Nov. 13, 2024: Fall 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary

Dear Colleagues,

I write to share this summary report of the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees, which took place on campus from Wednesday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Oct. 25. I am grateful to those who planned and took part in these important conversations, including faculty and staff members who participated in the fall meeting, particularly Faculty Chair Erik Lofgren, as well as the Bucknell Student Government officers who presented to the trustees.

The Board welcomed Provost Wendy Sternberg and Michelle Roehm, the Kenneth W. Freeman Professor & Dean of the Freeman College of Management, both of whom joined Bucknell in July; as well as H. Daniel (Dan) Hungerford, who began his role as vice president for finance & administration in September. Each brings significant experience to our leadership team, and we look forward to many years of collaboration in service of our mission.

The Board was also pleased to welcome Lance Fritz '85, who was voted in as a new trustee during our April meeting and whose term began July 1. My thanks to Lance for accepting our invitation to serve Bucknell in this important leadership role.

In my update to the Board, I emphasized that the next several years will be critically important to our ability to achieve our goals over the next decade. Scott Rosevear, senior vice president for University strategy & advancement, shared an update on the progress of The Plan for Bucknell 2025 and next steps. The Board also heard a presentation on enrollment management from Lisa Keegan, vice president for student enrollment, engagement & success. Lisa provided updates on enrollment data for the Class of 2028, the implications of recent FAFSA issues for higher education, the impact of the end of affirmative action, and our strategy to recruit and enroll the Class of 2029. Dan provided the Board with an overview of Bucknell finances, including our fiscal year performance and potential considerations for future budgeting and spending. Wendy presented an update on academics, including an overview of her liberal arts experience and initial impressions of the University in her first 90 days as provost, as well as a brief discussion of our academic differentiators and potential opportunities for growth.

In the business meeting, Investments Committee Chair Gene Gorab '85, P'12, P'16 reported that the full Environmental, Social and Governance framework will be posted on the University's website, and that the committee will further respond in writing to the recent faculty motion regarding transparency. The trustees passed motions to amend the Power of Officers Resolution and the revised Designation of Bucknell University Officers Resolution, approve a $50 million line of credit, refinance up to $16,870,000 of existing debt, and approve the off-cycle recommendation of tenure for a faculty member.

In another motion, the Board voted to nominate former trustees Brenda Earl '81, Kirsten Schubauer Heinemann '81, P'12, P'15, Chris O'Brien '80, P'18, P'20, and Robin Zafirovski '79, P'09 to emerita and emeritus status effective Oct. 25, 2024. I thank this esteemed group of leaders for their years of dedicated service to their alma mater.

With confidence in our ability to navigate myriad challenges to higher education, coupled with the expert guidance of the Board of Trustees, we look forward to the opportunities that await us in the year ahead. Together we will continue the good work that creates unparalleled learning opportunities for current and future Bucknellians.

Sincerely,

John C. Bravman
President