Jennifer Collar

The strategic plan, titled "IMPACT 2035: Building the Future Together," outlines Paris Junior College's roadmap for the next decade, focusing on educational excellence, workforce needs, community aspirations, and institutional growth. The plan is structured around five foundational priorities: academic and workforce innovation, enrollment growth and student success, facilities and technology, community and industry engagement, and institutional identity and culture. It aims to transform lives through high-quality education, build meaningful careers, empower students and communities, and strengthen regional partnerships.

The agenda includes calling the tax hearing to order, public comments regarding the proposed tax rate, and the consideration of several policies including the AI Acceptable Usage Policy, Employment Requirements and Restrictions related to Nepotism, Guidance Programs and Services, Administrative Organization, and Facilities Construction. Also on the agenda is a resolution authorizing the Paris Junior College Faculty Senate, consideration of a contingent fee contract for Delinquent Tax Collection, the 2025-2026 Presidential Contract, and compliance regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives. Further discussion will cover the Financial Report for July 31, 2025, a contract to renovate the former bookstore space, the 2025-2026 Budget, the tax rate, Athletic Department Activities, revised Mission, Vision, and Core Values, and the Strategic Plan: IMPACT 2035. The board will also move into an executive session to discuss personnel matters and real property.

The strategic plan of Paris Junior College aims to serve the region's educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of its diverse community. Key goals include diversifying revenue, providing high-quality education for transfer and workforce success, ensuring access to state-of-the-art technology, delivering business and industry-driven workforce training, increasing retention and completion rates, enhancing awareness of the college's resources, and providing adequate teaching facilities.

The Student Achievement Targets for 2021-2030 aim to improve student success rates in developmental and college-level courses (math, reading, writing), increase credit hour completion and degree/certificate awards, raise graduation and transfer rates, and achieve high placement and licensure rates for workforce programs.

Paris Junior College's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), known as LINC (Learning, Interacting, Networking, and Communicating), aims to improve student success by enhancing their technological skills. The plan addresses concerns regarding students' understanding of basic academic technology and the increasing reliance on technology in the new 8-week course schedule. LINC focuses on four key areas: basic computer skills, Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS), PJC DragonMail (email), and common computer applications. Implementation involves assessing students in designated courses (English 1301, History 1301, Drama 1310, Arts 1301, and Music 1306) using pre- and post-tests. The plan also includes the development of "How To" videos and increased access to computer resources, including new computer labs and laptop distribution. The expected outcome is improved student success rates in all course formats.