Carla Cummins

The meeting addressed several key areas. Under Announcements, the President's potential jury duty and travel plans were noted. The Consent Agenda was approved as presented. Informational items highlighted the success of the Alumni and Friends newsletter, which generated increased interest in the Opportunity Realized Program and led to a business connection for an accounting position. The Finance Committee reported strong financial standing and discussed the President's updates. The Human Resource Committee discussed current staffing and Jenzabar implementation. The Quality and Advocacy committee received a briefing on Presidential office updates. Finally, the Academic Affairs Consent Agenda was approved.

The meeting included several key reports detailing operational updates. Enrollment Services reported a 9% increase in Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) count and a 19% rise in total headcount year-over-year. Student Engagement reported critical housing capacity issues with only one bed remaining in Pioneer Hall, updates on addressing trip hazards, development of a Hazing Prevention website, and procurement of the Read&Write accessibility tool. Athletics announced upcoming events including the Pioneer Golf Scramble and Hall of Fame banquets. Administrative Services reported the retirement of a math instructor and project updates on the Café sewer system. Academic Affairs noted class space monitoring due to enrollment increases. The President reported receiving a $100,000 total for CTE scholarships from the Future at Work Grant and Community Impact Grant, and noted the college's selection for the AI for all Initiative training series. Key financial actions included the approval of the FY2026 budget proposal after the second reading, and the resolution to purchase a new semi-truck for the CDL program for $165,000, funded partially by a pending Coal Board grant and a contribution from NextEra. The Human Resource Committee approved an adjustment to the President's contract, waiving the second reading for necessary payroll changes.

The regular session meeting included various reports. The Student Engagement report noted an increase in spring semester occupancy and announced the hiring of a new bookstore manager and an Athlete in Service Award recipient. The Athletics report mentioned recent basketball wins and the resignation of both baseball and softball coaches. The Administrative Services and HR report confirmed the acceptance of the offer for the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and significant interest in coaching positions. The Academic Affairs report detailed progress on the CDL instructor search, a productive IT Advisory Board meeting, and final preparations for Faculty and Staff Days. The President's Report highlighted recognition for being named to the Aspen Top 200, successful outreach via the first Alumni and Friends newsletter, and securing additional grant funding for CTE programs. The Board approved the consent agendas, which included the Academic Consent Agenda, and discussed informational items related to end-of-term enrollment data showing increases in Fall FTE and headcount, as well as an overview of recent NCLEX pass rates for the Nursing Program.

The meeting included new employee introductions, followed by reports on various college functions. Enrollment Services noted an 11% increase in prospective student leads and the disbursement of over $800,000 in financial aid. Student Engagement reported a 96% occupancy rate in the residence hall and successful Constitution Day events. Athletics reported on recent Hall of Fame events and provided updates on Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and Rodeo teams, noting some injury management. Administrative Services and HR provided updates on the Vice President of Academic Affairs search, recognized an employee's 20 years of service, and discussed a courtyard gazebo improvement project and Jenzabar implementation. The President reported that the Coal Board did not approve funding for a new CDL semi-truck engine but provided partnership contacts, and noted his re-election as Vice Chair of the Montana Board of Public Education (MBPE) and his re-election to the RCCA Board of Directors. Informational items covered a 6.97% year-over-year FTE enrollment increase (444 students total) and the Accelerating Credentials initiative focused on CNA and CDL programs for high school students. The Finance Committee noted the general fund is up by $600,000 compared to the previous year, largely due to higher enrollment. Due to a lack of quorum, the Consent Agenda, policy updates, and some Human Resource items were deferred to the next meeting.

The meeting included several key reports and agenda items. Enrollment Services reported on the first SOAR session and noted that Pell Grant disbursements exceeded $1 million for the first time in 15 years. Student Engagement provided updates on residence hall occupancy, new residential policies prohibiting personal grills and candles, and the phasing out of the Everfi program in favor of a new Canvas-delivered educational program. Athletics reported on a student's participation in the College National Finals Rodeo and successful summer basketball camps. Administrative Services and HR noted the continuation of TGIF summer sessions and progress on the Cafeteria project. Academic Affairs announced the receipt of $55,000 in Perkins grants and highlighted the ongoing Cyber STEM Camp. The President's Report covered fundraising efforts, including a request to NextEra Energy for CDL program support and collaboration with Custer County Commissioners on a Coal Board grant application, as well as outreach to Ekalaka and Colstrip school districts regarding the Opportunity Realized program. The Finance Committee reviewed the budget status and discussed the FY2026 budget proposal and the acceptance of a clean audit. The Human Resource Committee reviewed staffing and system implementation updates and brought forward two policies (Policy 600.8.1 and Policy 600.8.2) for first reading and subsequent approval related to the Faculty Master Agreement. The Quality and Advocacy committee discussed grant requests, outreach efforts, and planning for the legislative cycle.