University of Arkansas Board of Trustees Meets at UAM

Managing Editor

  The University of Arkansas Board of Trustees met at the University of Arkansas at Monticello April 1 to discuss official business of the U of A System.

Photo by Indra D. Kriner

Praising the University - University of Arkansas-Monticello Chancellor Jack Lassiter sings UAM's praises at the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees meeting April 1. UAM hosted the meeting for the U of A System.

   UAM Ambassadors shuttled several board members to campus from Monticello Municipal Airport, Ellis Field after their arrival on private jets, as well as from local hotels.

   UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter began a presentation to the board with two short videos, one featuring the Boll Weevil mascot and another, featuring UAM students. Lassiter then discussed UAM’s progress in implementing the Master Plan and the success the university has had funding long-range improvement goals through fundraising projects such as the Weevil Walk bricks by Weevil Pond.

   “The concept of selling the bricks was so we could, in a sense, repay ourselves for construction costs, and I’m pleased to report that this year we did finish paying ourselves back … through the sale of these bricks,” Lassiter said. 

   For $100, donors get a brick on Weevil Walk inscribed with his or her name or that of an honoree of the donor's choosing.

   “The great news is that 4,000 bricks are in this portion of the walk. We can expand that tenfold by going all the way around the pond,” Lassiter said.

   Lassiter described upgrades to residence halls, heating and air-conditioning systems, as well as efforts to improve accessibility everywhere on campus. 

   “I’m pleased to report that every building on campus is handicapped-accessible with the exception of two buildings, and that’s the Music Building and the Babin Business Center,” Lassiter said.

   Lassiter also said the university is “seriously considering” adding new residence halls.

   The presentation included updates on a number of issues regarding campus development, such as technological improvements.

   The two-year process upgrading to WeevilNet, “Just about cost me my job with my fellow staff members and faculty,” Lassiter said. “If you can believe that we had computer admistrative software that was 26 years old—it served us well but it was time that we made a move.” 

   Other technological improvements mentioned included efforts to make the campus more energy efficient through a number of measures recommended in a 2008 audit. $2.5 million in federal stimulus funds made the upgrades possible, Lassiter said.

   “It is projected right now that we will save $300,000 annually in utility costs,” Lassiter said.

   Lassiter mentioned the loss of area population and faculty retention as possible challenges in the university’s future.

   After Lassiter’s presentation, the board conducted its official business for several schools within the U of A System. Concerning UAM, the board voted to approve the reconfiguration of the speech communication major.

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