Board approves KU cancer center budget increase and names interim Emporia State president

The Kansas Board of Regents approved two final actions late in the meeting: an amendment to the KU Medical Center capital project and the appointment of an interim president at Emporia State University.

Director Bristow summarized an amendment that raises the cancer center project funding from an original $250 million and 212,000 gross square feet to roughly $330 million and 282,000 gross square feet. He said the approved cost per square foot increased from $942 (original) to $970 with the amendment. "The original ... was $942 a square foot, and that increases to $970 a square foot with this amendment," Bristow said. The board approved the amended project budget by voice vote.

Later, after recessing into executive session to discuss nonelected personnel, the board returned and voted to appoint Dr. Crowley Taylor Crowley (name as stated in the transcript) as interim president of Emporia State University. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Regents discussed funding sources for the cancer center increase in fiscal affairs and noted the project received committee vetting earlier in the day; no further fiscal details were included in the open session remarks.