Alexander Freds

This strategic plan outlines a roadmap focused on four key priorities: Student Success, Academics, Investment in People, and Leadership. It aims to increase student success by improving recruitment, retention, and satisfaction, while also enhancing student access, engagement, and support through optimized facilities and technology. The plan seeks to update and expand academic programming, foster employee engagement and retention, and grow the organization's role as a regional leader in sustainability and community collaboration.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda and the introduction of resident assistants for the semester. Key communications included updates on NCMC offering summer housing, the Class of 2025 Nurse Pinning Ceremony, expansion of Fast Track healthcare scholarships, and a new 2+2 elementary education partnership with UM-Dearborn. The board also received an update on sophomore volleyball player Chloe Winchell signing with Doane University and a letter of appreciation from Char-Em ISD regarding support for their Transition Classroom. Faculty provided updates, including gratitude for active shooter mitigation training and reaffirmation of support for peaceful student protest. The Financial Report for December 2025 was presented and certified as within budget. Reports covered Welcome Back Week, NCMC's nomination for Organization of the Year, and the President's approval of two new programs: the Nursing (AAS) LPN to RN Bridge Pathway and the Game Design Certificate. New Digital Media Administrator Jasper Warner was introduced, and the PTK Chapter's achievement of Five-Star Chapter Status was celebrated. The Finance & Facilities Committee recommended and the Board approved tuition rates and fees for the upcoming 2026-2027 semesters, along with setting dorm room and meal plan rates, which included a 5.3 percent increase for meal plans due to food costs. Furthermore, the committee recommended, and the Board approved, the purchase of the Matthews Building for the new Dental Hygiene Clinic at a cost of $2,500,000, contingent on financing and fundraising efforts, and adopted a comprehensive naming plan for the clinic project. The Personnel Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the appointment of Dr. Mark Mercer to the Foundation Board.

The purpose of this Organizational Meeting was to formally accept a resignation, appoint a trustee to fill the subsequent vacancy, elect a new board chair, and determine committee assignments. The Board accepted the resignation of Dan Rasmussen effective immediately. John Fought was appointed to fill the vacant seat through the remainder of the term. Trustee Pretty was subsequently elected as the new board chair. New committee assignments were established for 2026, including the designation of chairs for the Bylaws & Policy Committee and the Finance & Facilities Committee, while the Personnel Committee retained its chair.

The meeting included an introduction of two men's basketball players, Gavin Goetz and Rylan Matelski, who discussed their academic pursuits and athletic season. Communications highlighted NCMC being named a top 200 U.S. Community College eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize, an article featuring the CCAMPIS initiative which supports parenting students with advising and childcare assistance, and recognition for the Women's Volleyball team's All-Conference honors. The President's Reports covered stepped-up campus safety training through NIMS/ICS implementation, the success of the annual Food Drive resulting in 455 pounds of donations, record participation in the Thanksgiving Meal Program, a CNC Open House event, and an upcoming LPN Pinning Ceremony and Holiday Party. The Finance & Facilities Committee reviewed October financials and progress on the CATEE Project. The Curriculum Committee reviewed and recommended for approval the new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene program proposal.

Key discussions during the meeting included student success, featuring presentations from students who attended the Leadership Conference, covering topics such as building social capital. Communications involved a thank you note from a scholarship recipient, a news article regarding a volleyball player's 'Canada Night,' announcements about the Timberwolves Forward direct admission partnership with four high schools, and the launch of a CNA Fast Track program partnership with Grandvue Medical Care Facility. Faculty updates focused on integrating AI into coursework and the college being named among the Aspen Prize top 200 institutions. The financial report for September 2025 was accepted. The Board addressed several President's reports, including the recommendation to inactivate three certificate programs due to low enrollment, the celebration of the Library's Indigenous Studies Collection Project open house, statistics from an immunization clinic, the hiring of Chelse Hawkins Olivo as Director of Admission, and President Finley's attendance at the ACCT Annual Congress. Committee reports included the Personnel Committee's favorable review of the President's performance and the Finance & Facilities Committee's acceptance of the fiscal year-end audit with a clean opinion, and approval of a 3% retroactive salary increase for the President.