October 30, 2023

October Board of Trustees Meeting Summary

The Board of Trustees met on campus October 19–20. It was the Board’s first meeting with Paula Hayes BS ’92 as board chair, and also the first meeting with new trustee Bob Rowe BA ’77.

The Board launched a new strategic planning process with a presentation by EAB, a consulting firm specializing in education institutions, regarding the national competitive landscape in higher education. President Robin Holmes-Sullivan intends to seek board approval of a new Lewis & Clark strategic plan at their May 2024 meeting.

The Board also approved 2023-24 tuition, and room and board rates for CAS students. Consistent with recent years, tuition and room rates will increase four percent next year, while board rates will increase approximately 4.7 percent.

Other significant agenda items included a review of enrollment data in all three schools, a presentation regarding the new undergraduate data science minor and the potential for expansion of the program, review of LC’s mental health supports for students, an update regarding capital projects across campus, discussion regarding a new energy efficiency revolving fund (which will provide ongoing funding for projects that reduce campus energy use by reinvesting energy savings into new projects), and an analysis of the successfully completed $155 million comprehensive campaign and planning for future fundraising.

The board’s next meeting is in February 2024.