The President's
Post
Positive things continue to happen at Ozarks! The February Board of
Trustee retreat in Fort Smith was another exceptional meeting with excellent
presentations and discussions. Board member attendance was the highest
in recent memory, and the Board’s commitment to our continued success
is a joy to witness. We are blessed to have a Board of Trustees who
truly care about our students and their education.
The following are several highlights from the Board
of Trustee retreat. Student enrollment for spring semester is 553, and
that is a 14% increase compared to last spring. We are projecting an
enrollment of 632 for next fall, a 6% increase from this fall’s 596
students. Our second apartment-style residence hall, Bagwell-Jones Hall,
will be completed by next fall, and that will be just in time to accommodate
the student increase. Also, Smith Hall will be completely renovated
this summer, and a plaza will be developed between Smith and King. Please
stop by my office to see several sketches of how King, Smith, and the
plaza will look upon completion.
We are on track to balance our budget again this
year (for the third consecutive year!), and the Executive Committee
of the Board of Trustees approved our proposed budget for 2000-2001.
We have raised $46,347,000 toward our $55,000,000 campaign. This total
in just the 16th month of our five-year campaign is amazing, and the
Advancement Office team deserves a great deal of credit. I am, however,
most proud of our on-campus commitment to the campaign. We have over
$140,000 in pledges from 99% of our faculty and staff. I am proud of
all of you and overwhelmed at your generous support in response to my
appeal.
Each of us can be proud of the difference we make.
Positive things continue to happen at Ozarks!
Dr. Rick Niece
President
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