BOT NOTEBOOK: Kanine elected Board of Trustees chairperson for 2014
The Central Michigan Board of Trustees will face a change in leadership next year as Trustee Brian Fannon steps down from his position as chairperson of the board. Trustee William Kanine will assume his role as chairperson, effective January 2014.
Fannon remembers being appointed to the board in 2007, and can recall being apprehensive about working with University President George Ross, who he heard was "tough."
“I was a little nervous about working with George,” Fannon said. “I heard he was a tough guy to work with. But it has been a pleasurable and fun experience.”
Kanine is a certified public accountant and a shareholder of William R. Kanine P.C. Certified Public Accountants in Petoskey. According to the firm's website, it provides a wide array of accounting, payroll, audit, tax and management advisory services to individuals and businesses in Petoskey and the surrounding area.
Kanine was appointed for an eight-year term expiring in 2018.
Emeritus and Emerita ranks
Four retiring CMU employees were recognized by trustees with emeritus and emerita status. The ranks are awarded to retiring regular faculty and senior officers with at least 10 years of service and approval from trustees.
Director of Photography Robert Barclay, University Photographer Peggy Brisbane, Assistant Director of Academic Advising Juan Zamudio and marketing professor Patrick Okonkwo were each acknowledged.
Others were granted emeritus status, but were unable to attend the meeting.
South Quad residence halls improvement project
A motion authorizing the installation of a new fire suppression system and the replacement of existing fire alarms, electric panels and distribution systems in specified buildings was passed unanimously.
“South Quad is in need of an electrical update, a fire alarm system update, and while we’re in there, a fire suppression system update to those halls that do not have it,” said Barrie Wilkes, vice president for Finance and Administrative Services.
There is no clear date set for project completion, but the total projected cost will be about $4.3 million, coming from deferred maintenance and auxiliary funds.
Deerfield and Crawford Road reconstruction easements and permits
A motion authorizing the president or his designee to sign the necessary easements and permits for the Isabella County Road Commission to complete Deerfield roadway construction also passed unanimously.
The project, Wilkes said, will focus primarily on adding sidewalks and other safety features, and will not involve any additional university expenditures.
