Elissa Baker

This college catalog serves as a comprehensive resource for students, detailing academic programs, admissions procedures, tuition and fees, and financial aid opportunities. It outlines the institution's strategic priorities focused on student success through technology integration and personalized support, innovative academic programming, and community engagement for education and workforce development. Additionally, it emphasizes empowering faculty and staff to continuously improve the student experience. The college is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered education that addresses diverse community needs, aiming to lead and anticipate future educational demands.

The regular meeting agenda for the Board of Trustees included several action items for approval: the Minutes of the December 16, 2025, Regular Meeting (to be approved later), authorization for the payment of Board Secretary Raneri's Spectrum Wi-Fi bill in lieu of a stipend, approval of the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation, Inc.'s 2025 Audited Financials, and the appointment of 2026 Foundation Officers. Informational items covered monthly expenditures as of December 31, 2025, and December 2025 Personnel Changes. Reports included an enrollment update presented by the Student Trustee and the President, and updates on Workforce Development and Community Education, and Public Safety policies. The board also anticipated an executive session. During the December 16, 2025 meeting, the board conferred Trustee Emeritus status upon Dr. William C. Jennings, approved consent agenda items including the Minutes of the November 19, 2025, meeting, and approved a resolution reallocating funds for emergency HVAC repairs at the Viking Childcare Center. Additionally, contract change orders totaling $1,886,791.22 for the Advanced Technology Education Center (ATEC) project were approved. Following an executive session, the board appointed Gerard Marino as Vice President of Administration effective February 1, 2026, and Michael C. Markou as Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Center effective January 26, 2026. Approval was also granted for the Public Safety ad hoc Committee to meet with county officials regarding policy upgrades. Personnel changes effective in late 2025 and early 2026 were noted, including faculty and staff appointments and several resignations.

The regular meeting included the formal adoption of a resolution conferring the honorary title of Trustee Emeritus upon Dr. William Jennings in recognition of his distinguished service. Key actions taken under the consent agenda included approval of the November 2025 expenditures, curriculum changes, and personnel changes. The President's report featured an enrollment update showing projected increases for the winter and spring terms, and an update on Workforce Development initiatives, including how the Advanced Technology Education Center (ATEC) will address regional employment needs. The board also reviewed public safety policies and approved a fund reallocation for emergency HVAC repairs at the Viking Childcare Center. Furthermore, contract change orders totaling $1,886,791.22 for the ATEC capital project were approved. The meeting concluded with the appointment of Gerard Marino as Vice President of Administration and Michael C. Markou as Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Center.

The joint meeting included discussion of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Operating Budget Summary, capital expenditures, a fund reallocation request for HVAC Viking Daycare, and the 2026 health insurance premium increase. An executive session was also held.

The joint meeting of the Audit & Finance and Buildings & Grounds Committees included a presentation and review of the HVCC monthly financials by the Interim CFO, Valerie Paull, who also introduced the new CFO, Gina Ricci. An executive session was called and later exited. The date for the next meeting was set.