Joseph Balinski

The board adopted a resolution honoring the service of a former trustee, reviewed communications regarding college partnerships and regional projects, and accepted a financial report. Key actions included the approval of furniture and equipment bids for the CATEE project, authorization for the preconstruction design phase of a new dental hygiene clinic, and acceptance of the Single Audit Act Compliance report for federal financial aid programs. Additionally, the board granted full status to three faculty members, approved an honorary degree recipient for the upcoming commencement, and received a bi-annual foundation report regarding fundraising goals and status.

This strategic plan outlines a roadmap focused on four key priorities: Student Success, Academics, Investment in People, and Leadership. It aims to increase student success by improving recruitment, retention, and satisfaction, while also enhancing student access, engagement, and support through optimized facilities and technology. The plan seeks to update and expand academic programming, foster employee engagement and retention, and grow the organization's role as a regional leader in sustainability and community collaboration.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda and the introduction of resident assistants for the semester. Key communications included updates on NCMC offering summer housing, the Class of 2025 Nurse Pinning Ceremony, expansion of Fast Track healthcare scholarships, and a new 2+2 elementary education partnership with UM-Dearborn. The board also received an update on sophomore volleyball player Chloe Winchell signing with Doane University and a letter of appreciation from Char-Em ISD regarding support for their Transition Classroom. Faculty provided updates, including gratitude for active shooter mitigation training and reaffirmation of support for peaceful student protest. The Financial Report for December 2025 was presented and certified as within budget. Reports covered Welcome Back Week, NCMC's nomination for Organization of the Year, and the President's approval of two new programs: the Nursing (AAS) LPN to RN Bridge Pathway and the Game Design Certificate. New Digital Media Administrator Jasper Warner was introduced, and the PTK Chapter's achievement of Five-Star Chapter Status was celebrated. The Finance & Facilities Committee recommended and the Board approved tuition rates and fees for the upcoming 2026-2027 semesters, along with setting dorm room and meal plan rates, which included a 5.3 percent increase for meal plans due to food costs. Furthermore, the committee recommended, and the Board approved, the purchase of the Matthews Building for the new Dental Hygiene Clinic at a cost of $2,500,000, contingent on financing and fundraising efforts, and adopted a comprehensive naming plan for the clinic project. The Personnel Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the appointment of Dr. Mark Mercer to the Foundation Board.

The purpose of this Organizational Meeting was to formally accept a resignation, appoint a trustee to fill the subsequent vacancy, elect a new board chair, and determine committee assignments. The Board accepted the resignation of Dan Rasmussen effective immediately. John Fought was appointed to fill the vacant seat through the remainder of the term. Trustee Pretty was subsequently elected as the new board chair. New committee assignments were established for 2026, including the designation of chairs for the Bylaws & Policy Committee and the Finance & Facilities Committee, while the Personnel Committee retained its chair.

The meeting included an introduction of two men's basketball players, Gavin Goetz and Rylan Matelski, who discussed their academic pursuits and athletic season. Communications highlighted NCMC being named a top 200 U.S. Community College eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize, an article featuring the CCAMPIS initiative which supports parenting students with advising and childcare assistance, and recognition for the Women's Volleyball team's All-Conference honors. The President's Reports covered stepped-up campus safety training through NIMS/ICS implementation, the success of the annual Food Drive resulting in 455 pounds of donations, record participation in the Thanksgiving Meal Program, a CNC Open House event, and an upcoming LPN Pinning Ceremony and Holiday Party. The Finance & Facilities Committee reviewed October financials and progress on the CATEE Project. The Curriculum Committee reviewed and recommended for approval the new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene program proposal.