Andres Padilla-Oviedo

The Board of Regents engaged in several administrative and operational decisions. Key topics included authorizing legal action regarding the Health Sciences Education Center project, approving a new contract for campus security services, and authorizing architectural and engineering design services for student housing. The board also approved instructional agreements for dual credit classes, a new Continuing Education certificate in shipfitting, and various purchases including laptop equipment and surveillance cameras. Furthermore, the board adopted local policies, approved a budget and tax rate planning calendar, authorized facility upgrades at Carter Field, and secured event contracts for the upcoming Women in Industry conference. A significant personnel action included the appointment and contract approval of a new College President.

The committee meeting included discussions on the Health Sciences Education Center project, including authorization for legal action and arbitration. The committee also deliberated on the purchase of real property and reviewed proposals for campus security services from OPS Inc. and architectural and engineering services from Creole Design for student housing. Additionally, the committee received updates on ongoing summertime facilities maintenance projects, including landscaping and repairs to elevator equipment.

The Board of Regents held a special meeting that included a formal call to order, a moment of silence, and the pledge of allegiance. The primary agenda item involved an interview with a candidate for a position, followed by an adjournment into a closed executive session to deliberate on personnel matters, including appointment, employment, and evaluation of public officers or employees as permitted by the Texas Government Code. Upon reconvening in open session, no formal action was taken regarding the matters discussed in the closed session.

The Board of Regents conducted a special meeting primarily to consider and select a sole finalist for the position of President of the college. The Board entered into a closed executive session to deliberate the employment and appointment of this public official. Upon reconvening in an open session, the Board formally named Dr. Tracee Watts as the sole finalist for the presidency and authorized the Board Chair to initiate contract negotiations.

The Board of Regents meeting included a presentation on the Trellis Student Financial Wellness Survey results and a review of monthly financial reports. The Board discussed and approved the offering of an Advanced Technical Certificate in Nuclear Medicine and an amendment to the Interlocal Collection Agreement for tax services. Additionally, the Board took action on a variance to a landscaping contract, the purchase of furniture for the Student Success Center, and the conferment of faculty tenure. Full-time faculty reappointments were approved, and the Board held a discussion regarding the presidential search process.