Update on TSU Board

A lot has happened since we last "spoke" about TSU. The new board has had two meetings, and after watching last night's session, I have some observations.

The board is a diverse mix: we have the "self-assured" individual "playing" board member (cue my side-eye), a clarification king/queen, an upbeat positive cheerleader, and the remaining members who seem to be realizing—perhaps for the first time—that board governance is not as straightforward as it appears from the outside. Welcome to higher ed, y’all.

Despite the range of personalities, my concerns remain unassuaged. It is evident that the board does not fully recognize that their tenure too, depends on the legislative body’s support. Recall that the previous board was vacated for spurious reasons, and nothing prevents this current board from meeting the same fate. In my view, there's an undertone of confidence among the members that may be perceived as arrogance. Remember, you all are in a significant position of responsibility—keep that in mind as you conduct business.

Now, let's talk about the TSU Master Plan. I commend Dr. Glover for attempting to advise the board with some “direction”, which, however seemed to spark little interest. Having listened to the presentation—$350 million to be awarded following approvals of THEC and the SBC with a current delivery of funds set for September. The Master Plan, was crafted by TSU in 2022 and shepherded through to today, and is nearing the final stages of approval. The plan includes significant construction projects and other major expenditures. The final submission and approval meeting is scheduled for early June, which caused some consternation among some board members. Discussions ensued about pushing some dates back and a perceived need to revise the document.

It appears this newly and rapidly appointed Board of Trustees is not starting from a place of politics. Remember trustees, every one of you is in your position due to a legislative decision that was made based upon a document. That document, the forensic audit, was a year in the making and had findings that in no way correlated to a complete dissolution of the previous board. There is a benefit to that same group of people who confirmed you into your board seats, to create a "delay" in the distribution of those funds to TSU. You need to lobby and to make sure those folks say yes to money- do not mess around with the document. Get your money and then drop down in the weeds. You work the actual details (which by the way have been in progress since 2022) once you, as the kids say, "have that bag".

And I believe Dr. Glover was trying to convey that now is the time to lobby your legislators—on both sides of the aisle. These are the individuals who hold the fate and future of TSU in their hands. With this being an election year and all representatives campaigning, it is the opportune moment to craft your relationships with all candidates. Instead of using social capital or goodwill to persuade THEC to reschedule the Master Plan approval use any influence to forge relationships in the statehouse. By January, you'll want as many "friends" as possible in the government and specifically on the education subcommittees.

Lastly, I again suggest reaching out to the AGB for guidance on board practices and operations. AGB is a specialized firm exclusively focused on higher education governance. From the expressions I saw (I recommend revisiting the video), it seems some of you are beginning to understand how different higher education is from the private sector.

Although I have no personal stake in TSU—I did not attend, nor do I have any direct connections—I am deeply passionate about HBCUs and their success. It is disheartening to see power misused, particularly when it adversely affects the people of TSU. I urge board members to review the meeting footage to reflect on the tone and attitude; it might enlighten and aid in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, excellence, and efficiency moving forward.