved road to JSU’s property that will house the new observatory and provide access to the University’s nature trail. We will hear more from Mr. Pete Conroy on this project and others in a few moments. Annual Report – I am pleased to present to each of you a copy of the 2000-2001 Annual Report. What this University has accomplished over this last year is truly impressive. Despite a 6.2% proration, this year’s annual report is remarkable. Accomplishments include:
Enrollment Report – I am very pleased to report to you that thanks to efforts by the faculty, staff, students, alumni, specifically the enrollment management committee and the staff of the admissions office, JSU’s Fall enrollment 2001 represents a 5.9% increase over last fall and is an all-time enrollment high of 8,478 students. The previous record enrollment was in Fall 1990 when 8,448 students registered. Fall occupancy of University residence halls as of October 5th was 1,245 students. Occupancy rate for University apartments and houses is at 90%. ACHE - Friday, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education unanimously approved JSU’s proposal to establish the Institute for Emergency Preparedness. According to its mission, "The Institute for Emergency Preparedness will conduct scholarly research with effective education to promote comprehensive emergency management that promotes public safety, enhances the quality of life and reduces property loss." Currently, JSU offers a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with a concentration in Emergency Management. The Commission also approved our proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management. There are only four programs offered across the country, and the only comprehensive on-line program is offered by JSU. Collaborative Effort – Jacksonville State University will play a key role in helping Calhoun County teachers improve the way they teach American history. Dr. Ronny Carr, director of instructional services for Calhoun County Schools, coordinated the effort and recently received word that the county school system will receive a $523,977 U.S. Dept. of Education grant to support a three-year program called “Learning America’s Story Through Interesting New Genres," or LASTING. The program will provide professional development for at least 18 teachers. Collaborators will include JSU, the Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Berman Museum of World History. JSU history professors will help teachers broaden their knowledge of American history during two-week summer institutes and other activities. Participants will also have access to the JSU library. The national program began as an initiative of U.S. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who expressed concern over students’ ignorance of basic facts about American history. The Calhoun County school system was among 60 systems nationwide that got a grant and was the only system selected in Alabama. Athletic Hall of Fame – Two precedent-setting head coaches, a former athletic director instrumental in Jacksonville State’s move to Division I and a clutch basketball performer represent the Class of 2001 in the JSU Athletic Hall of Fame. This Friday night, October 19th, Rudy Abbott, Charlie Pell, Jerry Cole and Melvin Allen will be inducted into the JSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Parents Day / Family Day - October 20th – Activities are planned for this weekend that will feature academic and student affairs programs beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Stephenson Hall with fun activities for all members of the family, following up to game time when the Gamecocks will take on Southwest Texas State in Paul Snow Stadium at 2:00 p.m. Constitutional Reform – On October 23rd, Jacksonville State University, The Alabama-Georgia Foothills Forum, The Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce, and Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform will sponsor a conference entitled “Why Alabama Can’t Wait,” at the Richard M. Scrushy Conference Center in Birmingham. The conference is open to the public and addresses issues of how to reform Alabama’s antiquated 1901 Constitution. Speakers will include leaders from education, business and government. Workshops will invite citizens to deliberate on issues such as school funding and local democracy. The program begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m., with lunch included. Judge Howard Hawk of Arab will deliver the keynote address. Governor Don Siegelman has been invited to welcome the conference attendees. Among other speakers will be Mike Warren, chairman of Energen Corp.; former U.S. Rep. Jack Edwards of Mobile; former Gov. Albert Brewer; Dr.Thomas Meredith, chancellor of the University of Alabama System; Dr. Thomas E. Corts, president of Samford University, Ethel H. Hall, vice-president, Alabama State Board of Education; and our own Alabama Secretary of State, Jim Bennett. The heart of the program will include four workshops for citizens to address reform issues. The topics are local democracy, funding and education, how a constitutional convention can work and students’ participation. Attack on America – The events of Tuesday, September 11th will be permanently etched in our minds and hearts forever. I am extremely proud of our students, faculty, and staff for the manner in which they have handled themselves and the way that they supported each other. The tragedy was brought home to us as our own Pearl Williams lost her son Maj. Dwayne Williams at the Pentagon. Our campus and community came together in raising money for the Red Cross, holding candlelight vigils, and at our Day of Prayer and Remembrance. We continue to be supportive of our emergency management personnel and military men and women who have been called to active duty. We will continue to ask God’s blessing on them, their families, our leaders and our nation. God Bless America. |
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