Audrey Eldridge

The board meeting covered several critical organizational matters. The President provided a report on external engagement, upcoming commencement exercises, and the strategic plan progress. The Board held a discussion on cooperative purchasing and officially authorized participation with Idaho governmental entities. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the FY27 operating budget and passed a resolution to authorize the renewal of annual appropriation lease agreements, including a specific budget appropriation for related lease payments.

The board meeting covered several critical items, including the impacts of legislative funding reductions and the institution's response strategy. Key actions included the approval of a 13-month lease extension for the Mallard Building, the official naming of the new health sciences facility, and approval of expenditure authority increases required for the transition of the Ford Idaho Center. The board also reviewed the FY27 budget, discussed tuition and fee adjustments, approved one-time employee retention payments, and passed an amendment to the presidential employment agreement. Additionally, a conflict of interest disclosure was formally addressed.

The meeting included a report from the Chair highlighting the effectiveness of community outreach and real-world learning opportunities presented by staff. Additionally, the Board entered into an executive session to address matters concerning the evaluation or discipline of personnel as permitted by state code.

The board meeting agenda includes the President's report, a marketing update, a quarterly financial update, and considerations regarding special course and program fees. Additionally, the Board is scheduled to conduct a self-evaluation during an executive session.

The meeting included a comprehensive President's report covering academic programs, enrollment, and student success initiatives. The board approved amendments to the governing policy regarding program fees to allow for the collection of fees for consumable instructional materials. A financial update was provided, addressing the 2026 budget outlook, state appropriation reductions, tuition revenue, and institutional reserve targets. Several naming rights for campus facilities were approved, including the Borbonus Family Foundation Greenhouse and the Micron Academic Center. Additionally, the board approved a budget increase for the Boise campus development and discussed the status of the potential acquisition of the Ford Idaho Center property.