Andrea Barrett

The agenda for the Annual Board Retreat included a board self-assessment covering roles, responsibilities, and outcomes related to 2025 goals, specifically regarding trustee knowledge in college fundraising and legislative advocacy. Action items involved adopting a performance goal, reviewing and reaffirming the mission statement, approving supplies and equipment for the Athletic Department for Fiscal Year 2026, and authorizing counsel to engage consultants regarding anonymous communications. Reports on 2025 Presidential Priorities covered leadership development, enhancing Human Resources for conflict resolution, and establishing a Student Affairs Study Group. Future priorities for 2026 include constructing a facility for the Fire Academy and other technical programs, continuing leadership development, developing a plan for compensation challenges, and supporting the college's Long-Range Plan. The Long-Range Planning Committee agenda focused on proposals such as improving student retention, creating an Active Learning Academy, expanding the mission to offer new bachelor's programs (Nursing and Educator Preparation), creating water-industry credentials, and building new student housing.

The meeting agenda included several action items requiring consideration, specifically the bid for Microsoft 365 A5 Licenses and the Order of General Election for the Angelina College Board of Trustees, including the appointment of the Early Voting Clerk. Review and consent items covered the Financial Report, Monthly & Annual Investment Reports, and Personnel Recommendations. Information reports included the Student Affairs Annual Report, Racial Profiling Report, and upcoming events related to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). The Board may convene in Executive Session to discuss consultation with the attorney regarding Emergency Services and the Commercial Driving Center, deliberation regarding a prospective gift, personnel matters, or confidential student information.

The agenda for this special meeting includes a call to order, time of reflection, conflict of interest reminders, roll call, introduction of invited guests, and public comments to the Board. Key action items involve the consideration of a Board Resolution to nominate Trustee Garza to serve on the Angelina County Appraisal District Board of Directors and assigning College District votes for his candidacy, as well as the consideration for the purchase of scoreboards for the Baseball and Softball Facilities.

The key discussion item for this special meeting of the Board of Trustees is the consideration of the selection of a Board Counsel Investigator. The agenda also included a time of reflection and a reminder regarding conflicts of interest management according to policy BBFA (Legal). The Board may convene in Executive Session to discuss consultation with the attorney, prospective gifts, personnel matters, or confidential student information.

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for Angelina College, titled "ROAD to Success: Reaching Our Academic Destination," outlines a strategic initiative to enhance the success of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students. The plan focuses on redesigning the first-year experience (FYE) course (STSU 0300) to guide students in engaging with campus support services, exploring career options, developing individualized academic plans, and connecting with faculty and programs. Key strategic pillars include fostering help-seeking behaviors, promoting career and transfer exploration, improving academic and workplace skills, and enhancing financial literacy. The ultimate goal is to improve retention rates, build degree momentum, and increase degree completion for FTIC students.