Diana M Fairbanks

The Board of Trustees meeting featured a presentation on the achievements of the college's aviation program, specifically highlighting the participation of an all-female student team in a transcontinental air race and the strategic value of the institution's aviation training. Additionally, the board received a briefing on the college's current strategic plan, focusing on 'living our brand' strategies. This discussion emphasized the importance of aligning organizational decisions with brand pillars such as innovation, educational pathways, and community partnerships. Specific examples were shared regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence and the expansion of learning options for students.

The board meeting included a budgetary discussion regarding the proposed mill rate, a balanced operating budget, and a tuition rate increase. The board also held a public hearing where community concerns regarding campus grounds maintenance were raised. Additionally, the meeting featured student presentations on research projects and a faculty report on the Strategic Sealift Officer program at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

This strategic plan, titled "Anchor and Edge: Modernizing for what's next," outlines a roadmap for delivering essential education and training to drive northern Michigan's future. Key strategies include future-focused education, advancing enrollment and student success, and cultivating a vibrant college community. These are supported by strategic drivers such as living the brand, fostering community partnerships, ensuring stewardship and sustainability, and prioritizing people first, all aimed at enhancing learner preparedness, institutional vitality, and an inclusive environment.

The meeting featured a presentation on a student-led project focused on highlighting overlooked historical figures and underrepresented groups, which aligns with the college's student involvement strategy. Additionally, the Board received an overview of the Advancement and Community Engagement (ACE) division's contributions to campus vibrancy, including museum initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community outreach programs. A brand refresh for the Dennos museum was discussed, focusing on modernizing the brand to better reflect the institution's purpose, followed by a report on the museum's ongoing multi-year accreditation process and the pursuit of operational sustainability.

This memo from Northwestern Michigan College outlines its strategic initiatives, which encompass future-focused education, enrollment and student success, and fostering a vibrant college community. The plan is guided by strategic drivers including living the college's brand, strengthening community partnerships, ensuring stewardship and sustainability, and prioritizing people. The document details Strategy 3, 'Vibrant College Community,' with specific objectives to deliver master-plan projects, renew and improve campus spaces, strengthen the student experience outside the classroom, enhance its reputation as an employer of choice, and modernize core operational processes and systems.