NAU is entering the start of the new fiscal year next month with a deficit of about $4 million, according to Bjorn Flugstad, interim vice president for Institutional Effectiveness. He added that projected enrollment increases will not make up the difference, and NAU will be operating at $2,300 less per-student funding than in 2008.
Christy Farley, vice president for Government Affairs and Business Partnerships, said her department has begun meeting with legislators to discuss a potential state budget surplus. She also said that with election campaign season beginning, the campus is reminded to use only personal time and resources if advocating for a particular candidate.
The President’s Cabinet Report shows enrollment increases across the board in Flagstaff and Extended Campuses, said Laura Jones, associate vice president for Planning and Institutional Research. Orientation numbers exceed last year’s as well. Pauline Entin, vice provost for Academic Affairs, expressed concerns about course capacity with the incoming number of students.
John Morris, associate vice president for Facility Services, gave a brief update on summer construction projects. He pointed out that his department has created a map with details on the projects.
Campus is encouraged to participate in the upcoming Independence Day Parade beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in downtown Flagstaff. For information about participating, contact Alyssa.Deaver@nau.edu or call (928) 523-6523 by 5 p.m. June 10.
President Rita Cheng shared updates on several searches, interim appointments and retirements, including:
- The search for a provost to replace Laura Huenneke, is continuing. The president hopes to make an announcement in the near future.
- Betsey Mennell has been appointed interim vice president for Advancement, assuming the post filled by Mason Gerety, who will be moving to a faculty position in July.
- Fred Estrella, chief information technology officer, has announced his retirement. A search for an interim replacement is underway.
- Sarah Bickel, chief of staff, will retire in August. Joanne Keene was named new chief of staff effective May 1.
- Debera Thomas has been appointed dean of Health and Human Services, including the School of Nursing, as executive dean Leslie Schulz returns to the faculty.
- Cindy Anderson, executive director of Residence Life, has accepted the Dean of Students position, replacing Rick Brandel who is moving to part-time faculty in the College of Education. He also will be working on several projects with Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
- Harvey Charles, vice provost for International Education, has accepted a position at another university and will step down in late summer.
- Astrid Klocke has accepted the role of associate vice president for Academic Affairs in NAU Extended Campuses.
- Bob Norton, associate vice president for Financial Services and comptroller, is retiring. Wendy Swartz will serve in the interim position as a nationwide search is conducted.
- Tom Bauer, director of Public Affairs, is retiring at the end of July. Public Affairs and University Marketing currently are part of a university wide communication reorganization effort.
- Dianna Grimaldi, assistant to the president, is retiring. A search is underway for a permanent replacement.