A meeting of the Purdue University Board of Trustees convened at 10:51 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2019, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.

All trustees were present: Michael Berghoff, chairman; Sonny Beck; JoAnn Brouillette; Vanessa Castagna; Malcolm DeKryger; Michael Klipsch; Gary Lehman; Noah Scott; Thomas Spurgeon, vice chairman; and Don Thompson.

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mitch Daniels, president; Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Bill Sullivan, treasurer and chief financial officer; 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. ROLL CALL

Chairman Berghoff called the meeting to order and noted that all trustees were in attendance.

II. FUTURE MEETING SCHEDULE

Chairman Berghoff drew the Board’s attention to the schedule of future meetings through 2021 as listed on the agenda, and he expressed his personal excitement about meeting at the Purdue Polytechnic High School in October 2020.

III. APPROVAL OF UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Berghoff read the list of items the committees had recommended for full Board approval, which composed the unanimous consent agenda along with other routine items, as follows: 

• Minutes: Stated Meeting, October 10, 2019; and Executive Session, October 9, 2019;
• Approval of new degree programs: M.S. in Defense Engineering and Technology and Ph.D. in Aviation Technology and Management, as recommended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee;
• Approval to name the Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center in the College of Engineering, as recommended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee;
• Approval to name the John Martinson Engineering Entrepreneurial Program in the College of Engineering, as recommended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee;
• Approval to award one honorary doctorate degree in Spring 2020, as recommended by the Academic and Student Affairs Committee;
• Approval to plan, finance, construct and award construction contracts for the 2550 Northwestern Avenue Renovation, Child Care Facility, Bands and Orchestras Building, and Data Science Building, as recommended by the Physical Facilities Committee;
• Approval to execute lease for portion of Aspire in Discovery Park District, as recommended by the Physical Facilities Committee;
• Approval of 2020-2021 student housing rates, systemwide, as recommended by the Finance Committee;
• Endorsement of investment policy, as recommended by the Finance Committee;
• Adoption of presidential performance metrics for 2019-2020, as recommended by the Compensation Committee;
• Approval of conflict of interest disclosures, and
• Exceptions to the university nepotism policy.

Chairman Berghoff asked if any of the Board members wished to have an item removed from the consent agenda for further discussion. Hearing no such request, and upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the unanimous consent agenda. All supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

IV. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

President Daniels profiled the gifts of $1,000,000 or more that the university had received since the Board last met on October 10, 2019. The donors of these gifts were recognized in the following Resolution of Appreciation:

WHEREAS, the following friends of Purdue University have generously contributed $1,000,000 or more to move Purdue to greater excellence and preeminence; and

WHEREAS, the University wishes to acknowledge the significance of these gifts to new directions, advancements, and momentum in Purdue’s history, progress, and future;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED:

1. That the University and the Trustees are grateful to these individuals for their leadership and support of Purdue University; and

2. That this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Board of Trustees as part of the permanent record of the University.

FRIENDS: Bob Rohrman Family, to support Intercollegiate Athletics; Wayne and Barbara Kroemer, to support the Center for Cancer Research; Tamara Morse, to support the College of Education and the School of Mechanical Engineering; Gale Rahmoeller, to support the College of Engineering; and Anonymous, to support the Krannert School of Management and the Lyles School of Civil Engineering.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution. A formal copy of the resolution was filed with the minutes.

In reference to the gift from the Bob Rohrman Family, President Daniels requested the Board’s approval to name the Ross-Ade Stadium football field Rohrman Field. At Chairman Berghoff’s request, Mr. Mike Bobinski, vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, commented on the significance of the gift and expressed his sincere appreciation to the Rohrman family. Trustee Scott remarked that the gift was a testament to Mr. Bobinski’s leadership. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name Rohrman Field. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

President Daniels then reported on ways in which the university had measured its institutional reputation, the most important measure of which, he said, was the recognition of outstanding faculty. He outlined the number of major faculty awards and honors received, and Provost Akridge interjected that President Daniels, himself, was included in Purdue’s ten members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. President Daniels provided data that indicated Purdue graduates were ahead of the national average with regard to passing national licensing exams, and he also illustrated post-graduation placement rates and average wages. He reminded the Board that, in 2013, the university had become purposeful about helping students identify and prepare for scholarship opportunities, with the number of major scholarship recipients reaching an all-time high in 2019. President Daniels concluded his report with data about Purdue in the media. A copy of his report presentation was filed with the minutes.

V. RATIFICATION OF TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Chairman Berghoff reminded the Board that, at a meeting of the Finance Committee on October 10, 2019, Trustee Thompson had shared that Treasurer Sullivan would retire at the end of 2019, with Mr. Christopher Ruhl, senior vice president for strategic initiatives, having been identified as Mr. Sullivan’s successor. Chairman Berghoff also reminded the Board that Mr. Ruhl’s appointment was both presidential and an elected officer of the Board, and he read the following resolution:

WHEREAS, effective December 31, 2019, William E. Sullivan will step down as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of The Trustees of Purdue University (the “Corporation”), having served Purdue in these capacities with great distinction since June 1, 2014; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article VI, Section 3 of the bylaws of the Corporation, the President has appointed Christopher A. Ruhl to serve as Purdue University’s Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; and

WHEREAS, the Board is required under Indiana Code 21-23-4-2 and under the Corporation’s bylaws to elect a treasurer whenever a vacancy occurs in that position, and such a vacancy will occur with Mr. Sullivan’s impending retirement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to the bylaws, the appointment of Chris Ruhl as Chief Financial Officer of Purdue University is hereby ratified and approved, to be effective January 1, 2020; and

RESOLVED, FURTHER, that Mr. Ruhl is hereby elected as Treasurer of the Corporation effective January 1, 2020, to hold such office from that date until the next biennial election of the officers of the Corporation or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution and ratify Mr. Ruhl’s appointment as treasurer and chief financial officer. A formal copy of the resolution was filed with the minutes.

President Daniels remarked about what Mr. Sullivan had meant to him personally. He said Mr. Sullivan’s incredible improvements would live on, and Mr. Sullivan’s legacy would also include his careful mentoring of talent, like Mr. Ruhl, who would serve Purdue well. Chairman Berghoff congratulated Mr. Ruhl and said his appointment brought great comfort to the Board because the high-caliber transition would be seamless.

VI. RATIFICATION OF DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Provost Akridge respectfully recommended the Board’s ratification of Dr. Marion K. Underwood as Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences. He reminded the Board that Dr. Underwood was serving as dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. He discussed her very successful research history and funding, and he cited one of five letters received in support Dr. Underwood’s appointment.

Trustee DeKryger remarked that, over the last year, he had enjoyed a variety of great conversations with Dr. Underwood and was very pleased for her to receive this recognition. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to ratify Dr. Underwood’s distinguished professorship. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Underwood addressed the Board and said she was deeply honored to be recognized by the university for her research contributions. She explained that she was fascinated by relationships, with her research having been heavily dependent on them. Dr. Underwood thanked her husband for supporting her career, and she recognized the thousands of children and families who allowed her to work with them since 1986, as well as the many undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students with whom she had worked. Quoting the metaphor, “all scholars stand on the shoulders of giants,” Dr. Underwood shared that she had admired Dr. Tom Berndt’s scholarship from the beginning of her career and she was both privileged and thrilled to now be working with him daily at Purdue in the College of Health of Human Sciences where he was currently serving as the senior associate dean for academic affairs and administration. Dr. Underwood also expressed gratitude to the faculty and staff in the College, as well as Provost Akridge.

VII. RATIFICATION OF THE ANDRIS A. ZOLTNERS DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS

Provost Akridge respectfully recommended the Board’s ratification of Dr. Trevor D. Wooley as the Andris A. Zoltners Distinguished Professor of Mathematics. He informed the Board that Dr. Wooley had joined the university in August 2019 from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom but his career also included 25 years on the faculty at the University of Michigan. Provost Akridge explained the nature of Dr. Wooley’s research of the number theory area of mathematics and why he was a universally acknowledged leading expert in his field. To conclude his recommendation, Provost Akridge cited one of 13 letters received in support of Dr. Wooley’s appointment. Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to ratify Dr. Wooley’s appointment. Supporting materials and a photo were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Wooley addressed the Board and said he was grateful and honored. He thanked Dr. Gregery Buzzard, department head, and Dean Patrick Wolfe for recruiting him, saying he had made the right decision to come to Purdue. Dr. Wooley paid tribute to Andris Zoltners and shared that, while growing up, his family’s financial means and education background were inconsequential and, therefore, he had benefitted from the educational opportunities provided to him by public institutions. He concluded his remarks by saying he looked forward to playing a role in Purdue’s successful research and inspiring the next generation of students.

VIII. REPORT OF THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Dr. Patrick Wolfe, Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science, provided his first report since becoming dean in 2017. He reviewed the structure of the college and enrollment numbers, and he informed the Board that the College of Science delivered the most credit hours across campus (21%). Dean Wolfe then discussed four strategies in which the College was investing to build a top-20 college of science, and he noted that student demand for science programs was vast and increasing. Dean Wolfe also discussed steps the College was taking to improve operational excellence and stated he was proud of the leanness and efficiency it had achieved thus far. He was pleased to highlight a number of successes, including an expansion in the number of scholarships after revamping the College’s scholarship program. Dean Wolfe concluded his report by outlining next steps.

Members of the Board asked Dean Wolfe a variety of questions. Dr. John Gates, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, elaborated on the expansion of scholarships, which Trustee Thompson was pleased to observe as being substantial and intentional. With the Board having approved Dr. Wooley’s appointment earlier in the meeting, Chairman Berghoff asked Dean Wolfe to explain how he was recruited in order to educate the Board about the process. To conclude the discussion, Trustee Castagna, a strong supporter of Purdue Bands and Orchestras, pointed out that Dean Wolfe and his wife were both accomplished trombone players. A copy of Dean Wolfe’s report presentation and additional report materials were filed with the minutes.

IX. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR WILLIAM E. SULLIVAN

Chairman Berghoff announced that this would be Mr. Sullivan’s last meeting as treasurer and chief financial officer and said that, at a special dinner with the Board the previous evening, he read and informally presented the following Resolution of Appreciation to Mr. Sullivan:

WHEREAS, William E. “Bill” Sullivan has served Purdue University with excellence, dedication and distinction as treasurer and chief financial officer since June 2014; and

WHEREAS, as treasurer and chief financial officer, Mr. Sullivan was charged with managing the University’s budget of more than $2 billion and overseeing all financial affairs, business services, human resource services, physical facilities, auxiliary enterprises and internal audit functions; and

WHEREAS, he has become a trusted leader, innovator and valued advisor to the Board of Trustees, President Mitch Daniels, the faculty and administration, allowing the University to focus on the priorities of making Purdue a leader in providing higher education at the highest proven value; and

WHEREAS, he led the planning and implementation of the Business Process Reengineering project in an effort to streamline and simplify the University’s financial reporting and budgeting processes, resulting in much needed transparency; and

WHEREAS, he worked to establish Purdue’s first-ever, systemwide job family structure, which established clearly defined pay and performance standards, career paths and promotion guidelines for staff; and

WHEREAS, as a result of Mr. Sullivan’s stewardship, strategic planning and financial expertise, Purdue’s business and financial processes have been fine-tuned to ensure accountability throughout the enterprise; and

WHEREAS, thanks to his leadership, Purdue is able to manage its affairs such that it can continue to make major strategic investments while holding tuition constant; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sullivan worked collaboratively with public and private partners toward the successful launch of projects such as the Union Club Hotel remodel, the redeveloped State Street corridor and the connected Discovery Park District, needed student housing projects and an updated campus master plan; and

WHEREAS, his efforts resulted in the creation of endowments that provide funding resources for repair and rehabilitation work on designated new buildings; and

WHEREAS, he took the lead in analyzing the merits of, and negotiating the financial structure for, the acquisition of Kaplan University for the purposes of creating Purdue University Global; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Sullivan and his wife, Suzanne, opened their northern Indiana home to Purdue University alumni, as well as alumni from Northwestern University, his alma mater; and

WHEREAS, William E. “Bill” Sullivan will step aside as treasurer and chief financial officer of Purdue University, effective December 31, 2019, leaving Purdue more financially solid, operationally efficient and affordable than ever before; and

WHEREAS, his influence at Purdue University has been profound, and his legacy will continue long after his service;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED BY THE TRUSTEES OF PURDUE UNIVERSITY:

1. That the trustees recognize the immense positive impact of William E. “Bill” Sullivan’s tenure as treasurer and chief financial officer on our students, faculty and alumni; and

2. That enormous gratitude and appreciation are expressed to Mr. Sullivan for his loyalty and service to Purdue University; and

3. That Mr. Sullivan is to be congratulated and thanked for his tremendous contributions to our University; and

4. That Mr. Sullivan’s many achievements are part of the great, permanent history of Purdue and will never be forgotten; and

5. That this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Trustees as part of the permanent record of the University.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the resolution, a formal copy of which was filed with the minutes. Mr. Sullivan received a standing ovation.

X. ADJOURNMENT

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.