Erin Neely

The board discussed student success initiatives, received reports from the faculty, staff, and student senates regarding shared governance, and reviewed financial and facility updates, including FY2027 budget assumptions and space utilization assessments. Key actions included the approval of various personnel recommendations, the bestowal of President Emerita status upon Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, adoption of the 2026-2028 Completion Plan, and the approval of new academic programs and curriculum revisions, such as the Modeling and Simulation Engineering Technologies degree.

The document outlines Clark State's strategic direction, emphasizing student success through comprehensive support services, improved retention, and graduation rates. Key priorities include fostering a 'culture of care,' strengthening communication and collaboration, and ensuring a safe, enhanced learning environment. The plan also focuses on developing innovative academic programs, community engagement, workforce development, and achieving national recognition for institutional excellence.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, including a student success story featuring a Medical Laboratory Technology student and recipient of a Choose Ohio First Scholarship. The Board received reports from the Board Chair and the President, which included discussions on college designations, institutional recognition, and updates on potential new academic programs. The Board Finance and Facilities Committee reported on financial status, budget assumptions for the upcoming fiscal year, and various facility updates. Additionally, the Board Advocacy, Student Success and Programs Committee discussed legislative updates, student opportunity fund initiatives, and curriculum approvals. Various policy revisions were reviewed and approved regarding background checks, campus free speech, code of conduct, grievance resolution, and family and medical leave.

The board received reports on student success stories, staff and faculty senates, finance and facilities, and human resources. Key actions included the approval of personnel recommendations for exempt and non-exempt employees, adoption of an Artificial Intelligence policy, renewal of instructional faculty contracts, and authorization for the conferral of degrees and certificates. The meeting also included discussions on higher education trends, the One Front Door model, workforce development updates, and institutional survey results, followed by an executive session for a presidential evaluation.

The meeting featured a student success story, updates from various college senates, and an overview of institutional strategic initiatives. The Board discussed the integration of Artificial Intelligence in campus operations and academic programming. Financial and facilities updates included a review of quarterly financial reports, revenue and expenditure performance, and status reports on the Performing Arts Center and Hollenbeck Bayley Conference Center. Furthermore, the Board reviewed enrollment statistics, marketing activities, enterprise technology security enhancements, and workforce development progress. Formal actions included approval of personnel recommendations, a revision to the Employee Sick Leave Bank policy, the adoption of an emergency executive succession plan, the bestowal of Staff Emeritus status, and a revision to the academic calendar.