The Student Government Association requested the board modify a December 2010 resolution in order to build a disc golf course within the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve. The board passed a resolution in December 2010 to protect more than 17 acres of the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve from development for the next five years. The fifth and sixth holes of the course were changed following a recommendation by Katherine Larson, an associate professor of biology. The new placement will allow for a more natural flow of the course and protect the nature reserve’s biologically significant areas.
Distinguished Professors Emeritus
The board approved the recommendation of Norbert O. Schedler and Joseph Anderson to be named “Distinguished Professors Emeritus.” These professors were nominated by the faculty in their departments and have the support of all appropriate academic councils and administrators.
Schedler was hired in 1976 as the chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Central Arkansas. Schedler envisioned and created the Honors College at UCA with the idea of developing a comprehensive program for the gifted student.
Anderson served as chair of the Department of Mass Communication and Theatre at the University of Central Arkansas from 2002-2009. He developed the Master of Fine Arts degree program in Digital Filmmaking, which was the first MFA degree offered at UCA and is the only terminal degree in filmmaking in the state of Arkansas.
Honorary Degree
Trustees approved a resolution that would grant an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree to Raymond Joseph. Simon graduated from UCA with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966 and a Master of Science in Education degree in 1969 and later completed the Ed.S. at the University of Arkansas. Simon has served in administrative roles in Arkansas public education including superintendent of the Conway Public Schools.
UCA/CRMC (Conway Regional Medical Center) Education Committee Appointments
Members of the UCA/CRMC (Conway Regional Medical Center) Education Committee were also appointed in the December meeting. Two members of the Board of Trustees will serve one-year terms on the committee. Bobby Reynolds, chairman of the Board of Trustee; Jack Gillean, chief of staff; Shelley Mehl, vice president of advancement and Neil Hattlestad, academic dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences were appointed to the committee.
Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The board approved a new business degree, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This degree will teach students creativity and innovation skills, teach a comprehensive program in which students will learn and practice conceiving, developing, launching and operating a business.