University presidents presented Accountability Plans for their respective institutions, discussed key initiatives and investments as well as strategies for meeting their goals. As part of the discussion, the Board also released its data on performance funding which demonstrated significant year-over-year improvements for the fifth year in a row. During this session the Board of Governors recommitted to several initiatives to enhance university performance and maximize student success. Here are select highlights from the recent convening:
President Negron prioritized the Higher Education Excellence Act, which was sponsored by President-designate Bill Galvano and Leader Rodrigues. The Higher Education Act calls for increased access and affordability, supports important research, and aims to raise the national prominence of the State University System. President Negron, Speaker Corcoran, President-designate Galvano, and Leader Rodrigues were recognized for their support of performance funding.
The Board also presented its inaugural State University System Legislative Champions awards, expressing its appreciation to elected leaders who have used their platforms to promote student success. Board Chair Ned Lautenbach presented the awards to Florida Senate President Joe Negron, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, and House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues. Governor Rick Scott and incoming Senate President Bill Galvano will be recognized at a later date.
Chair Lautenbach also presented the Board’s first-ever State University System Business Champion award to Lockheed Martin, thanking the company for its multiple partnerships with the State University System, including highly successful internship and research initiatives at the University of Central Florida. “The State University System’s success is contingent on the support and partnerships we have with Florida’s elected leaders and businesses,” said Chair Lautenbach. “It is our pleasure to thank those who are committed to the success of our students.”
Other meeting highlights:
- The Board approved the reappointment of New College of Florida President Donal O’Shea and Florida International University President Mark Rosenberg.
- The Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health Task Force approved its two-year Work Plan and reviewed national and system level data on alcohol use and abuse among college students.
- The Board approved the Preeminence status of the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida, marking the first time USF has achieved that designation, which is determined by the Florida Legislature.
- The Board approved the Emerging Preeminence status of the University of Central Florida.
- The Academic and Research Excellence Committee discussed the potential framework for identifying “programs of distinction,” including the steps necessary to catapult those programs to national prominence.
- Chair Lautenbach recognized UCF President John Hitt’s achievements and congratulated him on his retirement after 26 years of service.
- The Florida Student Association presented an award of appreciation to Representative Amber Mariano in recognition of her work to increase affordability and bring student issues to the spotlight.
- The Board heard a presentation by UCF’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, which offers full-time students the opportunity to become officers in the Army and Air Force while completing their degrees. The presentation is a part of the Board’s Think Florida: A Higher Degree for Business initiative
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