Jake Deer

The New Mexico Junior College Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap for transformative growth and sustained excellence. It is built upon five strategic goals: enhancing access and student success, delivering academic excellence, ensuring institutional sustainability across financial, human, and technological resources, expanding career and workforce pathways, and fostering community and economic impact. The plan aims to strengthen the college's role as an essential educational and economic anchor for Southeast New Mexico by promoting success through learning, meeting evolving regional needs, and supporting long-term vitality.

The board discussed key operational and financial initiatives, including the approval of the FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Projects. Major project approvals included the Mansur Hall Renovation and the demolition of a former hospital property. The board also addressed the college's Five-Year Capital Plan, authorized a transfer of funds for the Vocational B Renovation programming phase, approved an extension for the Interim President's employment agreement, and adopted a new policy for the honorary naming of campus facilities.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and fiscal matters. Key topics included the President's report covering student athlete achievements, construction and cost management updates on campus projects, and reports from the Board Finance Committee. The board reviewed and accepted the FY June 30, 2025 Audit Report, approved future travel for board members, and authorized a change to the Equine Industry & Training AAS program classification. Additionally, the board discussed personnel matters and the presidential search in a closed session, and reviewed financial, revenue, and investment reports for the current fiscal year.

The board meeting included a review of the president's report, which covered employee updates, accreditation visit progress, and positive spring enrollment growth. Updates were provided regarding the Community College National Legislative Summit, focusing on workforce development, adult education, and childcare access. The board recognized a staff retirement and reviewed financial reports, including expenditure, revenue, and investment updates. Key actions included the reappointment of the college president to the New Horizons Foundation Board, approval of guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contracts for the Agricultural Education Facility, the Indoor Rodeo Arena Expansion, and the Rodeo and Agricultural District Loop Road and Utilities. Additionally, the board approved the disposal of inventory through public auction and adopted revisions to board policy regarding committees.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items for consideration and information. New business featured consideration of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Agricultural Education Facility, the Indoor Arena Expansion, and the Rodeo & Agricultural Education District Loop Road. Other new business items included consideration for the disposal of inventory through public auction, the reappointment of President Cathy Mitchell to the New Horizons Foundation Board, and a revision to NMJC Board Policy 3.2. Information items covered a retirement resolution for Guadalupe L. Aldaz, monthly financial reports (Expenditure, Revenue, Oil and Gas Revenue, and Schedule of Investments), and the re-appointment of Board committees. The meeting also included discussion of limited personnel matters, specifically the annual review of the Interim President and the search for the President, during a closed session.