Regional University System of Oklahoma

Last published on Apr 09, 2025 07:34 PM CDT

April RUSO Regent Meeting

Apr 11, 2025 09:00 AM CDT

East Central University Foundation Hall East, Ada, Oklahoma

I.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FILING MEETING NOTICE AND POSTING OF THE AGENDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETING ACT

Official action can only be taken on items which appear on the agenda. The RUSO Board of Regents may adopt, approve, ratify, deny, defer, recommend, amend, strike, or continue any agenda item. When more information is needed to act on an item, the Regents may refer the matter to the Chief Executive Officer or Legal Counsel. The Regents may also refer items to staff or committees for additional study. Under certain circumstances, items are deferred to a specific later date or stricken from the

agenda entirely.

II.
CALL TO ORDER AND REGENTS’ ROLL CALL
A.
(Action) Discussion and possible action excusing absent Regents.
III.
Presentation by Regent Jane McDermott regarding the Chairman’s Report.
IV.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding the Consent Docket consisting of previous minutes and academic program modifications.
A.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting, February 21, 2025
2.
Approval of Minutes of the Regent Retreat March 25, 2025.
B.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
1.
East Central University

Program Deletions:

  • Bachelor of Science – Special Education Mild/Moderate

  • Master of Education – Secondary Education Academic Discipline

2.
Northeastern State University

New Degree Program Letters of Intent:

  • Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology, sent to the RUSO Presidents via email on March 28, 2025.

 

New Degree Program Curriculum Proposals:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, BS (110102)

  •  Military Science, BS (290399)

  • Nursing (Prelicensure), BSN (513801)

 

New Minor Proposal:

  • Gerontology Minor (190702)

Degree Program Modification Proposal:

  • Applied Geographic Information Systems, M.S. (199)

  • Communication Studies, M.A. (090)

  • Creative Writing B.A (162)

  • Mechanical Engineering, B.S. (185)

  • Music, B.M. (204)

  • Physics, B.S. (159)

 

Certificate Program Modification Proposals:

  • Program Management Certificate (198)

  • Public Health Certificate (165)

  • Public Health Leadership Certificate (167)

 

Minor Program Modifications:

  • Early Care Minor (6757)

  • Human Development and Family Studies Minor (6758)

    General Education Curriculum Modification

 

3.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Program Modifications:

  • BA Communication

  • MM in Music Therapy

  • BSEd Elem Educ

  • BSEd Mild/Moderate Special Educ

4.
University of Central Oklahoma

New Programs

  • Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Music Performance

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics

  • Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting

  • Master of Music in Audio Production

 

New Majors

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics – Quantitative Economics

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance – Real Estate

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management – Entrepreneurship

  • Master of Science in Engineering – Computer Engineering

 

New Certificates

  • Graduate Certificate, Forensic Accounting

  • Graduate Certificate, Professional Development in Nonprofit Management [embedded within Master of Public Administration]

 

Program Modifications - Undergraduate

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education, Art Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Education, English Education – English Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, English – English

  • Bachelor of Arts, English – Creative Writing

  • Bachelor of Arts, History of Art and Visual Culture

  • Bachelor of Arts, Photographic Arts

  • Bachelor of Arts, Technical Writing

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration – Business Law

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration – General Business

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration – International Business

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics – Economics

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance – Finance

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance – Insurance and Risk Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Information Systems and Operations Management – Management Information Systems

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Management – Human Resource Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Management – Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Management – PGA Golf Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing – Marketing

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing – Professional Selling

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Supply Chain Management

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Education, Dance Education

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance

  • Bachelor of Science, Accounting

  • Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development

  • Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Sciences – Family & Lifespan Development

  • Bachelor of Science, Speech-Language Pathology

 

Program Modifications - Graduate

  • Doctor of Science, Forensic Science 

  • Education Specialist, School Psychology 

  • Graduate Certificate, Licensed Professional Counseling 

  • Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology 

  • Master of Athletic Training, Athletic Training 

  • Master of Education, School and Professional Counseling 

  • Master of Music, Music – Performance 

  • Master of Public Health, Public Health – Community Engagement 

  • Master of Science, Applied Mathematical Science – Mathematics 

  • Master of Science, Applied Mathematical Science – Statistics 

  • Master of Science, Applied Mathematical Science – Teaching 

  • Master of Science, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science 

  • Master of Science, Behavior Analysis 

  • Master of Science, Computer Science 

  • Master of Science, Engineering – Biomedical Engineering 

  • Master of Science, Engineering – Electrical Engineering 

  • Master of Science, Engineering – Engineering Physics 

  • Master of Science, Engineering – Mechanical Engineering 

  • Master of Science, Family and Child Studies – Family Science 

  • Master of Science, Family and Child Studies – Infant/Child Specialist 

  • Master of Science, Forensic Science – Chemistry 

  • Master of Science, Forensic Science – Digital Forensics 

  • Master of Science, Forensic Science – Forensic Science 

  • Master of Science, Forensic Science – Molecular Science 

  • Master of Science, Nursing 

  • Master of Science, Psychology – Forensic Psychology 

  • Master of Science, Speech – Language Pathology 

 

Request for Online Delivery 

  • Graduate Certificate, Licensed Professional Counseling 

  • Master of Education, School and Professional Counseling 

  • Master of Education, School Counseling 

 

Program Deletion 

  • Master of Education, Early Childhood Education 

 

Major Deletion

  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Economics - Energy Economics

V.
REPORT OF RUSO COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
A.
FACILITIES STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE – Regent Amy Anne Ford
1.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding facilities approvals for Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Project #505-0050 Campus Roof Replacement

Project Description: Northwestern requests permission to bid and award a contract to replace the roof on the Jesse Dunn Building. This roof has exceeded its useful life.

Requested Funding Approval: Not to exceed $300,000.

Budget Breakdown: All costs associated with roof removal, replacement, and architectural costs.

Congruent with Facilities Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Revenue Source: Fund 295, Section 13 (Deferred Maintenance One-Time Funding Revenue)

Project #505-0004 Modification of HVAC

Project Description: Northwestern requests permission to bid and award a contract to modify and replace the HVAC systems and/or chillers at the Enid Campus. These systems are original to the 1994 building. 

Requested Funding Approval: Not to exceed $400,000.

Budget Breakdown: All costs associated with the removal of old systems, installation, and architectural costs.

Congruent with Facilities Master Plan or Strategic Plan: Yes

Revenue Source: Fund 295, Section 13 (Deferred Maintenance One-Time Funding Revenue)

2.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding facilities approvals for Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

In accordance with Board policy 2.4, Public Construction and Improvement Projects,

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is requesting approval to bid and award to the lowest and best possible candidate the following project:

 

Project Name:           Science Building Roof

Project Description: Request permission to bid and award to the best bidder the replacement of the roof for the Science Building.  This project will remove current Duralast PVC roofing membrane and replace with new Thermoplastic polyolefin “TPO System”

Project Number(s):   660-0801

Amount:                        $200,000 Estimated

Source of Funds:        Fund 295, State Regents Deferred Maintenance

Vendor:                         To Be Determined

3.
University of Central Oklahoma
a.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding facilities approvals for the University of Central Oklahoma

Project # 120-1012 Residence Hall Improvements

Project Description: Request approval to award a contract to Legacy Painting in an amount not to exceed $600,000 to paint the interior walls and baseboards of the University Commons apartments. Work is needed to refresh resident living quarters.  This is a two-phase project that will occur over this summer and next and includes approximately 94,416 sqft of apartment living space. Legacy Painting has an on-call contract.

Requested Funding Approval: $600,000

Budget Breakdown: $600,000 for construction

Vendors: Legacy Painting

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan:  Yes

Fund Source(s): Auxiliary

 

Project # 120-0032 Sports Complex Improvements

Project Description: Request approval to award contracts to multiple vendors in an amount not to exceed $385,000 for the purpose of upgrading the tennis courts. Project includes replacing the surface of all six courts, adding drainage, curbing, and ADA pedestrian access. Lippert Brothers has an on-call construction manager contract (June 2024 RUSO).  Studio Architecture is an OMES approved consultant.

Requested Funding Approval:  $385,000

Budget Breakdown: $365,000 construction, $20,000 design/consultant 

Vendors: Lippert Brothers and Studio Architecture

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan:  Yes

Fund Source(s): Section 13

 

Project # 120-1012 Residence Hall Improvements

Project Description: Request approval to award a contract to Oklahoma Roofing and Sheet Metal in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to replace a section of the roof at the intersection of the center and west wing of Murdaugh Hall.  The project area covers 4,500 sqft. of Spanish tile that is in disrepair causing leaks in resident rooms. Oklahoma Roofing and Sheet Metal is on state contract.

Requested Funding Approval: $150,000

Budget Breakdown: $150,000 construction

Vendors: Oklahoma Roofing and Sheet Metal

Congruent with Facility Master Plan or Strategic Plan:  Yes

Fund Source(s): Auxiliary

b.
Informational Items:

Project # 120-0013 Streets, Sidewalks, Lights, and Landscaping

Project Description: Transferred $275,000 of OSHRE Deferred Maintenance Funding originally allocated to Project # 120-0033 Howell Hall Auditorium Renovation (September 2024 RUSO) to Project # 120-0013 Garland Godfrey Drive project (February 2025 RUSO).    

Fund Source: OSHRE Deferred Maintenance Funding

 

Project # 120-1012 Residence Hall Improvements

Project Description: Issued contract in the amount of $89,852 to Leiber Mechanical for replacement of the domestic hot water boiler at the Transformative Learning Quadrangle (the Quad). Leiber Mechanical has an on-call contract.

Fund Source: Auxiliary

 

Project # 120-1012 Residence Hall Improvements

Project Description: Issued contract in the amount of $79,000 to Johnson Controls International (JCI) for the addition of reheat coils and return air grilles in Murdaugh Hall to reduce humidity issues in the building. JCI utilizes General Services Administration (GSA) pricing.

Fund Source: Auxiliary

B.
AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE- Regent Susan Winchester
1.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding Board policy 2.3.4, Purchases exceeding $150,000, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is requesting approval to purchase the following items:

Educational supplies for Nursing: Laerdal Medical Corp. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at a cost not to exceed $190,000 (Fund 705-ARPA, Auxiliary)

2.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding Board policy 2.1.2, Budget Submission and Approval, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is requesting to amend the following FY 2025 budget as indicated below:

Budget:                         Fund 295 – Capital, $1,500,000 increase

Source of Funds:         Additional drawdowns of American Rescue Plant Act (ARPA) Grant Funds to continue paying renovation costs related to the Biology and Science buildings. 

3.
University of Central Oklahoma
a.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding Board policy 2.3.4, Purchases exceeding $150,000, the University of Central Oklahoma is requesting approval to purchase the following items:
  • TeamDynamix, IT service management software subscription. Year 2 of 3-year agreement.

Source: Technology Fee……..……......……………....….$154,847

 

  • Certified Commercial Restoration LLC, water remediation including removal and repairs for residence halls.

Source: Auxiliary………….....…..……………..................$330,527

C.
POLICY COMMITTEE - Regent Jane McDermott
1.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
a.
Presentation and possible action to grant an exception to RUSO Board policy 4.4.3(b)

Presentation and possible action to grant an exception to RUSO Board policy 4.4.3(b) and in compliance with RUSO Board policy 5.16 to allow the sale of beer at NWOSU athletic events held on the NWOSU campus in Alva through its athletic concessionaire under clearly established protocols in compliance with all necessary licensure rules under Oklahoma state law and the Oklahoma ABLE Commission rules

2.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
a.
Presentation and possible action to grant an exception to RUSO Board policy 4.4.3(b)

Presentation and possible action to grant an exception to RUSO Board policy 4.4.3(b) and in compliance with RUSO Board policy 5.16 to allow the sale of beer at SE athletic events held on the SE campus in Durant through its athletic concessionaire under clearly established protocols in compliance with all necessary licensure rules under Oklahoma state law and the Oklahoma ABLE Commission rules

VI.
Presentation by President Bo Hannaford regarding the President’s Council Report and possible discussion with RUSO Regents
VII.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding the RUSO University Presidents recommendations presented by leadership at each institution.
A.
East Central University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($0)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational
  • $85,646.10 Fisher Scientific Company LLC for a bench-top simultaneous ICP Spectrometer with multi-element detection for the OKA’ Institute (Fund 730 AUX)

  • $81,702.00 Bison Construction Services to renovate Administration Building Rooms 156,160,163, 164, new offices for Student Affairs, and 203 & 204 classrooms to offices for Marketing & Communications (Fund 650 New College)

  • $66,760.00 Clark Contractors for Pre-Construction Services of the STEM Center & School of Nursing Building (Fund 295 Sect 13 Offset)

B.
East Central University President's Report
C.
Northeastern State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($294,835)
3.
Purchases (None at this time)
4.
Approval of resolution affirming Northeastern State University's commitment to Tahlequah Oklahoma
D.
Northeastern State University President's Report
E.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($5,000.00)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational
  • Auditing services: Forvis Mazars, Springfield, Missouri, at a cost not to exceed $83,000. (Fund 290)

  • HVAC equipment: Engineered Equipment Inc, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at a cost of $130,000 (Fund 295, Section 13-Deferred Maintenance one-time funds)

F.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University President's Report
G.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts

In accordance with Board policy 2.3.6, Revenue Generating Contracts, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is reporting that it has extended the current agreement with BSN Sports and Under Armour. 

 

The current contract is being extended for six years, through June 30, 2031. The extension includes increased discounts on athletic apparel and footwear, continued access to a nationally recognized brand for athletic gear, and specialized marketing and branding materials. Additionally, it provides promotional funding and a product allotment.

3.
Purchases (none at this time)
4.
Ratification of Approval (Field Name Change)

Southeastern requests ratification for the approval received from Regent McDermitt to change the name of the Paul Larid Field to the Paul Laird Field at the Spend Life Wisely Stadium and name the new press box the John L. Massey Press box at the Spend Life Wisely Stadium. Per RUSO policy 5.10.1, the Massey family provided more than one-third of the funds necessary to build the new stadium. The Massey family has also contributed funds for endowed chairs, scholarships and other campus projects.  John Massey is a Distinguished Alumnus who became the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Massey also served as a Regent of the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education for 27 years and was named State Regent Emeritus in 2019.

H.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University President's Report
I.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($146,577.00)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational Items

Elsevier Inc for the curriculum for Nursing Department

Source E&G ………...…………………………………...….$81,438.75

 

Elsevier 360 is curriculum integrated into the nursing courses to prepare students for the NCLEX licensing test. Through Elsevier 360, first time pass rates for SWOSU students has jumped from 75% to 97%.

J.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University President's Report
K.
University of Central Oklahoma President's Recommendations
1.
Personnel
2.
Grants and Contracts ($113,452.00)
3.
Purchases
a.
Informational Items
  • MIAA MO, Inc., game officials.   

Source: Athletics Fee……………...............……...…........$53,936

 

  • Apporto Corporation, virtual lab software.   

Source: E&G ............................…..…………..…….…........$51,000

 

  • Rigaku America Holding Inc., engineering research lab equipment.   

Source: E&G.…………….................…………..…….…........$88,997

 

  • Connected Analytics Operations, LLC., Axiom budget tool software subscription renewal. Year 5 of 5-year agreement totaling $575,000.   

Source: E&G……………….....................……..…….…........$74,284

 

  • Building Capacity EDU, LLC., professional services.   

Source: Grant……………….............……..…...................$100,000

 

  • Alias Forensics Inc., cybersecurity services 2-year agreement. 3-11-2025 to 3-10-2027.

Source: E&G……………………………..……..…...................$73,800

 

  • Overland Charters, sports team spring transportation.    

Source: Athletics Fee…………………..…………...............$81,000

L.
University of Central Oklahoma President's Report
VIII.
(Action) Presentation by Dr. Brandon Tatum and possible discussion with RUSO Regents regarding the CEO’s report.
A.
(Action) Discussion and possible action regarding changes to the RUSO Regents' meeting schedule starting in September 2025
  • September 4, 2025

  • October 2, 2025

  • November 6, 2025

IX.
(Action) Presentation and possible action regarding the FY26 RUSO administrative office budget.
X.
Regent's Comments and Announcements
XI.
Discussion and possible action regarding New Business (not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the time of the agenda).
XII.
(Action) Vote to enter into executive session pursuant to 25 O.S. 307(B)(4) for the purpose of discussion and possible action on the following issues:
A.
Charles E. Sneed and Tabitha Sneed v. Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Acting President Kim Cherry, and NSU Employees, E.C.A.L. [sic et al.], District Court of Cherokee County, Case #CJ-2007-840
B.
Marci D. Walkingstick Dixon v. State of Oklahoma ex rel. the Regional University System of the Oklahoma Board of Regents sic. d/b/a Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Eastern District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-19-391
C.
Tatum Robertson, Eve Brennan, and Marin Rhodes v. University of Central Oklahoma ("UCO") and Board of Regents for the Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), Western District of Oklahoma, Case # CIV-2022-836-HE
D.
Dr. Rachel Tudor v. Marie Galindo et al. and Ezra Young and Brittany Stewart v. Dr. Rachel Tudor, Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE"), and Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), Western District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-2022-480-C
E.
Noreen Swank v. State of Oklahoma ex rel. the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents d/b/a Northeastern State University ("NSU"), Eastern District of Oklahoma Case #CIV-2024-102-GLJ
F.
Terry Worcester v. East Central University ("ECU"), District Court of Pontotoc County Case #CJ-2019-37
G.
Alan Scott Asher and Nancy Asher v. Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow ("NSU"), and The Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges-Regional University System of Oklahoma ("RUSO"), District Court of Wagoner County Case #CJ-2022-309
H.
Shekhar Rathor v. University of Central Oklahoma ("UCO") EEOC Charge #564-2022-02211
I.
OCR Docket No. 07-23-2169 - Website accessibility complaint against East Central University
J.
US Department of Education Complaint by Margo McKenzie against Northeastern State University for alleged FERPA violations
K.
MidFirst Bank v. James L. Lindsay II, Northwestern Oklahoma State University ("NWOSU") et al., District Court of Oklahoma County Case #CJ-2022-6342
L.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University Internal Revenue Service Audit
M.
Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Complaint against VOYA
N.
Discussion of legal opinion provided by John E. Priddy and next steps
O.
Dr. Ian Gerg v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE")
P.
Dorothy Phelps v. Southeastern Oklahoma State University ("SE"), District Court of Bryan County, Case #CS-24-670
XIII.
(Action) Vote to exit Executive Session and return to Open Session.
A.
Discussion and possible action to implement matters discussed in Executive Session.
XIV.
(Action) Vote to Adjourn the Board Meeting