Editor’s Note: The following actions were taken by the Board of Regents at its February meeting.
Neal appointed vp for research
Homer A. Neal, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, will become vice president for research Sept. 1. He will succeed William C. Kelly who will retire as vice president for research on Aug. 31. Neal’s nomination to the post was announced Feb. 5.
Matthaei to begin work on new gardens, pathways
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens was given the go-ahead to develop several new gardens surrounding its main building and a pathway system through the specialty gardens.
The project is a part of the Gardens’ master plan, adopted by the Regents in 1983, that addresses “the needs of the future, given the rapidly developing surrounding area, increasing public visitation, and the desire to maintain a strong research and teaching center,” according to Vice President Farris W. Womack.
“For the safety and comfort of the more than 60,000 people who visit the Gardens annually, this pathway system and the main outdoor gardens are to be fully wheelchair accessible and have appropriate evening lighting.
“Our planning consultants have worked with the Botanical Gardens staff to develop a long-range detailed plan for upgrading the Gardens along with cost estimates,” Womack added.
The project, estimated at a total cost of $600,000, has been included in the Campaign for Michigan. To date, approximately $200,000 in gifts and internal funds are available to begin the project.
“We will proceed in phases as funds become available,” Womack noted.
Administrative appointments approved
Administrative appointments approved by the Regents included:
John G. Cross, professor of economics, who has been LS&A associate dean for budget and administration since 1991, will continue in that position for two years beginning July 1.
Kenneth J. DeWoskin, professor of Chinese, who has been chair of the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures since 1990, will continue as chair for a three-year term, effective July 1, 1994.
Richard I. Ford, professor of anthropology and of botany, who has been chair of the Department of Anthropology since 1989, will continue in that position for a three-year term, effective July 1, 1993.
Michael Awkward, associate professor of English and of Afroamerican and African studies, will be director of the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies for a three-year term, effective July 1.
William R. Farrand, professor of geological sciences, will serve as director of the Exhibit Museum for a five-year term, effective July 1.
John E. Jackson, professor of political science and of business administration, will serve as chair of the Department of Political Science for a five-year term, effective July 1, 1994.
Donald R. Kinder, professor of political science and of psychology, will be interim chair of the Department of Political Science for a 10-month term, effective Sept. 1, 1993.
Louis E. Loeb, professor of philosophy, will serve as chair of the Department of Philosophy for a five-year term, effective July 1.
Donald J. Munro, professor of philosophy and of Chinese, will serve as interim chair of the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures Aug. 1, 1993–June 30, 1994, while Prof. Kenneth DeWoskin, department chair, is on leave.
Maris A. Vinovskis, professor of history, will be chair of the Department of History for a three-year term, effective July 1, 1993.
Nearly $15 million in gifts accepted
The Regents accepted $14,994,897 in gifts received during January. The total included $10,799,756 from individuals, $1,812,553 from corporations, $1,456,309 from foundations, and $926,279 from associations and others.
Revised scope, budget for Randall Lab addition approved
The Regents approved the revised scope and budget for the Randall Laboratory addition for the Department of Physics.
“The original physics department program could have been accommodated in a three-floor structure with basement,” Vice President Farris W. Womack said. “However, because of the shortage of space on Central Campus and the need to fully utilize the site, coupled with the economic benefits to be gained, we are recommending the construction of a four-story building as opposed to a three-story building.”
With the additional shelled floor, the project’s total budget is $22.4 million.
Several renovation projects OK’d
The following renovation projects were approved:
n The U-M Hospitals will reallocate two general care beds from Mott Hospital to the Pediatric Cardio-Thoracic Unit (PCTU) due to the high demand for beds in the PCTU. The change will require renovating the PCTU area at an estimated cost of $455,000.
n The U-M Hospitals will improve the second level pedestrian connection between University Hospital and the Taubman Center. “By enhancing the visual linkages and appearance, upgrading the lighting, and enlarging the entry point between the buildings, the buildings’ transition will become more customer friendly and simplify wayfinding for all users,” explained Womack. The project’s estimated cost is $239,000.
n Because of recent growth patterns and increases in patient activity, the 18-space Radiation Oncology parking lot is too small to meet demand. The U-M Hospitals will expand the current lot to a total of 58 spaces, at an estimated cost of $237,800.
n The vast majority of patients and visitors enter the Hospitals via the parking structure (M-18). “By default,” Womack said, “the parking structure entrances become the ‘main entrances’ to the facilities. The U-M Hospitals will upgrade the functionality and ambience of the entrances, thereby enhancing their appearance and providing a friendlier welcome to our patients and visitors.” The project is estimated at $527,600.
n The Medical School will expand air conditioning and improve ventilation by replacing fan units in the Medical Science Building I. The $380,000 project also will involve fourth and fifth floor corridor improvement and some laboratory improvements, including considerable asbestos removal.
n LS&A will renovate the outdated ranges and associated services facilities constructed in 1928 that house the Ruthven Museum’s natural history collections. This project, estimated at $544,450, will involve updating the areas to meet health, safety and fire codes by installing air conditioning, increasing ventilation, providing fume hoods and work areas, and replacing the electrical wiring and lighting.
n The Mental Health Research Institute will renovate the second floor of the Neuroscience Laboratory Building. The $300,000 project will provide laboratory and office space as well as space for the development of animal and tissue culture.
n Renovations at the School of Education will provide space for a multi-media facility consisting of laboratory, classroom, conference and demonstration areas, as well as office space for faculty and staff. The project is estimated at $300,600.
Golf course clubhouse slated for renovation
A project for the University’s Golf Course Clubhouse includes renovating the men’s and women’s lavatories and locker rooms. The areas have not been renovated since construction in 1948.
The project is estimated to cost $500,000, to be provided by the Athletic Department and gifts.
