James R. Coleman

The strategic goals of Western Piedmont Community College are organized around three core pillars: academic excellence, community outreach, and enriching college life. The college aims to cater to diverse intellectual needs through various educational programs, including vocational, technical, remedial, transfer, and lifelong learning. It seeks to actively engage with the community by providing inter-school services, collaborating with governmental agencies, and serving as a cultural and recreational hub. Furthermore, the college is committed to student success by offering comprehensive advisement, counseling, educational support, cultural activities, and financial aid, preparing students as contributing citizens for the evolving demands of the 1980s.

Discussions during the January 8, 1965 meeting included the approval of a prospectus, advising that transfer student policy would likely require a 'C' average or above, and authorizing the President to call Homer Lawrence for the position of Dean of Occupational Education. Concerns were raised about filling senior positions before the college site was settled. The Board authorized the Executive Committee to act on employing key personnel when full Board meetings are not scheduled. The Buildings & Grounds Committee recommended A. G. Odell, Jr. and Associates as the architect, which the Board approved, authorizing negotiation for a contract. The Finance Committee reported on the property appraisal for the School for the Deaf, and the Board voted to offer the top appraisal price ($91,000) and begin looking for alternative property sites. Subsequent meetings in March, May, July, September, November, and October addressed various topics including approving curricula, authorizing timber sale, seeking bond anticipation notes for site purchase, discussing Title VI Civil Rights Act compliance, approving preliminary building drawings, authorizing the establishment of a College Foundation, setting a goal to open the College in Fall 1966, and approving a minimum budget for the upcoming fiscal year. A special meeting in November focused on approving preliminary architectural drawings for three initial buildings.

The Trustees discussed several committee reports and agenda items. The Finance Committee received approval for budget revisions S-17 and S-18 related to distributing employee bonuses and Perkins Funds. A blanket authorization for miscellaneous travel for the new College President was approved. The Buildings and Grounds Committee discussed the unsuitable soil report for the Emergency Services Training Complex and scheduled a follow-up meeting. Personnel matters included the unanimous approval of Sandra Hoilman as Assistant Controller and the approval of the revised President's compensation package and Contract of Employment. Policy Manual amendments concerning student grade information and the adoption of a new policy regarding bonus leave were also approved. The Trustees also adopted resolutions commending Richard N. Greene and C. Malone McNeely, and acknowledging the Presidential Screening Committee, shortly before confirming Dr. Jim W. Burnett as the fifth President.

The meeting addressed several administrative and financial items. The Finance Committee presented budget revisions S-19 and S-20 for redistributing supplemental funding for nursing students and distributing performance funds for employee bonuses, which were unanimously approved. The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported on discussions regarding a letter of agreement for the proposed pavilion operation, with Trustees authorizing the Executive Committee to approve revisions. The Personnel Committee successfully nominated Nancy L. Daniel for the Public Services Librarian position. Additionally, updates were provided on the Allied Health & Science Higher Education Center, including funding sources for an assessment study to be conducted by Western Carolina University, and preliminary registration numbers indicated a slight decrease. Further discussion was scheduled for naming campus roadways at the next meeting.

The meeting agenda included several key items spanning different divisions and committees. Discussions and actions related to Student Success and Support Services covered the Student Government Association report and the annual presentation on the WPCC Strategic Plan (2016 - 2021). The Administrative Services/CFO report addressed the introduction of new employees, legislation regarding the NC Total Retirement Benefit Cap, updates on facilities, and the presentation of the FY 2019-2020 College Budget, which totaled $21,987,139, with 48% allocated to curriculum instruction. The Finance Committee recommended approval of the budget. The Buildings and Grounds Committee addressed numerous project updates, including approving amendments and final close-outs for renovations and repairs across several campus buildings (H Building, Moore Hall, Patton Hall, E Building), approving funding for the new Trades Building construction, and approving the disposal of surplus items. An update on the land sale to Homes Urban was provided. Additionally, the agenda covered updates on the Presidential Search, including approval for additional services from the consultant for finalist week activities, an update from the Vice President for Academic Affairs on new program offerings, a foundation update, and the initiation of the Trustees of Western Piedmont Community College Self Evaluation.