Hector Balderas

The regular meeting agenda included subcommittee reports (Housing, Audit/Finance/Facilities, Academic/Student Affairs, Governance, HERC), the President's Report, and reports from the Faculty Senate and Student Senate Presidents. Key action items involved the approval of the Certificate in Technical Trades (Carpentry) and the first reading of a proposed Certificate of Engineering and Technology in Cybersecurity, developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Lab. The Finance Vice President reported on Budget Adjustments for FY2026 and discussed the Executive and LFC Budget Recommendations regarding formula funding, compensation increases, and the impact of potential federal funding cuts. The Governance Committee reported on the unanimous approval of the 2026 Open Meetings Act Resolution and the completion of mandatory HED Regent Training by all members, as well as progress on creating a comprehensive onboarding binder for new regents. A significant event during the President's report was the recognition of the Gallegos family for their donation of $250,000 for scholarships, contributing to the completion of a million-dollar fundraising campaign for various college initiatives. Additionally, two security staff members were recognized for their recent outstanding service.

The Board of Regents meeting agenda covered several key areas. Subcommittee reports included discussions on the 2026 Open Meetings Act Resolution, which requires adoption, and informational updates from the Housing, Audit, Finance, Facilities, Academic and Student Affairs, and HERC Committees. The academic affairs section included action required for the approval of a new Certificate in Technical Trades (Carpentry) and an informational item on a Cybersecurity Certificate. The President's report highlighted community involvement, including the successful HLC accreditation process, congratulations to departments with successful accreditations (Business and Engineering), and updates on the Nursing Department's accreditation status. Academic spotlights featured Steve Cox's Parkinson's Glove project receiving a significant grant and Dr. Sushmita Nandy's participation in a mentoring panel. Community engagement included the return of the Great Garlic Revival. Financial discussions centered on the CUP/NMICC unified higher education priorities presented to the LFC, concerns regarding potential flat state employee salary adjustments due to revenue projections, and capital infrastructure investment strategy. The board approved the minutes from the October 31, 2025, meeting and the asset disposal of obsolete equipment. A significant discussion involved the National Student Exchange (NSE) program, which the college plans to fund via the President's Eagle Fund for two years to establish it sustainably, allowing students to participate in exchanges starting the following fall semester.

The regular meeting agenda covered multiple discussion points and action items. Subcommittee reports were provided by the Housing, Audit, Finance, Facilities, Governance, and HERC Committees. Action items included approval for Asset Disposal and approval of a Certificate in Technical Trades (Carpentry). The meeting included a Deep Dive on the National Student Exchange program and scheduled an Executive Session for discussions on personnel matters, bargaining strategy, litigation, and real estate acquisition or disposal. Following the executive session, the Board received the President's Report, which celebrated recent accomplishments such as a clean audit for the foundation, the ribbon-cutting for the cosmetology facility revitalization, the 'Northern Rising' event at the El Rito campus, fundraising updates for the President's Eagle Campaign, the opening of the 'Knowledge Concourse' exhibit at the Sunport, successes of the internship program, and a new electrical vocational program collaboration with the Department of Corrections. Updates were also provided on Native American Heritage Week, Sky Fest, and community garden projects. The Vice President for Finance presented on the Metal Trades Roofing replacement project, which was approved, and discussed the Fiscal Watch Reports. The Faculty Senate President and Student Senate President provided reports on routine business and campus improvement initiatives, respectively.

The agenda included subcommittee reports from the Housing Committee, Audit, Finance, Facilities Committee, Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Governance Committee, and HERC Committee. The board discussed student housing improvements, the New Mexico Higher Education Unified Budget Request, and enrollment numbers, which have increased by 12%. Celebrations included Hispanic Heritage Week events and the launch of a peer mentoring program. The acquisition of a portable planetarium and mental health trainings were also highlighted. The board also reviewed the Metal Trades Roofing Replacement project, and the Fiscal Watch Report.

This document details student retention at Northern New Mexico College, emphasizing its high priority and reporting to higher education departments and legislators. It outlines the retention measure as the percentage of full-time, first-time freshmen who re-enroll for their second and third fall semesters. The report presents historical actuals, targets, and benchmarks from 2008 to 2024. The college has implemented an integrated, campus-wide approach to first-year student retention, including mandatory advising and a revised new student orientation, to identify programs and improve student persistence and success.