With state funds depleting, the Missouri Southern Board of Governors met last Friday to discuss how to keep the University afloat financially, while maintaining a higher quality of education.

On the docket this month were many changes to the University, including a new health care plan for faculty and staff.

The University recently changed health care providers from Blue Cross-Blue Shield to Humana.

Rob Yust, vice president of business affairs, explained that the lower premiums Humana offers will save faculty members money.

There are to be more informational meetings forthcoming regarding the healthcare switch.

The administration is also making physical changes to the University by remodeling the first floor of Hearnes Hall in hopes of removing asbestos, installing a new heat and air conditioning system in the Spiva Library to a make for a more enjoyable experience and erecting a new sign on campus.

The administration is also concerned with the quality of academics on campus.

Dr. Bruce Speck, University president, said after the meeting, “The issue of a quality education is not something that is often looked at.

“While there is some validity to standardized measurements of quality such as test scores and GPA’s, that doesn’t get us where we need to be in terms of guaranteeing a quality education,” he said.

The next Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21.