Heather Kincaid

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting. A new Trustee, Christy Chavez, was inducted. Key discussions involved the Financial Report, noting increases in tuition and fees revenue (4.15%) and total expenses (5.7%), including unexpected electrical surge expenses estimated between $60,000 and $70,000 requiring insurance reimbursement. The Administrative Report detailed current hiring efforts across various faculty and staff positions, and noted recent resignations. A facilities update was presented regarding new wayfinding signage, a project totaling $115,000, which involved installing 329 indoor signs and one LED monument sign. Policy revisions were approved to comply with Senate Bill 1, including commitments to intellectual diversity, which required modifications to the Policy and Procedure manual. The President's Report covered diploma conferrals (453), updates on the InCert Academy, recognition of staff service, and the Foundation Scholarship Ceremony ($170,000 awarded). Additionally, discussions covered state higher education priorities from an OACC Governance Meeting, workforce development data, and a showcase of the college's collaboration efforts during a Workforce Playbook meeting.

The meeting included recognition of a student and a staff member. Financial reports were presented, covering "Then and Now" reports, variance reports, quarterly revenue expenses, and efficiency reports. The administrative report covered open positions and personnel changes. The student affairs report discussed summer and fall enrollment numbers, credit hours, and strategies for increasing enrollment, including the Free College program. The President's Report highlighted the ARC Power Grant, the BB2C Community & Career Connected Learning Summit, the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, and Y.E.S. Days. The board also entered and exited an executive session.

The Board of Trustees meeting included administrative reports, a President's report with updates on campus reopening and introductions of new staff, and discussions on institutional advancement and enrollment. The board also reviewed and approved revisions to Appendix G (Standing Committees of the College) and Appendix H (Organizational Chart), as well as a proposed Campus Animal Policy. An executive session was held to discuss employment and dismissal of a public employee and pending court action.

The meeting included discussions and approvals of several key items, including the agenda, the minutes from the March meeting, and the financial report for FY24. Updates were provided on Human Resources, including new hires and resignations, and on Facilities, specifically the B Wing renovations and bridge project. The board also discussed a potential college name change to reflect the offering of a BSN, narrowing down the options and deciding to conduct a public poll. A presentation was given on the Rural Guided Pathways initiative.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as financial reports, administrative updates, and the president's update on enrollment and academic matters. The board reviewed and approved financial reports, including the FY24 audit report presented by Rea and Associates, and discussed variance reports related to student tuition and fees. They also addressed administrative matters, including open HR positions and updates on health insurance premiums. Additionally, the board discussed enrollment numbers, academic updates including AI training for faculty and staff, accreditation progress for nursing and physical therapy programs, and the approval of an additional location at Warren High School. The board also conducted a self-evaluation and chair evaluation, nominated the chair and vice chair for the upcoming year, and approved the Board of Trustees calendar. Furthermore, they elected Dr. Sarah Parker as the 8th president of Washington State College of Ohio and approved entering and exiting an executive session. The meeting also covered purchases not in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.41(D), proposed FY26 fees, and the approval of an expenditure for the Science Lab Renovation.