This article was originally published prior to June 2, 2013. Due to a change in the content management systems, the initial publication date in not available. 

A different atmosphere filled the meetings at the May 7 Baker University Board of Trustees meeting.

With the approval of the budget for next year and signs that Baker is on the right track financially, the meetings contained a more positive mood.

“We’re ready, I think, at (the College of Arts and Sciences) to turn our focus away from reduction and reallocation and look forward to positive initiatives,” Rand Ziegler, dean of CAS, said, “and two of those are definitely the work on the new liberal studies program, which we’re anxious to unveil in the fall of 2011, and this concept that both Neal (Malicky, BOT member) and Susan (Emel, faculty representative to the BOT) have referred to where we’re taking a new look at our departments and our majors and thinking outside the box.”

While attention was given to reduction and reallocation for a better part of the school year, Ziegler and trustees are eager to look forward and emerge as a stronger university.

“We know it’s not automatic,” Malicky, BOT member, said. “Some institutions fall into brittle conditions after they make reductions and others can come out of it stronger than they were before, and we believe that foundation has been laid for the latter.”

At the February BOT meeting, it was announced that only $500,000 would be taken out of the endowment.

However, the board passed Friday that an additional $250,000 could be taken out of the endowment to be used for revenue enhancement, new program development or one-time expense.

Chair of the BOT Susanne Teel announced trustee medallions would be given to four retiring professors: Eugenia Askew, assistant professor of health, sport and human performance, Lee Mann, professor of art, Lucy Price, professor of English, and Bruce Woodruff, associate professor of theater.

After speaking about Baker’s retiring faculty members, Emel talked about how Baker will continue to move forward after losing members of its community.

“A year of loss has turned into a season of building, rebuilding and optimism,” Emel said.

“Faculty senate has passed a new liberal studies model that will be a foundation for building an entire new (general education) program, which we hope to energize the university with.”

Joanne Tolkoff, director of marketing, will step down and assume a part-time role with the university.

The trustees acknowledged Tolkoff’s service to Baker with a standing ovation.

Teel will also be stepping down in her role as chair of the BOT, and Hoot Gibson will assume the position.