Alabama Community College System

The meeting began with introductory remarks, including the recognition of newly elected Representative Kristen Nelson and Sheriff Jeff Nelson, and a welcome to leadership representatives from the state. The session featured a college spotlight on Southern Union Community College, emphasizing its focus on economic and workforce development, building industry relationships, and providing relevant education, including success stories of alumni in the HVAC trade and the transformation of educational facilities. Key actions taken by the Board included approving the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous January 14th meeting. Furthermore, the Board authorized the negotiation for professional legal and liability insurance for the ACCS Board of Trustees and directed each college in the Alabama Technology Network to purchase corresponding insurance. Educational program approvals included Bishop State Community College's application for an Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Services Education, Lurlane B. Wallace Community College's new off-campus instructional site for diagnostic medical sonography, and Reed State Community College's application for an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the college spotlight segment featuring Lawson State Community College, where the President highlighted facility expansions, new partnerships for health professions programs (including radiology technology and medical sonography), updates to CTE classrooms, and investments in infrastructure. The presentation emphasized workforce development initiatives such as a new cyber access grant to establish a cyber range and existing excellence in automotive programs (ACAE) with various manufacturers. Adult education achievements, faculty/staff investment, and student advisement were also noted. In action items, the Board considered the approval for Drake State Community and Technical College to name its automotive building the LNA Fairhurst Automotive Center, contingent upon a $5 million pledge to the college.

The meeting commenced with introductions and acknowledgments for the preparation and hospitality provided by Enterprise State. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, which was amended to include several new action items concerning shared facility restructure programs and an educational hub development agreement with the Montgomery City Board of Education. The board also approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. The College Spotlight featured two students from Enterprise State Community College, Mike McDaniel and Bryce Griffin, highlighting their diverse pathways, academic achievements, and engagement in campus life and community service. The meeting then moved into action items, including a recommendation to authorize Reed State Community College to implement a $50 per semester wellness fee, effective Spring semester 2026.

This document outlines the Alabama Community College System's strategic commitment to workforce development, particularly for the maritime industry. It details efforts to provide high-quality education and training, cultivate a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, and meet evolving employer needs. Key initiatives include the Alabama Maritime Consortium to expand the maritime workforce, active FAME chapters for technical training, the Alabama Training Network for comprehensive workforce training, and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship for work-based learning. Significant investment, including a $30 million Navy authorization, supports enhancing maritime training at four community colleges. The overarching goal is to address industry demand, national security requirements, and foster regional economic growth through a highly skilled workforce.

The meeting included a College Spotlight presentation from Lawson State Community College, detailing investments in facility expansion for Health professions, workforce development initiatives like a cyber range and Maritime Manufacturing Pipeline, and faculty/staff development programs. Several institutional actions were authorized, including naming the Automotive Building at Drake State Community and Technical College as the Ellenae Fairhurst Automotive Center, naming the Performing Arts Building at Calhoun Community College, and authorizing an increase in the credit hour fee for the textbook program at Wallace Community College - Selma. Additionally, Marion Military Institute was authorized to increase room and board rates starting Fall Semester 2026. Program approvals included an Associate in Applied Science in Systems Engineering Technology for Drake State Community and Technical College and an Associate in Applied Science in Speech & Language Pathologist Assistant for Wallace State Community College - Hanceville. The Board also authorized capital projects for various colleges, such as facility additions and repairs, and accepted the final costs for drainage improvements at Wallace State Community College - Selma. The Chancellor's Report covered upcoming budget hearings, positive feedback regarding Alabama's alignment in Career Technical Education, and an analysis of current enrollment showing an 8.2% increase over the previous year, along with discussions concerning the anticipated national 'Enrollment Cliff' and implications of new Workforce Pell grant requirements.