Coalition of Black Faculty and Staff

Minutes for April 28, 2004

Present were: Vincent Morton, Becky Woodson, Jonnie Wilson, Dr. Sandra Mayo, Greg LaFleur, James Mathews, Beverly Day, Jacqueline Cooper, Dr. Rod Fluker, LaTonya Croskey, Dr. Lauri Fluker, Dr. Barbara Lyman, Dr. Joanne Smith.

Vision: To promote togetherness, develop a strong unified body, and gain recognition within Texas State and the surrounding community, and to empower and encourage other faculty and staff to be about the coalition.

Agenda Items:

I

Introductions

Greg LaFleur was presented with a plaque of appreciation from the Coalition thanking him for his service to the faculty, staff, and students of Texas State.

Becky Woodson was congratulated on her acceptance of a position with the Department of Defense.

II

Welcome to New Members

A sample new employee newsletter has been distributed to Vincent Morton for review. Further development is pending approval.

III

Plans for New Projects

A worksheet has been distributed by Vincent Morton outlining issues and concerns that the Coalition has regarding representation within the university. The document has been emailed to each member for comments and suggestions. With the added input from Coalition members, the document will eventually become a strategic plan for the Coalition and be presented to the Provost.

The Coalition met with the Hispanic Policy Network (HPN) to discuss collaborating on projects for the furtherance of our representation and wellbeing on campus. Ideas were discussed and the main focus for the Hispanic Policy Network was achieving the status of a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The Coalition voiced that their main concern was increasing the African-American faculty presence at the university. The collaborative effort with the HPN is pending more in depth planning.

IV

What’s Happening In Your Area?

Beverly Woodson Day received the Administrative Staff of the Year Award at the Image Awards, April 27, 2004.

Vincent Morton met with Dr. Studer to discuss how the needs and concerns of the Coalition would be most effectively voiced for inclusion into the strategic plan of the university.

The Coalition sent a card to the new provost, Dr. Perry Moore, welcoming him to the university. A thank you was received from Dr. Moore and he looks forward to meeting and working with the Coalition.

Dr. Sandra Mayo and those that were a part of the production, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, graciously applauded the efforts and support from the Coalition and its volunteers for sponsoring the reception.

The African-American Leadership Conference will be hosting a barbecue at Sewell Park from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The rain site will be Harris Underground.

V

New Business

The Coalition looks to schedule a meeting with Dr. Perry Moore to discuss the details of the working document that was distributed for comments to the Coalition members. Communication with the Provost office is being arranged to schedule a meeting mid August.

A $30 request has been made for the Coalition to sponsor the gifts for the speaker at Black Graduation. Dr. Rod Fluker moved that the Coalition support this effort. Dr. Joanne Smith seconded that motion. Black Graduation will be Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 6:00 PM in the Teaching Theatre.

VI

New Officers