ORLANDO, FL (November 10, 2023) —The Board of Governors has completed a two-day meeting at the University of Central Florida. On Wednesday, more than 100 participants from the Board of Governors, University Board of Trustees, Florida Chambers, Faculty and Student Leaders participated in the Trustee Summit. Last Year’s Summit was canceled due to Hurricane Nicole. The Summit included lively discussions and panels on Workforce, Student Impact Experience, Digital Revolution, The Future of Florida, Healthcare, Cybersecurity and Excellence.
Chair Lamb acknowledged the success achieved thus far but challenged leaders to be adaptable, aim higher and achieve even greater success. At the conclusion, leaders from all 12 institutions were able to build connections and network. The University of West Florida was recognized for having the highest participation by any SUS Board of Trustees.
Immediately following the Summit, the Budget and Finance Committee met and approved more than $1B in Carryforward Spending Plans. The Board approved the Public Notice of Intent to Adopt Regulations 9.016, Prohibited Expenditures. The regulation will be open for public comment for 14 days and could be voted on at the January meeting.
The Strategic Planning & Budget and Finance Committee met and approved the 2023 New College of Florida Accountability Plan. President Richard Corcoran gave a rousing speech about the impact of receiving a liberal arts education in Florida. The Full Board voted and approved the appointment of President Corcoran as the ninth president of New College of Florida.
On Thursday, the Board of Governors participated in a breakfast hosted by the Faculty. Governor Phalin, along with faculty members from all the State University System of Florida, were in attendance. At the conclusion of breakfast, the Academic and Student Affairs committee met and approved the Public Notice of Intent to Amend Board of Governors Regulation 8.005, General Education Core Course Options. An amendment was proposed and adopted to remove Sociology from the General Education Core Course list. The amended regulation will be available for public comment for 14 days and could also be voted on at the January meeting.
Contemporaneous with the Veterans Day Holiday, the Board unanimously approved the Articulation Coordinating Committee’s Policy for the Evaluation and Awarding of Postsecondary Credit for Military Combat Medics. The Board recognizes the brave sacrifices made by those who serve in the military.
The Board also approved the 2023 Programs of Strategic Emphasis methodology and list, as well as the 2023 System Accountability Plan. The Board acknowledge and thanked all the health care systems that have participated in the 50/50 match program and approved a second round of approval of university proposals for receiving 2023-2024 LINE funds. There is still a remaining $700K in available funding left for other health care partners to increase their capacities to meet tomorrow’s workforce needs.
The Facilities Committee met and approved the 2023-2024 University Fixed Capital Outlay Budgets, and project financing proposals for Florida State University football stadium renovations and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University enhancements to their student housing collection.
Governor Haddock led a panel discussion of Florida business and industry leaders on the important impacts of SUS online program offerings on the educational needs of their workforce and, more importantly, on employee retention, productivity and personal growth.
Nomination and Governance Committee: The Board approved the appointments of two university trustees.
Jesse Panuccio was appointed trustee to Florida Polytechnic University. Jesse is a Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP (BSF). Prior to joining BSF, Jesse was the Acting Associate Attorney General at the United States Department of Justice. He oversaw the civil and criminal work of the Antitrust, Civil Rights, Environment and Natural Resources and Tax Division. He also served for three years as the secretary of Florida’s labor, economic development, and land use agency, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (now FloridaCommerce). Jesse has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard University.
Donald Patterson was appointed trustee to the New College of Florida’s board. Mr. Patterson is a native Floridian and has over 40 years of experience in Venture funding for Private and Public companies. Before his retirement, he founded and served as CEO of ASCEND Wireless Networks, a Florida-based company that creates jobs and profits. Mr. Patterson is a benefactor and active fundraiser for the New College of Florida.
Full Board: Chair Lamb recognized the recent inauguration of President Ben Sasse as the University of Florida’s 13th President. Additionally, he recognized and thanked President Cartwright for their hospitality and accolades in tech and research. Also, President Martha D. Saunders was reappointed President of West Florida.
Chancellor Rodrigues updated the Board on the status of Florida Atlantic University Search which is still under investigation and expected to conclude before the end of the calendar year.
The Chancellor also stated, “The State University System of Florida and its Universities remain vigilant to protect their students, health, safety and welfare. In Florida, we will not tolerate violent activity, antisemitism of any kind, or failure to abide by the law.”
Brian Lamb was unanimously re-elected as chairman of the Board of Governors and Alan Levine was elected as vice-chair.
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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 430,000 students, making it the second-largest public university system in the nation. Florida has held the top spot in U.S. News & World Report for higher education since the inception of the rankings in 2017. 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 information, visit flbog.edu or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.