Behind the scenes of FSC trustees

By: Megan Getter

Posted: 2/19/10

The Florida Southern Board of Trustees is one of the organizations that has a huge impact on student's lives.

"The Board's role in any student's education is quite substantial. For instance, in the past, the board has passed plans for freezing tuition," SGA president Corey Self, said. "As a student myself, I know very well that cost is an enormous factor in whether I can continue my education or not."

Board members in their most basic duties serve as advocates and supporters for the college.

"A lawyer might give legal advice, a banker --- financial advice. It is all invaluable advice," Vice president of college relations Lee Mayhall said. "Board members ensure that as much funds as possible go directly into student services and student scholarships."

Mayhall works closely with the board members to address their needs when they arise.

"I'm in contact with them just about every day. Sometimes it might be once a week and sometimes it might be several times a day. The president is the one who has the most contact," Mayhall said.

Board members can be described as anything but uncommitted
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"We have excellent attendance, especially considering how many come from out of town," Mayhall said.

Of the 34 trustees, four are from out of state and 12 live outside of Lakeland. The board meetings last two days. One day is for committee meetings and the other day is for the entire board to come together. Each of the committee meetings is considered a working meeting where trustees try to find real solutions to solve problems.

"As a whole, the Board may only gather three times a year to meet for a couple days, but the support and advice from any one of the trustees is continuous throughout the entire year," Self said.

The Board is limited to a minimum of 15 and maximum 37 members serving at one time. Each member can serve up to four consecutive terms of three years for a total of 12 years.

Nancy Cattarius serves as the president of the Alumni Association and therefore a member of Board of Trustees. As Cattarius puts it, the fiscal management of the school is a role that cannot be understated. However, board members have to be more than financially smart Cattarius said.

"You have to commit to devoting your time to learn how to be a board member," Cattarius said. "You have to learn how the school functions-- what's its needs are. You have to prepare for and regularly attend board meetings and committee meetings. You have to be willing to vote and speak with individual conviction. You have to be able to go with the majority and work with your fellow board members."

Over the years, the board has done its best to address student's concerns. DVD Now and Tutu's are each direct results of the trustees improving the campus for students.

"The most visible impact is the campus itself," Board chairman Dr. Robert Fryer said. "We support admin by helping to find the funding for projects. Approving policies that allow the administration to do the things they need to do."

The most recent of these additions include the Christoverson Humanities Building under construction and the recently dedicated Blanton Nursing building.

These buildings "allow students to have the opportunity to have a better learning environment," Cattarius said.

As SGA president, Self sits on the on the student life committee and speaks to the board on behalf of the student body. Self admitted he rarely voices concerns at the meetings.

"I try and have all my issues handled before I attend a Trustee meeting, so that I can have a positive response on the impact Student Government is having," Self said.

"If there is an issue, often times, I will have it addressed by another member of the Board and I will reinforce the need for change."

Cattarius also serves on the student life committee, which she said is her favorite committee.

"I really enjoy that because its closet to the students. It puts us close to the students and what they're doing. We do everything we can do to make it a great experience for Florida Southern College students," Cattarius said.

"When the need for a new residence hall is discussed, the need for a technology center, humanities building or anything of the sort is brought up, the board plays an integral part of fundraising and support to those projects. The Board is briefed on the long-term plans for the college, and they act accordingly based on those plans," Self said.

"The board has to think strategically: Where will it be in 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 years from now?" Fryer said. "What things do we think we need to be contemplating to improve the college for the benefit of students? After all, the college exists for the students."

Fryer emphasized that the Board's role at the college is as a policy body, while the administration handles management.

"Our job is to support the administration to make your lives better," Fryer said.

Fryer is the first ever alumnus on the Board of Trustees to serve as the board chairman.

"It's a tremendous honor to be serving as a graduate," Fryer said. "It shows that our own graduates are capable of giving guidance to their alma mater and sets the stage for current student leaders of today to be future board members of tomorrow."

Fryer said his role, as chairman is often to serve as a direct link among the president, administration and fellow board members.

"When students were hit crossing the street and the college tries to get the city to do something about Ingraham, I'm the spokesmen for the board," Fryer said.

According to Fryer, almost 50 percent of the board members are graduates of the classes 1949 through 1982. Fryer said that one of the board's goals is to be more open, more available and more visible.

"We're trying not to be a phantom board. We're trying to be a more visible," Fryer said.

Fryer said the Board of Trustees is all about the students.

"We want happy students that stay here, that graduate from here. We want them to have a wonderful experience. Board members that were students had a wonderful experience that had an impact on their lives. We want Florida Southern to have an impact on your lives," Fryer said.

Cattarius agrees that the student's interests are always at the forefront.

"Their interests are always our number one priority at each and every meeting. We want them to have the very best education to prepare them for what's ahead and have very best experience while they're at Florida Southern," Cattarius said.

Fryer's one regret is that he meets so few students despite visits to campus.

"The sad thing is that I only shake hands with students at graduation. I'd like to shake hands when they come in. That's something board is looking to address," Fryer said.

On the agenda for the February board metting was approving the graduation list and approving tuition and room and board costs. Fryer admits that the agenda is shortest compared to prior meetings.

"This is lightest board we had in many, many meetings. We have the fewest number of action items on our agenda. This will be the easiest in quite a few meetings and the shortest," Fryer said

In November 2009, the board reviewed the college's audit, approved the faulty handbook and voted on several broad policies.

"One thing I will say about the Board of Trustees is they are a very welcoming bunch. I was intimidated the first report I gave back in May of 2009. However, I have come to appreciate the support and encouragement that comes from the Board," Self said. "I believe that Florida Southern College is blessed to have such a supportive and loving Board of Trustees that can allow this institution to reach its maximum potential."