Annual Board of Trustees Meeting 2025
May 8, 2025
Dear Grinnell Community,
The Board of Trustees gathered for its annual meeting on campus May 1-3, 2025. Board leadership arrived early to meet in person with the Executive Council, Staff Council, and Student Government Association leadership. Connecting with these groups shapes Board discussions and is an important part of the Board engaging with campus; thank you to the faculty, staff, and students who engage in these vital conversations.
Trustees began their time together with a reception and dinner with the faculty from the Science Division, where they had the honor of hearing from Nicole Eikmeier, Luebke-Sproehnle Assistant Professor in Computer Science. Professor Eikmeier’s groundbreaking research with students has been recognized and supported by multiple grants and partnerships, and she was installed as the inaugural Luebke-Sproehnle Assistant Professor at our Endowed Chair ceremony earlier this year. Following dinner, they enjoyed a joyful gathering with students over desserts in the HSSC atrium.
Friday morning began with breakfast with members of the Academic Advising and Registrar’s offices, who just ran a day-long retreat on Excellence in Academic Advising (our accreditation quality initiative). Following breakfast, the Board moved into General Session for reports from President Harris, Chair Kahn and committee chairs. They were joined by members of Senior Leadership, Faculty Executive Council, Staff Council chair, Student Government Association representatives and Faculty members who serve on Board committees.
During the next session, attendees who have been engaged in scenario planning for our academic mission and our finances joined the meeting and together addressed a scenario designed by interim Dean of the College Jerry Seaman that intersects the two directly. The experience of working together collectively with campus partners provided a microcosm of elements that are active when the College is faced with challenges. This time together helped uncover strengths and gaps in our capacity and preparedness for mission-disruptive events.
During the final morning general session, Joe Bagnoli highlighted current enrollment trends, challenges, and responses.
During lunch, the Board was joined by students who serve on the Student Educational Policy Committee (SEPC) for their major or concentration.
During the afternoon, the Board was in Executive session, and continued dialogue regarding enrollment trends, and thoughts about the scenario planning session. Germaine Gross presented the FY 26 budget which was unanimously approved with a 3% salary pool for raises.
During the next session, President Harris was joined by legal counsel to discuss the legislative landscape on the federal and state level.
Friday evening, trustees gathered at President Harris’s home to honor the service of Connie Wimer, Matthew Welch, and Odile Disch-Bhadkamkar as they conclude their impactful board service.
Saturday morning the Board was in Executive session and approved the following:
- Consent Agenda (Minutes and May 2025 graduates)
- Faculty Personnel Recommendations (Congratulations!)
- Norms and Expectations (Set of principles for Board members)
- Re-election of Board Members eligible for another term
- Jeetander Dulani ‘98
- Julie Gosselink
- Jeanne Myerson ‘75
- Kristin Stout ‘89
- Sheryl Walter ‘78
- Re-election of Exit 182 LLC member
- Ken Lee
- Election of new members
- Jeff Greenberg ‘80
- Melinda Lopes ‘85
- Karmi Mattson ‘97
- Saumil Parikh ‘99
- Exit 182 LLC new member election
- Saumil Parikh ‘99
- Election of Assistant Secretary
- Myrna Hernández
- Approval of 990
- Approval of FY 26 Operating and Capital Budgets
- Authorization to explore the possibility of issuing debt
- Election of Chair of the Board
- Sheryl Walter ’78 was elected
To all involved who successfully assist in hosting the Board of Trustees on campus, we are grateful. They share with effusive praise the interactions they have with students, faculty and staff – whether these interactions are formal or otherwise, and we thank you for the time and experiences you share with trustees that mean so very much to them. We are fortunate to have facilities drivers who bring them to and from airports, dining staff that provide outstanding food and service, facilities staff who ensure the spaces we utilize are prepared so well, staff in event coordination and scheduling that guarantee all runs smoothly, staff from ITS who give personal attention to trustees who need assistance with devices, coaches who play pickleball with some, Careers, Life and Service members who craft opportunities for students to benefit from trustee experience while on campus and the extreme attention to detail that Karen Dillon and Tish Solomon in the President’s Office provide. THANK YOU!
Meg Jones Bair. M.Ed
Director of Board Relations and Secretary of the College
Grinnell College
Office of the President
Grinnell, IA 50112
Office: 641-269-3209
Cell: 641-821-5679