Adela Bello

The meeting featured a presentation on the Higher Learning Commission accreditation process and site visit preparations. The Board received reports on student life, athletic activities, and the Foundation's resource development, including recently awarded grants for STEM programming and a summer bridge program. Additionally, the Board approved personnel actions, monthly financial check registers, property disposals, and various curriculum proposals, including program revisions for Surgical Services and Computer Programming, as well as a course renumbering for comparative criminal justice systems.

The Board adopted the agenda and reviewed the master calendar. Discussions included a presentation on the Higher Learning Commission site visit, various consent agenda items such as personnel actions, property disposals, and financial check registers. Curriculum proposals were approved for revisions to the Medical Administrative Specialist and Dental Hygiene programs, as well as new application requirements for certificate programs. The Board also reviewed financial summaries, received a resource development report detailing recent donations and grants, and heard updates from the President and Board members regarding college activities and initiatives.

The Board meeting agenda covered several key operational and planning topics, including the review of the master calendar, Higher Learning Commission readiness, and the adoption of the agenda. The meeting included consent items such as personnel actions, monthly accounts payable and payroll check registers, and property disposals. Academic matters involved curriculum proposals, including revisions to the Medical Administrative Specialist and Dental Hygiene programs. Additionally, the Board reviewed financial reports, resource development updates regarding donations and grants, and received a President's report.

The regular meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and review of the Master Calendar, noting that registration for the ACCT Legislative Summit was due by December 12 and the Chancellor would speak at the December 11 Commencement. A new employee, Velma Aponte Rodriguez, was introduced. The Consent Agenda included the approval of personnel actions (staff and faculty lists), monthly accounts payable/payroll check registers through October 2025, and property disposals. In Academic and Student Matters, curriculum revisions were presented and approved, along with an update on the HLC accreditation timeline. Financial reports for revenue and expenditure summary through October 2025 were reviewed. Resource Development reported on foundation donations and the success of the Giving Tuesday campaign. The President's Report covered a grants update, including approval for a letter of support for the GPS/SCP Grant Program application, a recap of the Legislative Fly-In, and plans for a future Master Planning meeting. The Board Chair reported on necessary action regarding a letter of support for continuing service on the ACCT Board of Directors and provided background on an upcoming property development issue near College Drive.

Key discussions included the approval of financial reports, such as the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Investment Report through September 30, 2025, and the Warrant List covering August 1, 2025, through September 31, 2025. The President provided updates from Tallahassee regarding appropriations for faculty/staff program growth and EMS/Fire Science gear, and ongoing legislative monitoring of nursing, funding flexibility, and Open Carry bills. Foundation updates covered repairs needed at the Hotel Jacaranda, including leak issues and security camera replacement, and progress on the University Center remodel concept for dorms. The board approved Jacob Cook as a new member starting January 2026. Alumni relations included a student spotlight, recap of Young Alumni events, confirmation of the next Hall of Fame honoree announcement, updates on securing new Panther Partners like Trussworks, and preparation for Giving Tuesday and end-of-year giving. The board accepted an in-kind donation of a vehicle for the automotive department valued at $2,000 and noted commitments from major 2026 Annual Sponsors, including AdventHealth and Mosaic.