Chris Dugger

The board meeting covered a wide range of institutional updates, including student success and state performance indicators, workforce development activities such as CDL and surgical technology programs, and a comprehensive update on the recent legislative session regarding funding for higher education, capital construction, and dual enrollment. The board also reviewed and approved revisions to the organizational structure policy, authorized a change order for the ORB building renovation, and discussed plans for an upcoming board retreat. Additionally, the meeting featured a citizens' open forum.

The board meeting agenda includes a mission moment presentation featuring the Livestock Judging and Wrestling teams, along with various administrative, academic, and financial reports. Discussion items cover the 2026 Giving Day, the State Fall Enrollment report, the notice of intent to participate in the Perkins V 2026-2027 program, and a reminder for the spring board retreat. New business items involve major maintenance projects and VDI replacement.

The board discussed several operational and strategic items, including the Green Dot initiative and the status of surveys conducted by Hanover Research. A Completion and Transfer summary was reviewed to identify student success metrics, and the final report for the Student Center project confirmed it was completed under budget and debt-free. The board approved the designation of depositories, FY2027 mandatory student fees, residence hall and apartment rates, meal plan rates, and a new course/lab fee proposal. Additionally, the board decided to table the review of Policy 1400 regarding organizational structure for further discussion.

The meeting agenda includes the approval of the agenda and consent items, such as the minutes from the February 10, 2025, regular meeting, and various reports from Board Committees and the College President across administrative, academic, student services, and marketing areas. Financial items slated for review include the check register, other financial reports, and Quarterly Budget Adjustments. Discussion/informational topics encompass the State Performance Indicators Report, Workforce Development Activities Report, 2026 Legislative Update, Policy Review for 1700 Public Records, and scheduling the Spring Board Retreat date. New business features an action item regarding the ORB Renovation Change Order. Future agenda items for the April 8, 2026, meeting include reports on State Fall Enrollment, Major Maintenance projects, and Marketing.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda. A Mission Moment featured Abigail Jeffery, Northwest College's recipient of the Shaping Wyoming's Future award, who will be recognized in Cheyenne in February 2026. The consent agenda was approved, which included discussions regarding the Governor's recommendation for community colleges to true up to House Bill 80 due to increased enrollment, outreach efforts to K-12 districts, details on the CMVOST grant for veteran scholarships in the CDL program, and the development of an Operational Plan based on the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. Tuition and fee revenue was noted as being down 2-3% from the budget due to enrollment changes, although the Spring semester saw an influx of 100 new students. Key discussion centered on the Capstone Report from Hanover Research, which analyzed stakeholder engagement, academic program optimization, and workforce development needs, leading to considerations for new programs like Ski Operations and potential areas like Cosmetology and Fire Science. The Board also reviewed the WACCT Legislative Guiding Principles and concerns about the Governor's budget proposal. Under New Business, course/lab fees for Nursing and Art courses were approved due to increased vendor pricing, and a $70,000 change order for the ORB Renovation project was authorized to address safety egress, functional improvements, and installing transom windows for natural light. The Board tentatively set dates for the March and April meetings, noting potential conflicts with the President's conference schedule.