Beverly Osborne

The Commission discussed several departmental reports, including updates from the President, Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, particularly regarding new and revised policies. A finance update provided details on tuition revenue, expenditures, and cash balances. The Commission reviewed the college's mission, vision, values, and role, including a discussion on terminology. Enrollment updates indicated growth for the spring semester. Reports highlighted the success of the food pantry, the implementation of a pay study, student feedback on new online learning courses, and the progress of the Digital Accessibility Team. The college's legislative funding requests for the upcoming year were presented, covering infrastructure, program expansion, and safety improvements. The meeting also included an annual review of commission bylaws, ethics rules, and the signing of conflict of interest statements.

The meeting commenced with recognitions, including an award for Chairman Napper for 10 years of service and a plaque for Willie Mae Muldrow for three years of service. Key discussions involved the successful conclusion of the SACSCOC On-Site visit, which resulted in zero recommendations. The Consent Agenda, covering reports from the President, Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, was unanimously approved. The Finance Update detailed the financial statement as of 10/31/2025, noting increased state appropriations and credit tuition revenue alongside efforts to manage expenditure increases, including plans for employee bonuses. The commission unanimously approved FY26 Budget Amendment #4, which adjusted revenue projections based on final fall enrollment, and approved six policy revisions. The Enrollment Update indicated a slowing decline in Fall 2025 enrollment, with a positive trend for the Spring semester. Updates were also provided regarding campus initiatives such as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness, supervisor training, foundation fundraising success, NCCER certification through a partnership, and the implementation progress of a new Software as a Service system. The President outlined three goals focusing on workforce-aligned programs, student success via the QEP, and strategies for financial stability concerning employee retention and compensation review. The meeting concluded after an executive session was held to discuss a personnel matter, after which no action was taken.

The meeting commenced with a welcome to the new Clarendon County Area Commissioner. A high-level overview of the recently completed Academic and Facilities Master Plan was presented, highlighting goals, findings such as an aging population and a shift towards healthcare professions, and the necessity for program expansion. The Consent Agenda, covering Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs reports, was unanimously approved. The Finance Update included a review of the financial statement as of 8/31/2025, noting a decrease in tuition revenue but an increase in state appropriations funding. The Commission unanimously approved FY26 Budget Amendment #3, which reflected increased revenue from state appropriations and increased expenditures for state insurance and professional development travel. The College Report detailed discussions with the F.E. Dubose Career Center regarding facility and academic programming alignment, an update on the marketing budget, and confirmation of the upcoming SACSCOC reaffirmation visit. Members were also provided with the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and capital projects documentation.

The meeting involved the unanimous approval of the minutes from the May 15, 2025, Area Commission meeting and the June 4, 2025, Special Called Area Commission meeting. The Consent Agenda, covering reports from Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs (including a new directive on hazing prevention), and Business Affairs (including a new directive on law enforcement requests), was unanimously approved. The Finance Update detailed the financial statement as of 6/30/2025, noting total revenue of $28,298,474 and a cash balance increase of approximately 6%. The Commission unanimously approved Budget Amendment #2 for FY26, which included a requested 1.4% tuition rate increase effective for Spring 2026 registration, raising the total adjustment to 3.4% over the previously approved increase, and accounted for a reduction in Clarendon County appropriations. An update on the Academic and Facilities Master Plan was provided, with a full presentation scheduled for the September meeting. The Marketing & Recruitment update focused on current strategies and upcoming events, including a dedication ceremony. The College Report noted the closing of the summer semester and the start of the fall semester on August 18th. The Chairman provided an update on the presidential search process, noting the initial screening committee plans to review 60 applications on August 22nd to select candidates for subsequent interviews.

The special called meeting included an executive session held for the purpose of discussing employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, student, or a person regulated by the public body, or the appointment of a person to a public body. No action was taken during the executive session. Upon returning to open session, the Area Commission unanimously approved a motion to offer the position of President to Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, with the salary to be determined by the Agency Head Salary Commission. A subsequent motion was unanimously approved directing the Chair to work with the Agency Head Salary Commission on the submission of an appropriate salary request.