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.

The Executive Committee of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Friday, October 5, 2001, at 4:00 p.m., in the Carolina Plaza Board Room.

Members present were: Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr., Board Chairman; Mr. Herbert C. Adams; Mr. James Bradley; Dr. C. Edward Floyd; Mr. William C. Hubbard; and Mr. Michael J. Mungo. Other Trustees present were: Mr. A.C. Fennell, III; Mrs. Helen C. Harvey; Mr. Toney J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. J. DuPre Miller; Ms. Darla D. Moore; and Mr. M. Wayne Staton.

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 and Chief Financial Officer Richard W. Kelly; Vice President for Student and Alumni Services Dennis A. Pruitt; Vice President for Human Resources Jane M. Jameson; General Counsel Walter (Terry) H. Parham; Vice Provost and Executive Dean, Regional Campuses and Continuing Education, Chris P. Plyler; Dean of The Darla Moore School of Business Joel Smith; Dean of The Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health Harris Pastides; Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, The Darla Moore School of Business, Rodney L. Roenfeldt; Associate Dean of Administration, The Darla Moore School of Business, Robert E. Markland; Director of Governmental and Community Relations Shirley D. Mills; University Legislative Liaison John D. Gregory; Trustee Emeritus Mark W. Buyck, Jr.; Director of the Office of Public Affairs Russell McKinney, Jr.; and members of the media.

Chairman Whittle called the meeting to order and invited those present to introduce themselves. Mr. McKinney introduced members of the media who were in attendance. 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 of the Committee; and a quorum was present to conduct business.

Chairman Whittle stated that there was a contractual matter which was appropriate for discussion in Executive Session. Mr. Mungo moved to enter Executive Session and Mr. Adams seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.

Open Session

1. Employment Agreement of Dr. Michael B. McGee: Chairman Whittle recognized President Palms who stated that after considerable thought and deliberation and in order to continue the stability and continuity of the athletics program, he was recommending that the Executive Committee approve the extension of Dr. Michael B. McGee's employment agreement. He noted that the contract provided an extended term, which he believed would serve the University well during the time of transition after a new president had been appointed.

   Mr. Mungo moved approval of the employment agreement of Dr. Michael B. McGee. Dr. Floyd seconded the motion. The vote was taken, and the motion carried.

2. Other Matters:

   1. Restructuring of Tuition and Fees in The Darla Moore School of Business: Chairman Whittle recognized Mr. Kelly who provided introductory information regarding the possible restructuring of tuition fees in The Darla Moore School of Business. Mr. Kelly explained that Dean Smith had approached President Palms and Provost Odom about the feasibility of instituting a "flat fee program" for students enrolling after Spring 2002 in the new International Master of Business Administration degree program, the Master of Human Resources program, the Master of Accountancy program, and the Master of Arts in Economics program. Mr. Kelly stated that this restructuring would allow the University "to continue to maintain the same level of funding that we currently receive for our infrastructure while providing more dollars to be available for the Moore Business School." This fee realignment, he believed, would place the school in a more competitive position.

      Mr. Kelly again noted that the initial memorandum of agreement as circulated regarding the fee structure was an informational item for the Committee; a more formal presentation would be given in the near future for Executive Committee approval.

   2. Employment Contract of Coach Dave Odom: Chairman Whittle recognized Mr. Mungo who stated that the Executive Committee had instructed him to review Coach Dave Odom's employment contract with the University and approve it on behalf of the Committee. Mr. Mungo explained that he had thoroughly examined the agreement and had determined that it was acceptable according to established guidelines; therefore, if there were no objections, the Committee would direct the Secretary to execute the contract.

Since there were no other matters to come before the Committee, Chairman Whittle declared the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Thomas L. Stepp
Secretary