The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the Board of Trustees’ Office. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are not official Board of Trustees' documents.
Board of Trustees
April 12, 2001
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Thursday, April 12, 2001, at 1:35 p.m. in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.
Members present were: Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Board Chairman; Mr. Herbert C. Adams; Mr. Arthur S. Bahnmuller; Mr. James Bradley; Mr. Alexander English; Mr. A.C. Fennell, III; Dr. C. Edward Floyd; Mr. Samuel R. Foster, II; Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. William C. Hubbard; Mr. Toney J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. Robert N. McLellan; Mr. J. DuPre Miller; Ms. Darla D. Moore; Mr. Michael J. Mungo; Mrs. Inez M. Tenenbaum; Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr.; and Mr. Othniel H. Wienges, Jr. Mr. M. Wayne Staton was absent. The faculty representative, Professor Caroline Strobel, and the student representative, Mr. Corey Ford, were both present.
Others present were: President John M. Palms; Secretary Thomas L. Stepp; Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jerome D. Odom; Vice President and Chief Operating Officer J. Lyles Glenn; Vice President for Research William C. Harris; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer William F. Hogue; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Dennis A. Pruitt; Vice President for Human Resources Jane M. Jameson; Interim Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Allan W. Barber; Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Regional Campuses Chris P. Plyler; Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Gordon B. Smith; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Chancellor of USC Aiken Thomas L. Hallman; Chancellor of USC Spartanburg John C. Stockwell; Dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology Ralph E. White; Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Joan Hinde Stewart; Dean of USC Beaufort Jane T. Upshaw; Dean of USC Lancaster Joseph Pappin; Dean of USC Salkehatchie Ann Carmichael; Dean of USC Union James W. Edwards; Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, USC Spartanburg, Judith Prince; Associate Dean for Clinical Research and Special Projects, School of Medicine, Stanley D. Fowler; Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, USC Sumter, Anthony M. Coyne; Interim Budget Director, Office of Budget and Finance, Robert E. Bugbee; Director of the Office of Facilities Planning and Construction and University Architect Charles G. Jeffcoat; Professor, Department of Philosophy, and Chair of the Faculty Welfare Committee Jerald T. Wallulis; Assistant to the Vice President, Office of Budget and Finance, Ken Corbett; Director of Planning Services, Facilities Planning and Construction, Donna Collins; Professor in the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education, College of Education, Diane Stephens; Chairman of the Union/Laurens Commission for Higher Education Col. William J. Whitener; State Representative and Associate Professor, Business Administration, USC Salkehatchie, William K. Bowers and guests; Undergraduate Student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Information Technology, C. Tysin Nettles; Director of Presidential Communications & Research Gail Widner; Lutheran Campus Pastor The Reverend Martin P. Jessiman; Director of Public Affairs Russell McKinney; and members of the media.
Chairman Whittle stated that notice of the meeting had been posted and the press notified as required by the Freedom of Information Act; the agenda and supporting materials had been circulated to the members; and a quorum was present to conduct business.
Chairman Whittle welcomed everyone and invited those present to introduce themselves. Mr. McKinney introduced the representatives from the press, and The Reverend Martin Jessiman delivered the Invocation.
Chairman Whittle stated there were personnel matters with respect to honorary degree candidates, honorary faculty titles, appointments with tenure, transfer of an academic appointment, tenure as librarian, and a reappointment appropriate for Executive Session. Mr. Bradley moved to enter Executive Session and Mr. Wienges seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
The following persons were invited to remain: Dr. Palms, Mr. Stepp, Dr. Odom, Mr. Glenn, Dr. Pruitt, Ms. Jameson, Mr. Parham, Dr. Plyler, Mr. Robert Staton, Dr. Barber, Dr. Harris, Dr. Hogue, Dr. Hallman, Dr. Stockwell, Dr. McGee, Mr. McKinney, Ms. Warren, and Ms. Tweedy.
Return to Open Session
There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes; therefore, they stood approved as distributed.
Dr. Fowler provided an update on cancer research programs and the South Carolina Cancer Center. An overview of the rationale and historical perspective of the Center was provided. Strategies that would be pursued this year included developing a Clinical Research and Experimental Therapeutics Program and strengthening translational research. The South Carolina Cancer Center was positioned to grow, provided an effective mechanism for recruitment of new faculty, and had fostered strong community support.
Dr. Faulkner's presentation addressed the medical workforce in South Carolina and the USC School of Medicine's role within that parameter. He stated that South Carolina did not have too many medical students, residents, or physicians. The medical education system in South Carolina trained an appropriate number of physicians in the different fields. Dr. Faulkner concluded that the School of Medicine had been an effective and efficient contributor to the medical education, research, and health care systems in South Carolina.
The following person would be awarded the title Dean Emeritus effective concurrent with his retirement on December 31, 2000: Dr. Julian H. Fincher
The following would be awarded the title Distinguished Professor during their final year of service. That title would change to Distinguished Professor Emeritus effective upon retirement:
The following person would be awarded the title Distinguished Professor during her final year of service. That title would change to Distinguished Professor Emerita effective upon retirement: Dr. Ann Adele Lee
The following would be awarded the title Emerita Professor effective upon retirement:
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of these honorary faculty titles. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of Dr. Chillag's appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. Bradley moved approval of Dr. Hendricks' appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. Foster seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of Dr. DeFord's appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. Bradley seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Dr. Love's appointment with tenure would be transferred from the Department of Government and International Studies to the Department of Religious Studies in the College of Liberal Arts.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the transfer of Dr. Love's academic appointment with tenure as presented. Mr. Adams seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval to award Karen Taylor tenure at the rank of Librarian in the Law Library, School of Law. Mr. Lister seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
This request had received all appropriate academic and administrative approvals and was presented without objection to the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee and to the Board in Executive Session.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the College of Pharmacy departmental name changes as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Bahnmuller seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, USC Spartanburg as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Lister seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, USC Spartanburg at the University Center of Greenville as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, USC Spartanburg at the University Center of Greenville as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Dr. Floyd seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy, College of Education as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Fennell seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of the Professional Masters Program in Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mrs. Harvey seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, Mr. McLellan moved approval of this request to remove the Board of Trustees from the appeal process at regional campuses as described in the materials for this meeting. Mr. Loadholt seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
In addition, during the March 22, 2001, Committee meeting, Dr. Caroline Strobel, Chair of the Faculty Senate, and Dr. Jerald Wallulis, Chair of the Faculty Welfare Committee, presented a report concerning the Faculty Survey and the Faculty Objectives for 2005, which they would review later in the meeting. The Committee also approved the establishment of an Indirect Cost Recovery Funds Quasi-Endowment. Dr. Odom distributed information regarding the Ranking of Academic Programs and Departments. And, Dean Sederberg presented to the Committee a proposal to charge a student user or enrichment fee in the Honors College. Dr. Prince of USC Spartanburg briefly summarized the status of the SACS reaccreditation process at USCS.
Project Status Report: Mr. Jeffcoat presented an update of the Strom Thurmond Fitness/Wellness Center and noted that a considerable amount of progress had been made. The materials had been approved and the Architectural Design Review Committee had been pleased with the details.
The development of the Arena was underway and Beers Construction Company had bid the lowest amount which could possibly place them in a position to sign a contract.
A total of $47.5 million in State Capital Improvement Bonds was projected for buildings on the campuses of the University of South Carolina.
Report on Administrative Increases to Project Budgets: USC Beaufort requested a budget increase of $75,000 for the Beaufort College building under renovation. The project would use state-appropriated funds for installing a security system, adding insulation under the first floor, and correcting foundation water problems. A complete preservation of that historic building was nearly completed.
The budget for Sloan College had been increased by $170,000, funded with State Capital Improvement Bonds provided by the 1997 State Bond Bill. The increase would cover the cost of landscaping and purchasing new furniture and equipment for the classrooms. This project had been completed with a final revised budget of $3,670,000 funded with State Capital Improvement Bonds.
USC Sumter requested a budget increase of $68,000 for Alice Drive Baptist Church renovations. The increase had been generated from rental funds and resulted in an approved budget of $2,576,000.
Report on Project Budget Increase to USC Spartanburg Athletics Complex: This project had been approved in 1998 with a budget of $5 million. A donation of $250,000 had been given to the Carolina Piedmont Foundation for the construction of a softball field and adjacent areas. An additional $245,000 in private donations had been committed to the project.
Other Matters: The purchase of apartment housing at USC Spartanburg through the Piedmont Foundation, which had entered into a limited partnership with the University to buy the real estate, had progressed. The purchase price was $8.8 million and Bank of America was the lending institution. USCS students would be housed there. The University General Counsel will research the legalities of the transaction particularly in the area of potential liabilities and will report to the President and the Board of Trustees.
The following items required Board approval:
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget by $100,000 for the Hodge Center roof replacement with the additional funds from USCS Institutional Capital Project Funds which would result in a total project budget of $500,000 funded with $200,000 in USCS Renovation Reserve Funds and $300,000 in USCS Institutional Capital Project Funds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Lister seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to accept the transfer of ownership of the 1300 block of Catawba Street right-of-way from the City of Columbia as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Dr. Floyd seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to increase the budget for Petigru College renovations by $6,330,000 to be funded with Capital Improvement Bonds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. This increase would result in a project budget of $6.6 million funded with Capital Improvement Bonds. Mr. McLellan seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to establish an architectural/engineering only project for renovations to LeConte College with a budget of $300,000 funded with State Capital Improvement Bonds from the 1997 Bond Bill as described in the materials distributed for this meeting.
On behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mr. Loadholt moved approval to establish an architectural/engineering only project for renovations to Hamilton College with a budget of $300,000 funded with State Capital Improvement Bonds from the 1997 Bond Bill as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Hubbard seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Aiken SGA accomplishments for the year included a letter writing campaign to state legislators protesting the projected higher education budget cuts; the USCA Hall of Fame Award which recognized outstanding staff members on campus; a new Student Advisory Committee designed to give the freshman class a voice in student government; and on-line voting which would hopefully be implemented this summer. The Student Government Association had been in the process of changing its constitution so that each college would have two elected senators attending campus senate meetings for equal and fair representation. This year USC Aiken welcomed the largest freshman class in its history.
The outgoing president from USC Beaufort reported that this campus had experienced the largest percentage of growth of the regional campuses. The students had initiated a campus newspaper, The Little Shrimp, which provided information about various campus activities. In addition, they had established an "Ask the Dean" box so that students could submit problems or concerns regarding the campus; responses were given in the campus newspaper.
Corey Ford, the newly-elected Columbia campus SGA president reported that the past year had been very successful primarily because of the outgoing president, Jotaka Eaddy. A new student course, Service 101, was now offered through the College of Social Work; as part of the "Sixth Man Club," students who attended basketball games sat together in a designated section; and the shuttle service had been extended to include evening hours. He stressed that the most important activity for SGA had been a student campaign, which included 2500 letters that students sent to the Legislature, to actively protest the proposed 15 percent budget cut in higher education.
USC Lancaster reported that they had improved the physical appearance of their commons area. In addition, they had increased the awareness of campus activities, particularly for evening students so that they would feel included. The opening of the Bradley Arts and Science Building on the campus had attracted large community interest. The new incoming officers planned to address parking, a major issue, and the establishment of a five-day class schedule.
This past year USC Salkehatchie had hosted several successful charity drives. Proceeds had been donated to the Department of Social Services in the five-county districts of Barnwell, Bamberg, Colleton, Hampton, and Allendale. In January, they had a "Back To School" kickoff lunch to welcome students after the winter break.
Upcoming events included a concert by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in Walterboro as part of the Bicentennial celebration and a Caribbean Evening in Allendale. Students on both campuses had been coordinating the "Relay for Life" in the spring which raised money for cancer research.
Events at USC Sumter included hosting a Christmas party for a children's home in Turbeville; sponsoring town meetings with the dean twice a semester to provide students the opportunity to ask questions and understand administrative activities; and, sponsoring a Martin Luther King Dream Walk with Central Carolina Technical College and Morris College which raised funds for charities in the community. Upcoming events included participating in a local March of Dimes Walk and a Custodial Appreciation Day to recognize those staff members and their hard work.
At the beginning of the year, USC Union student government association had established goals. For the fall, school enthusiasm, community service awareness, and student-faculty interaction had been promoted. Students had participated in a Softball Classic with a pep rally. For community service awareness, students had made books for the Union Family Outreach Center.
In the spring, student outreach, community outreach, and student-faculty interaction had been stressed. Students had sponsored a "Welcome Back" social for returning students and new students. The city of Union had also asked students to participate in a Bicentennial celebration and profits from this event would support the fund for new SGA activities as well as a scholarship fund in memory of Tandy Willis.
Dr. Palms addressed the student government officers and thanked them for their willingness to serve. He stated that this year had been very crucial for the University of South Carolina because of the state budgetary problems and commended students who had "had so much to do with having our governor listen to what the impacts would be of the first proposed budget."
Dr. Palms stressed the value of all of the campuses to the communities of South Carolina. He cited Union as an example. "It gives them hope; it gives them access to education; it gives them a chance to attract industry. The University has reached out to all of these communities and tried to make a difference." Dr. Palms also discussed the Bicentennial celebration, the 200th year of the University of South Carolina, explaining that a variety of events throughout the year had been planned "to remind people of the impact that the University has had on this state."
This resolution, which would amend the June 22, 2000, Board-approved Bond Resolution, authorized $34 million for the Wellness Center project and the Aiken campus and Spartanburg campus projects (included as Exhibit A in the April 12, 2001, Executive Committee Meeting minutes).
Mr. Bradley moved approval of the amended resolution to issue State Institution Bonds as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Hubbard seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Dr. Floyd moved approval of the reappointment of Dr. John M. Shafer as Director of the Earth Sciences and Resources Institute as described in the materials distributed for this meeting. Mr. Mungo seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Mr. Mungo moved approval of the resolution to create a Presidential Candidate Search Committee when there was a vacancy or notification of a forthcoming vacancy in the Presidency which would place the search process procedures in the permanent Bylaws of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees. Mr. Bradley seconded the motion.
Mr. Bahnmuller asked Mr. Mungo, originator of the resolution, to delete the three words "no more than" from the paragraph on the second page which began "Be It Further Resolved that a charge to the Presidential Candidate Search Committee..." He was concerned that the wording, as stated, could be interpreted to mean that this search committee would recommend only one candidate. In response, Mr. Mungo accepted the wording change. He noted that during the previous presidential search at the University, the size of this committee and the election of a chair had presented problems, both of which, he felt, had been satisfactorily addressed in the current resolution.
Mrs. Harvey expressed concern about adding this resolution to the Board of Trustees Bylaws, which she believed could hamper future decisions regarding the most appropriate composition of a presidential search committee. Mr. Mungo replied that he believed "it was a wonderful time to make some permanent rules by which future generations could know how to go about doing this." He also stated that the Bylaws could be altered to accommodate future needs. Mr. Mungo emphasized the fact that the resolution would lend structure to this particular process and ultimately create a more deliberate Board of Trustees which was providing a foundation for the future. He also believed that if this resolution did not become part of the Bylaws, it would not have "lasting quality" or continuity.
Mr. McLellan called for the question as amended. Mr. Whittle stated that there was a motion to accept the resolution to create a Presidential Candidate Search Committee when there was a vacancy or notification of a forthcoming vacancy in the Presidency which would place the search process procedures in the permanent Bylaws of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees; this committee would present the names of four acceptable candidates for the presidency to the Board as amended by Mr. Bahnmuller and accepted by Mr. Mungo. The vote was taken, and the amended motion carried.
The chair of the Faculty Welfare Committee, Dr. Jerald Wallulis, presented the faculty objectives. He noted that the Faculty Senate had unanimously adopted the objectives, an indication that the faculty strongly supported these stated goals. Dr. Wallulis also said that he had explained these goals in greater detail during the March 22, 2001, Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee meeting; today he would read the goals for the Board's consideration.
The first goal was to "maintain, repair, and improve campus buildings to make them more attractive and healthful," a major concern expressed by more than 90 percent of faculty members. The second goal was "to improve graduate programs by increasing graduate stipends significantly." Faculty from many different departments indicated a need to address this issue. The third goal was to "maintain the undergraduate teaching mission of the University and extend its student base." The fourth goal was to "raise faculty salaries and benefits to be competitive with peer institutions," an objective which would uphold faculty efforts to support goals presented by the administration. The fifth goal was to "maintain the library offerings and improve other research resources for faculty and students," an acknowledgment of the library as a research tool, which Dr. Wallulis hoped would not be severely imperiled because of pending budget cuts. The sixth goal was to "reduce the tension between work and life demands for USC faculty and staff." A new generation of faculty from dual-career families had requested consideration for providing quality childcare and supervision and flexible scheduling. With the Board of Trustees acknowledgment, Dr. Wallulis hoped that considerable progress would be made toward accomplishing all of these goals within the indicated timeframe. Chairman Whittle thanked Dr. Wallulis and stated that this presentation was received for information.
First of all, thank you for the work that has led up to the resolution that you have passed today. That is a lot of work going on in the Board of Trustees committee structure.
The first item on my agenda is the most important thing that we have ongoing right now in the University and that is the budget. The current budget remains in balance for this year, not unexpectedly. Allan Barber and Bob Bugbee are here for any additional comments if you would like to have those.
But the most important thing is the 2002 budget which is still in question. The budget initially proposed would have cut the University's budget by approximately 15 percent. The House, as you know, passed a bill that cuts our budget by 12 percent. The governor's new proposal with the one time monies would restore funds to higher education, almost the complete 15 percent, although much of it would be not recurring. And, the Senate will consider both the House bill and the governor's suggestions next week. We need all the help we can get from the students on this. And, again, from the Board the same kind of sensitivity to the members of the Senate Finance Committee and particularly the Committee on Education.
I presented the University's budget to Senator Giese and the Higher Education Subcommittee. Senator Peeler was there; Senator Courson was there; Senator Ravenel was there. There was a good reception of that presentation. The question that Sentor Ravenel asked me was, ‘why do you think you should be exempt and what makes you think that you are better than the other agencies that are also having these cuts?' I told him, ‘Senator, I think it is my job to tell you what impact these cuts will have on the University of South Carolina and what that would mean for this institution, and I hope you take that information and you make the decisions that you have to make. We are just telling you factually what this will do to our momentum that I have been talking so much about all during the fall and during the winter.' I again reiterated the economic impact that this University has, which is almost a $1.4 billion direct impact with 21,000 jobs. ‘But, if you count the alumni working in all of these communities in the various areas of the state where the University has a presence, it is almost a $3.8 billion impact with 54,000 jobs. I think those are impressive figures that the Senate needs to take into consideration, besides all the aspects of the budget that affect the quality of life and give people hope and inspiration.'
We have never faced such a cut. We have essentially gone from no increase to a $24 million decrease. So, we are continually going to try to influence the Legislature. The budget cut will be effective on July 1st, so we have no choice but to impose an overall budget cut. That's what the deans are working on and they are preparing a cut of at least eight percent, if we are allowed to raise the tuition which is market sensitive. There are students obtaining greater loans and debt than ever before as they try to get through college and we are very sensitive to that.
When we present the budget to you in June, we will also present a plan for a Strategic Directions Committee, which will begin the planning process to ensure that funds are allocated strategically to meet our goals and your goals. And we will name the members, compile materials, and begin critical preliminary work during the summer. We will use the customary processes and procedures according to our discussions in the Executive Committee, which will certainly involve the Board of Trustees.
In the area of enrollment, I hope the letter that I mailed to you and faxed to you on Monday clarify our position on enrollment and enrollment management. New freshman enrollment may increase by approximately 458. Our objective is to accomplish this increase without sacrificing our standards, our goals, or commitment to South Carolina students. Ninety percent of the students on all our campuses are South Carolinians. That's a very important point we made to the Finance Committee and the Legislature. We have the highest percentage of South Carolinians. It is our job to service South Carolinians first.
These 458 students will contribute nearly $3 million to the University and an increase in enrollment will also help us gain nearly $1 million in MRR funding. Increased freshman enrollment can be made without increasing the overall enrollment of the University. We are not increasing the enrollment overall because we are controlling graduate enrollment. We are increasing the quality and we are decreasing the headcount so we will have quality graduate students and continue the service to the undergraduates of South Carolina. And we will be glad to discuss this at another time in the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee. And the broader that discussion is the better the chance is that we are together and understand exactly what our enrollment management policy is for the University in the near future.
Our funding and enrollment were of interest to the SACS visiting committee. As you know, the SACS visiting team was here last week and this accreditation is our most important priority, also. And I want to acknowledge and thank the faculty and staff who committed so much time, so many committees, and care to ensuring we completed a thorough self-study, met all of the requirements (in excess of 400 "must statements"). The exit interview went well. We received positive feedback concerning some initiatives and some recommendations that will help us in the future particularly emphasizing the need for more state funding and the need to improve our graduate school operations. This recommendation comes just at the right time, as we have a new dean of the Graduate School.
There are several University announcements. Yesterday, David Odom became the new head coach for the Fighting Gamecocks Men's Basketball Team. I hope you will join with me in welcoming him. He and his wife are a wonderful couple.
We also have another Dean Smith. I am pleased to announce that Professor and Associate Dean Gordon Smith has been named to serve as the dean of the Graduate School. We now have two Dean Smiths, Joel Smith and Gordon Smith. Dean John Montgomery has announced his retirement from the School of Law as the dean effective June 30th and Provost Odom will soon begin a process to select a search committee. I plan to ask the Law School's external advisory committee for their assistance in this. We also, of course, are continuing our hard work to get the money for the new Law School. It is important for us to make that site selection and to finish that funding campaign as soon as we can.
Now I have some recent great news. Five students have just won national scholarships--three Goldwater Scholarships to South Carolinians, in-state South Carolinians. They go to Math and Science and Engineering students. They get $7,500 a year. We now have 16 Goldwater Scholarship winners. I don't think there are many other schools that get three in one year. A couple of years ago, only Princeton matched us with three. When you get 16 Goldwaters in the last four years, people know you are on their radar screen. We had one Morris Udall Scholarship winner. This is a congressional award dedicated to the study of national resources and public policy dealing with the environment. It is very prestigious. And since 1999, USC has had three Udall Scholarship winners.
Another student was awarded an NSF graduate research fellowship with a stipend of $16,800 and tuition of $10,500 for books and tuition. That's the kind of money these graduate students are commanding to go to graduate school; that's what these private AAU institutions are giving; and, many of the AAU public institutions are able to give these kinds of scholarships to attract the very best graduate students. That's why I think we must be very selective in the graduate students we bring here and the kind of tuition waivers we give them. Since 1994, USC has had 18 students win NSF Fellowships.
On Saturday, we celebrated our 75th Phi Beta Kappa anniversary and we had 200 students who were initiated into that organization this year. Again, we are the only public university in the state that has a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter. We did invite all South Carolinians who were members of Phi Beta Kappa to the 75th anniversary luncheon and events. We sent out 7,000 invitations, and we had a good turnout. It was a very good occasion and, again, puts us on the map as a public institution that values liberal arts education. Just to remind you, you are selected as Phi Beta Kappa if you have strength in the liberal arts, in the humanities. And, if you are a science major or an engineering major, in order to qualify even though you may have a 4.0, you must take courses in the humanities and the liberal arts to prove that you are being educated as well as being trained in a specialty field. There were observers at our celebration who are representing universities trying to get in to Phi Beta Kappa, some from this state. And, by the way, the day before our celebration, another southern university finally got a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter; it was the University of Mississippi.
U.S. News and World Report rankings have again named USC programs. The latest U.S. News and World Report ranked our graduate studies and library science 15th overall. USC received three "top ten" rankings in library science specialities. The School of Law ranked in the 2nd tier of law schools, again nationally. Our social work program ranked 29th; our nursing program ranked 52nd in the country; the international business program once again ranked 2nd in the nation. The Darla Moore School of Business was also ranked 45th in the world by Financial Times. I think it was something like 30th of all public institutions in the United States and 6th overall in the South. So, we are making progress there.
And, finally at our employee awards ceremony yesterday, Tommy Stepp was recognized for getting up every morning for 40 years and getting to work. He received his 40 year state service pin. Let's conclude by giving Tommy a round of applause for the wonderful things he does.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
There were no further matters to come before the Board of Trustees, and Chairman Whittle declared the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary