Gayle Arries

The meeting commenced with the call to order and approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the Building Committee report, which noted the Pickens Hall project is on schedule for completion in Q4 2026, and recommended proceeding to Phase II construction for the Anderson Campus Transportation and Logistics Hub, not to exceed $31 million. The Building Committee also provided updates on concurrent projects like the Central Plaza and front drive expansion, along with several repair and relocation projects. The Finance Committee reported a favorable financial position, leading to the approval of two new prioritized full-time faculty positions in math and biology. Enrollment trends were reported as favorable, and investment strategies generated $1.1 million in unrestricted operating income. The President's Report featured an overview of BudgetCon, a financial literacy workshop for students, and an update on the Dual Enrollment Academy, for which a $510,000 funding request to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation was discussed. A legislative update provided revised revenue forecasts for FY2025-26 and initial forecasts for FY2026-27. The Commission reviewed progress on its 2025-2026 goals. The Chair appointed a Nomination Committee to prepare a slate of officers for the February 2026 meeting. The Commission entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, returning to open session to unanimously approve Dr. Galen DeHay's Agency Head Performance Management Form for FY2026-2027.

The meeting included reports from the Building, Finance, and Curriculum and Instruction Committees. The Building Committee discussed the Pickens Hall project, Anderson Campus development, and other projects. The Finance Committee reviewed the FY25--26 budget, state budget updates, and recommended investing in the State Treasurer's Office (STO) Local Government Investment Pools (LGIPs). The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed the Academic Program Strategy and proposals to create Cybersecurity AAS and Physical Therapy Assisting AAS credentials. There were also updates on Learning Beyond Campus, enrollment, the Foundation, the Board of Visitors, and strategic planning.

The meeting included reports from the Building, Finance, and Curriculum and Instruction Committees. The Building Committee reported on the progress of the Pickens Hall Project and detailed design efforts at the Anderson Campus. The Finance Committee reviewed the 2025 external audit results, which showed a "clean" opinion with no identified errors or internal control weaknesses. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed and approved proposals to create two new credentials: HVAC Residential certificate and HVAC Commercial Controls certificate. The President's report covered career and employability resources, a foundation update, and a legislative update on telecommuting policies. The board also discussed and approved the 2025-2026 board goals.

The meeting included a review of the FY26 budget, with a proposed $5.8 million increase in revenue year over year. Budgetary amounts are the result of estimates in relation to current year results, preliminary and ongoing state budget discussions, and conservative budgetary assumptions and practices.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. The agenda included approval of institutional policies and Board of Visitors By-Laws. The Building Committee reported on the progress of the Pickens Hall project and potential cost increases from anticipated tariffs, as well as updates on construction at the Anderson Campus and relocation of the HVAC program. The Finance Committee recommended deferring action on the FY25-26 operating budget and increasing the Business Administration program fee. Updates were provided on enrollment, strategic planning, community outreach initiatives, legislative matters, and the Foundation's activities. The meeting concluded with a report from the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners and announcements of upcoming events.