Coordinating Board for Higher Education Meeting Minutes 10-04

The Coordinating Board for Higher Education met at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2004 in the University Center at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, in Kansas City, Missouri. Members present were:

Lowell C. Kruse, Chair
Dudley Grove, Secretary
Diana Bourisaw
Marie Carmichael
Sandra Kauffman
Robert Langdon
Kathryn Swan
Earl Wilson, Jr.

Others attending the meeting included:

Quentin Wilson, Commissioner of Higher Education
Trudy Baker, Administrative Assistant, Educational Policy, Planning, and Improvement Center
Becky Brennecke, Legislative Liaison
Scott Giles, Director, Missouri Student Loan Group
Donna Imhoff, Budget Analyst
Janelle Jaegers, Director, Administration
Joe Martin, Deputy Commissioner
Jim Matchefts, Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel
Susanne Medley, Director, Communications and Customer Assistance
Brenda Miner, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner
Greg Myles, Senior Associate for Early Awareness and Outreach
Dan Peterson, Director, Financial Assistance and Outreach
Teala Sipes, Research Associate, Educational Policy, Planning, and Improvement Center
Robert Stein, Associate Commissioner, Academic Affairs
Laura Vedenhaupt, Administrative Assistant for Academic Affairs
John Wittstruck, Director, Educational Policy, Planning, and Improvement Center

Chair Kruse called the meeting to order.

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved that the minutes of the June 10, 2004 meeting be approved as printed. Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Chair Kruse indicated that Mrs. Kauffman recently resigned from her position as chair of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education when it was discovered that the CBHE by-laws do not permit the chair to be elected for more than two consecutive full terms. As a result of Mrs. Kauffman’s resignation, Chair Kruse, assumed the role of chair of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Mrs. Grove moved that the resignation of Mrs. Kauffman as chair of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education be accepted. Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Chair Kruse expressed appreciation to Mrs. Kauffman for leading the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) through times of great transition for higher education, including the commissioner search.

Mrs. Grove moved that the resignation of Commissioner Wilson, effective November 15, be accepted. Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Chair Kruse commended Commissioner Wilson for his outstanding service to the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) and expressed appreciation on behalf of the CBHE and MDHE staff.

Mrs. Kauffman noted that Commissioner Wilson provided leadership to the CBHE and the department on a quality improvement process; focused on performance together with compliance; provided vision and leadership to move Missouri forward with measuring value-added learning with numerous participating institutions; encouraged collaboration in developing a seamless higher education system among two- and four-year institutions, including preK-16; improved the relationship with the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA); supported The Commission on the Future of Higher Education, taking an active role in initiating their recommendations; and provided an invaluable service to higher education through his relationship and knowledge of the legislative and budget process.

Report of the CBHE Presidential Advisory Committee

Dr. Henry Shannon, chancellor, St. Louis Community College, expressed appreciation to Commissioner Wilson, on behalf of presidents and chancellors. Dr. Shannon mentioned that the budget requests for FY 2006 funding behind Tabs A through G were presented by Mr. Joe Martin. Dr. Kenneth Dobbins, president, Southeast Missouri State University, provided the prioritized areas, on which the Council on Public Higher Education (COPHE) requests consideration if decisions or priorities are made during this legislative session. They are: 1) resource priorities and investment protection; 2) need-based financial aid; and 3) performance funding.

Dr. Shannon stated that institutions appreciate the tax offset program for the much needed funding it provides, potentially returning funding back to the institution from refunds received by those students with debts. Although the two-year sector was not included in the budget request for capital funding, they receive local funding, which is critical to the achievement of their missions. Passing bond issues for capital improvement projects offers another source of funds, but may be difficult at a time when local citizens feel over-taxed. The community colleges expressed a desire to have their capital projects included in the budget appropriation request in the future.

Dr. Shannon noted the positive nature of the summer meetings with the leadership of the institutions and the MDHE staff. He also mentioned the interest expressed in conducting subsequent meetings on the campuses of the colleges and universities, providing good opportunities for both MDHE staff and the institutions. In addition, institutions individually conduct their own rigorous program review process.

Chair Kruse thanked Dr. Shannon for his report and for his two years of service as chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee.

Update on Commissioner Search Process

Chair Kruse noted that the commissioner search process had developed smoothly and quickly with the assistance of Ms. Martha Davis of The Davis Group. In the beginning, Ms. Davis and Mrs. Swan traveled the state meeting people in focus groups to develop a commissioner profile, targeting the qualities needed in a Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education. After reviewing resumes, the CBHE selected four candidates whom they interviewed. Two candidates were selected who met with presidents and chancellors, DHE staff, and the CBHE on October 13, 2004.

Research Alliance of Missouri (RAM) Presentation

Commissioner Wilson stated that one of higher education’s challenges is to determine the appropriate role of research and technology in the overall higher education mission. Commissioner Wilson introduced Mr. Joe Driskill, executive director, Missouri Technology Corporation and executive director, The Research Alliance of Missouri, as being in a unique position to integrate higher education, research, and economic development in building a successful economic future for Missouri.

Mr. Driskill credited Commissioner Wilson for bringing new ideas, new spirit, new vision, and new energy to the process of building higher education in Missouri; and commended Commissioner Wilson, presidents, and chancellors for their successful progress in this endeavor.

Building the future through higher education resources involves research and development. The Commission on the Future of Higher Education suggested developing new ways to create new value in Missouri. The Missouri Technology Corporation and The Research Alliance of Missouri believe new economic value is developed by concentrating on what is produced on campuses related to new ideas in research, how those ideas are developed into new products and services, and are then transferred to the private sector to create new growth with jobs and companies. These organizations strive to increase technical transfer, enable start-ups, increase public and private investment and research, and support education in workforce development for the advancement of science, technology, and innovation.

Economic development that traditionally focused on land, energy, and resources, driven by capital infrastructure, now focuses on skilled, knowledgeable workers who are continuously learning, because research and knowledge creation are driving many companies. It is the small, entrepreneurial companies with new ideas, new discoveries, and new technologies that are influencing the economy. Knowledge-based economic development is based on:

• Empowering people with skills and education,
• Improving infrastructure,
• Supporting entrepreneurship, and
• Promoting innovation.

Dr. Ted Cicero, vice-chancellor for research at Washington University, is chair of The Research Alliance of Missouri. Dr. Bill Alter, director, office of sponsored research, Southwest Missouri State University, is the vice chair. They are dedicated to establishing a common compact, collaborating with institutions to achieve results through research and development. The mission of this organization is to improve the well-being of Missourians through research, productivity, and technology innovation to promote economic development by: 1) improving collaboration with businesses; and 2) providing greater access for businesses that are searching for a university-derived idea or technology.

The Research Alliance of Missouri has two goals:

• Increase the number of multi-university research proposal and awards. Three institutions have collaborated on a draft agreement on how they will work together to secure research dollars and conduct research projects.

• Improve university and industry relationships, through such efforts as a research or resource database that would connect businesses to the university source of new ideas.

The first Missouri Technology Transfer Summit was held at Washington University in St. Louis in November 2003, which involved the interaction of business with schools and universities throughout Missouri. It is hoped that another summit will be held in 2005.

Public and private investments in life sciences are showing good, strong results as a result of the collaboration taking place in Missouri. Missouri ranks 15th among the states in the recent bio-pharmaceutical index covering bio-pharmaceutical funding, research funding, and risk capital – important items. The Milken Institute indicated Missouri is growing the bio-pharmaceutical industry at a faster rate than most other states. The Bio-pharmaceutical Innovation Pipeline Index ranks Missouri 6th in the country in academic research and development, 7th in NSF funding, and 10th in industrial research and development with an overall ranking of 9th in the nation. However, the National State Technology and Science Index ranked Missouri 31st last year, indicating that Missouri has a great deal of work to do in order to prosper in other technology-related sectors. Mr. Driskill’s presentation is included in the minutes as Attachment A.

Higher Education FY 2006 Budget

Recommendation for Adjustments to Public Institutions’ Operating Appropriations and Need-based Financial Aid

Mr. Joe Martin stated that this agenda item outlines provisions for approximately $55 million in additional funding for Missouri’s public institutions of higher education. Need-based financial aid would receive $25 million in funding.

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved that the Board approve the CBHE FY 2006 three-part appropriation request, which includes $25 million in need-based financial aid, $17,092,082 in performance funding for projects aligned with board and state priorities, and $38,457,186 in resource priority and investment protection funding, as presented, for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Mrs. Carmichael seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for Public Four-year Institutions’ Operating Appropriations

Mr. Martin noted that the additional funds requested behind Tab B are for the four-year institutions and include a listing of funds requested for the University of Missouri-related programs.

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved that the Board approve the FY 2006 four-year institution appropriation request, including the University of Missouri- related programs, as presented, for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for Linn State Technical College Operating Appropriations

This agenda item contains the additional funding for Linn State Technical College.

Mrs. Grove moved that the Board approve the FY 2006 Linn State Technical College appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Dr. Bourisaw seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for Public Community Colleges’ Operating Appropriations

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved for the adoption of the following recommended action: the Board approve the FY 2006 community colleges’ appropriation request for submission to the governor and the General Assembly. It is further recommended the department allocate FY 2006 community college appropriations subject to the provisions of the community college equity funding formula previously adopted by the Board. Mr. Langdon seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for DHE Operating Appropriations

The department’s operating appropriation request includes three new FTE in the areas of research and policy, fiscal, and proprietary. It includes minor adjustments to some of the transfer appropriations, and phasing-out a restricted federal appropriation with a transfer into the loan operating fund. Additionally, $23,724 is requested for the Commissioner’s salary.

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved that the Board approve the CBHE FY 2006 internal appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Mrs. Grove seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for State Student Financial Assistance Programs

Mr. Martin stated that this agenda item requests a reduced amount for the Advantage Missouri Program due to the phasing-out of the program. Mr. Martin noted that although this recommendation is moving forward with an additional $25 million in the Charles Gallagher Student Assistance Program and the Missouri College Guarantee Program, pursuant to discussions with presidents and chancellors in the Presidential Advisory Committee meeting, the department will continue to work with the institutions, the General Assembly, and the Board to look at alternative mechanisms to deliver need-based student financial aid. This message will be conveyed, along with the recommendation, as the recommendation goes through the legislative process.

Mrs. Kauffman moved that the Board approve the CBHE FY 2006 Student Financial Assistance appropriation request, as presented, for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Recommendations for Public Four-year Institutions’ and Linn State Technical College’s Capital Improvements

Mr. Martin noted that this recommendation contains a recommended action – a suggestion that the governor and General Assembly consider an issuance of state bonds, if necessary, to fund such capital improvement projects.

Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved that the Board approve the FY 2006 capital improvement recommendations for the public four-year institutions and Linn State Technical College for submission to the governor and General Assembly. Due to the lack of state revenue for this purpose over the last several fiscal years and the increasing infrastructure needs on campuses, the Board further recommends the governor and General Assembly consider the issuance of state bonds, if necessary, to fund public higher education capital improvement projects recommended by the Board. Mrs. Grove seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Mrs. Carmichael referenced the capital improvement projects and allocation of their funding among public two- and four-year institutions, and requested the Board and MDHE staff engage in discussions regarding community colleges’ capital projects and requests.

Measuring Value-Added Student Learning Status and Next Steps

Dr. Robert Stein stated that Missouri has had considerable conversation and interest in this project since August 2003. The experimental nature of Missouri’s pilot project on Measuring Value-Added Student Learning was emphasized. A major goal of the project is to refocus both national and state assessment agendas onto continuous improvement with infusion throughout campus culture. While public accountability for student learning is also important, it should be a result of, rather than the major driver for, continuous improvement.

Dr. Stein referenced that institutional and CAE funds have been raised to launch this joint project and highlighted the Memorandum of Agreement that has been signed with RAND’s Council for Aid to Education (CAE). Negotiations with CAE were successful, resulting in commitments from CAE to work with the Missouri Consortium on both short- and long-term agendas.

A total of 33 institutions are in the Missouri Consortium on Measuring Value Added Student Learning. Twenty-nine institutions conducted testing in fall 2004 with mixed results regarding technical issues and student participation/motivation. Department staff is working with institutional personnel in understanding what worked and what didn’t as well as ways to address push back from students and faculty during future test administrations, which are contingent upon raising additional funding from external sources.

MDHE staff perceives that there is a core group throughout Missouri committed to the pilot project, which will inform campus assessment, state policy, and the national agenda.

Mrs. Grove moved that the Coordinating Board proceed into Executive Session, with the purpose of discussing hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting particular employees by a public governmental body and personnel information about the employees discussed or reported. This is pursuant to RSMo 610.021(3). Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Mrs. Swan - aye
Mrs. Grove - aye
Mr. Wilson, Jr. - aye
Chair Kruse - aye
Mrs. Kauffman - aye
Mr. Langdon - aye
Mrs. Carmichael - aye
Mrs. Bourisaw - aye

Update on Missouri PreK-16 Activities and Efforts

Upon the board’s return from the executive session, Dr. Stein reported that there is a lot of activity in Missouri concerning preK-16 work. Examples include: advanced credit opportunities (AP and dual credit), enhancing the high school core curriculum, early awareness and outreach efforts, successful school/college partnerships, and the activities of cross-sector discipline groups, professional development schools, regional professional development councils, and Title II Part A grants to improve teacher quality.

Missouri, like other states, has had numerous studies regarding preK-16. Dr. Stein reported that over the years, many CBHE members have served on important preK-16 task forces. The reports that are issued have important recommendations; common messages from these studies are outlined in the Board item. The challenge remains, however, how to keep focused attention and energy and how to go to the next step. We do not need more studies.

There are too many missed opportunities to demonstrate that higher education and K-12 are effectively coordinating their preK-16 efforts. What are the strategies for preK-16 and where are policy levers? Dr. Stein shared information gleaned from summer site visits associated with professional development projects for improving teacher quality. Too often these projects are developed and implemented by higher education without genuine collaboration with its K-12 partners.

In doing preK-16 work, major challenges for all states, including Missouri, are to:

• Establish priorities,
• Coordinate efforts,
• Identify native resources,
• Determine strategies,
• Agree on success indicators, and
• Track improvements.

With Commissioner Wilson’s leadership, the MDHE met with Dr. Ken Dobbins, chair of COPHE; Ms. Carla Chance, president, MCCA presidents/chancellors council; Dr. Kent King, commissioner of education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; and Mr. Kelvin Simmons, director, Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Dr. Elson Floyd, president of the University of Missouri to discuss where Missouri’s next steps for preK-16 work. With many studies having been completed, the focus is now on implementation strategies, priorities, and a systematic, regular, agreed-upon evaluation system that will measure the success of selected issues. The common agreement derived from this meeting was that Missouri should focus its efforts to:

• Expand early awareness of the requirements for beyond high school options;

• Increase readiness for postsecondary education and work by enhancing participation in, and increasing the rigor of, the high school core curriculum; and

• Improve teacher quality through improved preparation and professional development.

This board item suggests that the MDHE needs to reaffirm a commitment to work with its partners on the issue of preK-16. There is no single structure that works best. For most states, however, working at both the state and local levels has been beneficial. CBHE members are encouraged to stay focused and to become intentional in setting a realistic agenda for the upcoming year.

Mrs. Carmichael suggested that the board should study the recommendations from the preK-16 commission reports concerning mathematics and teacher quality, select several recommendations to implement, and develop a plan for implementation at the December Board work session.

Board members discussed different options for next steps. Commissioner Wilson suggested that although the board does not have direct responsibility for strategizing, it would be beneficial to MDHE staff to have board feedback on a recommended plan of action, including goals, strategies, and measurements of performance. Dr. Stein added that a plan of action on preK-16 work requires involvement from all partners. Dr. Stein agreed to provide the Board with an update on the development of a preK-16 action plan.

Chair Kruse suggested that it was important to emphasize preK in the discussion of future agendas. He shared the high percent of babies dependent on Medicaid for survival, suggesting the difficult economic circumstances faced by Missouri youth. In some communities this figure is as high as 80 percent of all new births. Chair Kruse indicated the importance of identifying the role higher education can and should play in encouraging preK initiatives. Chair Kruse also mentioned the legislation passed last year that created a new Coordinating Board for preK. He suggested that it might be appropriate for the CBHE to have a joint meeting with the State Board of Education and the new Coordinating Board for preK. Dr. Stein was asked to brief the CBHE at its December meeting on the background and current standing of this new board.

Dr. John Wittstruck reminded the CBHE that a grant, which the department received from the Southwestern Bell Corporation, will be helpful in the design of a research database for preK-16 issues, which is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the University of Missouri – Columbia, and representatives of schools and school districts. The database will quickly identify areas that must be addressed, areas needing improvement, and best practices in areas that are working well.

Report on Institutional Planning and Review Meetings

Commissioner Wilson stated that higher education is moving from compliance to performance and focusing on the return on investment in higher education. Policy implementation was an issue of much discussion during the meetings, especially as it related to need-based financial aid. The desired outcomes of higher education are participation, preparation, performance excellence, and economic development, although the prioritization of these is different in conversations regarding need-based financial aid.

The planning and review meetings provided good, long-term information that will continue to improve with additional sessions. The insights gained will be helpful to the new commissioner and offer continuity to new Board members as present terms expire. The records of the communication with each institution will better inform staff about the accomplishments of the institutions, and the unique approaches being used. The process helped focus attention on issues of teacher quality, core curriculum for preparation, financial aid, retention for successful participation, and strategic planning that includes value-added learning for performance excellence.

The Coordinating Board was pleased that the review and planning sessions have resumed because of the importance of the interaction between MDHE staff and the presidents and chancellors. The Board requested MDHE staff to develop performance indicators, representing goals the board has established, to be used in these sessions to indicate the progress made by the institutions in meeting these goals.

Change in Admissions Selectivity for Harris-Stowe State College

Dr. Stein stated that when mission enhancement was established at Harris-Stowe in 1993, they declared a mission category of moderately selective. In 2002, after discussions about their performance, board members encouraged Harris-Stowe to reflect on their mission and consider becoming an open-enrollment institution, which they have done. Dr. Stein commended Harris-Stowe for their decision to become an open-enrollment institution, stating their decision was based on their perception that detrimental effects would result from denying access to adult learners no longer permitted to enroll in their institution.

Dr. Stein stated that it is recommended that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education commend the Board for Regents of Harris-Stowe State College for its decision to become an “open-enrollment” institution. It is further recommended that the Coordinating Board express its appreciation to Dr. Henry Givens for his leadership as president of Harris-Stowe State College and extend best wishes for a successful transition to an “open-enrollment” institution. Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved for adoption of the motion. Mrs. Carmichael seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., president, Harris-Stowe State College, expressed appreciation to Commissioner Wilson, Dr. Stein, the Coordinating Board, and MDHE staff for their assistance in arriving at this important decision. Dr. Givens, assured everyone that Harris-Stowe would continue its long tradition of serving a unique area and a unique student body.

Institutional Eligibility to Participate in the Missouri Student Financial Assistance Programs - Lebanon Technology and Career Center

Mr. Dan Peterson stated that Lebanon Technology and Career Center has requested participation in the state student financial aid programs administered by the Coordinating Board. The school is in compliance with all of the statutory requirements and is approved to participate in the Federal Title-IV student financial aid programs. Currently, MDHE has 83 participating institutions in the state student financial aid programs, 22 of which are vocational- technical centers.

Mr. Peterson stated that it is recommended that Lebanon Technology and Career Center be approved as an eligible institution to participate in the state student financial assistance programs administered by the CBHE beginning with the 2005-2006 academic year. Mrs. Swan moved for adoption of the motion. Mrs. Grove seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

2004 Governor’s Conference on Higher Education

“Missouri Higher Education Building Quality, Opportunity, and Prosperity Together” is the theme of the 2004 Governor’s Conference, scheduled for December 1 at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Columbia. Mrs. Susanne Medley thanked members of the planning committee and representatives of the various sectors for their diligent work in developing arrangements for the conference.

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching luncheon will be expanded to include an award for each sector that recognizes a best practice in the area of preparation, participation, or performance excellence. A higher education summit will allow attendees the opportunity to participate in facilitated discussions, which will help shape the higher education agenda for Missouri.

Mrs. Medley stated that it is recommended that the Coordinating Board for Higher Education change its meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 9, 2004 to Thursday, December 2, 2004, in order for the CBHE meeting to be held in conjunction with the 2004 Governor’s Conference on Higher Education. Dr. Bourisaw moved for adoption of the motion. Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Information Items

The following information items were discussed.

Missouri Student Loan Program Update

Mr. Scott Giles thanked and commended Commissioner Wilson for his assistance and leadership, his efforts in cooperation with MOHELA and the MARIO Program, which has contributed to securing the 3.0 percent rate reduction associated with student loans, reducing the interest rate on student loans to 37 basis points for students having a MOHELA loan guaranteed by the MDHE.

The MARIO Program is a loan forgiveness program, providing $2,500 a year for up to four years, with a total forgiveness of $10,000 for students majoring in math and science in a Missouri institution who eventually work in a life sciences corporation in Missouri. Up to $3 million a year will be available in loan forgiveness through this program in cooperation with MOHELA, the MDHE, and the Department of Economic Development.

Mr. Giles noted that Measuring Up significantly understates the average amount borrowed by students. The financial position of the guarantee agency is strong and its success results from the combined efforts of various groups at the MDHE. In the first quarter of this state fiscal year, the MDHE guaranteed over $480 million in new student loans. In addition, the cohort default rate for the guarantee agency declined from 6.5 percent last year to 4.5 percent this year, which ranks Missouri below the national average for the first time since 1996.

Mrs. Kauffman congratulated Mr. Giles upon his election to chair the board of directors for Mapping Your Future, an organization providing entrance and exit counseling, default prevention tools, and loan calculators to help parents and students understand debt and financial literacy.

The Board would like to review a profile of the borrowers in regard to participation and access. Mr. Giles noted that conversion to the new service provider, American Student Assistance (ASA), and working extensively with the Educational, Policy, Planning, and Improvement Center (EPPIC) will broaden the amount of research data that can be collected and utilized with their database. He pointed out that since MDHE only services about 50 percent of the loan volume in the state, the dataset would be incomplete.

Academic Program Actions

Dr. Stein highlighted three actions for the Board:

• The framework for new associate degree delivery provides for two-year institutions to be the primary deliverers of associate degrees. However, due to local demand and a need to accommodate State Fair Community College students in Jefferson City programs that were closed, Lincoln University was given conditional approval to offer AAS degrees in CIS Accounting and CIS Networking. The conditions stipulate that the approval permits Lincoln to enter new students for two years only, and requires that a plan be developed collaboratively with local partners for any future associate degree delivery in these areas for Jefferson City.

• Lincoln University had a proposal for an associate of arts degree in Jefferson City, but, based upon the adverse reaction from the two-year sector, withdrew their request to offer this degree.

• Moberly Area Community College was approved for an associate of arts degree in Columbia.

Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, president, Moberly Area Community College, and Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle, vice president for academic affairs, University of Missouri-Columbia, were commended for their collaborative efforts in providing the associate of arts degree delivery for the residents of Columbia and the surrounding area. A similar achievement was approved in the last year between East Central College and the University of Missouri-Rolla.

Proprietary School Certification Actions and Reviews

Dr. Stein noted that there has been continuing dialogue with John Thomas College of Naturopathic Medicine and in August, the MDHE denied their application for certification. The college has appealed to the Administrative Hearing Commission and a hearing is set for January 11, 2005. The Attorney General’s office is representing the department.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Earl Wilson, Jr. moved to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Grove seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

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Attachment A: The Missouri Technology Corporation and the Research Alliance of Missouri can be found in the full pdf version of the board book