Board of Visitors Announce Centennial Clock Tower Updates

Managing Editor

   The Board of Visitors met at the Spencer Gallery of the Fine Arts Center on Jan. 15 to discuss the projected completion of the Centennial Clock Tower.

   With four companies placing bids to construct the 30-foot-tall tower, Davis Construction won the bid and predicts its completion for early summer.

   “The clock will chime on the hour and will serve as a focal point for the university,”  Chancellor Jack Lassiter said.

Photo by Linna Jones

Gathering Info - The 12 members of the Board of Visitors listen as they receive information Jan. 15 concerning campus finances and updates from several departments at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Crossett and McGehee. The board discussed the Centennial Clock Tower, enrollment numbers and a new degree among other topics.

   The Centennial Circle project, with completion estimated by 2010, found itself pushed back due to the failing economy. A future Facebook site brings hope to the project by reaching more alumni to donate money to help create a $1 million unrestricted endowment.

  “Our goal was to have 100 members to donate $100 and we currently have 66 members, but we still have time to get 100,” Lassiter added.

   Provost R. David Ray announced the unofficial head count for the spring semester to include 3, 260 students, surpassing last year’s enrollment of 3,063 students. Ray added how the University of Arkansas at Monticello holds 855 classes with 48 of those classes taught online.  Ray also discussed accreditation of the School of Education, music and concurrent programs.

   A new degree effective in Summer I, the Bachelors of General Studies, hopes to allow diversity by bringing convenience to students in order to obtain their degree.

   As of January 14, UAM holds an 80 percent retention rate. With 666 freshmen enrolled during the fall term, 532 students registered for spring semester.

   “Retention rate is always important and we are working to increase the retention rate,” Lassiter said.

  Board member Jay Jones said with the exterior of the athletic practice facility finished, mid-February remains the expected date for the completion of the field turf. Jones also discussed the tuition increase from $143 to $153 per credit hour as utilities rise higher and hard economic times persist. Jones presented the board with the second quarter financial report, preparations of the budget, Wells and Sorrels Hall updates and Information Technology Initiatives.  

   Board member Linda Rushing announced a 100 percent State Board passing rate by Practical Nursing students.

   Money from the $90,477 Perkins fund helped purchase a sim man for nursing students.

   “The sim man can produce tears, a pulse and allows students to practice drawing blood,” said Bob Ware, board member.

   Rushing and Ware announced updates on Adult Education and Career Pathways.

   Chancellor Jack Lassiter announced Tommy Maxwell as a newly appointed board member.  A former graduate of UAM, Maxwell now owns local company Maxwell Hardwood Flooring. Maxwell inquired other members on the teaching of work ethics.

   “The lack of work ethics is a common shortcoming of some students. For example, the Agriculture department has a course which teaches students how to dress for interviews and Football Coach Gwaine Matthews requires players to wear a nice shirt and neck tie whenever they appear in public,” Lassiter said.

   The board’s other topics of discussion included:

• an update on activities such as the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Canned Christmas Tree Food Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Black History Month and Homecoming.

• updates on the Food Service Vendor contract bids and summer camps maintenance schedules.

• lottery scholarships, School of Forest Resources Annex campaign and the Economic Stimulus Proposal for Federal Government.

   According to the Board of Visitors Web site, Act 1196 established the Board of Visitors for UAM and states the board shall consist of twelve members appointed by the governor with seven of those including UAM alumni.

   Of the total membership, seven appointments include one person from the following counties: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln. The governor appoints two members from the UAM-CTC and UAM-CTM Board of Directors. The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas appoints the Board of Directors of the Colleges of Technology.

  

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