Executive Council met at 11 a.m. at 611 Allen Hall. Present were Dr. Malcolm Portera, presiding, Dr. David Cole, Dr. Euel Coats, Matt Allen, Dr. Joe Thompson, Dr. Rodney Foil, Larry Templeton, Ms. Leah Norman, Dr. Melvin Ray, Dennis Prescott, Dr. Roy Ruby, Bill Broyles, Dr. Jonathan Pote, Dr. Roy Ikenberry, Charles Guest, and Joe Farris.

Dr. Portera distributed a summary of elements necessary to achieve student recruiting goals prepared by Student Affairs as follow up to the university priorities and goals statement.

Dr. Ruby reported on the previous weekend's successful Orientation program for new students.

Dr. Portera provided an update on the search for a vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Portera provided an update on the status of the capital improvements bond issue authorized by the 1999 Legislative session.

Mr. Prescott reported on the status of searches in the Office of Development.

Dr. Thompson reported that the university could realize an overall savings by purchasing site licenses for two popular software programs currently purchased separately by departments. The president requested more information on current use of the programs.

Dr. Thompson reported that MSU has climbed to 13th among academic institutions in the nation in supercomputing capability, according to the newly released ranking of the world's 500 most powerful computers. MSU is ranked second in the Southeast and first in the Southeastern Conference.

Dr. Portera announced that the Board of Trustees will meet on the Mississippi State campus in February 2000.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.