Donna White

The meeting included a review of key goals and community partnership highlights, specifically a collaboration with Empire Ford for FAFSA filing and an update from the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. The comptroller provided a financial update regarding the college's budget surplus, enrollment trends, investment performance, and legislative budget statuses. A report on student basic-needs initiatives was presented. The Facilities Committee provided updates on the Taunton Center search, the New Bedford campus lease renewal, various deferred maintenance projects funded by DCAMM and Fair Share, and discussions regarding a new College Master Plan.

The joint board meeting focused on several strategic initiatives, including a detailed update on the Bristol Workforce Training Center, its alignment with the college's strategic plan, and potential expansion phases. Presentations were provided regarding a new college-wide marketing and branding campaign designed to highlight the institution as a regional leader in education and workforce development. Additionally, the boards received a postscript summary of the Wolfson Speakers Series event featuring Amanda Knox and an update on the activities and restructuring of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key items, including the approval of two faculty sabbatical requests for Fall 2026. Presentations were delivered by the Faculty and Professional Staff Senate, the Staff Senate, and the Chief Strategy Officer regarding the recent K-12 listening session. The President's Report provided updates on community partnerships, including initiatives for women's entrepreneurship and a welding program memorandum of understanding, as well as an overview of an upcoming student development conference. The Finance and Budget Committee presented an update on the fiscal year 2026 financial status and requested approval for the fiscal year 2027 operating budget and a $6 per credit fee increase, both of which were approved by the board. Additionally, the Student Trustee discussed the potential implementation of a part-time Dean's List.

The board meeting covered several key operational and strategic updates. Topics included the introduction of a new student trustee, an update on college goals, and a community partnership highlighting the relocation of the Co-Creative Center. Discussions also featured the 25th anniversary of the Grimshaw-Gudewicz Art Gallery and the grand re-opening of the Grady Dining Room. The board approved a budget request for the modernization and expansion of campus security surveillance systems. Furthermore, presentations were provided on the college's strategic plan report card and an economic impact study. The meeting also addressed award nominations for the 2026 commencement, including Honorary Degree and Distinguished Citizen Awards, and reviewed risk management metrics related to safety, cybersecurity, and policy compliance.

The board participated in a mini-retreat focused on strategic planning alignment and institutional initiatives. Discussions included a wrap-up of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan Report Card, updates on NECHE accreditation and college responses, and a review of six Congressionally Directed Spending proposals totaling over $8 million. The board explored regional economic insights and academic program alignment, identifying key themes such as workforce development, equity, and demographic changes. Additionally, the results of the 2026 Board Self-Assessment were reviewed, and future board education topics were identified, including program reviews, community partnerships, and student participation.