The Athens State University Board of Trustees on Friday approved a $9,000 bonus for school President Bob Glenn based on the fact he met several predetermined goals.

Board Chairwoman Cathy Dickens said there were a number of qualitative and quantitative goals set for Glenn and he met or exceeded all of them but one.

The one goal Glenn did not meet was a 2 percent increase in student population. Instead, enrollment grew 1.55 percent over the previous year.

“When you compare it nationally, we were still well ahead of comparable institutions,” Dickens said.

Elsewhere, the board approved two nondegree certificate programs. One would be available for teachers who work with those who have autism or developmental disabilities. The other would be an accounting certificate for professionals who want to “add accounting to their portfolio,” Glenn said.

During committee reports, Dickens explained the school has $5.5 million in the category of revenues over expenses. She said that amount “is not as wonderful as it sounds,” but means the school is in good shape financially.

Dickens also explained Athens State experienced an increase in tuition revenue even though enrollment is down slightly. The revenue bump, she said, was the result of a decision to keep traditional classes at the same credit-hour rate as distance learning.

Speaking on enrollment, board member Macke Mauldin said the school is trying to improve its Hispanic outreach and opportunities for distance learning.

Board member Crystal Brown said the school recently filled two teaching positions.

Dr. Dalvin Hill is an assistant professor of computer science who came to Athens State from American University of Afghanistan. Dr. William Newell, assistant professor of secondary history and social studies education, was formerly at the University of South Florida.

Brown also discussed the possibility of the College of Education adding a minor in middle school education.

“Middle school education requires a specific skill set,” she said. “Some teachers have found the sixth-through-eighth grades to be a challenging grade level.”

Following Brown’s report, Glenn spoke highly of the College of Education and the school’s partnerships with public school leaders in the region, including superintendents in Athens and Limestone County.

“Our teachers leave here ready to go to work,” he said.