Blue Ridge Community And Technical College

The meeting included the President's report, which highlighted the College's programs and activities, including the Culinary Academy's Thanksgiving goodies sale and the College's Thanksgiving food drive. The College is eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize of Community College Excellence. The College was awarded a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) focusing on training managers to work with employees in recovery and providing supportive services for students. The updated Facilities Master Plan for 2025-2035 was reviewed, and surveys related to the plan will be distributed. Revisions to Rule 15.1 and Rule 15.2 were presented and will be posted for a mandatory comment period. Enrollment data for the fall 2025 semester was presented, reflecting a two percent increase compared to the fall 2024 semester. The FY25 year-end financial reports were presented, indicating an increase in the College's net position.

The meeting included the introduction of the new student and staff representatives. The In the Media report highlighted an EMS partnership with Valley Health and college credit for Tourism module completion. The board reviewed and approved updates to Rule 11.1, aligning with changes in the West Virginia State Code. The Tourism project was discussed, including the creation of an online library of training videos. An overview of ongoing facilities projects and a review of the College's ten-year Facilities Master Plan were presented. Enrollment data for the fall 2025 semester was shared, along with updates on Title IV financial aid and changes to federal student loans.

The meeting included the election of Board Officers for the 2025-2026 academic year and the acceptance of the meeting schedule for the same period. The President's Report featured an overview of the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, a media report highlighting college programs and activities, and recognition of Rachel LeGore for receiving the Merit Award from the West Virginia Society of CPAs. Additional reports covered the Culinary Academy's Grand Buffet, Farm Equipment Repair and Carpentry courses, the Morgan County Welding Lab, and the Tourism program. The enrollment data for the summer 2025 semester and an early review of the fall 2025 enrollment were also presented.

The Board of Governors meeting included discussions and reports on various topics. Senator Jason Barrett was acknowledged for his support of the College, and he provided an overview of the budgeting process and college funding formula. The Blue Ridge CTC Foundation has grown and awarded scholarships. Updates were given on state grants, the West Virginia Tourism program, and upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the welding and plastic labs. Changes to Rule 15.1 were presented due to updates at the federal and state levels. Spring 2025 enrollment is higher than spring 2024. The revised budget for fiscal year 2026 was presented, and the Board overturned the approval of charging for credit hours beyond twelve. The 2025 program reviews were presented for the Board's consideration. The financial information for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 was presented.

The President presented a report that included media coverage of the College, highlighting the spring 2025 Master Chef schedule and the Aspiring Nurses program. The Workforce and Engineering Technologies report included an update on the Morgan County Welding Project bidding process. The Finance report presented second-quarter financial data for fiscal year 2025. Discussions included increasing revenue and decreasing expenses for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and planning for fiscal year 2026 in light of a potential change to the state funding formula.