-g-
Dr. Brockman asked for a motion. Mr. Shoop so moved and Ms. Patterson seconded. Approval
of PR 3 was awarded with no dissent. (See PR 3 at the end ofthe Minutes.)
The president addressed one other issue, President Todd’s decision earlier in the month to
extend Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart’s contract until 2019. Feeling that it is his responsibility
to recruit and retain top talent in the university, the president has had in mind for several months
to extend the contract, as requested by Mr. Barnhart, so that Mr. Bamhart could remain at UK
until he was 60 years old. The president defended his decision but said that he could certainly
accept challenges for his timing. Getting involved in other issues delayed the president’s
announcement of the contract extension until after the president had made his decision to retire
in June 20l l. Mr. Barnhart is doing an outstanding job, not only in the president’s opinion, but
also in those ofthe student athletes and the coaches.
On a related topic, one which he has previously discussed with Dr. Brockman, President
Todd urged that oversight of the Athletics Department be an important topic of discussion with
any presidential candidate looked at by the search committee. The presidential search might
present a good opportunity for board review ofthe structure of Athletics at UK. The search
committee might usefully inquire about the experience of each candidate with athletics issues.
The president concluded his report by recommending Mike Slive, commissioner ofthe South
Eastem Conference, as a good resource for explaining the available structures of various
Athletics Departments at institutes of higher education.
Dr. Brockman thanked the president for his remarks and asked for the Academic Affairs
Committee’s report.
K. Creation ofthe Department of Science Technology Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) Education (AACR lg
Ms. Brown, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, began with AACR l, which
recommends the creation ofthe Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) Education in the College of Education, effective July l, 20l l. The
proposed department will expand and enhance STEM Education at UK and for the
Commonwealth in significant ways. The department will work in synergistic ways through the
use of focused disciplinary and transdisciplinary practices to prepare 2lst century STEM
education leaders and to improve STEM education through implementation of research-based
practices, engagement with the P20 communities and businesses, unique research experiences,
and innovative programs. Along with strengthening teacher preparation programs already in
place in continued collaboration with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the STEM
Education Department will build new bachelor’s and doctoral programs in science, technology,
engineering, and/ or mathematics education. The department will lead the Commonwealth in
STEM Education research by attracting graduate students as well as future STEM faculty
researchers pursuing cutting edge research in these disciplines. Ms. Brown moved for approval
of AACR l. She was seconded by Mr. Miles. The motion passed without dissent. (See AACR
l at the end ofthe Minutes.)