Christopher White

The board meeting agenda included several key topics such as a Department of Veterans Affairs compliance survey, Paramedic Program reaccreditation, an instructional service agreement for CDL training, a financial statement audit report, authorization for operating expenses, the President's travel authorization, and the Perkins allotment. Furthermore, committee reports covered financial updates, delinquent account write-offs, a hurricane recovery update, and a facilities master plan. Additional items featured a special presentation on artificial intelligence and a review of the annual Board of Trustees self-evaluation results.

The board meeting focused on several key institutional topics. Key items included a policy change to bereavement leave, approval of a student activity fee resolution, and financial reports including an update on hurricane recovery funds and audit findings. The board reviewed budget requests for Transylvania County, received status reports on campus facility projects, and discussed long-term planning for a new campus facility. Additionally, the board reviewed the President's report, including employee performance bonuses and the selection of a new campus director. Finally, the board conducted an executive session to address personnel matters and approved a contract extension for the college president.

The meeting commenced with greetings, campus updates, and the distribution of the 2024-2025 Annual Report. New employees were introduced. The agenda and consent agenda were approved, the latter including the 2026-2028 EWD/CE Accountability and Integrity Plan and several Level I Service Agreements. The Finance Committee reported on financial statements as of November 30, 2025, and successfully moved to approve the 2026-2027 Operating and Capital budget requests for Henderson County, specific/live project fees, and facilities use rental fees. The President introduced the new BLET School Director and outlined the relaunch plan for the Basic Law Enforcement Training program. An overview of the Career and College Promise (CCP) program highlighted its structure, offerings across pathways, cohort models, and partnerships designed to benefit high school students. The Student Government Association reported on recent and upcoming student engagement events. The Board entered and exited a closed session to discuss confidential personnel information and attorney-client communications.

The Blue Ridge Community College's 'Rising Together: The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan' serves as a roadmap to meet the evolving needs of its students, employees, and community. Developed through extensive community input, it is structured around four pillars: Student Success, Community Success, Employee Success, and Institutional Success. This framework aims to build on the college's strengths, embrace innovation, and prepare individuals for both current and future workforce opportunities.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, with Item VIII (Closed Session) being removed. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering items such as the Foundation Financial Statement Audit Report and Policy 8.4 Electronic Information Management and Storage. The Curriculum Committee requested and received approval for adding the Natural Hair Care, Medical Office Billing and Coding, and Horticulture Lawn and Landscape certificates, while closing Administrative Office Specialist, Early Childhood Introductory, and Turfgrass Management certificates due to low enrollment or redundancy. Updates were provided on enrollment data, the impact of Hurricane Helene, and new enrollment strategies. The Finance Committee discussed the unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, reporting a slight increase in net position and explaining the operating loss. The committee also presented and received approval for the 2025-2026 College Budget Resolution totaling $42,180,818. In College Reports, the President highlighted Aspen Top 200 Recognition, the successful legislative amendment allowing the college to remain with SACSCOC, and the receipt of a $387,000 Dogwood Health Grant for apprenticeship development. The Educational Foundation reported on expanding the year-end fundraising appeal and planning for the upcoming Scholarship Luncheon. The SGA report detailed student engagement events and notable savings from student support programs like the toiletry and snack programs. New Business involved the Statement of Economic Interest Evaluation from the NC Ethics Commission, which identified no actual conflicts of interest for the listed trustees.