Publication Date

1-12-2026

Document Type

Agendas and Minutes

Abstract

The University Council met on January 12, 2026, where Provost Kimberly McCorkle opened the session and members approved the previous meeting’s minutes before hearing updates from governance groups and campus units. A mission moment highlighted the Nurse Narratives initiative, a collaborative storytelling project shaping empathy-centered nursing education. Governance reports noted progress on faculty surveys, staff recognition planning, academic chair training, Appalachian Folk Festival preparations, and athletics achievements. Enrollment management updates emphasized reduced drop-risk student counts, improved outreach coordination, increased fall 2026 applications, and opportunities and challenges related to the TN Direct Admissions pilot program. Additional updates addressed FAFSA improvements, the launch of Buc Central, housing software changes, and dining contract planning. A detailed Voyager system report outlined progress in payroll stabilization, improved recruiting configurations, leave balance remediation, and new workflow and reporting enhancements, alongside declining help desk tickets and increased system stability. President Brian Noland reflected on major institutional accomplishments—including the Voyager rollout, new budget model, record freshman enrollment, and campus improvements—while also outlining upcoming budget planning, legislative engagement, and efforts to clarify institutional mission and priorities. Announcements included continued policy accessibility updates and a campus landscaping initiative adding elm trees to create a more defined, shaded plaza. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

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