Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at Garner Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Dr. Roy Ruby, Larry Templeton, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Melvin Ray, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. Billy Ward, Gaddis Hunt, Charles Guest, and Joe Farris.

Dr. Ruby presented an ACT Enrollment Information Service analysis of Mississippi's 1997-98 college freshmen. The report showed that Mississippi State received more ACT score reports than any other state institution, with scores received from almost 6,700 students. Health-related majors are most popular among responding students. High schools providing the most freshmen to Mississippi State are Starkville High School, Columbus High School, and Jackson Academy.

The council toured the newly renovated Garner Hall, which now houses Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and will soon accommodate the Registrar's office.

Dr. Portera reported that he and Dr. Ray would deliver the university's strategic research agenda to the state congressional delegation later in the day.

Mr. Templeton presented a Gender Equity Plan adopted by the Athletic Council and approved by the president. The plan calls for increased allocations in support of women's athletics.

Dr. Foil presented schematic drawings of the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center to be constructed adjacent to Hinds Community College. Funding is from state bond issues of the past two years. The plans were approved.

Dr. Foil is to discuss with the Landscape Architecture department the possibility of occupying a renovated residence hall, rather than constructing a new building. Dr. Foil will arrange a visit to residence halls that could be available for such use. Funding for a new landscape architecture building from legislative appropriations and private sources will remain an option.

Ms. Norman will ask the Campus Planning and Development Committee to explore the feasibility of using a renovated residence hall as space for computing and telecommunications, rather than housing those functions in a proposed McArthur Hall Annex. A report will be provided to Executive Council.

Ms. Douglas distributed copies of the newsletter of the STS+ program in Business Affairs.

Dr. Ward presented the quarterly report of the Division of Advancement for October through December 1997.

Dr. Ruby distributed a brochure about the Joe Frank Sanderson Center. He said that the proposed fee structure and regulations concerning use by family members of faculty and staff will be reviewed prior to the opening of the building. Dr. Bauman said the Faculty Senate is expected to discuss the topic.

Dr. Portera distributed a draft position announcement for the Vice President for External Affairs (Vice President for Advancement). A search committee will be formed soon.

Dr. Portera reported on the first meeting of the search committee for Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Portera reported on his visit of the previous week to Stennis Space Center.

Dr. Portera commented on the Career Fair of the previous week and the positive response of employers represented.

Dr. Portera reported on the previous week's Institute for Technology Development board meeting. The leadership of ITD expressed interest in visiting Mississippi State.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 a.m.