The Bates Board of Trustees held its winter meeting virtually on Friday, February 2, 2024. Most standing committees of the Board also met virtually over the course of the preceding weeks to conduct their work.

Trustees took a number of important annual actions, including setting a range for the 2024–25 academic year single fee, which will be finalized this spring; setting the endowment distribution for the 2024–25 academic year; accepting the conflict of interest report; reappointing the college’s auditor, Mayer Hoffman McCann; and approving recommendations for faculty promotion and tenure from the Faculty Personnel Committee. The Board also formally approved renovations for 96 Campus Avenue, to turn it into a residence hall, and for Russell Street Field, to convert the surface from grass to turf and to add lighting for night activities.

The Board heard updates and held discussions on important campus events and initiatives, including capital planning, free speech, the college’s finances, the endowment, fundraising, infrastructure, and the Class of 2028 applicant pool.

The Board also welcomed Erin Foster Zsiga, Bates’ dean of students, who will be serving as interim vice president for campus life during a national search for a successor to Josh McIntosh. After over nine years of service, Josh left Bates for a new role at the Harvard Kennedy School on February 1.

Trustees were joined by faculty, staff, or student representatives at most of its committee meetings and plenary sessions.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for May 2–4, 2024, with the rescheduled inauguration ceremony to take place on Saturday, May 4.

Garry W. Jenkins
President

Gregory Ehret ’91
Chair of the Board of Trustees