The board approved 14 shared goals for President James Ramsey and his leadership team, which includes Provost Shirley Willihnganz, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs David Dunn and Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation Bill Pierce. Target goals include awarding 2,712 baccalaureate degrees, 175 doctoral degrees and enhancing student-success initiatives such as career planning and peer mentoring.

In addition, the board approved 15 individual goals, split among the team members.

Ramsey said that one of his top goals was to ensure “follow through” on the three tax-increment financing (TIF) districts that correspond to UofL’s three campuses. The university activated a TIF district that includes the Health Sciences Center earlier this year and administrators expect it to generate more than $1 million in 2012. The Belknap and Shelby campus TIF areas are not activated.

Ramsey also said he will help the university reach its capital campaign goal of $1 billion by 2014 and to develop “the best alumni program in the United States.”

Willihnganz’s goals include improving UofL’s graduation rate and its graduate education and mentoring programs.

Dunn told the trustees that finding a suitable health care partner for University of Louisville Hospital is “essential” for achieving the goals his unit set. University officials have been seeking potential hospital partners through a request for proposal process that began last February.

Pierce’s goals include leading initiatives to help commercialize UofL research.

In other business, the board approved officers for 2012–2013. Frank Minnifield and Robert Hughes will continue as chair and vice chair, respectively.

The board also heard reports from the UofL Foundation, Alumni Association, Athletic Association and Nucleus.

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John Drees is a 35-year veteran in the Office of Communications and Marketing. As vice president, communications and marketing, he works closely with the president, provost and other senior administrators, oversees the Office of Communications and Marketing, including media relations, marketing and brand, broadcast, social media, internal communication, crisis communication, visitor services and special events and activities. A former sports editor for the Voice Newspapers, he was a regular contributor to a variety of publications, including the Kentucky Sports Report and the Courier-Journal. A poor but enthusiastic golfer, he is an avid Cardinal sports fan. He also loves the Detroit Lions, so pity him.