CIC President’s Institute
Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 4-7, 2007
I joined other higher education leaders at the Council of Independent Colleges Presidents’ Institute at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Ariz. With the theme “The Anticipatory Presidency and the 21st Century Campus,” this year’s institute addressed a range of topics important to presidents as they anticipate the future of their institutions—strategic visions, fundraising, board relations, enrollment management, institutional planning, educational programs, and legal issues—as well as considerations of personal renewal and support. Melanie and I were also thrilled to serve as hosts of the CIC New President’s Institute dinner for the fourth consecutive year.

NCAA Convention
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 7, 2007
TSU Athletic Director Dr. David Anspaugh and I atternded the NCAA convention in Orlando, Fla. Overviews and discussions on technology, recruiting, and meeting the needs of today’s student-athletes aided us in our quest to move TSU’s sports programs forward. TSU will receive full NCAA Division III membership on June 1, 2007.

Memorial service for Sarah Steele
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007
The TSU community joined in grieving the loss of volleyball coach Sarah Steele at a memorial service held on campus. Sarah’s athletes spoke of her special leadership qualities, and TSU Athletic Director Dr. David Anspaugh also paid tribute to her strong character. TSU Christian Campus House minister Travis Wilhelm officiated the service.

Scholarship Day Competition
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007
While 30 students vied for TSU scholarships through writing tests and faculty interviews, their parents gleaned information and perspective through administrative and parent panels. The groups came together over lunch to hear details about TSU’s academic, honors and study abroad programs.

Sports complex plans continue
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007
A trip to Saskatoon, Canada, with TSU Vice President for Student and University Operations Mike Bock kept our plans and focus on a multi-purpose sports complex. Our meetings with Summit Structures, an engineering and designing firm, were very helpful as we finalize the plans and costs for the upgrade of athletic facilities. Summit also has interest in entertaining a proposal from us regarding naming opportunities for facilities.

Kresge Foundation visit
Monday, Jan. 22, 2007
Bob Remington and Melanie Harmon of the Office of Advancement accompanied me to Troy, Mich., to meet with Kresge Foundation officials. The gathering allowed us to move forward with a $500,000 challenge grant proposal for the University Center and Center for Online Technology. Meetings with this group are difficult to attain, and we are pleased that our progress of recent years was well received by the foundation.

Meeting with corporate partners
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007
I traveled to Fort Wayne to strengthen relationships and explore partnerships with Mac Parker of Baker & Daniels/Cole Foundation and Mike Packnett, CEO of Parkview Hospital.

Winter Board of Trustees retreat
Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 25-27, 2007
TI enjoyed the distinct privilege of presenting Trustee Dr. John J. McKetta with a certificate honoring him for his 50 years of dedication and service to the TSU Board of Trustees during this winter board meeting and retreat in Austin, Texas. The Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities likewise honored Dr. McKetta, who received the awards and a Power Point presentation from his TSU college days with his typical enthusiasm and good humor.

Luau in January
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007
Our annual open house for prospective TSU students was a huge success, with over 100 potential students considering TSU as the place to build their futures. They were welcomed to campus and they participated in panels, discussions, and tours.

I applaud the efforts of Kelly Butler and the many faculty and staff who contributed to this extremely successful event while we were in Austin, Texas. Parents and students combined for over 290 guests who enjoyed our hospitality and the campus for the day.