Colorado Northwestern Community College

Key discussion items included the Craig Campus Strategic Plan initiation, with community forums held to gather input for long-term goals. Discussions covered the Small Scale Housing Project, including vendor selection for architectural designs. The Board addressed upcoming leadership changes, notably the departure of the Chief Human Resources Officer and the arrival of new Vice Presidents for Business Services and Student Services. Financial reporting included various fund balances and budget-to-actual reports for prior periods, alongside testimony preparation for FY27 Capital Proposed Projects, such as the Weiss Hefley Remodel and Security Camera Upgrades. Facility updates detailed progress on sidewalk replacement, siding and window replacement, and the Holland East reconstruction. Enrollment trends showed increases in headcount and FTE for the upcoming Spring term.

The key discussion topics included Board Appointments, specifically the selection process for the Vice President of Student Services, with interviews scheduled for early November. The Small Scale Housing Project was discussed, noting that the call for proposals was posted and the selection of an architectural firm was scheduled for November 11th, with concerns raised about the timeline's urgency to meet marketing deadlines. Craig Campus Updates included initiating a strategic planning process led by Dr. Stan Jensen, with preliminary discussions and forums scheduled for December. Staff reports covered anticipated tax revenues, enrollment updates showing a 6.4% FTE increase for Spring 2026 compared to the previous year, and initiatives to improve student retention through First-Year Experience workshops and the creation of a 'Zen Den.' HR reported on the status of various open positions and announced a new Vice President of Business Services starting in December. The Advancement Officer report highlighted upcoming events like the State of the Community and Wreath Auction, and preparations for Colorado Gives Day.

Key discussions focused heavily on the Craig based housing project, culminating in the Board's approval of an expenditure of up to $1.75 million for the project, following detailed questions regarding the cost breakdown and justification beyond the previously discussed $1.5 million. The Board also approved the financials for December and conducted new Board member appointments and elections, establishing Cuyler Meade as President, Kristin Skowronski as Treasurer, and Amanda Arnold as Secretary. Operations and planning updates covered the finalization of Craig Lab space for the Radiology Tech program, campus facility maintenance including boiler upgrades and the Holland East Reconstruction, and ongoing planning for HVAC and Potable Water Improvements. Student-focused reports addressed enrollment stability, retention rates (which stood at 74% for the Fall 2025 cohort), student support activities like updated FYE programming, and addressing fraudulent registration attempts. Furthermore, emergency project updates detailed significant sewer line remediation needs at the Hefley building and structural damage assessment at the Yaeger building.

This strategic plan update outlines progress across five key priorities: enhancing the student experience and increasing retention, strengthening internal and external communication, fostering strategic partnerships for community and financial advancement, ensuring institutional sustainability through expanded resources and efficient operations, and cultivating employee engagement and development within the organization.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various financial matters, including the approval of financials for September and October 2025, and the approval of the FY26 Foundation Budget with considerations for event expenses and bank charges. There was a discussion regarding Executive Board seats, including the resignation of the board chair and the election of a new chair. The board also discussed current board members, including sending letters to members regarding their involvement and addressing potential new board members. The board set Foundation Board meeting dates for 2026 and the Foundation Dinner date. College updates included topics such as the NPS Program, Dental Hygiene, Airport Funding Request, James Caldwell Farewell/Retirement Party, and Big Bold Ideas. The board also discussed the marketing plan and VP hires. Information items included the Brick Campaign, President's Society, State of the Community/Wreath Auction, and the next meeting date.