The Coastal Carolina University board of trustees approved a proposed academic college for health and human performance at the fall meeting on Oct. 28. According to Daniel Ennis, CCU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the new college would include the following academic disciplines: public heath, nursing, health administration, exercise and sport science, recreation and sport management, and sport management (master’s degree).

“We see a need to uplift and support this critical area in our state and locally,” Ennis said. “We need to be nimble and aggressive and recruit more people into the health care and human performance industries.”

Ennis said the development plan for the new academic unit will include organizing a college formation committee, followed by launching a search for the dean of the college. He anticipates that the college will begin operations on July 1, 2022.

The board approved three capital projects: permanently shifting approximately 2,100 feet of University Boulevard to the southern edge of campus along Hwy. 544; a new composite slate shingle roof on the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Building; and upgrading the HVAC systems for the Eldred E. Prince Building.

The board approved a resolution to restructure 2014 and 2015 revenue bonds to a lower rate with no additional terms. The action is dependent on Congress passing legislation this fall, which would allow tax-exempt refinancing. If passed, the move would save the University approximately $9.5 million overall as a result of the refinancing.

In other action, the board received and accepted the 2021 independent financial audit, prepared and presented by Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co., P.A. For the 14th consecutive year, the University received a clean opinion with no material weaknesses. Also reported was the University’s enrollment for fall, which saw an overall increase of 3.5%, bucking the national trend that witnessed an overall decrease in enrollment of 2.7%.

The board approved and renewed two land leases with the Coastal Educational Foundation. These include a renewal lease for land on Tilghman Pointe and Waties Island; and a three-year renewal lease for land at the corner of Founders Drive and Hwy. 544.

The board also recognized the service of five retiring faculty members and approved dean emeritus status for Michael Roberts; distinguished professor status for Deborah Breede and Dianne Mark; and emeritus professor status for William King, and George Lyerly Jr. (posthumously).

The board’s next scheduled meetings are Dec. 13-14, 2021.