A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 8:50 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

All committee members were present: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Vanessa Castagna; Malcolm DeKryger; Daniel Romary; and Professor Cheryl Cooky (ex-officio). All other trustees were present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Michael Klipsch; Gary Lehman; Thomas Spurgeon; and Don Thompson.

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mitch Daniels, president; Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Jim Almond, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; Trent Klingerman, deputy general counsel; Janice Indrutz, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board; Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor of Purdue University Fort Wayne; and  Tom Keon, chancellor of Purdue University Northwest.

I. INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSITY SENATE CHAIR

Trustee Brouillette introduced Professor Cheryl Cooky, who would serve on the Committee for the next year in an ex-officio capacity as the new chair of the University Senate.  Professor Cooky said she was an associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and discussed her research interests, and she said she looked forward to serving on the Committee. 

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of its last meeting on April 12, 2019.

III. APPROVAL OF POSTHUMOUS DEGREE FOR SCOTT JOSEPH FOSTER

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to award a posthumous Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree to Scott Joseph Foster, who was a student in the Purdue School of Science on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Provost Akridge informed the Committee that Scott, age 37, was a non-traditional student who had completed 96% of the degree requirements and would have graduated in May 2019. Furthermore, Mr. Foster had repeatedly earned Dean’s List distinction.  

Dr. Simon Rhodes, dean of the Purdue School of Science at IUPUI, thanked the Committee for its consideration to award the posthumous degree. He said it was very sad that Scott had met with an accident after overcoming many challenges, and the posthumous degree would mean a lot to Scott’s family. Trustee Brouillette remarked that the supporting materials indicated Scott was a wonderful man.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval to award a posthumous degree to Scott Joseph Foster. Trustee Brouillette asked Dean Rhodes to extend the Board’s sympathies to Scott’s family.  Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

IV. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR SIMON J. RHODES 

Trustee Brouillette then turned her focus to Dean Rhodes, who would leave the Purdue School of Science at IUPUI to become provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of North Florida. She began reading the following resolution for the Committee to consider but deferred to Trustee Thompson when she became overcome with emotion:

WHEREAS, Dr. Simon J. Rhodes has served Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for 24 years, including the past eight years as dean of the Purdue School of Science; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University-West Lafayette in 1991, during which time he met his wife, Janette, who was also a graduate student at Purdue; and

WHEREAS, during his time as dean of the Purdue School of Science at IUPUI, Dr. Rhodes oversaw a budget of more than $70 million and led more than 180 faculty, 2,500 undergraduate students and hundreds of masters and doctoral graduate students; and

WHEREAS, he has built a widely recognized track record in student success, faculty innovation and problem solving; and 

WHEREAS, in particular, Dr. Rhodes has worked tirelessly and successfully to expand the presence of STEM education and STEM graduates in Indiana; and

WHEREAS, he worked to establish a new undergraduate degree program in neuroscience and achieved site approval for six IUPUI doctoral programs; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership, IUPUI has achieved annually a record number of science graduates, increasing by about 10% each year since 2012; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes has improved faculty diversity in the Purdue School of Science through a series of new search-and-screen procedures and through an increase in funding for the Diversity Scholars Research Program at IUPUI; and 

WHEREAS, he has led new fundraising efforts to provide scholarships to increase the enrollment of underrepresented minorities and women in the Purdue School of Science; and 

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes has brought in record levels of research funding for the Purdue School of Science, using some funding to establish a grant program to fund faculty research proposals that have high scores from federal funding agencies but were not ultimately funded and a scholarship for students experiencing unexpected financial hardship during the final phase of their studies; and

WHEREAS, is himself a prolific scholar, researcher and educator, with work featured in more than 80 scientific publications; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes has greatly contributed to the advancement of medical science over his career, with research focusing on further understanding hormone deficiency diseases; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes has continued to educate and inspire students during his tenure as dean, teaching “Endocrinology in Health and Disease,” a 400-level class in which students learn how endocrinology affects everyday life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes has maintained a number of important professional affiliations, including serving as a member of the Research Committee for the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, a member of several committees within the Endocrine Society USA, a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a board member for the TechPoint Foundation for Youth, among many others; and

WHEREAS, he is regularly called on to join campus and community leadership and planning committees; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, service, dedication to students and success, Dr. Rhodes was the 2015 recipient of both the Dr. Joseph T. Taylor Award for Excellence in Diversity and the Purdue University College of Science Outstanding Alumni Award, the 2017 Norman Brown Diversity Scholars Program Mentor of the Year Award, the 2019 Gerald L. Bepko Outstanding Administrator Award and the highest honor bestowed at IUPUI — a 2019 IUPUI 50th Anniversary Chancellor’s Medallion; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Rhodes will step down from his position as dean on June 30, 2019, to begin his tenure as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of North Florida on July 1, 2019;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED BY THE TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY: 

1. That the Trustees recognize the incredible impact Dr. Simon J. Rhodes has made on his students, faculty, staff, alumni and community as dean of the Purdue School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; and

2. That enormous gratitude and appreciation are expressed to Dr. Rhodes for his tremendous contributions to science, the state of Indiana and Purdue University; and

3. That Dr. Rhodes’ many contributions are part of the great, permanent history of Purdue University and will never be forgotten; and

4. That the Board wishes him continued success as he takes this next exciting step in his career; and

5. That this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Board of Trustees as part of the permanent record of Purdue University for all to witness. 

Trustee Brouillette explained that she had gotten choked up while reading the Resolution because Dean Rhodes had made a real impact and was leaving a legacy. She said he had elevated Purdue University at IUPUI and she was grateful for the communication he helped foster for the benefit of the faculty and students. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the Resolution of Appreciation for Dean Rhodes. A formal copy of the Resolution and a photo were filed with the minutes.

Dean Rhodes thanked the Committee and members of the Board and said the Resolution meant a lot to him. He shared his observation that, having attending many of its meetings over the years, the members of the Purdue Board of Trustees asked the right questions and were student-centric, which he commended. He thanked President Daniels and Provost Akridge for their support and also recognized Dr. Candiss Vibbert in Provost Akridge’s office. Dean Rhodes stated that his recognition was more about the remarkable and dedicated faculty, staff, and students in the Purdue School of Science at IUPUI who were responsible for the School’s record numbers of graduates and incoming students, as well as a record research year and a record fundraising year. Dean Rhodes concluded his remarks by thanking his wife for her support and said, as alluded to in the Resolution, they had met on the Purdue West Lafayette campus exactly 35 years ago to the day.

At the request of President Daniels, Dean Rhodes shared that nearly half of IUPUI’s top 100 students were enrolled in the Purdue School of Science, which, President Daniels said, was an amazing tribute to Dean Rhodes’ work. Trustee Thompson used the word “intentionality” to describe Dean Rhodes’ work and said the Board wished Dean Rhodes well.  

V. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE ALLISON AND NANCY SCHLEICHER CHAIR IN MANAGEMENT 

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Mohit Tawarmalani as the Allison and Nancy Schleicher Chair in Management on a permanent basis; Dr. Tawarmalani had held the chair on a limited-term basis since July 2014. Provost Akridge informed the Committee about Dr. Tarwarmalani’s research in global optimization theory, algorithms, and software development, and he said Dr. Tawarmalani’s work had been recognized with some of the highest honors in his field. Provost Akridge added that Dr. Tawarmalani had co-authored a well-recognized book and a widely-used software package. Though Provost Akridge did not cite the ten letters in support of Dr. Tawarmalni’s appointment, which the Committee had reviewed, Trustee Brouillette remarked that they were very impressive. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes.

VI. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JOHN AND DONNA KRENICKI CHAIR IN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Qi Annabelle Feng as the John and Donna Krenicki Chair in Operations Management on a permanent basis; Dr. Feng had held the chair on a limited-term basis since August 2014. Provost Akridge informed the Committee that Dr. Feng studied sourcing decisions by firms in the broad context of supply chain management, had made a profound impact in the areas of inventory planning and contractual sourcing relationships, and was one of the first to introduce a bargaining framework to study supply chain contracting. Provost Akridge also mentioned a few of the corporations with which Dr. Feng had worked. Though he did not cite them, ten letters had been received in support of Dr. Feng’s appointment which the Committee was able to review. Trustee Brouillette noted that one of the writers said Dr. Feng was one of the top operations management professors in the world. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes. 

VII. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE EDGAR B. AND HEDWIG M. OLSON PROFESSOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Antonio Bobet as the Edgar B. and Hedwig M. Olson Professor in Civil Engineering. Provost Akridge informed the Committee that Dr. Bobet was one of the leading authorities in the world in the area of rock mechanics and rock engineering, which was critical to addressing infrastructure, the challenges of mega-cities, and critically needed energy-related geotechnical developments. Provost Akridge said one of Dr. Bobet’s lasting contributions in his field was serving as a member of the international geotechnical advisory board for the Panama Canal, and he cited one of eight letters received in support of Dr. Bobet’s appointment which spoke to that work. Trustee DeKryger remarked that his son had recently visited and marveled at the Panama Canal, and he said he would share with his son about Dr. Bobet’s work there. Dr. Bobet briefly remarked about an interdisciplinary, multi-university center that would open at Purdue soon. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes. 

VIII. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JAMES H. AND CAROL H. CURE PROFESSOR IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Jan Olek as the James H. and Carol H. Cure Professor in Civil Engineering.  He informed the Committee that Dr. Olek was an internationally-recognized expert in concrete materials science who studied the properties and behavior of concrete and asphalt for applications in transportation infrastructure, including bridge decks and airport pavement. Provost Akridge said Dr. Olek had been awarded the American Concrete Institute’s Philleo Award, which recognized life-long contributions to advancements in concrete materials science and translating research findings into concrete infrastructure applications, as well as training and mentoring generations of concrete researchers and scientists. Six letters were received in support of Dr. Olek’s appointment.

Chairman Berghoff remarked that the Board was proud of Dr. Olek’s association with the Cures because they were very passionate about Purdue University.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes. 

IX. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE MICHAEL AND KATHERINE BIRCK HEAD OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Dimitrios Peroulis as the Michael and Katherine Birck Head of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He informed the Committee that Dr. Peroulis, the Reilly Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, had been selected for the headship following a national search. Provost Akridge said Dr. Peroulis had been a leading contributor to the redevelopment of Purdue’s Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum and had served the College of Engineering as associate dean for external affairs. Dr. Peroulis, who came to Purdue in 2003, had also served the university as the deputy director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center. Provost Akridge reminded the Committee that Dr. Peroulis was a global leader in the field of microelectromechanical systems for radio frequency applications and sensors, and he said Dr. Peroulis had received many teaching awards, was a member of the Teaching Academy at Purdue, and had been inducted into Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers.

Chairman Berghoff commented that Dr. Peroulis’ association with Michael and Kate Birck was very meaningful to the Board because many of the current Board members served with Mr. Birck during his 1999-2013 term on the Board, and he said Mr. Birck was an incredible business success story who had unbelievable leadership skills, humility, and persistence.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes. 

X. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JOHN AND DONNA KRENICKI DIRECTOR OF THE PURDUE INSTITUTE FOR INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Jean-Christophe “Chris” Rochet as the John and Donna Krenicki Director of the Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience. He said Dr. Rochet, who came to Purdue in 2002, was an internationally known neuroscientist who specialized in studying central nervous system disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and Dr. Rochet was an essential contributor to high-profile, multi-institutional programs. Provost Akridge also cited one of five letters received in support of Dr. Rochet’s appointment, the writer of which stated his belief that Dr. Rochet would elevate the Institute nationally.  

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes. 

XI. APPROVAL TO REALIGN THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES 

Provost Akridge respectfully requested approval of a proposal to realign academic programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) by (1) creating a Department of Public Health within HHS and (2) creating a Division of Consumer Science within the HHS School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He pointed out that many well-documented benefits of the realignment were outlined in the proposal.  He said Purdue could help meet the growing need for public health leaders through its strengths in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture and extension, and veterinary medicine, and said the new Consumer Science division would bring together undergraduate programs that focused on business services and human relationships to provide students a better educational experience and also increase enrollment in the programs.  

In response to a question from Trustee Romary, Dr. Marion Underwood, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, and Dr. Richard Mattes, director of the Public Health graduate program and Distinguished Professor of Nutrition Science, explained why Purdue was uniquely positioned to promote public health in the absence of a medical school.  

Trustee Thompson referenced the research done at Purdue with regard to the Zika virus as a result of the epidemic in recent years and said it was one thing to come up with a cure but another to make the public aware of how the cure could benefit them. Trustee Castagna remarked about Dean Underwood’s ability to see the realignment as an opportunity in her first year at Purdue. Dean Underwood and Dr. Mattes further explained the rationale behind the realignment and shared that the faculty and alumni were very excited about it.  Provost Akridge commended Dean Underwood for taking on something this complex in her first year as dean, which, he said, she did with skill and diplomacy. 

Following lengthy discussion, and upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of the proposal to realign the College of Health and Human Sciences. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

XII. REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY SENATE

Professor Cooky, who Trustee Brouillette had introduced as the new chair of the University Senate and ex-officio member of the Committee, began her report by providing an update on the University Senate’s last meeting. She informed the Committee that a campus-wide survey about civics literacy was conducted during the spring semester, and she shared results of the survey. Professor Cooky discussed challenges and questions concerning a proposed civics literacy initiative, and she outlined ongoing next steps. Trustee Thompson thanked Professor Cooky and the University Senate for taking leadership of the initiative and offered his thoughts. Trustees Beck, DeKryger, and Lehman also offered their thoughts, and all were very receptive to the general idea of a civics literacy requirement. A copy of Professor Cooky’s report presentation was filed with the minutes.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.