Clayton Bearden

The board meeting agenda included several key items such as a president's report on recognitions and employee notices, and a consent agenda covering financial reports, quarterly investment reports, and the approval of contracts for the Coyote Village stair repairs and library air handling unit replacement. The board also addressed the guaranteed maximum price for the phase 2 student overflow parking project, discussed academic and student services updates, and held a closed session to deliberate on real property and personnel matters.

The board meeting agenda included a public comment session, a Level III appeal grievance hearing regarding employee non-renewal, and a closed session to deliberate on personnel matters, including appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal. The board also considered possible action regarding these personnel matters following the closed session.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included the President's Report covering recognitions and employee notices. Key financial matters for consent included the Financial Reports ending January 31, 2026, Budget Amendment #1, and approvals for various renewals and certificate/degree program approvals. Specific items for consideration included the adoption of 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees, the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Phase 2 of the Student Union Building Project, and the legal process for an institutional name change. The board also planned for a closed session to discuss real property and personnel matters, followed by open session action items on those topics, including the annual evaluation and employment contract of the College President.

The meeting included a visualization presentation regarding the construction of a student union building, emphasizing that the project is environmentally friendly and involves two Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) stages to expedite work while bidding the second part. Discussion confirmed the first phase would take approximately three to four months, leading into the main construction. Significant discussion focused on utility relocation, particularly crossing a high-pressure natural gas line, which requires obtaining an agreement from the gas company; this involved reviewing a usage agreement dating back to 1957. The board unanimously approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Phase One of the student union building project at $10,710,897. A subsequent discussion clarified the financing method, stating that the $100 million structure is funded via a tuition revenue bond, utilizing future student tuition and fees as collateral, explicitly confirming no taxpayer money is used. The meeting also featured an annual foundation report, highlighting a 62% year-over-year increase in private donations ($818,000 for the last fiscal year) and a 65% increase in total net assets over the last decade, reaching $13.8 million (or $14.2 million as of December). The foundation awarded $353,000 in student scholarships last academic year, totaling $2 million over five years. The presentation detailed the difference between endowed (perpetuity) and direct scholarships and emphasized the growth of the Bob Glenn endowment program and new initiatives in planned giving and legacy contributions.

The event was the Associate Degree Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony for the LVN-RN Evening Cohort and the fourth graduating class of the traditional ADN evening program. The ceremony honored the graduates' long hours of study, service, and sacrifice, emphasizing the science of nursing, compassion, advocacy, and care. Recognition was given to the college president, administration members, and faculty who significantly impacted the students. Awards presented included the Clinical Excellence Award for both cohorts (awarded to Susan Wood and Elma Contreras, respectively) and the Florence Nightingale Award (awarded to Dakota Bingham and Alexis Lozano, respectively). The event concluded with the recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge and a final prayer.