Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees Minutes
January 29, 2010
President Scoggins asked Dr. Nigel Middleton, Senior Vice President for Strategic
Enterprises, to give an update on the Petroleum Institute. Dr. Middleton highlighted enrollment
trends and the recent research collaborations between Mines and the Petroleum Institute.
Student Trustee Illing reported on a recent community service event, Into the Streets,
through which 150 Mines students volunteered at a local food bank. He also reported on the
upcoming Legislature Day event being organized by the Associated Students of Colorado School
of Mines.
Research Activities. Dr. John Poate, Vice President for Research and Technology
Transfer, presented the research highlights for the month of November. He indicated that this
year’s research award numbers are tracking well to last year’s strong numbers. Dr. Poate
reported that, as in previous years, the level of industry funding remains higher than average.
Mines’ researchers are also starting to apply for and receive more funding from the National
Institute of Health (NIH), which is typically a major source of research funding at many
universities. Dr. Poate reported that the School’s major proposal to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) was not funded, although the proposal received excellent
reviews. Dr. Poate also presented highlights of several major new research awards, and
highlighted other major proposals under development.
Financial Report. Senior Vice President Volpi reviewed the Statement of Net Assets,
Statement of Revenue and Expenses and the Statement of Cash Flows for the period ending
December 31, 2009. On the Statement of Net Assets, Ms. Volpi reported that the increase in
liabilities from 2008 to 2009 is due primarily to the effect of the November bond issuance. Ms.
Volpi remarked that the School typically does budget forecasts three times a year; the next
forecast will be done in time for the March Board meeting.
Administration of Oath of Office. Chairman Nyikos administered the oath of office to
incoming Trustees, Mr. Stewart Bliss and Dr. Mohan Misra.
Approval of Bylaws Changes. Chairman Nyikos presented a proposed revision to the
Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees bylaws that would shift the timing of officer
elections to odd numbered years. While not specifically addressed in the bylaws, as a matter of
practice officer elections would normally be held in January of odd-numbered years. Trustee
Spaanstra made a motion, seconded by Trustee Fox, to accept the proposed bylaws changes as
submitted. Motion carried.
Election of Officers. Trustee Spaanstra made a motion, seconded by Trustee Hutson, to
extend the following Board officers’ terms through December 31, 2010:
Chairman, Dr. Michael Nyikos
Vice Chairman, Mr. Roger Hutson
Treasurer, Ms. Kirsten Volpi
Motion carried.
Trustee Bliss made a motion, seconded by Trustee Fox, to elect Trustee Vicki Cowart to
serve as Secretary of the Board through December 31, 2010. Motion carried.