Winthrop University
Board of Trustees Executive Committee
Thursday, June 26, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Gold Room | DiGiorgio Campus Center
Winthrop University | Rock Hill, South Carolina
Board Members Present - Trustees Glenn McCall (Chair), Kathy Bigham (Vice Chair), Ed Driggers, Joel Hamilton, Randy Imler, Rick Lee, David McDonald, Tim Sease, Sandra Stroman, Isaiah Venning, Ashlye V. Wilkerson, and Gary Williams
Board Members Absent – Trustees John Brazell and Janet Smalley
President’s Cabinet Present - President Edward Serna, Kevin Butler, Lisa Cowart, Joseph Miller, Tammie Phillips, Chuck Rey, Gary Simrill, and Sebastian van Delden
Other Attendees Present – Taylor Degen (Staff Conference), Adam Glover (Faculty Conference), Hannah Small, Linda Warner (Foundation Board representative), Ellen Wilder-Byrd, and Victoria Williams (Council of Student Leaders)
(Only attending Trustees, President Serna, President’s Cabinet, Board Staff, and others presenting or participating in the meeting are noted as attendees).
The Board of Trustees met on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the campus of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Roll Call to Establish Quorum
Acting Secretary to the Winthrop Board of Trustees Tammie Phillips took the role and
confirmed a quorum of the Trustees.
Public Notice
The meeting agenda was posted on the Winthrop University website with proper notice
of the meeting. The meeting was held in accordance with the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA).
Call to Order and Invocation
A quorum being present, Chair Glenn McCall called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and gave an invocation.
Opening Remarks
Chair McCall welcomed all present and began the meeting by expressing his appreciation to the president and his cabinet, the deans, and the outstanding faculty and staff for their tireless work on behalf of Winthrop students. He highlighted many accomplishments of the 2024-25 academic year and acknowledged staff members Craig and Sandi Gero for their contributions to the increase in transfer enrollment, especially in regard to the former Limestone students.
Consent Agenda
Chair McCall called for a motion to approve the consent agenda related to resolutions passed by the committees the previous day and to accept the minutes of the May 1 and 6, 2025, meetings as written. Trustee David McDonald moved to adopt the consent agenda, motion was seconded by Trustee Rick Lee. Motion approved by unanimous vote.
President’s Update
President Edward Serna discussed Winthrop: United in Excellence and noted that the first 12 initiatives of the strategic plan have moved quickly from development to implementation, and all 12 will be delivered on schedule and within budget. He thanked the board for the investment in the plan and noted approximately $1.2 million of the authorized $1.5 million has been spent. Phase 2 of the strategic plan will be discussed at the cabinet retreat on Monday, June 30, and the new initiatives will be identified. One of those will be a comprehensive human capital strategy that will inform our decision making on how to attract, retain and develop talent at Winthrop. He mentioned external forces that will affect the workforce in the next five to 10 years. Additionally, with the enrollment growth, President Serna stressed the need to move quickly to determine a housing plan for next year.
Committee Reports
Committee on Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment
Trustee David McDonald (Committee Chair) reported that the change from the Council of Student Leaders to the Student Government Association is creating more student representation. He reported there was discussion around the housing challenges, the Center for Career Development and Internships, wonderful new academic programs that are changing the majors landscape, and the successful launch of the Honors College. Most importantly, he noted, some very positive updates on enrollment bode well for the fall. Action items coming from the committee to the full board were approved under the consent agenda.
Committee on External Engagement and Athletics
Trustee Gary Williams (Committee Chair) reported on fundraising, noting as of June 24, total giving surpassed $7.8 million. He discussed campaign preparation and requested 100 percent participation from the board. He thanked the Winthrop University Foundation for the funding provided for Winthrop University’s J. Robert Bazemore Design Center. He reported that Winthrop Athletics has achieved its highest student-athlete GPA in its history with a 3.404. A brief update was provided on the NCAA House settlement. He noted that Katie Price updated the committee on the 160/90 branding and marketing process, and Ellen Wilder-Byrd shared materials that her area provides to support legislative and community relations. Action items coming from the committee to the full board were approved under the consent agenda.
Committee on Strategic Planning and Facilities
Trustee Ed Driggers (Committee Chair) thanked President Serna for the report on the strategic plan and encouraged folks to look over it to see how the campus is moving forward. He reported that facilities is engaged in an annual process called the Comprehensive Permanent Improvement Plan (CPIP) which is an assessment of all Winthrop properties to better understand what the needs are. He shared excitement about some of the enhancements around campus that are adding value, particularly the Phelps roof replacement, Tillman Hall renovations and the Chick-fil-A refresh. Action items coming from the committee to the full board were approved under the consent agenda.
Committee on Finance and Audit
Trustee Tim Sease (Committee Chair) drew particular attention to items H and I on the consent agenda (Winthrop University Real Estate Foundation bylaws revisions and FY2026 budget) noting they are big news and lot of work went into them. He thanked Kevin Butler and his team and noted the progress that has been made over the past two years. Action items coming from the committee to the full board were approved under the consent agenda.
Reports of Affiliated Groups
Report of Faculty Conference
Faculty Conference Chair Adam Glover reported on his and other faculty’s involvement this year in orientation and volunteering as faculty mentors. He discussed the McNair summer research symposium conducted by undergraduate students.
Report of Staff Conference
Staff Conference Chair Taylor Degen reported on the Staff Professional Development Conference, new Staff Emeriti program, and Leadership York County representation. He introduced Amanda Hackney as new chair of the Staff Conference.
Report of Council of Student Leaders
CSL President Sean Pennington introduced Victoria Williams as the new president of the Student Government Association. She provided a brief biography and shared an overview of her platform. The remaining seats on the SGA will be filled at the beginning of the school year. She shared her excitement to be serving the students and university in this capacity.
Board Chair and Vice Chair Election
Trustee Tim Sease (Committee on Nominations Chair) thanked Trustees Isaiah Venning and John Brazell for their work on the committee and presenting the slate of officers. The recommendation from committee was Glenn McCall as Chair and Joel Hamilton as Vice Chair. He thanked Trustee Kathy Bigham for her dedicated board service over many years. Trustee Bigham then moved to elect Trustee McCall as Board Chair and Trustee Hamilton as Vice Chair. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Executive Session
Chair McCall reported having no items to discuss, so the Board did not enter executive session.
New Business
Chair McCall moved to appoint Tammie Phillips, acting secretary to the Winthrop University Board of Trustees, to the position of Secretary to the Board, effective June 26, 2025. Trustee Sease seconded the motion. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Old Business
No old business was discussed.
Adjournment
Chair McCall called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Sease made a motion,
with a second from Trustee Williams. Motion passed unanimously.
Hearing no objections, Chair McCall adjourned the meeting at 9:51 a.m.
