The May 2023 board meetings were held on the Philadelphia campus.
The ULS Board of Trustees held an Executive Committee meeting on May 8, 2023 followed by a dinner hosted by President Erwin. There were two open gallery sessions for students, faculty and staff on May 9 in addition to committee meetings. These were in person meetings.
The board received reports from President Erwin and the President’s Cabinet, including the departments of Academics and Student Life, Advancement, Finance, Operations, Strategic Marketing and Communications, and Continuing Education.
The board also received reports from Rev. Dr. Javier Goitia representing the ELCA, Clifford Stanley and Andrew Taminger representing the students, Dr. Teresa Smallwood and Dr. Reed Carlson representing the faculty, Rev. Dr. Quintin Robertson representing the Urban Theological Institute, and Rev. Dr. Don Green representing TULSAA.
Mr. David Russell presented the Resource Development and Financial Management Committee report and the United Lutheran Seminary Endowment Foundation report. The board approved motions to adopt the 2023-2024 Budget, the proposed draw rate for 2023-2024, and approve a tuition increase for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Mr. Fred Risser presented the report of the LTSP Reconstituted Board. He discussed the board’s intention to appoint a forensic accountant at the recommendation of our attorneys for the sake of expediting the accounting and consolidation of the two endowments.
Pastor Constance Mentzer presented the Governance, Infrastructure and Policy Committee report. Though there were no motions to present, the committee is working on a formal policy for the evaluation of the President.
Dr. Tommie Robinson presented the report of the Academic Affairs committee. The board approved three motions: First, the board granted Rev. Dr. John Hoffmeyer the title of Associate Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology beginning July 1,2023. Second, the board granted tenure to the Rev. Dr. Teresa Smallwood as The James Franklin Kelly and Hope Eyster Kelly Associate Professor of PublicTheology beginning July 1, 2024. Finally, the board approved the list of graduating seniors pending successful completion of requirements.
Pastor Sara Lilja presented the report for the Enrollment Services and Student Life Committee. There were no motions to present, but they thanked the involvement of the students and the student government for their work.
Lastly, President Erwin opened the floor for those attending in person to ask questions. There was an informal discussion about changing the timeframe for the September board meeting. The board then went into a brief executive session prior to lunch break.
Rev. Dr. Peter Boehringer
Chair, ULS Board of Trustees
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