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Board of Governors’ Meeting Highlights

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JACKSONVILLE — During a meeting at the University of North Florida today, the Board of Governors heard a presentation on a report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Strategic Priorities.

Responding to national incidents of violence and unrest addressing racism and social injustice that occurred this past spring, Board Chair Syd Kitson established the SUS Workgroup on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) in June 2020 as a subcommittee of the SUS Task Force for the Fall Semester Opening.

The Workgroup, led by Board of Governors’ Vice-Chair Brian Lamb, includes System leaders in academic affairs, student affairs, diversity, equity & inclusion, public safety, human resources, financial affairs, and the Florida Student Association and the Advisory Council of Faculty Senates.  The Workgroup met to share experiences, gain insight, and identify best practices regarding racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in the SUS.

“The State University System of Florida respects and appreciates all races, diverse cultures, nationalities, and communities and is committed to addressing ongoing societal problems and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Syd Kitson, chair of the Board of Governors. “The report presented today is a reflection of that commitment, and I want to thank Vice Chair Lamb for his leadership on this critical issue.”

The SUS Workgroup presented its report to the SUS Task Force in October.  The report expresses a clear commitment by the Board of Governors to prioritize and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the SUS and to hold each university accountable for policies, programs, and actions that will codify and operationalize the System’s commitment. It identifies critical areas that should be addressed by each university’s leadership to integrate D.E.I. initiatives throughout the System.

“The D.E.I. Workgroup report provides a tactical blueprint for the System moving forward as it builds upon its longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Brian Lamb, vice-chair of the Board of Governors. “I look forward to working side-by-side with the universities and their leadership as we share best practices and progress towards building a culture of inclusion across the System that underscores why Florida is number one in higher education in the country.”

Other meeting highlights include:

  • The Board confirmed the presidential reappointment of Dr. Martha Saunders, President, University of West Florida.
  • The Board approved a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience program at Florida International University.
  • The Board approved changes to the Performance-Based Funding Model.
  • The Board approved the 2020-2021 Carryforward Spending Plans.
  • The Board reappointed Thomas Dortch, Kristin Harper, and Craig Reed to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Joseph Fogg and Leo Montgomery to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Dean Colson to the Florida International University Board of Trustees.
  • The Board appointed Naren Kini and Lyn Stanfield to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Craig Mateer to the Florida State University Board of Trustees.
  • The Board appointed Lance Karp and Sarah Mackie, and reappointed Mary Ruiz, to the New College of Florida Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Harold Mills to the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees.
  • The Board appointed Chris Corr and reappointed Marsha Powers to the University of Florida Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Paul McElroy to the University of North Florida Board of Trustees.
  • The Board reappointed Richard Baker to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees.

For more information, consult the meeting’s official minutes at http://www.flbog.edu/. The Board’s next meeting is January 26, 2021 at New College of Florida in Sarasota.

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Facts about the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida is a constitutional body led by the 17-member Board of Governors. The System has 12 universities and more than 420,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Responsibilities include defining the distinctive mission of each institution and managing the System’s coordination and operation. The Board appoints a Chancellor who serves as the System’s chief executive. For more, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.