Braden Kirk Ball

The Board Retreat focused primarily on reviewing and suggesting revisions for the 2026--2031 Strategic Plan, including the Vision Statement, Mission Statement, President's Institutional Priorities, and various Goals and Objectives. Key discussions involved simplifying statement language, ensuring compliance with state/federal laws in objectives, defining the 'Lean Office' concept, clarifying roles of accreditors like SACSCOC, and reviewing definitions related to 'at-risk populations.' A significant portion of the retreat addressed the Facilities Master Plan, specifically focusing on the future continuation of WSRE Public Broadcasting following the end of the PBS affiliation in June 2026. The Board discussed documentation of intent regarding WSRE, funding implications, transition plans for utilizing broadcast assets like Amos Studio for revenue generation, and programming content. The open discussion segment covered the role of the Council of Trustees, legislative advocacy, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, committee structures, compliance with Sunshine Law requirements outside noticed meetings, planning for America's 250th anniversary, and potential institutional policy considerations.

The Board meeting commenced after a retreat session where no formal action was taken. Key agenda items included the approval of the main agenda, the recognition of new Trustees, and the striking of a paragraph from the previous month's minutes under the consent agenda. Finance items involved presenting policy changes for future approval, including updates on contracts, holidays, and graduation requirements, alongside a review of the budget-to-actual report for October 2025. Action items involved approving several retroactive position upgrades and conversions within Academic and Student Affairs and Human Resources departments. Under finance action items, the Board approved an initial bargaining agreement with the Florida Police Benevolent Association, an Unexpended Plant Fund Capital Outlay Budget Amendment, and the awarding of a contract for the RFQ 2-2024/2025 Construction Manager to the Morette Company. The General Counsel section saw the approval in concept for the purchase of real property at 2108 Douglas Avenue. Under the President's Time, the approval for the continuation of WSRE broadcasting was passed. Additionally, several institutional announcements were made, including PSC being designated a Collegiate Purple Star Campus. The Chair's Time involved a detailed discussion and two tied votes (4-4) regarding the Compensation Committee's recommendation for a salary increase and bonus for the President, resulting in the motion failing. The meeting concluded with an executive session.

This document establishes the investment objectives, policies, and guidelines for the Pensacola State College Foundation, Inc. Its primary purpose is to ensure long-term stability and continuity in asset management, clearly define duties and responsibilities, and preserve the purchasing power of endowments for future generations. Key objectives include maximizing portfolio returns while minimizing risks, exceeding investment benchmarks, and maintaining sufficient liquidity to support college programs. The policy outlines asset allocation strategies for equities, bonds, and other investments, emphasizing diversification, prudent management, and periodic evaluation.

The Board Meeting included a workshop by the PSC Police Chief on department operations, emergency preparedness, and active shooter response procedures. Public comments focused on recent public discussion regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with concerns raised about Trustee Smith's published views and initiatives, specifically regarding the removal of an Introduction to Sociology course. Key action items included the approval of the Annual Information Security Report, approval of construction documents and a guaranteed maximum price for the Aviation Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Facility Phase III construction, and approval of numerous policy changes, including an amendment to Policy 6Hx20-1.007 regarding Equal Access/Equal Opportunity updated language. The Board also approved lab fee changes effective for Spring 2026, and approved a request to serve as a pilot institution for the new Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) simultaneously while preparing for the SACSCOC reaffirmation review. The discussion on the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Florida Police Benevolent Association, which includes a proposed 1.5% salary increase, was tabled for further review.

The meeting included a Board Workshop held in conjunction with the dedication of the third floor of the Bear, Jones, Moore, Reeves Technology Building, officially named Broxson Hall. The agenda approval involved a requested amendment to the August Board Meeting Minutes. In Consent Agenda items, the Board approved a policy that dictates policies and procedures should be reviewed every 3 to 5 years. Action items in Finance included the approval of the Fund Balance Carry Forward Spending Plan, the FY 2024-2025 Asset Additions and Deletions, and two key phases for the Diesel Mechanics GMP Project: approving Phase III Construction Documents and approving the Guaranteed Maximum Price contract. Approval was also given for the initial contract to develop a GMP contract for the Aviation Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Facility Construction. Under President's Time, the Board unanimously approved the proposed 2026 Legislative Requests for health science/nursing programs and veterans service center expansion, approved establishing a Veterans Support Center at the Milton Campus, and approved the transition plan away from the current PBS affiliation to ECHO-TV, which involved decertifying the WSRE Foundation as a Direct Support Organization. Finally, the General Counsel was tasked with reviewing facility use and rental policies.