Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at Bryan Athletic Administration Building. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Billy Ward, Larry Templeton, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dr. George Rent, Dr. Rodney Foil, Dr. Roy Ruby, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Mike Richardson, Charles Guest, and Joe Farris.

Dr. Portera reviewed the agenda for the March 19 Board of Trustees meeting.

Mr. Richardson presented a proposal from the Student Association to postpone selection of the next Reflector editor, place the student newspaper under the supervision of the communication department, appoint a task force to review newspaper operations, and strengthen the Student Publications Committee. Dr. Ruby noted that the communication department has agreed to work with Student Affairs and the Student Publications Committee to provide a faculty advisor to the newspaper. The council will await recommendations from Student Affairs, the Department of Communication, and the Student Publications Committee.

Dr. Portera announced that John H. Bryan Jr., CEO of Sara Lee Corp., will be the spring commencement speaker.

Dr. Portera requested suggestions on planning for a presidential installation ceremony.

Dr. Foil recommended approval of designs for a multi-purpose building at the Delta Research and Extension Center. The $500,000 building would be financed by timber sales. The council recommended approval of the design.

Dr. Portera reported that the Hearin Foundation has requested proposals for one-time funding for projects affecting the economic development of the state and asked council members to submit brief preliminary proposals for consideration.

Dr. Portera asked Dr. Rent and Dr. Barbara Spencer to work on a preliminary proposal to the Hardin Foundation for funding development of a strategic plan for the Meridian Campus.

Ms. Norman presented a current construction progress report.

Ms. Norman distributed a summary report on implementation of a Computerized Maintenance Management System. The system allows users in five areas, initially, to submit and view work requests on line.

Dr. Portera reported on the previous week's visit by Congressional representatives and federal agency representatives to review research programs.

Dr. Ray reported that grants and contracts for February totaled $4 million, bringing the 1997-98 year-to-date total to $43.7 million, which equals the total for all of 1996-97.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35 a.m.