Executive Council met at 7:30 a.m. at Bryan Athletic Administration Building. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. Billy Ward, Dr. Leslie Bauman, Larry Templeton, Dr. Rodney Foil, Ms. Patsy Douglas, Dr. Roy Ruby, Brad Sweet, Dr. Melvin Ray, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. R. D. Ikenberry, and Joe Farris.

Consideration of the north entrance road "footprint" was delayed to a future meeting.

Dr. Ruby presented for concept approval a proposal to renovate Montgomery Hall for use by Student Affairs. Work would be expected to begin in June 1999. Transitional space will be needed for current occupants of the building, the Department of Landscape Architecture and Student Support Services. The council recommended approval in concept for the renovation.

Mr. Hunt is to study the cost of modifying the "Tin Gym" building for possible use as a temporary location for Landscape Architecture. Other academic departments have interest in long-term use of the building.

Dr. Foil presented capital improvement and repair and renovation priorities for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine for 2000-2004. The council recommended approval of the prioritized lists, to be submitted to the Bureau of Building, Grounds, and Real Property Management.

Dr. Foil reported that some of the greenhouses adjacent to Highway 82 on the North Farm are being renovated and others will be removed.

Dr. Portera reported on the previous week's meeting of the Board of Trustees Finance Committee. A tuition increase of up to 10 percent was discussed. Dr. Portera noted that any proposals for mid-year salary adjustments presented to the board must be accompanied by complete explanations and justification.

Dr. Portera reviewed the agenda for the April Board of Trustees meeting. Budget allocations and salary administration guidelines are expected to be approved.

Dr. Bauman reported on the progress of the Provost and Vice President for Administration search. Six candidates are being visited on their home campus. A smaller number will be recommended for on-campus interviews.

Dr. Ruby reported on the progress of the Dean of the Meridian Campus search. The pool of approximately 100 candidates will be reduced substantially at the search committee meeting in Meridian on April 13. The committee plans to recommend three finalists by the following week.

Dr. Portera reported that the Vice President for Research search committee has submitted its recommendations.

Dr. Portera reported that the Vice President for External Affairs search committee has met twice and is compiling a pool of candidates.

Dr. Portera reported that a proposal for a strategic plan for the Meridian Campus has been developed for presentation to the Phil Hardin Foundation. The foundation will be asked to provide a grant to fund development of the plan.

Dr. Portera reported that a faculty group is working on development of a proposal in the area of biotechnology that could impact economic development in the state and could attract foundation support.

Dr. Foil reported that major biotechnology companies have requested a meeting with representatives of Mississippi State, Louisiana State, and the University of Arkansas to discuss increased involvement of the universities in evaluation of transgenic crops developed for use in the Mississippi Delta.

Dr. Portera reported that the university will offer assistance in helping the city of Holly Springs develop a strategic plan for economic development.

Dr. Ruby reported on the accidental death of a student during the previous weekend at Noxubee Refuge.

Dr. Ruby reported that some students were among those arrested by Starkville police during the previous week on drug-related charges.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05 a.m.