October 21, 2002
BOLIVAR—Approval for plans to renovate the Casebolt Building on the Stufflebam Campus was one of the highlights of the Oct. 8 regular meeting of the Southwest Baptist University board of trustees. Once renovated, the Casebolt Building will house 55 students and is expected to cost approximately $750,000.
The renovation project was one of nine action items discussed during the fall meeting. The trustees accepted and approved the naming of a building on the Mountain View campus. The building contains elementary education classrooms and was a gift from the Roy Landrum estate. Landrum had leased the building to SBU since 1997 and desired to give the building to the University upon his death. The trustees approved the naming of the building as the Roy Landrum Classroom Building in his memory.
The board of trustees approved a new major in intercultural studies that will serve to develop servant leaders for a global society. The major will be offered through the Courts Redford College of Theology and Church Vocations. It is an interdisciplinary major preparing students for working and living in other cultures.
The trustees also recognized five trustees rotating off the board at the end of 2002: Jack Chambers, John Duncan, John Jones, Jeanie McGowan and Graham Williams. SBU extends sincere appreciation for the outstanding service rendered by these individuals.
The nominating committee recommended new officers for 2003-2004. The officers elected are Don Fahrni, chairman; Clarence Barber, vice chairman; Ray Leininger, secretary; Rebecca Randles, admissions and student life chair; Philip Franz, building and grounds chair; Clyde Elder, educational policies and personnel chair; Cary Summers, finance chair; and Wayne Gott, university advancement and estate planning chair.
In other action items, a comprehensive employee handbook was adopted. A committee consisting of University faculty and staff has been working to develop the handbook for the past two years. The University attorney, and the executive cabinet have reviewed the handbook. The policies and procedures outlined in the handbook will be effective immediately.
In addition, trustees voted to accept the fiscal year 2001-2002 audit and the revised fiscal year 2002-2003 budget. The annual audit prepared by BKD of Springfield indicated that the University had a very good financial year and had managed its resources appropriately. The budget revisions were adopted as amendments to the $31 million budget approved during the May 7 board meeting.
The next trustee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10-11.