The MSU Executive Council met at 611 Allen Hall with Dr. J. Charles Lee, interim president, presiding. Others present were Dr. Dan Embree, Cedric Henson, Dr. George Verrall, Gaddis Hunt, Dr. Bob Altenkirch, Dr. Brad Carter, Dr. Danny Cheatham, Parker Wiseman, Daniel Bryant, Dennis Prescott, Paula Jernigan, Dr. Melvin Ray, Joe Farris, Charles Guest, Julie Fulgham, Charles Scoggins, Chris Morrow, Steve Bullard, and Dan Seale.

Dr. Cheatham, architect Chris Morrow, and representatives of the Forest Products Lab submitted for approval in concept a plan to construct a pilot plant for an engineered wood product patented by TimTek, Inc., and an associated testing facility at the Forest Products Research Lab. Funds for construction and operation of the facilities are available from the Mississippi Land, Water and Timber Board. The product to be developed and tested uses low-value, small-diameter pine trees as raw material and could benefit pine land owners and the state's furniture industry. The university would own the buildings to be constructed and would acquire ownership of the equipment installed in them after five years. The council recommended approval of the plan, previously approved by the Campus Planning and Development Committee.

Mr. Morrow presented for information updated plans for the Furniture Manufacturing Research Center to be located adjacent to the Forest Products Lab.

Mr. Hunt and Mr. Scoggins presented for approval a landscaping plan for the new North Entrance Road. The multi-phase plan would line the road with shade trees, including willow oak, bald cypress, Chinese elm, and Southern magnolia, and smaller plantings. A portion of the work will be funded by federal grant for a bike path parallel to the road. Landscaping work should begin this spring and be finished in a year. The council recommended approval.

Dr. Verrall presented for approval a proposal to erect an awning over the entrance to Memorial Hall, subject to approval of the Campus Planning and Development Committee. The council recommended approval, contingent on CPDC approval.

Dr. Verrall commented on planning within Academic Affairs to adjust to an anticipated lower level of state funding for next year. Dr. Lee noted that key legislative leaders continue to express support for higher education funding.

Dr. Lee noted that IHL presidents and the commissioner discussed the possibility of closing the institutions for spring break, but that such closing is unlikely.

Dr. Lee reported that the Board of Trustees is considering adopting new performance measures for IHL institutions.

Dr. Verrall commented on the progress of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center project at Meridian and the university's efforts to gain a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.

The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.