AIU Governing Council Meeting

Today was a very exciting day for the AIU Governing Council. The meeting was opened in prayer by Ed Fischer, CLA Executive Director.

Minutes from the July 5-6, 2011 meeting and financial reports were approved. During a special Chapel, Board Chair, Gideon Muriuki introduced the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Professor Samuel K Katia who joins AIU after a distinguished career at Day Star University and serving the Kenyan Government in the development of their new constitution. Dr. Muriuki also announced the appointments of Dr. John Jesu of Serra Leone, Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Dr. James Nkansak of Ghana, Dean of NEGST.

After Chapel, the Board visited the proposed site of the Leah Ngini Centre led by teams from eMi and Triad. After receiving the tour of the proposed site, we paused to thank God for His blessings in allowing the proposed student and faculty community center to progress to this point. After stopping in front of the library for pictures, we returned to the CLMC conference center to received a detailed report of the plans for this facility which will be at the centerpoint and focus of the new entrance planned for the campus.

Dr. Joe Mwangi, Director of Finance and Administration presented a summary report of the AIU finances reflecting a positive trend in debt reduction and improved cash flows. Thanks to conservative debt management and God's Blessings, the financial position of AIU has improved significantly over previous reporting periods. A special acknowledgement of gratitude was given to Vice Chancellor Douglas Carew and Dr. Joe Mwangi for the successful improvement in the AIU finances. A special prayer was offered by Mrs. Rose Simani in thanks for God's Blessings that made all this possible. Jim Rogers, Chair of the Finance Committee meeting held on Monday, February 13th gave a report to the board on the outcomes and action items from that meeting.

Dr. Carew provided an encouraging update on the CLMC land purchase expecting resolution on this pending transaction in the very near future.

Ed Fischer provided an update on the CLA staffing plan for 2012-2015, the 2011 Building on a Firm Foundation and 2012 Fund Raising Plans. He reported the main focus in 2012 will be centered around the "Transforming Hope" capital campaign. With assistance from JD Levy & Associates, the goal of CLA is to increase financial support to AIU from the current level of $500,000 per year to $2,000,000 to meet the growing needs for PhD, Master, and Undergraduate Scholarships, Faculty Endowments, and Capital Campaign Projects. As Executive Director, Ed is working on a pro bono basis in 2012 during this leadership transition period. The Governing Council suggested that special recognition be given to Paul Heidebrecht for his faithful leadership and stewardship of CLA during their first 9 years.

A special luncheon hosted by the AIU Trustees is planned for Saturday afternoon to include the Governing Council Board members and their spouses.

The meeting was closed in prayer prior to adjourning to Kijiji for a late lunch.