Winthrop University
Board of Trustees Executive Committee
Thursday, August 27, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Zoom Originating in Thompson Conference Room | Tillman Building
Winthrop University | Rock Hill, South Carolina
Board Members Present In Person and via Zoom - Trustees Joel Hamilton (Chair), Kathy Bigham, John Brazzell, Randy Imler, Rick Lee, David McDonald, Tim Sease, Janet Smalley, Sandra Stroman, Isaiah Venning, Ashlye V. Wilkerson, and Gary Williams
Board Members Absent – Trustee Ed Driggers
President’s Cabinet Present - President Edward Serna, Kevin Butler, Lisa Cowart, Joseph Miller, Tammie Phillips, and Sebastian van Delden
Other Attendees Present – Hannah Small
(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 Wednesday, August 27, 2025, on the campus of Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Roll Call to Establish Quorum
Secretary to the Winthrop Board of Trustees Tammie Phillips took the role and confirmed
a quorum of the Board was present in person and virtually.
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
Chair Joel Hamilton called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. He welcomed all present, both in person and virtually.
Strategic Initiative Funding
President Edward Serna gave an update on the strategic plan implementation noting
all 12 of the Winthrop: United in Excellence Phase 1 initiatives have been completed.
A summary of the initiatives are on the portal for Trustees to review. He requested
funding for the implementation of nine projects that have been identified for Phase
2, not to exceed $1.25M.
Action Item - Motion to approve $1.25M to fund the second phase of the strategic plan
Trustee David McDonald moved to approve the $1.25M to fund the second phase, seconded by Trustee Gary Williams. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Housing Update
Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs/CFO Kevin Butler reported several different methods have been explored to deliver between 400-500 beds as expeditiously as possible. A private partner would add at least 12 months to the timeline due to the procurement process. Plus, Winthrop would likely have to provide the financing. It would be best for the university to build it via design-build delivery which could possibly be done in 24 months, but to be more realistic, the target should be 30-36 months. The goal is to have a soft opening for spring 2028.
The preferred design would be pod-style housing with shared bedrooms with restroom/bathing facilities scattered throughout the floorplan and a small kitchen facility on each floor. The project cost estimate is $80,000-$90,000 per bed or $32M-$45M.
The first milestone to meet is to get on the Joint Bond Review Committee and State Fiscal Accountability Authority December 2025 meeting agenda for approval of Phase 1 for this project. Materials are due to the State on September 15. Winthrop will need to have 1.5% of project costs, which is approximately $600,000 and this is available in the Phelps roof project as a result of insurance proceeds that helped pay for that project. Mr. Butler is requesting approval of Phase 1 for a student housing project as described and approval to use approximately $600,000 (1.5% of estimated project costs) to support Phase 1.
Action Item - Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Student Housing Project
Trustee David McDonald moved to approve Phase 1 of the student housing project, seconded by Trustee Ashlye V. Wilkerson. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Executive Session - pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §30-4-70(a)(2)
Hearing no objections, Chair Hamilton moved to go into executive session pursuant to South Carolina Ann. §30-4-70(a)(2) for the purpose of discussion of contractual matters related to Winthrop University.
President Serna, Tammie Phillips, Joseph Miller, Kevin Butler, Sebastian van Delden and Hannah Small were invited to remain for the executive session.
Trustee Gary Williams moved with a second from Trustee Rick Lee to end executive session with no action taken. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.
Adjournment
Trustee Rick Lee moved with a second from Trustee Isaiah Venning to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Hearing no objections, Chair Hamilton adjourned the meeting at 12:05 p.m.
