A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, in Room G52 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

Committee members present included: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Kevin Boes; Vanessa Castagna (virtual, via Teams); Shawn Taylor (virtual, via Teams); and Professor Brian Leung (ex-officio).

Officers and administrators in attendance: Patrick Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Jenna Rickus, vice provost for teaching and learning; Beth McCuskey, vice provost for student life; Eric Barker, associate provost for graduate programs; Sunil Prabhakar, vice provost for faculty affairs; Cherise Hall, vice provost for enrollment management.

I. DISCUSSION: ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT 

Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Rong Huang as the Evanson-McCoy Professor. He shared that Dr. Huang is a Professor in the College of Pharmacy and her highly impactful research focuses on understanding and targeting epigenetic modifications in cells with an emphasis on drug discovery. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Rong Huang’s appointment as the Evanson-McCoy Professor. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Juang expressed that she is incredibly grateful and honored for the recognition. She thanked the Board of Trustees, the Provost office and everyone who has played a role in her journey. She gave a big shout out to her family for their support.

II. (PNW) APPROVAL OF NEW DEGREE, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval of a new degree at Purdue University Northwest, Mater of Social Work. Anne Gregory, Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Purdue Northwest shared details about the degree noting the need for a master’s degree in social work has bever been greater, both nationally and statewide. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the new degree, Master of Social Work at Purdue University Northwest. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

III. UNIVERSITY SENATE REPORT

Professor Brian Leung, university senate chair, began his presentation with a slide showing the first meeting of the of the university senate in November of 1964 pointing out that the university senate was established in February 1964 noting a 60 year anniversary. He highlighted that it is a university senate which includes faculty, staff, and students. Chairman Berghoff mentioned the familiar names within the document that are now seen on the side of some of the buildings on campus, Freehafer, Hicks, Hovde, Schleman, and Wiley. Professor Leung shared action updates from the senate mentioning the resolution regarding David Malpass passed and noted discussions continue regarding sustainability, A.I. and the Graduate School Transformation Proposal. A copy of Professor Leung’s presentation was filed with the minutes.

Trustee Brouillette shared her appreciation for Professor Leung’s leadership in his role as university senate chair noting how he has been transparent, fair, and shared ideas for improvement.

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m.