xt74qr4nmh5f https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt74qr4nmh5f/data/mets.xml Lexington, Kentucky University of Kentucky 2014 minutes English University of Kentucky Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, 2014-04-01 text Minutes of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, 2014-04-01 2014 2014 true xt74qr4nmh5f section xt74qr4nmh5f Minutes of the Meeting of the Board of Trustees University of Kentucky Tuesday, April 1, 2014 The Board of Trustees of the University of Kentucky met on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in the Board Room on the 18th floor of Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, Kentucky. A. Meeting Opened Dr. E. Britt Brockman, chair of the Board of Trustees, called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. Chair Brockman asked Trustee Sheila Brothers, secretary of the Board, to call the roll. B. Roll Call The following members of the Board of Trustees answered the call of the roll: C.B. Akins, Sr., James H. Booth, E. Britt Brockman, Sheila Brothers, Mark P. Bryant, Jo Hern Curris, Angela L. Edwards, Oliver Keith Gannon, Carol Martin (Bill) Gatton, Kelly Sullivan Holland, Terry Mobley, Roshan Palli, C. Frank Shoop, James W. Stuckert, Irina Voro, John Wilson and Barbara Young. Trustees William C. Britton, William S. Farish, Jr. and David Hawpe were not in attendance. Secretary Brothers announced that a quorum was present. The University administration was represented by President Eli Capilouto, Provost Christine Riordan, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Michael Karpf, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Eric Monday and General Counsel William Thro. The University faculty was represented by the Chair of the University Senate Council Lee Blonder, and the University staff was represented by the Chair of the Staff Senate Jeff Spradling. Guests, other administrators and members of the news media were also in attendance. C. Consent Items Chair Brockman called attention to the seven consent items on the agenda. The items were the minutes for the Board of Trustees meeting on January 31, 2014; PR 2, Personnel Actions; FCR 1, Blue Grass Community Foundation Grant; FCR 2, Establishment of the Walter and Nellie Evans Journalism and Telecommunications General Excellence Scholarship QuasiEndowment Fund; FCR 3, The Estate of Martha M. Keffer Gift; FCR 4, the Joan D. Kincaid and Central Bank and Trust Company Pledge; and FCR 5, the Estate of Genevieve Warren Gift. Trustee Stuckert moved approval of the consent items and Trustee Akins seconded the motion. Chair Brockman called for the vote and it passed without dissent. (See consent items listed below on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) Minutes, Board of Trustees Meeting, January 31, 2014 PR 2 Personnel Actions * FCR 1 Blue Grass Community Foundation Grant FCR 2 Establishment of the Walter and Nellie Evans Journalism and Telecommunications General Excellence Scholarship Quasi-Endowment Fund FCR 3 The Estate of Martha M. Keffer Gift FCR 4 Joan D. Kincaid and Central Bank and Trust Company Pledge FCR 5 The Estate of Genevieve Warren Gift D. Chairman’s Report Chair Brockman’s report was interrupted by a chanting demonstration from the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) protesting the outsourcing of UK’s Dining Services. At the conclusion of their demonstration, Chair Brockman acknowledged there was one phone request to appear before the Board of Trustees, the United Students Against Sweatshops. Chair Brockman respectfully requested that individuals or groups who would like to address the Board of Trustees, use the process set forth in Governing Regulation II, and submit a Petition to Address the Board of Trustees. He explained that the appropriate time to address the Board with questions or concerns is when a recommendation is presented to the Board for discussion or action. E. Executive Committee Report Chair Brockman reported that the Executive Committee met to discuss the 2013-14 Presidential Evaluation process. The Committee discussed a proposed timeline and a preliminary list of survey questions. Because the University is engaged in developing its next Strategic Plan (which will provide some of the measures used to assess the President’s performance in future years) and because the Board anticipates an expanded performance review in the President’s fourth year (2014-15), the Committee recommended foregoing the one-on-one interviews with a facilitator. Constituency groups would be asked only to fill out a written questionnaire. Also discussed and recommended was the addition of a ninth constituency group, those Board of Trustee members whose term expires at the end of the year being reviewed. This will encourage participation and inclusion of comments from departing Trustee members. As in past years, the President will prepare and submit an annual self-evaluation. The Executive Committee will review the collected information, share the results with the full Board of Trustees and make a recommendation to the Board. F. Process for the 2013-14 Presidential Evaluation (ECR 1) Chair Brockman stated that ECR 1 was the recommendation to approve the revised process, an updated timeline and preliminary list of survey questions. Upon approval of the Board, the preliminary questions will be circulated to the University Senate Council, Staff Senate and the Student Government Associate for review and feedback. -2 * Chair Brockman called the question and ECR 1 passed without dissent. (See ECR 1 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) G. President’s Report President Capilouto began by complimenting the men’s and women’s basketball teams for their successes on and off the court. Only six NCAA Division I schools had teams compete in both the men’s and women’s NCAA Sweet Sixteen Tournament. Additionally, if the teams were seeded based on their graduation success rate, the women’s team would have shared a number one seed and the men’s team would be seeded fifth. President Capilouto thanked Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart for his attention and dedication to the successful academic side of the Intercollegiate Athletics. President Capilouto wanted to call the Board’s attention to two groups of dedicated employees that usually go unnoticed until they are thrust into the campus and community spotlight. The first group was the Facilities and Physical Plant staff. To ensure the safety of University students, faculty and staff, these individuals worked tirelessly through the ice and snow to clear the paths and roads, parking lots, maintain heating systems, checked and repaired pipes. President Capilouto thanked Vice President for Facilities Management Bob Wiseman, Director of Campus Physical Plant Keven Kriede, Grounds Assistant Superintendent Jerry Hart and Grounds supervisors Bedia Collins, Kenny Drury, Roger Hart, Donnie Jackson, along with the hundreds of Physical Plant Division employees, both on UK’s main campus and at extension offices and properties throughout the state. The Board of Trustees gave the group a standing ovation. The next group President Capilouto recognized was the employees involved with the payroll challenge on Friday, February 28, 2014. Through a banking glitch outside of UK’s control, thousands of UK staff did not receive their bi-weekly paycheck. The Offices of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, Office of the Treasurer, Human Resources, UK HealthCare and Public Relations responded with purpose to effectively communicate the scope of the situation and do their best to lessen the impact on the UK family. Individuals from these offices came together and worked nearly around the clock for the next 36 – 72 hours to keep in constant communication with campus and to keep the process transparent and people informed. They worked with more than 900 banks to process payroll, sent campuswide messages, setup offices and help desks, honor overdraft fees, and distribute prepaid cards for employees’ bills and expenses. President Capilouto acknowledged Interim Treasurer Susan Krauss, Human Resources Director Kim Wilson, HealthCare Chief Financial Officer Murray Clark, Police Chief Joe Monroe, the staff from Public Relations and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Eric Monday for their outstanding leadership during this time. The Board of Trustees gave the group a standing ovation. -3 * President Capilouto shared that though rivals in athletics, he partnered with University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey to present a united case for higher education funding to the 2014 legislative session. Both presidents spoke with local newspapers, rotary clubs, at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Summit and presented together at the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Higher Education. President Capilouto was also pleased to note, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, the joint executive MBA program. It represented yet another way that the two institutions continue to partner to “uplift the state.” President Capilouto next invited Student Government Association President and Student Trustee Roshan Palli to announce and introduce the 2014-15 SGA President-Elect. President Palli stated it had been an honor to serve and work with the members of the Board of Trustees and President Capilouto. He had enjoyed representing the student body and was confident that current Student Government Vice President Jake Ingram (SGA PresidentElect 2014-15) would be a strong advocate and voice for UK’s student body. President-Elect Ingram thanked President Palli, President Capilouto and the Board of Trustees for the invitation. He looked forward to his continued service on behalf of the student body and working with both the Trustees and President Capilouto to see that the voice of the students continued to be heard. President Capilouto next introduced Dr. Craig Van Horne, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery to share with the Board some of his research work on Parkinson’s disease and neurological disorders. Dr. Van Horne explained that his research currently looks at two ways to restore brain function or reverse the degenerative process of Parkinson’s disease. The first clinical trial involves the transplant of peripheral nerve tissue to the damaged area in the central nervous system. If peripheral nervous tissue is injured or damaged, it regenerates itself by the secretion of cell growth factors that begin the regenerative process. The theory is that by transplanting the patient’s own regenerative tissue to the damaged area of the brain, new connections will be made and tissue could regenerate. The second clinical trial involves deep brain stimulation (DBS) or the implantation of electrodes in the specific parts of the brain. Though the mechanism is not clearly understood, the electrodes send electrical impulses which help to manage some of Parkinson’s patient’s motor difficulties. Until recently, patients remained awake during the procedure. As part of the trials, patients can now have both DBS and the implant of peripheral nerve tissue while under general anesthesia. Through these and other translational research programs, Dr. Van Horne, his team and other members of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science program hope to continue to pursue clinical investigation and translational research that fosters collaborative team science and enhances and develops outreach pathways that confront chronic health issues. -4 * H. Honorary Degrees (PR 3) President Capilouto stated that PR 3 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve awarding the degree of Honorary Doctor of Humanities to Paul W. Chellgren and Harrison Benjamin Wilson, Jr. as approved and recommended by the University faculty. Trustee Curris moved approval of PR 3. Trustee Stuckert seconded the motion and it passed without dissent. (See PR 3 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) I. Reappointment to Board of Directors of the Fund for Advancement of Education and Research in the University of Kentucky Medical Center (PR 4) President Capilouto stated that PR 4 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the reappointment of Henry L. Jackson to the Board of Directors of The Fund for Advancement of Education and Research in the University of Kentucky Medical Center for a two-year term ending June 30, 2016. Trustee Akins moved approval of PR 4. Secretary Brothers seconded the motion and it passed without dissent. (See PR 4 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) J. (ASACR 1) Establishment of Honorary Degree – In Memoriam Posthumous Degree Trustee Gannon, chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, stated that ASACR 1 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve a new category and title of an honorary degree, the In Memoriam Posthumous Degree, and the conditions for conferral of this honorary degree. An In Memoriam Posthumous Degree allows for recognition of a student’s connection to the University of Kentucky regardless of their progress toward completion of degree requirements. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students who were registered in a degree program at the time of their death, but did not complete degree requirements, are eligible. [A student who has completed all requirements will receive the customary degree.] The proposal has been approved by the elected faculty of the University Senate. The Provost of the University supports this recommendation. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon asked for approval of ASACR 1 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 1 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) K. Creation of the Department of Urology (ASACR 2) Trustee Gannon stated that ASACR 2 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the creation of the Department of Urology in the College of Medicine, effective July 1, -5 * 2014. Over the last twenty years, most academic centers have moved away from the model of a singular Department of Surgery housing most of the various surgical disciplines. Over time subspecialty practices have grown away from general surgery to become independent departments. The proposal has been reviewed and recommended by the Senate Academic Organization and Structure Committee and the Senate Council, and endorsed by the University Senate. The Provost of the University supports this recommendation. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon moved approval of ASACR 2 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 2 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) L. Creation of the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (ASACR 3) Trustee Gannon stated that ASACR 3 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the creation of the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1, 2014. Upon the recommendation of an external review initiated by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2008 and an internal study commissioned by the Provost and Interim Dean in 2009, the need for stronger writing instruction and a department that could meet the needs of writers across the University was identified. As a result, the Division of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Media was founded in Spring 2010; the recently organized faculty in the Division voted to seek departmental status. The proposal has been reviewed and recommended by the Senate Academic Organization and Structure Committee and the Senate Council; and endorsed by the University Senate. The Provost of the University supports this recommendation. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon moved approval of ASACR 3 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 3 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) M. Academic Degree Recommendation: College of Arts and Sciences (Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies) (ASACR 4) Trustee Gannon stated that ASACR 4 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the establishment of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with a major in Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies degree in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies, in the College of Arts and Sciences, effective in the Fall 2014 Semester. A major in Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies will equip students with knowledge of history and theories of rhetoric; critical tools for engagement with popular and professional texts -6 * and digital objects; the ability to create compelling arguments across a variety of media; and methods for participating in public and academic discussions at local, national and global levels. This program has the approval of the appropriate councils and the University Senate and has completed the 45-day review process of the Council on Postsecondary Education. The Provost of the University supports this recommendation. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon moved approval of ASACR 4 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 4 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) N. Academic Degree Recommendation: College of Arts and Sciences (Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing) (ASACR 5) Trustee Gannon stated that ASACR 5 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the establishment of a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing degree in the Department of English, within the College of Arts and Sciences, effective the fall 2014 semester. The MFA in Creative Writing will afford interested individuals from across the nation the opportunity to pursue advanced study in the various areas of creative writing (from poetry to fiction) in which University of Kentucky faculty have established national reputations. This program has the approval of the appropriate councils and the University Senate and has completed the 45-day review process of the Council on Postsecondary Education. The Provost of the University supports this recommendation. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon moved approval of ASACR 5 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 5 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) O. Joint Conferral of Master of Business Administration Degree (ASACR 6) Trustee Gannon stated that ASACR 6 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees approve the joint conferral of the Master of Business Administration (Executive Concentration) degree with the University of Louisville. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration for executives targets students with 10 or more years of work experience and who are employed at the director’s level or higher. The concentration was proposed because it fills a need for executive education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The proposal for the joint conferral of a single degree has been approved by the Gatton MBA Committee and the faculty of the Gatton College of Business and Economics and reviewed and recommended by the appropriate councils and the University Senate. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has reviewed the proposed program and agrees that the two -7 * institutions can jointly confer a single degree upon approval of both institutions governing boards. The Provost of the University supports the proposal. On behalf of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Trustee Gannon moved approval of ASACR 6 and it passed without dissent. (See ASACR 6 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) P. Academic and Student Affairs Committee Report Trustee Gannon reported that Provost Riordan provided the committee a more focused update on the phases of the Strategic Planning process. She detailed the steps that produced the report Understanding Tomorrow: A Research Report on Trends in Higher Education and Their Impact on UK. The document identified nine broad trend areas that are likely to “provide daunting challenges and compelling opportunities in the coming years.” The trends addressed in the report were finances and sustainability of funding sources, the changing purpose of higher education, greater accountability, increased use of technology, increased internationalization, changing undergraduate population demographics, challenges to undergraduate professional education, changes in research funding in the era of declining funding and the changing professorate. In each trend area of the report, sub-trends were identified, key points of consideration were identified, supporting data was presented and discussed, and implications for the University within each area were presented. Trustee Gannon stated that the Committee and Trustee members asked questions and offered suggestions for the planning document. Ideas offered by the Trustees included: a primary goal should be the recruitment of signature faculty, especially in the liberal arts core; clear objectives related to the health, well-being, job quality and diversity of staff employees; as diversity relates to faculty, what do the specific percentage numbers represent; concern regarding the rank of African American faculty and the numeric definition of inclusivity on campus; attention to infrastructure and research; and attention to student career and academic advising, service learning, and experiential opportunities. Several trustees were concerned about the rising out-of-state competition for UK students and the implication that the data reflects historical borders are changing. Lastly, trustees wondered how will the University revisit and monitor the Strategic Plan and adjust UK’s goals. Q. University Athletics Committee Trustee C.B. Akins, Sr., chair of the University Athletics Committee, reported that the Committee had met that morning. Executive Associate Athletics Director Marc Hill gave a Department of Intercollegiate Athletics report. Highlights since January 31, 2014 includes that the men's basketball team advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. UK made its 16th Final Four appearance, and is the all-time leader in NCAA Tournament appearances and victories. Women's basketball finished the season with a record 26-9 and hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. Gymnastics earned its school record tenth straight NCAA championship birth. They will compete in the NCAA regionals on Saturday, April 5, in -8 * State College, Pennsylvania. Rifle completed another successful season, finishing third at NCAA championships. The men's and women's track teams had strong indoor seasons. The outdoor track and field teams have gotten off to a good start, and UK will host the SEC track championships in May. The men's and women's swimming and diving teams each competed at NCAA championships this month under first-year head coach Lars Jorgensen. In spring sports, men's tennis is ranked No. 13 in the nation. Women's tennis is ranked No. 34 nationally. Baseball is now 19-9 and is in second place in the SEC Eastern Division. Softball is 28-7 overall, UK's best record at this point in the season, and is ranked No. 10 in the nation. Men's and women's golf teams are playing strong this season as well. Football opened spring practice and will play its annual Blue/White spring game on April 26th. Though renovations to Commonwealth Stadium are underway, the game will be played at the stadium. Trustee Akins continued that off the field, Senior Kastine Evans was one of the only five Division I basketball players named to the prestigious Allstate Insurance/Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) National Good Works Team. This preeminent community service honor recognizes college basketball players who have made a commitment to improving their communities and the lives of others. Men's basketball senior John Hood was named to the SEC Community Service Team. Women's soccer's Arin Gilliland was selected to play on the U.S. Women's National Under-23 Team in the Six Nations Tournament in Spain. Volleyball will embark on a 14-day trip to China from May 20 to June 4, an educational, cultural, and competitive experience. In business items, Trustee Akins concluded that committee considered the financial statements of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Melissa Gleason, Senior Associate Athletics Director of Finance reviewed the interim financial statements of the department for the six months ending December 31, 2013. The statements included the balance sheet, the statement on revenue and expenses, and the change in net assets. The committee accepted the financial statements as presented. R. Finance Committee Report Trustee James Stuckert, chair of the Finance Committee, reviewed the consent items: FCR 1, Blue Grass Community Foundation Grant; FCR 2, Establishment of the Walter and Nellie Evans Journalism and Telecommunications General Excellence Scholarship QuasiEndowment Fund; FCR 3, The Estate of Martha M. Keffer Gift; FCR 4, the Joan D. Kincaid and Central Bank and Trust Company Pledge; and FCR 5, the Estate of Genevieve Warren Gift. (See FCR 1, FCR 2, FCR 3, FCR4, FCR 5 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) President Capilouto commented on the generosity of the many individuals that continue to invest in the University’s future. He was appreciative of the many individuals involved, most notably Mike Richey, Vice President for Development. -9 * S. Acceptance of Interim Financial Report for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2013 (FCR 6) Trustee Stuckert stated that FCR 6 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees accept the University of Kentucky consolidated financial report for the six months ended December 31, 2013. Susan Krauss, Interim Treasurer, presented the consolidated financial report. As of December 31, 2013, the University had recognized $1,305,117,747 of current funds revenue representing 48 percent of the 2013-14 approved budget of $2,728,069,400. Expenses and transfers total $1,265,869,615 or 46 percent of the approved budget. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Trustee Stuckert moved approval of FCR 6. Trustee Voro asked if the medical center had repaid its loan. President Capilouto and Trustee Stuckert both affirmed that UK HealthCare had repaid the cash advance and this status had been reported at a prior Board of Trustees meeting [May 2013]. Chair Brockman called for the vote and it passed with 16 affirmative votes and one abstention from Trustee Voro. (See FCR 6 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) T. Approval of Amended Agreement (FCR 7) Trustee Stuckert stated that FCR 7 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees authorize the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration to negotiate and execute an amended agreement between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government regarding the partnership in developing and operating the University of Kentucky-Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Arboretum. The Arboretum was created in 1986 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG). Designated as the official state botanical garden in 2000, the University and LFUCG are in discussions regarding the long-term future of the Arboretum. Among the issues under discussion are: Establishment of Arboretum boundaries that realistically reflect the growth and progress that has been made over the last two decades; Extension of the duration of the agreement to assure the Arboretum’s future for many decades to come; and Clarification of the organizational and operational responsibilities of the University and LFUCG for the future. The University’s goal is to reach an amended agreement which fully supports a sustainable future of the Arboretum as it is a critical asset both for the community and for the University’s educational mission. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Trustee Stuckert moved approval of FCR 7 and it passed without dissent. (See FCR 7 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) - 10 * U. Capital Construction Report (FCR 8) Trustee Stuckert stated that FCR 8 was the recommendation that the Board of Trustees accept the capital construction report for the three months ended December 31, 2013. Vice President for Facilities Management Bob Wiseman reviewed the report at the Finance Committee. Trustee Voro inquired about project 2382, the Fine Arts Building. She asked about the possibility of windows being installed and the storage of instruments during construction. Mr. Wiseman explained that this project upgrades the interior air handling systems and temperature controls for the building. There have been complaints in past years about humidity in the building and damage to instruments. As for storage of instruments during the process, though he was not in attendance at the meetings with construction managers, Mr. Wiseman promised to follow up with College of Fine Arts Dean Michael Tick. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Trustee Stuckert moved approval of FCR 8 and it passed without dissent. (See FCR 8 on the Board of Trustees website, www.uky.edu/Trustees, under agenda.) V. Investment Committee Report Trustee Bill Gatton, chair of the Investment Committee, reported that the Committee had met on March 31, 2014 to review performance results and conduct other business. He reported the endowment pool had a market value of $1,160,000,000 as of February 28, 2014. For the eight months ended February 28, 2014, the Endowment pool returned 11 percent due to strong equity market and returns during the period. The endowment pool outperformed the policy benchmark during the eight—month period by 104 basis points due to strong relative performance by the US and non-US equity asset classes, and the absolute return and real estate asset classes. W. University Health Care Committee Report Trustee Barbara Young, chair of the University Health Care Committee, reported that Dr. Mark Evers, Director of Markey Cancer Center Biospecimen Care, reported on the Markey Cancer Center (Markey). As Kentucky’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Markey has provided care to Kentuckians and patients from other states lifesaving cancer genomic programs that provide cutting-edge personalized diagnostics and mutation-specific drug treatments. Dr. Craig Horbinski, director of Molecular Anatomical Pathology and director of the Markey Cancer Center Biospecimen Core, reported on molecular diagnostics at Markey. He reviewed two patient cases as examples of improved patient care resulting from the use of advanced molecular diagnostics at UK. He reviewed existing and potential Markey affiliates across the state and reported on the next generation of sequencing that could potentially make the diagnosis and treatment of cancer at Markey even more efficient and timely. Dr. Bernard Boulanger, chief medical officer presented an update on quality at UK HealthCare, stressing UK’s goal to be a national leader in quality of care. This initiative is being - 11 * driven by the patient; the alignment of effort; culture and goals; the empowerment of the clinical care providers; transparency; culture; and the emergence of value-based health care. To honor the efforts and success of UK HealthCare’s quality improvement, UK recently received the 2014 Gage Award given by the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems in recognition of UK’s continued improvement in quality of care and reduction or elimination of harmful events to individual patients or groups of patients through its “SWARM” process. [When an incident associated with real or potential risk takes place within the UK HealthCare enterprise, leaders and involved team members get together to examine the problem in a blamefree environment. These gatherings are called SWARMs]. Currently UK is ranked eighth nationally among leading university hospitals in the area of mortality. UK is now ranked 18th among the nation’s leading university hospitals in the area of patient safety and in the top 25 in the area of efficiency or length of stay and patient readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Trustee Young continued that Dr. Colleen Swartz presented an update of the patient experience. By concentrating o