Jerad Claytor

Marion Technical College's Strategic Plan 2013-2018 outlines a commitment to being the community's best choice for learning, providing an enriched and personal educational experience. The plan focuses on three core strategic goals: ensuring student success by fostering a learner-centered environment; achieving community success through collaboration with partners for economic and workforce development; and strengthening institutional success by cultivating a culture of evidence and effective resource utilization. Key elements of the plan include offering accessible higher education, supporting career goals, advancing articulation, contributing to economic development, improving teaching and learning, and broadening educational access.

This Bellwether Nominee Report details Marion Technical College's strategic initiative, 'Growth through Grants,' focused on transforming the institution by leveraging external grant funding through a partnership with Columbus State Community College. The plan outlines a multi-phase approach to enhance institutional capacity, expand student support services, and make strategic infrastructure and equipment investments. The initiative aims to foster a flourishing ecosystem for student success, resulting in increased grant funding, improved student enrollment, and enhanced student outcomes.

The board meeting included discussions on legislative provisions related to curriculum and general education, emphasizing the Board's authority over academic programs and the advisory nature of Faculty Senate recommendations. The Board reviewed and considered revisions to the College's general education curriculum, focusing on areas such as civics, AI, STEM, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. Updates were provided on National Science Foundation grants awarded to the College for STEM education and AI, as well as enrollment growth. The board also reviewed the college's planned reorganization, including the addition of an Executive Director of Grants, a Dean of Technical Studies, and a Dean of Arts and Sciences. The meeting also covered the college's financial condition, capital reserves, and the first revised budget, including adjustments for subsidy increases, salary adjustments, and additional positions to support tutoring and faculty.

The meeting included updates on the College's compliance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the status of the state operating budget, and the approval of Senate Bill 1 regarding the Faculty Evaluation Policy. The President's Report highlighted summer camps, an anticipated increase in subsidy for FY26, and funds raised from the annual golf outing. Discussions covered the College's financial condition, the proposed FY26 budget, and the treatment of students and employees. A draft policy for remote board meetings was also presented and approved. The board also discussed the conversion to 8-week courses for most first-year courses.

The meeting was convened to conference with the College's attorney regarding pending or imminent court action. The board went into executive session to discuss the matter and then reconvened in open session before adjourning.