LINN  — State Tech Regents approved an increase to the president’s contract authorization limit to $250,000 at their meeting earlier this month.

VP of Finance Jenny Jacobs told Regents that on May 9, 1999, the board authorized the president, as an agent of the Board of Regents, to sign contracts or agreements either not involving any amount of money or involving amounts of $100,000 or less.

“Inflation and the magnitude of regular business operations have outpaced this threshold,” she noted.

Regents President John A. Klebba agreed that things have changed, acknowledging it had been 25 years since the adoption of the policy. “This is more consistent with what we’re seeing now in terms of the contracts that come across in the normal course of business,” he said. “And that’s really what we’re looking at, the normal course of business.”

The board’s administrative policy related to contract authorization was approved as follows: “Contracts or agreements that bind the College to a financial obligation in excess of $250,000 in any one year must be approved by the Board of Regents whenever possible prior to execution, with the exception of contracts or agreements related to any capital project. Contracts or agreements related to capital projects in excess of $500,000 would require board approval.”

In other business, Regents approved seeking external approval for Associate of Applied Science, Digital Marketing, and Associate of Applied Science, Heavy Equipment Operations and Management programs.

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Ken Thompson explained that Digital Marketing uses websites, apps, and other digital technology to teach marketing strategies and techniques. Due to the high demand for the Digital Marketing option under the Business program, it was decided that Digital Marketing should become its own Associate of Applied Science degree program.

Dean of Strategy and Growth Ben Berhorst said the Heavy Equipment Operations has always been a very popular and high-impact program. By taking this program to a two-year degree program instead of just a one-year certificate program, HEO will be able to provide valuable courses relating to technology and management training within the field and general education courses.

In his report, President Dr. Shawn Strong noted this year’s theme has been “adapt and overcome.”

“With all the construction, moving, and changing, there have been challenges, but the faculty and staff at State Tech have been very flexible and working hard to get everything accomplished,” said Dr. Strong. “The evolution of State Tech over the next few years is a generational opportunity that will certainly improve the quality of education and the student experience.”

He added that Osage View is a truly unique feature for State Tech and the community and said Renee Braun has done a great job of running that facility.

• Programs and students have done an impressive job of being a part of improving the campus, Dr. Strong noted, adding Commercial Turf & Grounds students helped lay sod at the driving range. HEO students helped to put in new gravel roads all over the eastern side of campus.

“Our faculty and staff accomplish so much for a small college, and it’s very impressive,” said Dr. Strong.

FACULTY SENATE REPORT

Faculty Senate Vice President and Physical Therapist Assistant Instructor Tony Brenneke presented the following updates on the activities of the Faculty Senate.

• The structure of the Faculty Senate is shifting to fit the new structure of Academic Affairs better. Current members are President Randy Rice (Arts and Science Division), David Henes (Civil Division), Abby Berhorst (Computer Division), Simone Perrigo (Health Division), Drew Collins (Industrial Division), Mitch Branson (Transportation Division), and Brenneke and Secretary Chris Hillen (at-large members). Brenneke said the Faculty Senate intends to keep Regents informed of any further updates to its structure.

• The Faculty Senate meets biweekly with Dr. Strong, and the primary focus this academic year is to increase faculty engagement with students to promote an overall positive student experience and encourage students to attend campus events.

• Brenneke noted the Faculty Senate appreciates the equity process and the opportunity it provides.

STAFF SENATE REPORT

Staff Senate President and Enrollment Management Associate Amanda Barch told Regents that new officers were elected for the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to President Barch are VP Makayla Broeker and Secretary Hanna Hensing. Current at-large members are Mikeli Holtmeyer, Justin Roark, and Lorinda Smith.

• The Staff Senate appreciates the equity process and the opportunity it provides.

• In collaboration with the Faculty Senate and Katy Minnix, the Staff Senate coordinated the employee holiday party, which was largely attended and greatly appreciated.

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON REPORT

State Tech Legislative Liaison Ryan Debouf gave a brief overview of the composition of the Missouri Legislature, including the structure of the House and Senate, political party influence, and leadership dynamics.

• Debouf also discussed some of the hot topics he expects during this session, including the state budget, the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program, the 2024 election cycle, utilities, childcare, petition reform, foreign ownership of land, taxes, and sports betting.

• Lastly, Debouf outlined priorities related to State Tech, including an increase in core funding for the college, ARPA funding, MOExcels Grants, and the expansion of the Heavy Equipment Operations program.

SGA REPORT

Student Government Association (SGA) President Aiden Stremmel presented activities updates from the fall semester.

• The SGA project fee allows the organization to choose projects to enhance campus and provide new opportunities for State Tech students in the coming years. SGA voted to provide $50,000 to enhance Lake State Tech this year, including a kayak rental machine and sand volleyball courts. Since its opening last year, several events have been hosted at Lake State Tech. These events include a cardboard boat race, a beach party, and a kayak challenge for the State Tech Cup. The SGA used the remaining funds from the project fee to purchase more fitness equipment at the Activity Center.

• The SGA has worked with department chairs across campus to ensure that all programs are represented at meetings to provide feedback and return information to their peers. Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Bowser, representatives from each program, SGA Coordinator Cam Carter, and officers attended these meetings.

• Carter and SGA officers collaborated to provide activities for Week of Welcome, including a campus BBQ, tie-dying t-shirts, and the carnival food frenzy. SGA sponsored a Saturday event at the end of Week of Welcome for the first time this year. “Kansas City Xtreme Wrestling was an exciting event for State Tech students, employees, and the local community,” said Stremmel. “They also worked together throughout the semester to provide intramurals and other activities like a trivia night, grocery bingo, a fishing tournament, a big buck tournament, and a ghost tour at the Missouri State Penitentiary.

Other business will be presented next week.