Indiana State University Newsroom

Trustees also authorize lease for oil, gas drilling

When prospective Indiana State University students and their families visit campus, their first stop will soon be a relocated and expanded welcome center designed to serve as a front door for the university.

ISU trustees on Friday approved naming the new facility for John W. Moore, who served as Indiana State's ninth president from 1992-2000.

"During his tenure, Dr. Moore emphasized improving services to students and providing a welcoming environment for visitors to our campus," current Indiana State President Dan Bradley said in recommending the naming. "It is most appropriate that his numerous contributions to the university be recognized by naming the new welcome center the John W. Moore Welcome Center."

Under Moore's leadership, Indiana State launched its President's Scholars program, Student Academic Services Center, Lilly First-Year Experience program, reading and math centers, a student ombudsperson program and Course Transformation Academy. Moore also formed a number of partnerships to extend the university's services, including Degree Link to streamline four-year degree completion for students from Vincennes University and Ivy Tech Community College and the Professional Development Schools program.

A joint Bachelor of Arts/MD program with the Indiana University School of Medicine and a consortium based Ph.D. in technology management also began during Moore's presidency.

Work is sunderway on the new welcome center, which will be located in the former Family and Consumer Sciences Building, adjacent to Hulman Memorial Student Union. It is scheduled to open in May, replacing a facility with limited parking located closer to the edge of campus. The John W. Moore Welcome Center will feature expanded facilities to provide a one-stop location for families to meet with staff from admissions, financial aid, academics and student housing. Parking for visitors will be provided in a reserved lot adjacent to the building.

Trustees honored another retired campus administrator by approving the naming of the African-American Cultural Center for Charles E. Brown, who served as the center's director for 30 years.

"Mr. Brown had a positive influence on thousands of African-American students at Indiana State. He elevated the discussions about diversity. He provided, through exceptional and extensive program, a safe haven and learning environment," Bradley said in recommending the naming.

Bradley noted that the naming is for the center and not the building in which it is housed.

"Mr. Brown's accomplishments and impact have created a lasting legacy. This will ensure that this tribute will outlast the current structure housing the center," he said.

Carmen Tillery, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, added that Brown was "a fixture on ISU's campus and a pillar in the community. He is a pioneer for starting a lot of 'first initiatives'."

Those firsts include being a founder of the African-American Cultural Center Organization and the Zeta Rho Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at ISU. He was also the longest serving director of an African-American Cultural Center on a college campus. 

Also on Friday, trustees approved substantive provisions of an oil and gas lease with Pioneer Oil Co. The lease will allow the Lawrenceville, Ill.-based company to develop any oil and gas resources on university property.

"The university will control the location of any equipment and drilling to ensure the integrity of the main campus is preserved," said Diann McKee, vice president for business affairs and finance.

McKee said drilling will take place at a former industrial site on university-owned property east of campus, all pumping gear and related equipment will be below ground and a screen will be constructed around any tank farm related to the project.

The company will provide an upfront location fee that is yet to be determined and the university will receive royalty payments of not less than 15 percent for all oil products that are produced. Any proceeds will be placed in a dedicated fund separate from university operating accounts, with board approval required before any oil revenue can be spent.

In addition, trustees approved honorary doctoral degrees for Indianapolis attorney and ISU alumnus Donald Buttrey, his late wife, philanthropist Karen Lake Buttrey, and Randall Shepard, retiring chief justice of Indiana. Donald Buttrey received the John P. Newton Spirit of ISU Award in 2011.

Buttrey graduated from ISU in 1956 with a degree in business education and has served on the university's board of trustees and on the foundation board. The Buttreys have supported the university in many areas and have provided scholarships and other direct support for students, including female athletes.

Shepard received the ISU President's Award in 2009. Throughout his 25-year tenure on the state Supreme Court and as chief justice, he has been a frequent lecturer at Indiana State and will deliver the commencement address to ISU graduates this May.

In other action, ISU trustees:• Approved an e-textbook fee in conjunction with a study of student interest in electronic textbooks during the coming fall semester• Approved a variety of 2012-13 course and laboratory fees, testing office fees and fees for the 2012 LEAP program that prepares targeted freshmen for college success• Authorized the university treasurer to seek state approval to replace the Hulman Center roof at a cost not to exceed $1.3 million• Approved a number of bylaw revisions and policy amendments related to faculty and staff councils, grievances, vacation, background checks, and committee membership.

Photos: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Media-Services/Welcome-Center-Construction/i-wVtq3HL/0/L/021612welcomecenterconstructio-L.jpg - Renovation of the former Family and Consumer Sciences Building at Indiana State is under way to create a new home for the John W. Moore Welcome Center. (ISU/Tony Campbell)http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/144593477_zWSXa-L.jpg - John W. Moore http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/389510136_cyyPg-L.jpg - Charles E. Brown

Media contact and writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu