Amber Blair

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of new Board members, including J.P. Kelly, Duke Lowrie, Virginia Robinson, and Roe Wilkinson. The agenda approval and the minutes approval for the October 8, 2025 meeting were completed. The Consent Agenda covered revisions to the Mission Statement for Nunez Community College and Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, program additions and modifications for Fletcher Technical Community College, and new distance education programs for River Parishes Community College. Reports included an update from the Chair on the ACCT Leadership Congress and the upcoming nomination for the Second Vice Chair position. The President's Report detailed numerous achievements across the system, such as SOWELA Technical Community College securing funding for a new campus, Bossier Parish Community College receiving an award, and multiple colleges receiving recognition from The Aspen Institute. Academic action items included approval for the posthumous conferral of a degree from Baton Rouge Community College and revisions to LCTCS Policies #1.033 (Strategic Enrollment Management) and #2.003 (Campus Safety and Hazing). Facilities actions authorized the naming of a suite at Northshore Technical Community College, blanket approval for a lease agreement at Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, authorization for a land purchase for Northshore Technical Community College, demolition approval at Fletcher Technical Community College, and acceptance of a property donation for Central Louisiana Technical Community College. Finance actions included approving a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for CLTCC and revisions to Policy #5.025 (Institutional Aid). Information Technology resulted in the approval of new Policy #7.009 regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Platforms. Governance involved recommending revisions to standing and external committee appointments. Personnel actions included approving revisions to Policy #6.028 (Holidays for All Employees). The Board entered Executive Session to discuss litigation, Chancellor contract extensions (approving three additional years for Chancellors Carlson, Spillers, and Taylor), the retirement ratification of System President Monty Sullivan effective January 31, 2026, and the appointment of Mr. Richard Nelson as the new President effective January 1, 2026, with a specified compensation package.

The Audit Committee Meeting included the approval of the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting. Key discussions involved the approval of revisions to the Internal Audit Policies Manual, effective upon approval. The Internal Audit Year End Report for Fiscal Year 2025 was reviewed, covering topics such as a federal student aid review at SOWELA Technical Community College with no findings, a minor issue corrected at South Louisiana Community College regarding restricted fees, and reviews of disaster recovery plans. The committee also addressed employee elected officials serving in public office and standardized financial aid award analysis. Finally, the proposed Annual Audit Plan for fiscal year 2025-2026 was approved.

The meeting addressed the approval of the October 8, 2025, meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 13, 2025 meeting. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for LCTCS-wide non-credit programs and certifications from various entities including Google and Kubota, along with program adoptions, additions, modifications, and deletions across multiple community colleges (Baton Rouge, Bossier Parish, Delgado, Northshore Technical, Nunez, River Parishes, and SOWELA). Key discussion points included a report from the Chair regarding the successful LCTCS Conference and the resignation of Supervisor Salathe. The President's Report featured a major update on the Hyundai Steel Corporation training partnership with River Parishes Community College, detailing the $5.8 billion facility and workforce training pathways. Updates were also provided on a national healthcare apprenticeship initiative involving South Louisiana Community College. College updates noted enrollment increases at SOWELA, Nunez, Northshore Technical, and Bossier Parish Community Colleges, and recognition received by South Louisiana Community College and Delgado Community College. Under General Action Items, the Board approved revisions to several LCTCS policies regarding admissions, WorkReady U administration, and strategic enrollment management. Facility actions included authorizing agreements for utility right-of-way, demolition of buildings at Central Louisiana Technical Community College, approval of FY 2026-2027 Capital Outlay requests, and authorizing negotiations for a lease agreement with St. Bernard Parish Government for Nunez Community College. Finance actions approved the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget, amended a professional services contract with Long Law Firm L.L.P., approved a new legal services contract with Jones Walker, LLP, and approved endowed scholarships and professorships. Personnel actions included approving revisions to the ADA policy and appointing Dr. Heather Poole as Chancellor for Central Louisiana Technical Community College, effective January 5, 2026. The Board entered Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and performance evaluations, concluding with no votes taken during that session.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the August 13, 2025, agenda and the minutes from the June 11, 2025, meeting. The Consent Agenda involved numerous approvals for LCTCS non-credit programs and certifications, along with program adoptions, additions, modifications, and deletions across several community colleges including Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, and SOWELA Technical Community College. Key reports included updates on ACCT activities and a significant $120,000 donation from the Construction Educational Trust Fund to the LCTCS Foundation. Significant actions involved approving the Perkins V Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Department of Education, authorizing the sale of property at the Baton Rouge Community College Central Site, approving the FY 2025-2026 operating budgets, and authorizing contract execution and renewals with Ellucian Company, LLC. The Board also addressed governance by approving changes to the 2025 annual schedule and adopting the 2026 meeting schedule. A pending and potential litigation item was discussed during an executive session.

The meeting commenced with the swearing in of new Student Board members, Maria Beltran and Pamela Williams. Key discussions included the approval of the meeting agenda and the approval of the April 9, 2025, meeting minutes. The Consent Agenda, covering items H.1 through H.12, was approved, which involved the reaffirmation of the Mission Statement, approval of LCTCS Approved Non-Credit Programs and Certifications across various institutions, and numerous Program Modifications related to Practical Nursing, Technical Diplomas, and Certificates at multiple colleges. New program additions, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Helicopter Aviation at South Louisiana Community College, were also approved. In reports, the Board received updates on the 'Keep Louisiana Beautiful Community College Affiliate Program,' college commencements, and a legislative session update, including the successful passage of Senate Bill 72 (Act 35). An update on System President Dr. Sullivan's recovery was provided. Under Board Development, the Continuous Strategic Sustainability and Growth Plan FY26 Iteration was presented, detailing achievements in graduate numbers and financial health. General Action Items included the approval of revisions to LCTCS Policy #1.103 (WorkReady U Assessment), Policy #2.003 (Campus Safety and Hazing), Policy #2.004 (Student Conduct and Appeal Procedures), and Policy #2.023 (Tuition and Fees). Facilities items included authorizing a Right-of-Way Agreement for gas service at Louisiana Delta Community College, accepting a property donation for Central Louisiana Technical Community College, and authorizing a fund transfer for a Culinary/Workforce Project at Delgado Community College. Finance items covered revisions to the Identity Theft Prevention Program policy, amendments and new contracts for legal services with Phelps Dunbar, LLP, and new professional services contracts with Ellucian Company, LLC, and Instructure, Inc. The Board also approved the removal of the tuition and mandatory attendance fee cap for certain credit hours and authorized contracts with BibliU for First Day Access. Governance focused on the reappointment of 2025/2026 Board officers and standing committees. Under Personnel, the Board approved the elimination of 66 positions within the LCTCS Board Office for efficiency. Updates were also provided on Alternative Financing Projects, personnel actions, legal service charges, contract reports, and financial status reports.