Elizabeth D. Dister

The Board of Trustees reviewed and approved updates to the presidential search profile following feedback from the Department of Higher Education. Key revisions included adjusted language regarding the Massachusetts Community College System, clarified salary details, an explicit outline of the hiring process, and updated minimum candidate qualifications to ensure alignment with state guidelines for senior-level administrative or management experience.

The board meeting covered a review of the campus-wide shared governance structure, including proposed revisions to streamline decision-making. Reports were provided regarding the Foundation Board's annual fund participation, alumni participation in service events, and Student Success Committee activities concerning Title IX and AI integration. The Executive Committee presented the draft presidential profile for the upcoming search process, which was approved with amendments. Additionally, the board approved personnel actions for the period of October 28 to December 2 and a faculty sabbatical proposal for research on cookbooks as cultural memoirs.

The Board reviewed and approved the Presidential Search Committee Charge. Representatives from Academic Search presented an overview of the presidential search process, detailing the requirements for confidentiality, the timeline for developing a presidential profile, and the stages of the interview process. Additionally, the Board discussed the critical future needs for the college, specifically focusing on enrollment management, advocacy for community college accessibility, the integration of comprehensive student services, and the necessity for a president with significant fiscal management experience who can engage effectively with the local community.

The meeting included a presentation on the college's achievement of the Leader College of Distinction Award and associated improvements in student retention. Discussions were held regarding revisions to the Shared Governance structure and the renaming of the campus library to honor Ruth Edmonds Hill. Further agenda items included an update on a new HVAC heat pump training program funded by a grant, reports from the Foundation Board, and committee reports covering the 2nd Quarter Trust Fund and the FY25 Single Audit. The Board also approved a new meta-major education program and various personnel actions, including a sabbatical.

The meeting included reports on increased fall semester enrollment, the status of DHE-approved certificate programs, and updates on philanthropic achievements, including scholarship awards and community engagement events. Significant attention was given to library renovations, specifically regarding mold remediation and the development of a strategy to rebuild the library collection. The Foundation Board reported on the approval of the FY26 budget and the funding for library archives. The Alumni Trustee provided an update on scholarship fundraising efforts. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved personnel actions covering the preceding period.