Charmaine U. Babb

The Board of Trustees convened to address agenda items regarding the Academic and Student Success Committee. Key business included the approval of degree candidates for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026, as well as the approval of an honorary doctorate and humane letters. The meeting also included an executive session.

The meeting agenda includes a request to approve a Faculty Senate bylaw revision and reports from the Chair and President, featuring a campaign consultant presentation. Board committee reports cover an external audit, governance considerations regarding a new board member recommendation, and a finance update. The session concludes with announcements regarding upcoming university events and committee meetings, followed by public comments and an executive session.

The Reach 2026 Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for Delaware State University, rededicating its focus on the whole student through Student Success and Academic Excellence. It acknowledges that objectives are achievable by transforming Operational Excellence, Infrastructure, and Financial Health. The plan is built upon five strategic pillars: Student Success, Academic Excellence, Operational Effectiveness, Infrastructure Enhancement, and Financial Health, laying the foundation for the university's future endeavors.

Discussions focused heavily on student services, particularly the positive experience of moving in and the energetic atmosphere provided by the university staff, highlighted by positive feedback from a parent. Key performance indicators included enrollment figures, noting the Class of 2029 overview, aiming to break enrollment records, and maintaining high housing capacity utilization at 9%. The strategic direction involved developing a new strategic plan to succeed the 'Reach 2026' initiative, with significant board involvement planned for its finalization. Other significant topics included discussions on responsible growth related to the financial position and service delivery, the importance of accountable customer service, and efforts to diversify the portfolio of incoming students, including recruiting outside the state. Furthermore, the board discussed the successful partnership with an Early College Prep School in New York City, which is fully funded by New York City and offers students guaranteed seats at the university. Operational updates mentioned the hiring of two new executive teammates and an exhibition featuring HBCU marching bands.

The session began with welcoming remarks emphasizing resilience and the importance of continual improvement (kaizen) despite a challenging year (2025). Key discussion points included the two-fold purpose of the retreat: adjusting strategy for the future and recognizing the board's rootedness in governance and relationships. The latter part of the session transitioned into presentations by students showcasing their research and experiences stemming from various academic and partnership initiatives, such as the technology scholar program, USDA scholarship, and engineering research experience. Specific presentations highlighted work in data science, AI, black farmer impact, computer science, and bioengineering, all related to the new interdisciplinary Ag-HUb building. There was also discussion regarding the alignment of current activities with 1890 land-grant mission and strategies to achieve a Carnegie Classification R1 in community engagement, leveraging existing research portfolios in data science, AI, and emerging technologies.