Jennifer Barrett-Smith

The Board of Governors received a legislative update from a state senator and reviewed the President's report regarding college media coverage and new initiatives like the Culinary Academy's Fresh Market. Reports on workforce and engineering technologies included updates on grant programs, new apprenticeships, and the launch of an aviation technician program. The Board approved the revised Rule 17.1 regarding the record retention policy. Enrollment management reported a rise in student numbers and the college's designation as a Military Friendly School. Furthermore, the Board approved a tuition and fee increase, various supplemental program fees, and the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The Board of Governors discussed several key administrative and academic topics. The President established a nominating committee for the upcoming academic year and reviewed recent media coverage and institutional initiatives. The Workforce and Engineering Technologies report included updates on upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies for campus laboratories and reviews of federal and state grants. Program reviews were presented for various academic programs, all recommended for continuation. Enrollment management updates highlighted the upcoming commencement ceremony, enrollment growth, and equipment updates for the Radiologic Technology program. The finance report indicated a strong financial position for the third quarter of the fiscal year. Finally, the Board entered an executive session to discuss and subsequently approve the President's contract.

The meeting included a report on the college's eligibility for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and updates regarding an FY27 budget review, the Power Tech Institute, and the Tourism project. The Workforce and Engineering Technologies department introduced a new AI Resource Center that will provide public educational workshops and develop new academic programs. The Board approved the revision and 30-day public comment period for Rule 17.1: Record Retention to align with Federal code. Additionally, the Board reviewed spring 2026 enrollment data and FY26 second-quarter financial reports, specifically discussing grant funding, institutional payroll transitions, and the college's growing net position.

The meeting included the President's report, which highlighted the College's programs and activities, including the Culinary Academy's Thanksgiving goodies sale and the College's Thanksgiving food drive. The College is eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize of Community College Excellence. The College was awarded a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) focusing on training managers to work with employees in recovery and providing supportive services for students. The updated Facilities Master Plan for 2025-2035 was reviewed, and surveys related to the plan will be distributed. Revisions to Rule 15.1 and Rule 15.2 were presented and will be posted for a mandatory comment period. Enrollment data for the fall 2025 semester was presented, reflecting a two percent increase compared to the fall 2024 semester. The FY25 year-end financial reports were presented, indicating an increase in the College's net position.

The meeting included the introduction of the new student and staff representatives. The In the Media report highlighted an EMS partnership with Valley Health and college credit for Tourism module completion. The board reviewed and approved updates to Rule 11.1, aligning with changes in the West Virginia State Code. The Tourism project was discussed, including the creation of an online library of training videos. An overview of ongoing facilities projects and a review of the College's ten-year Facilities Master Plan were presented. Enrollment data for the fall 2025 semester was shared, along with updates on Title IV financial aid and changes to federal student loans.