Gretchen Mester

The meeting featured a retirement recognition for the college president, honoring her 14-year tenure, as well as formal acknowledgments of service for two outgoing trustees and the student trustee. Various citations were presented by state and local representatives. Additionally, the board approved a faculty promotion recommendation, which includes an associated salary increase for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Board of Trustees met to address the agenda and discussed key action items. These included the consideration of a consent agenda and the formal acceptance of the fiscal year 2025 federal grants audit report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion from auditors. Additionally, the meeting included a review of future budget development timelines and concluded with an executive session to address personnel matters.

The board meeting focused on honoring a former trustee by awarding them trustee emeritus status, including the presentation of a medallion. Additionally, a faculty member presented a sabbatical report detailing their research on a reverse migration journey from the United States to Honduras, including findings on cultural, historical, and community connections, and plans for future outreach projects such as exhibitions and a TED talk.

The board discussed a change in leadership with the resignation of the chair and the subsequent assumption of the role by the vice chair. An election was held for a new vice chair. The board also received reports on the presidential search process, the foundation's fundraising and strategic initiatives, and updates from the academic council and administrative staff organization.

The Board of Trustees discussed several key operational and strategic items. The Chair provided an update on the presidential search process, noting the engagement of an external firm and the formation of a committee to manage the search. Reports were delivered by the oversight, budget, and facilities committees, covering topics such as policy updates, fiscal year 2026/2027 budget planning, and potential property development adjacent to the campus. Additionally, the Foundation provided a fundraising update, and a presentation was delivered regarding an institutional strategy for the innovative and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in higher education.