Jessica Gonzales

The key discussions and actions during the meeting involved the organization of the Board, including the appointment of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Clerk. Appointments were also confirmed for the Foundation Committee, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee. The President reported on progress towards removal from HLC probation, legislative session activities, and plans for road and rodeo house arena maintenance. Academic Affairs noted that classes began with 194 course offerings, the launch of the new Canvas LMS, and upcoming starts for welding and CDL programs. Student Services addressed the ongoing search for a recruiter and reported record registration numbers for corrections services. Furthermore, the Board discussed sports reports for rodeo, golf, and esports teams. Following an executive session covering personnel matters, litigation, and real property/water rights, the Board took action to extend the President's contract by two years. The meeting concluded with the adjournment action.

The regular board meeting involved several key actions and reports. The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda items. A significant action was the approval of the purchase of a Kenworth Semi Truck to support the growing Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, which anticipates serving eight students every six weeks starting March 2026. The Academic Affairs report noted participation in the DEAL Program for adult learners and mentioned the upcoming draft decision regarding the Institutional Advisory Council (IAC) hearing. Financial matters discussed included the approval of the November 2025 Financial Report, with ongoing adjustments related to the FY2025 audit. The Executive Director of Operations reported on building insurance work completion, upcoming roof construction bids, and requests for legislative funding for new vehicles and security improvements, noting the wind turbine replacement is contingent on funding. The Board also recognized two retiring members for their years of service before entering and reconvening from an executive session for personnel, litigation, and real property matters.

The meeting included updates on the HLC draft report, indicating a recommendation to remove the college from probation, and preparations for an upcoming HLC IAC hearing. The board discussed the FY-24 Exit Audit, focusing on findings and progress in addressing them, and reviewed the September 2025 Financial Report. Academic affairs covered Canvas training for faculty, communication strategies with students, and potential community education programs. Student affairs highlighted advising activities, financial aid disbursements, the Fall Rodeo, and the development of a new MCC website. Additionally, the board approved a purchase requisition related to a death loss of calves and received updates on campus-wide improvements and facility use for a spay and neuter clinic. The board also entered and reconvened from an executive session to discuss limited personnel matters, litigation, and real property and water rights.

The Mesalands Community College Board of Trustees convened to discuss several key items. The board addressed financial matters, including moving funds from Wells Fargo to a CD and reviewing the FY24 audit. Academic affairs were discussed, including updates on class sessions, workshops, and program developments such as the AWS certificate and CDL exams. Student services provided updates on financial aid disbursement, spring semester enrollment, and upcoming heritage celebrations. Administrative affairs covered insurance claims, energy compliance initiatives, and museum updates. The board also entered an executive session for personnel, litigation, and real property matters.

The board meeting included the introduction of new personnel, including the Senior Executive Director for Human Resources, the Chief Financial Options, the Chief Information Officer, the coordinator of the phlebotomy program, and the Chief Diversity Inclusion Equity and Belonging Officer. The budget was submitted on time, and two significant reports were completed and submitted by the deadline. The board also shared that they received a $700,000 grant for the nursing program to build a nursing education center.