Former State Sen. Stanley Russ was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the University of Central Arkansas during the university?s board of trustees meeting Friday.
UCA President Lu Hardin called Russ a tenacious senator and a friend of the university. ?If you look at the funding, you?ll see that Sen. Russ secured $200,000 more in capital improvement money for UCA than for the University of Arkansas or ASU a couple of years ago,? he said.
Russ was touched by the recognition. ?I suppose I will accept this,? Russ said with a touch of modesty. ?I am truly honored.?
Russ? prot?g? State Sen. Gilbert Baker was also recognized with a resolution from the university, thanking him for his ?years of outstanding service to the faculty, staff, students and friends of the university.?
Hardin said the resolution was in thanks for Baker?s service to the university during the toughest couple of years in the history of the state legislature.
Baker said the most recent legislative session was as tough as it was long. ?I appreciate that resolution,? he said.
A resolution was also passed in appreciation of the years of service of outgoing Trustee Dalda Womack.
Womack said, ?It?s been an honor and a privilege to serve on the board.?
In other business, the board:
-Approved a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree in theatre.
-Approved a master of science in community and economic development outreach to China.
-Approved a revision of the fees for Academic Outreach and Extended Programs.
-Approved the creation of an Environmental Health and Safety Policy.
-Approved a revised food service contract with ARAMARK for 2004-05. The new contract calls for an 8.25 percent increase for meal plans. The increase is a result of the renovation project at Christian Cafeteria.
-Approved room and board rates for the 2004-05 academic year. The total increase will be 3.4 percent. Hardin said the increase in enrollment allowed the university to keep the room and board rate increase low.
-Approved the awarding of two distinguished alumnus awards.
-Approved a resolution to reimburse each board member for expenses incurred while performing official board duties.
-Approved a review of a legislative audit.
-Jennifer Boyett
