In its final quarterly meeting before the University transitions to the Texas Tech University System on Sept. 1, the MSU Texas Board of Regents recognized President Suzanne Shipley’s upcoming retirement with the renaming of the Sikes Lake Trail to the Suzanne Shipley Trail.

“Dr. Shipley and her husband, Randall Wadsworth, and their pets have walked this trail nearly every day since they arrived on campus six years ago,” said Board Vice Chair Nancy Marks upon reading of the motion. “This naming is fitting and will remind students, faculty, and community members of her contributions to MSU Texas as they use the trail for years to come.”

The Board also named MSU Texas Provost James Johnston as interim president effective Sept. 1. Johnston began his tenure at MSU Texas in 2003 as associate professor of radiologic science and served as dean of the Robert D. and Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services from 2013 until his appointment as provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2017.

In other action the Board approved the $124 million operating budget for FY22, the addition of a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and a minor in petroleum engineering. The Board also authorized the president and board chair to finalize a contract for the sale of university property at 917 Midwestern Parkway, formerly the MSU J.S. Bridwell Simulation Center.