Christopher J. Ewerdt

The informal meeting focused primarily on providing Board Training regarding institutional program review timelines and the process for involuntary separation and program closure, referencing specific Nebraska statutes (e.g., §§ 85-15,528; 85-15,531; 85-15,532) and institutional policy BP-430. The discussion outlined the board's role in faculty contract renewal and reduction in force procedures. A two-phase program review process was detailed, utilizing metrics such as enrollment trends, instructional efficiency, and workforce demand. The formal recommendation presented was to close the Collision Repair program, which was based on viability assessment, not faculty performance, and an associated teach-out plan would be developed. It was emphasized that no formal board action was requested during this informal session.

The meeting commenced with the re-organization of the Board for 2026, including the election of John Stinner as Chairperson and Starr Lehl as Vice Chairperson. Appointments were confirmed for Susan Verbeck as Secretary and Lynne Koski as Treasurer. The Board officially accepted the resignation of Dr. William Packard from District Five and declared a vacancy. The Consent Calendar was approved, which included the minutes from the December 17, 2025, Informal and Regular Meetings, and claims reports for December 2025 across various funds. Board member travel expenses were approved. The President's Personnel Report, detailing resignations and appointments, was approved. The Board approved the 2026 offsite meeting locations and dates (Alliance and Sidney Campuses). A settlement agreement with the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust related to the 2023 hailstorm was also approved. Key institutional reports included the annual Information Technology (IT) report, which detailed accomplishments such as the Element451 deployment, Windows 11 migration leveraging Microsoft A5 licensing for cost savings and enhanced cybersecurity, and the migration of the Colleague ERP system. The IT Director outlined a three-year technology roadmap focusing on modernization and cost-neutral initiatives. The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation provided an update on grant funding, noting that the 2025 Monument Marathon grant goal was exceeded, and discussed future funding for the Nebraska Math Readiness Project. The President reported a 10% increase in spring enrollment over the previous year, noted upcoming events like the Health Sciences Center ribbon cutting and the ACCT National Legislative Summit, and mentioned the institution's upcoming 2026 centennial celebration.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included community comments, board chair comments, and a consent calendar covering approval of the agenda, excuse of absent members, minutes from previous January 2026 meetings, and approval of claims across various funds for January 2026. Key discussions involved approval of board member mileage and expense reimbursements for December 2025 and January 2026. The President's Personnel Report addressed resignations and appointments, including a new Student Wellbeing Director and an Administrative Assistant, with subsequent approval sought. The Board Executive Committee items included approval of appointments to standing committees and approval for the sale and use of alcohol beverages at two separate Spring 2026 music events. The Finance and Operations Committee recommended approval of a bid for mowing services. Institutional reports covered the Spring 2026 Census and Fall 2025 End of Semester Reports, Student Report, Faculty Report, updates from the Nebraska Community College Association, and a report from the WNCC Foundation concerning grant funding, scholarship awards, and planned giving resources. The President provided updates on the Health Sciences Center ribbon cutting, spring enrollment showing a 10% increase, and the upcoming centennial celebration launching in the fall.

The Board of Governors reviewed and approved the Consent Calendar, which included previous meeting minutes from November 2025 and claims for November 2025 across all funds totaling over $2.3 million. Board travel expenses were approved, including for Mr. R. J. Savely. The President's Personnel Report was approved, noting two new appointments: Ms. Alexandrea Ewert as Admissions Specialist II and Ms. Tanya Woodward as English Instructor. A presentation was made by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) regarding a $15,000 scholarship check, noting NPPD's historical contribution to WNCC students. The Board approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. An amendment to the Section 125 cafeteria plan through Omnify was approved to accommodate a guaranteed-issue cancer policy offering in December. Attendance approvals were granted for the 2026 ACCT National Legislative Summit for Chair Stinner, and for the 2026 Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference for Ms. Lehl, Ms. Schmidt, and Chair Stinner. Student reports detailed the Phi Theta Kappa College Project, "Cougar Spotlight," and the Honors in Action project focused on Human Trafficking Awareness. The Student Report covered various activities and schedules. The Faculty Report discussed challenges and strategies for online course offerings, the critical need addressed by the new English Instructor hire, and recruiting efforts by the Theater department at state festivals. The Foundation reported on fundraising events, including a record-breaking Monument Marathon raising $81,390. President Dart provided updates on the completion of the Health Science facility renovation, the critical transition to a cloud-based enterprise system over the upcoming weekend, and the upcoming holiday closure schedule.

The meeting primarily focused on the Institutional Academic Program Performance Review for Fall 2025, which utilizes external (7-year), internal (5-year), and annual reviews to monitor academic offerings. Key discussion points highlighted how the annual review process led to programmatic improvements in Early Childhood Education, the piloting of a new accreditation-aligned curricular model for Health Information Technology resulting in a new Medical Coding certificate, and improved enrollment trends for Medical Laboratory Technology. The criteria for program evaluation, including five quantitative indicators and qualitative analysis, were detailed. The governing authority and standards for reduction in force under Board Policy BP-430 and Administrative Procedure AP-430.01 were outlined, emphasizing student and faculty protections like teach-out plans and preferred reemployment rights. No recommendation for program closure resulted from the Fall 2025 review presentation. The meeting also included a brief Community Comments section, where no comments were offered, and remarks from the Board Chairperson regarding the Nebraska Open Meetings Act.