At last week’s meetings of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees, positivity abounded as the cabinet and I discussed with trustees such topics as phase 2 of our strategic plan, Winthrop: United in Excellence, fiscal year 2025 year end, the balanced budget presented for fiscal year 2026, indicators for strong fall enrollment, and next steps on addressing student housing needs and deferred maintenance.
The board approved a $158.7M operating budget that Kevin Butler’s team created with campus-wide input from the cabinet and budget committee. Last year’s budget was $153.3M. The budget is balanced based on anticipated revenues and budgeted expenses. It includes $11M in non-recurring capital funds, as I mentioned in my June Update.
I am very happy to share that trustees approved naming our new 5,000-square-foot interior design space at The Thread Winthrop University’s J. Robert Bazemore Design Center for the duration of the 10-year lease. As you may know, the space is located a floor above the world’s largest textile archive, the Baxter Mill Archive, which will allow students easy access to this unique resource.
A driving force behind the project has been notable Winthrop alumnus J. Robert “Bob” Bazemore ‘85, who also taught our students as a former adjunct faculty member. He has been a leading figure in the interior design industry for nearly four decades. He has donated money, time and talents to the project, working closely with current interior design faculty members and others to design the space. A grand opening and ribbon cutting is planned for August 20 at 11 a.m. Make a note of the date and watch for more information.
The board also took action on the following items:
You can read more about the board action in this release or in the resolutions that will be posted online this week. Thank you for your interest in the activities of the Board of Trustees.
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
