Jessica Anders

The Board meeting focused on various procurement and governance items. The Board approved the renewal of group health and prescription drug insurance, dental and vision insurance plans, and life and disability insurance coverage. Additionally, a contract for the Visual and Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study was awarded to Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, and a piggyback contract for athletic uniforms was approved with BSN Sports, LLC. The Board also reviewed and discussed several policy governance documents, including self-monitoring survey results for Board Job Contributions and the Role of the Vice Chair, as well as reviewed policies regarding President Succession, Board Code of Conduct, and a revision to the Role of the Board Chair.

The board addressed several required approvals including the renewal of group health, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for FY 2027. Additionally, the board approved an architectural consulting award for a feasibility study and a piggyback contract for athletic apparel. Other topics included updates on ownership linkage and the budget development process, as well as a review of board performance policies and a revision to the board chair's role. A closed session was scheduled to consult with counsel on legal advice and collective bargaining strategies.

The Board discussed and approved several operational and financial items, including contract renewals for Navigate360, biotechnology lab equipment, and firewalls. The Board decided to oppose pending state legislation (SB 534/HB 839) through testimony to the Maryland General Assembly. Further approvals included the renewal of auditing services with SB & Company, the initiation of a joint RFP for auditing services beginning in FY 2027, the FY 2027 credit tuition and fees, the FY 2027 Auxiliary Enterprise Bookstore budget, and the FY 2027 proposed operating budget. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved revisions to policies GP-5 (Board Linkage with Ownership) and GP-11 (Special Rules of Order).

The Board meeting included discussions on ownership linkage updates and a review of board performance policies, including GP-0 Global Governance Commitment, GP-8 Governing Style, and BCD-6 President Compensation. The Board also reviewed and discussed Governance Process policies GP-4, GP-1, and GP-2. Action was taken to accept monitoring reports for EL-6 Planning and EL-8 Access to Education. Additionally, the Board conducted a closed session regarding the President's contract and approved the First Amendment to the Amended President's Employment Agreement.

The meeting commenced with the Chair wishing everyone a happy new year and expressing appreciation for the Spring Convocation, highlighting positive student feedback on faculty and staff. Board members shared positive impressions of the convocation and reported on representation at the ribbon cutting for the renovated electrical trades lab, noting contributions from Rowan Digital and the FCC Foundation. Discussions covered celebratory events in December, including pinning and graduation ceremonies, and the value of policy governance and Ownership Linkage feedback. The President reported strong Spring semester enrollment momentum, nearing 7,000 students, and announced a new partnership memorandum of understanding with the Washington Freedom cricket team and Infinite Computer Solutions to expand experiential learning opportunities. A major segment focused on the Innovation and Technology Center project, described as a $64 million investment to renovate Catoctin Hall to address instructional and lab space needs in high-demand fields like biotechnology, IT, and advanced manufacturing. The Required Approvals Agenda included the approval of a Piggyback Contract for a Cloud-Based Data Warehouse, a Contract Amendment for Guaranteed Maximum Price #2 for the Renovation of Building M, and a Contract Modification for the Central Plant Optimization Project Phase 2B. The Board reflected on Ownership Linkage sessions, noting recurring themes like critical thinking and collaboration. An early preview of the FY 2027 budget development was presented, outlining institutional priorities, fiscal pressures including a projected $1.5 million state funding reduction, and a proposed 3% tuition increase. The Board reviewed proposed revisions to Policy GP-5 (Board Linkage with Ownership) and Policy GP-11 (Special Rules of Order). Action was taken to approve revisions to the Board of Trustees Bylaws regarding public comment, which passed 6-1. The Board voted 5-2 against supporting pending draft state legislation concerning Board meeting and training requirements. The Board also found evidence of compliance with EL-7 Land Use Monitoring Report.