Darlene Gilley

The committee meeting covered several key institutional topics, including a Board self-evaluation, a review of positive feedback from the Higher Learning Commission visit, and a proposal for a new residence hall focused on first-year student support. The committee discussed library renovations, potential partnerships with the City of Bluefield, and the establishment of a non-governing President's Advisory Council. Agenda items for the upcoming board meeting were reviewed, including budget status and fundraising goals. Additionally, the committee discussed recognition for specific staff and student contributions and expressed concerns regarding delays in gubernatorial board appointments.

The meeting included a comprehensive Foundation financial review, covering monthly activity, banking issues, and the management of campus and athletics accounts. The committee discussed the existing Aramark contract and reviewed loan and endowment distribution updates. Additionally, there was an analysis of charitable giving trends, a progress report on fundraising pipelines and major donor opportunities, and the processing of a significant major gift via stock liquidation. The meeting concluded with a discussion on fostering a culture of philanthropy among students.

The committee reviewed the HLC midpoint report, which was deemed successful, and discussed preparations for the final report due later in the year. Enrollment data for Fall 2026 indicates growth in registered students and full-time equivalent numbers, driven by improved outreach and retention efforts. The proposal for a Master's in Engineering Technology is currently under state review. Significant curriculum updates were announced, including program format shifts to online, new course additions, and engineering course redesigns to better align with industry standards. Furthermore, the committee analyzed employee satisfaction survey results, which showed high overall satisfaction alongside specific concerns regarding compensation and internal communication. Finally, the committee discussed program growth in specialized fields and upcoming graduation logistics.

The committee reviewed the performance of the Men's Golf team, discussed the upcoming Fall Football schedule, and planned for a summer retreat focusing on policy implementation and leadership development. Key strategic initiatives were established, including a new data-driven approach to tracking student-athlete metrics, a refined athletic scholarship process prioritizing financial aid-first awarding, and strategies to increase game attendance through community and youth engagement. Additionally, the committee explored revenue opportunities in ticketing and concessions, received an update from the Faculty Athletics Representative on institutional best practices, and set future action items for marketing and standardized meeting structures.

The committee discussed budget monitoring processes, including P-card usage and departmental spending controls. Updates were provided on ongoing deferred maintenance projects, with potential timeline challenges for major electrical work. The proposed 2027 budget was reviewed, incorporating enrollment projections and federal grant allocations. Strategies to mitigate high transportation costs were debated, alongside a review of cash balance projections. A 2027 employee compensation plan featuring a flat increase was proposed to align with state appropriation guidance. Finally, the committee addressed outstanding student accounts receivable balances and enforced registration holds.