A meeting of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees convened at 8:55 a.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023, in Room 326 of Stewart Center on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Committee members present were: JoAnn Brouillette, chair; Kevin Boes, Vanessa Castagna; and Shawn Taylor. Professor Brian Leung, (ex officio) was absent due to travel. Other trustees present: Sonny Beck; Michael Berghoff; Theresa Carter; Malcolm DeKryger; Michael Klipsch; and Gary Lehman.

Officers and administrators in attendance were: Mung Chiang, president; Patrick Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity; Chris Ruhl, chief financial officer and treasurer; Eva Nodine, senior vice president, assistant treasurer, and assistant secretary; Steve Schultz, general counsel; and Cindy Ream, corporate secretary and senior executive assistant to the Board.

I. (WL) APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE REILLY PROFESSOR OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS ENGINEERING

Provost Wolfe recommended the appointment of Dr. Michael Sangid as the Reilly Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. He shared that Dr. Sangid’s most notable contributions lie in his groundbreaking research on advanced materials and their applications in the aerospace industry. Dr. Sangid’s innovative approaches to structural design, manufacturing, and life analysis have led to the development of safer, more energy-efficient, and higher-performing aerospace components. Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Michael Sangid as the Reilly Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Sangid’s appointment as the Reilly Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Sangid thanked the Board and Dr. Raman for the nomination. He stated that Purdue has long been the perfect place to advance innovation whether it’s in the college of engineering or the school of aero/astro. Dr. Sangid thanked his colleagues and shared that one thing that he has always been proud of is the parallel track between basic science and applied research. He said that Purdue does this so well and many other places don’t. He thanked his fiancé for all her support.

II. APPROVAL TO APPOINT THE JOYCE AND EDWARD E. BREWER CHAIR IN APPLIED ETHICS

Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Leonard Harris as the Joyce and Edward E. Brewer Chair in Applied Ethics. He mentioned that Dr. Harris would soon be celebrating his 32nd anniversary with Purdue. Provost Wolfe remarked on Dr. Harris’s career impact, scholarly innovation, and expertise in philosophy.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Leonard Harris’s appointment as the Joyce and Edward E. Brewer Chair in Applied Ethics. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Leonard thanked his wife for her support over the many years. He thanked his colleagues and leaders for the recommendation and for their support as well. He ended his remarks by thanking the Brewer family.

III. (PFW) APPROVAL APPOINT THE STEEL DYNAMICS DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY, AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Provost Wolfe respectfully requested approval to appoint Dr. Sherif Elfayoumy as the Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Provost Wolfe noted that Dr. Elfayoumy is recognized as a scholar and first-rate administrator.

Upon proper motion duly made and seconded, the Academic and Student Affairs Committee voted unanimously to recommend full Board approval of Dr. Elfayoumy’s appointment as the Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Supporting materials were filed with the minutes.

Dr. Elfayoumy shared his appreciation for the honor and his excitement for the opportunity to lead at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He stated that he looks forward to raising the enrollment to a higher level. He thanked the leadership for their encouragement and support.

IV. UNIVERSITY SENATE REPORT

Professor Leung was unable to attend the meeting in person due to travel challenges. Committee Chair Brouillette shared the remarks below on his behalf.

• SD 22-40 Proposed Modification to Faculty Compensation and Benefits Committee (FCBC) Bylaws. This Senate Resolution was mentioned at the June BoT meeting. The text is available on the University Senate Website. Vote to be held 11, September.

Areas of discussion

Senate Leadership has been working with Vice Provost Wolfe to get the most up to date information to the Senate regarding the following items. There may be areas for which the Senate will need to fulfill its bylaws mandate.

• Modifications to the Graduate School
• Modifications to the Office of Engagement
• In addition, and not on the slide, the next Senate meeting will receive updates on the IUPUI split with a slight focus on the placement of IUPUI faculty.
• President Chiang’s One Hour Challenge results

Senate members continue to have high interest in hearing what actions have been taken in regard to clawing back an hour each day that faculty can use for teaching and research.

• A.I. hazards and potential in academic settings

Academia is abuzz about AI. Our own campus has more than one site of discussion, including the upcoming System Wide AI Forum. I, Chair Leung, am forming an ad hoc committee on AI at Purdue with the goal of the Senate offering, by April, input in the appropriate areas.

• DEI efforts going forward Post Supreme Court decision, I, Chair Leung, have received many concerns about potential and actualized changes in Purdue’s DEI plans. The Senate will work closely with Provost Wolfe to make sure correct information is disseminated and advise where appropriate.

A copy of Professor Leung’s presentation was filed with the minutes.

By consent, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.