February 17, 2000

The Board of Regents of Washington State University met pursuant to call in Open Meeting at 9:25 a.m., on Thursday, February 17, 2000, in the Lewis Alumni Centre, Pullman.

Present: Peter J. Goldmark, President; Ken Alhadeff, Vice President; Regents Bernadett Buchanan, Phyllis J. Campbell, Richard A. Davis, Robert D. Fukai, Joe King, William D. Marler, Carmen Otero, and Richard R. Albrecht (via conference phone during Executive Session and for the subsequent action on the appointment of the President); President Samuel H. Smith, Interim Provost Rom Markin, Vice President for Business Affairs Gregory P. Royer, Vice President for Administration Sally P. Savage, Vice President for Extended University Affairs Thomas “Les” Purce, Senior Assistant Attorney General Antoinette Ursich, Faculty Senate Chair Peter Burke, GPSA President Steve Kuehn, and ASWSU President Steve Wymer.

Also present were: Executive Budget Director Karl Boehmke, Vice Provost for Research George Hedge, Associate Vice President for Administration and Assistant to the President for Human Relations and Diversity Ernestine Madison, Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Glenn Ford, Assistant Vice President for University Relations Barbara Petura, and Dean of the Graduate School Karen DePauw.

1. Opening Remarks. Regent Goldmark opened the meeting and stated that Regents Alhadeff, Campbell, King, and Otero had been delayed due to weather problems. He said, therefore, that the Regents present would defer the Executive Session and all action items until those Regents arrived.

2. Introductions. President Smith introduced the following individuals: Karen DePauw, Dean of the Graduate School; Warwick Bayly, Interim Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; and Mary Wack, Interim Dean of the Honors College.

3. Reports from University Groups. The reports from the University Groups are attached as Exhibit A.

4. Provost’s Report. Interim Provost Rom Markin presented the Regents with projected enrollment figures for the Fall of 2000. He said that enrollment statistics showed progress from a year ago and that overall enrollment is up 9.6 percent. Please see Exhibit B for a copy of the enrollment figures shared by Interim Provost Markin.

Interim Provost Markin also reported that the Enrollment Campaign Meeting held on February 2, 2000, was a great success. He said that Regents Alhadeff, Fukai and Buchanan attended along with approximately 70 others, including representation from many different facets of the University. He reported that there were many concerned faculty and interested individuals present to discuss enrollment initiatives and that there were several breakout groups focusing on short-term and long-term goals, as well as specific people identified as being responsible to accomplish those goals.

Interim Provost Markin acknowledged the efforts of Director of Institutional Research Jim Rimpau, Interim Vice Provost for Student Affairs Al Jamison, Interim Director of Admissions Ken Vreeland, and former Provost Gretchen Bataille for their hard work and energy on behalf of WSU enrollment issues in Olympia.

Regent Marler asked if a time frame had been identified for the enrollment initiatives and how the success of these initiatives would be determined. Interim Provost Markin stated that there would be a comprehensive list of all the items to be completed, who was assigned to each task, and the costs involved. He said that this would be developed into a matrix format, monitored on a continual basis, and available to any of the Regents who wished to have a copy.

Regent Marler emphasized that enrollment is a high priority for the Regents and said that Interim Provost Markin should keep the Regents informed of his needs to be able to get a handle on this issue. Regent Goldmark thanked Interim Provost Markin for his responsive efforts to the issue of enrollment.

5. Granting of Degrees. Interim Provost Rom Markin reported that on the authority delegated to the President or his designee at the meeting of April 4, 1999, degrees were granted for the class of December 18, 1999.

6. Report from the Vice President for Business Affairs. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer provided brief follow-up comments to the enrollment discussion and stated that Business Affairs is ready to assist in any way needed to help address the issues of enrollment. He also mentioned that Jerry Schlatter, Director of Facilities Development, underwent open-heart surgery recently and is doing well, and that Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs Glenn Ford is filling in as interim director until Mr. Schlatter returns to work.

7. Contracts under Previous Delegation of Authority (under $500,000). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that on the authority delegated to the President or his designee at the meeting of January 24, 1986, he had entered into the following contracts:

3-H Mechanical, Inc. Coeur d’Alene, ID, for the temporary boiler installation at the Power Plant, for a total project cost of $495,586, including sales tax, to be paid from 99-00 Minor Capital Renewal funds.

Schindler Elevator Corp., Spokane, WA, for elevator modernization of Hulbert Hall, for a total project cost of $298,573, including sales tax, to be paid from 97-99 Minor Capital Renewal funds.

Avid Construction, Chattaroy, WA, for a golf equipment storage building (365F), for a total cost of $47,513, to be paid from 97-99 Student Activities funds.

8. Completion of Contracts (over $2,500). Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that on the authority delegated at the meeting of June 24, 1994, he had approved satisfactory completion of the following contract:

TLJ Construction, Inc., for a storm water storage pond at the Compost
Facility in the final amount of $212,144.

9. Quarterly Report of Appointments of Architects & Engineers under Delegation of Authority. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported that at the January 24, 1986, meeting, the Board of Regents delegated authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to select and approve entering into contracts with architects and engineers for projects in which the estimated total project costs are less than $500,000. He referred to the Regents’ Agenda materials that included a list of architect and engineering firms appointed as consultants through Facilities Development for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 99-00.

At 10:15 a.m., the Board adjourned for a short break and reconvened in open session at 10:30 a.m.

10. President’s Report. President Smith introduced Director of Athletics Rick Dickson. He stated that Mr. Dickson arrived at WSU during a difficult time in the Department of Athletics. He said he applied a calm, steady hand, handled the issues well, worked well with the NCAA, and is leaving a well-run athletic organization. President Smith commended him for his involvement in building a strong athletic program and for his fundraising efforts for the Student Recreation Center. He also thanked Mr. Dickson for taking WSU to the Rose Bowl and for his attention to many issues through the years. He said that Mr. Dickson was leaving a first-rate Athletic Department and that he would be greatly missed.

Regent Campbell added that Mr. Dickson concentrated on the student athlete, not just the athlete. She also said, on behalf of the Board of Regents, that they were grateful for his work on compliance issues. She mentioned that he was leaving a legacy of high academic standards among athletes. She said that he would be missed a great deal and thanked him for leaving a very strong program.

ASWSU President Steve Wymer mentioned that he appreciated Mr. Dickson’s commitment to graduating the athletes. He said that he was thankful to have the opportunity to work with him on the Athletic Council and that the students were grateful for all of his efforts on their behalf.

Mr. Dickson thanked everyone and said how much he enjoyed working with the Regents, President Smith, Vice President for Administration Sally Savage, and the students. He said that operating within the rules and regulations was a high priority, and if you succeed at the highest level, many generations of students will have what they need to succeed. He said this was the best six years he had spent during his career thus far, and it had been wonderful.

At 10:30 a.m., Regents Alhadeff, Campbell, King and Otero joined the Regents’ Meeting.

11. Executive Session. Regent Goldmark stated that the Regents were holding the Regents’ Meeting one week earlier than they had originally planned in order to continue the process for the appointment of a new President. He said that because this undertaking is of such great importance, the Regents wished to bring closure to the process that was set in motion last June when President Smith announced his retirement.

At 10:40 a.m., the Board of Regents adjourned into Executive Session to consider the qualifications of the candidate for President. At 11:10 a.m., the Board of Regents reconvened in open session.

12. Presidential Appointment. Regent Goldmark called the meeting back to order in open session to discuss the Presidential appointment. He reported that the Regents had reviewed the events that had transpired over the past week since Dr. Lane Rawlins’ visit to the campus. He said that the Regents spent a considerable amount of time reviewing Dr. Rawlins’ qualifications, as well as new information gleaned from his visits to WSU Pullman and Vancouver. He stated that he had attended most of the sessions where Dr. Rawlins appeared on campus, traveled with him to Vancouver, and felt it was an enlightening and rewarding experience. He said he was intrigued to witness the interactions between Dr. Rawlins and the many constituencies with whom he met.

Regent Goldmark reported that the Regents had received a great deal of feedback from faculty, staff, and students who interacted with Dr. Rawlins during his visit, and that the reactions expressed were overwhelmingly supportive of his candidacy. He said without qualification that the University Community has given its strong endorsement to selecting Dr. Rawlins as the next President of Washington State University. At the same time, he said that he would be less than straightforward if he did not mention that WSU also received feedback concerning the process followed in narrowing the candidate pool. He stated that the Regents heard the criticisms and appreciated them for the honesty of the debate. While the Regents were mindful from the beginning that it would be very difficult to fashion a process that would please everyone, he explained that they were hopeful that a process could be crafted that would yield an outstanding President for WSU. He said he believed the Regents succeeded in achieving that goal. He mentioned that everyone made it clear that any lingering dissatisfaction with the process undertaken by the Regents does not reflect on the enthusiastic support of this community for Dr. Rawlins. He reported that the Regents also reviewed information provided by outside references during this past week. He said that the references have been consistent with the impressions gathered through first-hand interactions with him.

Regent Goldmark said that the Regents have an opportunity to hire someone with unique strengths, experience, and capabilities who will most capably lead the institution into the 21st century. He stated that the Regents undertook the task of hiring the best possible President with great conviction. He remarked that he believed they have done that.

Regent Goldmark stated that to hire someone with Dr. Rawlins’ credentials and many years of experience warrants a compensation level that is competitive with our peer institutions and other universities of our caliber. He also said that the presidency of a major public land-grant institution is an incredibly demanding job, and that we literally expect 24-hour and 7-day a week service.

Following Dr. Rawlins’ visit to the campus, and on behalf of the Board, Regent Goldmark said that he had had conversations with Dr. Rawlins regarding his willingness to serve as WSU’s next President and the terms under which he would accept such an appointment. He remarked that he had shared these discussions with the Board and reported to them that he is confident that Dr. Rawlins will be honored to serve the institution under the kind of terms discussed.

Regent Goldmark invited other members of the Board to offer their comments.

Regent Davis stated that WSU is blessed to have such an outstanding candidate and thanked Regent Goldmark for his tremendous work on behalf of WSU in the search process.

Regent Alhadeff said that the search had been an exciting and exhilarating process. He
mentioned that the Regents fully understood the goal, and that out of all the candidates, Dr. Rawlins stood out in many unique ways.

Regent Marler voiced his appreciation to President Smith for his many years of dedicated service. He said that he felt Dr. Rawlins would pick up where President Smith left off and would do a great job. Regent Albrecht agreed with Regent Marler’s remarks about President Smith and his legacy.

President Smith said that he was extremely pleased with the Regents’ decision and thanked them for attracting such an outstanding person.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents appoint Dr. V. Lane Rawlins as the next president of Washington State University and that his salary be set at $245,000 with a deferred compensation package of $50,000 per year. Carried by unanimous vote. (Note: Student Regent Bernadett Buchanan did not vote per RCW 28B.30.100).

13. Recognition of Search Committee. Regent Goldmark expressed his gratitude to the members of the Search Committee and to the President’s Office staff who were tireless in their support. In particular, he expressed appreciation to Dori Buri, Chris Hoyt, Becki Lande, and Sally Savage for their professional contributions.

Regent Alhadeff read a resolution expressing appreciation to the Search Committee which is attached as Exhibit C. Additionally, he stated that Regent Goldmark had spent an incredible amount of time on this process and that the sacrifices he has made over the last six months were something to marvel over. He communicated that Regent Goldmark had gone above and beyond with his dedication and energy.

At 11:30 a.m., the Board of Regents adjourned for a short break. At 11:55 a.m., the Board of Regents reconvened. Regent Phyllis Campbell chaired the meeting for Regent Goldmark, who excused himself to conduct additional Board business outside the meeting room.

14. Minutes. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the minutes of the meetings of January 12, January 14, January 19, and February 3, 2000. Carried.

15. Faculty Titles. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Faculty Titles document attached as Exhibit D. Carried.

16. Education Addition. Thomas Hacker of Thomas Hacker and Associates provided a presentation that included the schematic design drawings and outline specifications for the Education Addition project.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve schematic design documents, grant authorization to proceed with design development, and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve construction documents, advertise for bids, and award a construction contract for the Education Addition, if costs are within the funds available. Carried.

17. Turf Replacement for Martin Stadium and Rogers Field. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Martin Stadium and Rogers Field Turf Replacement Project and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to award and sign a contract for this construction project, if costs are within the funds available. Carried.

18. Cleveland Hall Remodel of Room 57 for a WHETS Classroom, Offices and Meeting Rooms. Vice President for Business Affairs Greg Royer reported on the Cleveland Hall remodel of Room 57 for a WHETS classroom, offices and meeting rooms. He said that this remodeling project would give it some historical character like many of the other buildings on campus.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents approve the Cleveland Hall Remodel of Room 57 for a WHETS Classroom, Offices and Meeting Rooms Project and delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to award and sign a construction contract, if costs are within the funds available. Carried.

19. Exclusive Beverage Contract. Executive Assistant for Business Affairs Rob Hoon provided information regarding the proposed beverage contract and stated that the concept is not new and involves a longer relationship at a premium rate.

It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents delegate to the President or his designee the Vice President for Business Affairs, the authority to negotiate and execute a campus-wide Exclusive Beverage Contract with a competitively solicited vendor. Carried

20. Intecom On-Site Equipment Maintenance Agreement. It was moved and seconded that the Board of Regents delegate authority to the President or his designee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, to approve a contract not to exceed $700,000 dollars to Intecom for maintenance of the Washington State University Intecom E-21 PBX (telephone switch). Carried

21. Report by the Vice President for Extended University Affairs. Vice President for Extended University Affairs Les Purce updated the Board on integrated marketing efforts. He stated that a consultant had been working with WSU for follow-up recommendations. He said that there had been a complete audit of publications and how they are perceived and that they are now formulating communications and developing strategies based on how WSU is perceived. He also mentioned that there would be an upcoming change to the current logo.

Vice President Purce also briefed the Regents on upcoming directors’ appointments in Skagit County and reported on the ongoing efforts in Southwest Washington for Education and English Language endorsements. He said that they would know how many students qualify for these by April, 2000.

At 12:10 p.m., the Regents’ Meeting adjourned.