Deon Botha

The meeting began with a certification that the notice for the Facilities Committee Meeting was properly posted on January 8, 2026. Key agenda items included moving the update on the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) Project forward, which led to the committee entering an Executive/Closed Session to consult with an attorney. Upon reconvening, the committee reviewed and unanimously recommended to the Board of Regents the final acceptance of the completed Hermes Gym Roof Replacement project, including the release of retainage amounting to $31,134.10 to Hyperion Construction. The committee also reviewed the working draft of the 2025-2026 proposed Facilities Master Plan. No action was taken regarding a recommendation for the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) Project.

Key discussions included the certification of the posting notice for the meeting, which occurred on November 6, 2025. The committee adjourned briefly to a closed/executive session to deliberate regarding real property negotiations, reconvening into open session afterward. A primary focus was determining a recommendation to the Board of Regents concerning Interlocal Agreements with the City of Galveston for the use of Bernard Davis "Pony Colt" Stadium and the Lassie League Sports Complex-Carter Field, which was subsequently approved for recommendation, specifically to facilitate necessary capital projects like fencing and scoreboard replacement at the Lassie League Field. The committee also received updates on other facilities projects, including the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC), progress on the gym roof project closure, construction commencement for property on Avenue R, and a campus power outage caused by faulty ground wiring in new construction.

The Committee of the Whole Workshop focused primarily on the Presidential Search process. Key discussions included the presentation and subsequent recommendation for approval of the Tentative President Search Timeline and Search Plan, which involved adjusting a subsequent Board meeting date from December 10th to December 11th. Furthermore, the committee discussed and ultimately recommended appointments to the President Search Committee, including the SGA President, Ms. Kelly Raines (Athletic Director), and a comprehensive slate of Board members, community members, faculty/staff, retired faculty, and staff representatives. A motion was passed recommending the SGA President appointment, and another motion, passing 6-3, appointed the Athletic Director, followed by a unanimous vote on the full slate of recommended appointments.

Key discussions during this special meeting included the consideration and approval of the Presidential Profile, which incorporated feedback from a prior committee meeting, public forums, and an online survey. The Board also addressed the resignation of the current Board Chair and proceeded with the nomination and unanimous election of a new Board Chair to serve the remainder of the 2024-2026 term. The notice for this Special Meeting was confirmed to have been properly posted on December 5, 2025.

The Regular Meeting addressed several key items. Informative reports included a Student Success Story presentation focusing on the 2024-25 Graduate Profile which showed record high certificate and degree awards, and the Monthly Financial Reports for October, which generated discussion regarding audit timelines. Action items involved approving Interlocal Agreements with the City of Galveston for facility use (Bernard Davis "Pony Colt" Stadium and Lassie League Sports Complex-Carter Field), approving the President Search Timeline and Search Plan, and appointing members to the President Search Committee. The Board also unanimously accepted a TRUE Grant award, ratified acceptance of the Houston Endowment Planning Grant and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation Grant, approved proposals for replacing Central Plant Chiller #1 and a Canon Copier Fleet Refresh, approved the offering of a new Engineering Technology Program with associated certificates and degrees, and approved a Faculty Change in Rank for two individuals. Finally, the Board adopted a resolution casting votes for the Galveston Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election.