Josh Berry

The regular meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a public comment period. In the Treasurer's Report, financial statements for December 2025 were reviewed, noting that the Budget Cabinet will soon begin work on tuition and fee recommendations for the March meeting, and that Broadcasting fund revenue is down year-over-year despite receiving donations. The consent agenda was approved, which included the acceptance of minutes from Special, Dinner, and Regular meetings held in November and December 2025. Key administrative actions included the unanimous approval of the 2026 regular meeting calendar, revisions to the Attendance Policy for Administrative/Professional and Support Staff, and revisions to Board Policies 8.009 (Sexual Misconduct & Gender Discrimination) and 8.010 (Title IX - Sexual Harassment Policy). The Board also approved a five-year renewal agreement for the Learning Management System, D2L, and approved the purchase order and total project budget for the Water Tower Pump Automation Project from Johnson & Wood. The President's Report included an enrollment update showing registration at 8,633 students as of January 13, 2026, exceeding the contact hour projection by 112%, and welcomed a new Dean. Trustee comments acknowledged new leadership and congratulated award recipients.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the approval of the agenda and a public comment period. The Treasurer's Report provided financial statements for December 2025 and mentioned that the Budget Cabinet will begin working on tuition and fee recommendations for the March Board Meeting. Key actions included the approval of the 2026 regular meeting calendar, and revisions to three board policies: Attendance Policy for Administrative/Professional and Support Staff, Board Policy 8.009 Sexual Misconduct & Gender Discrimination, and Board Policy 8.010 Title IX - Sexual Harassment Policy. The Board also approved a five-year renewal agreement for the Learning Management System, D2L. Furthermore, the purchase order and budget for the Water Tower Pump Automation Project with Johnson & Wood were approved. The President's Report covered the Winter Semester enrollment update, noting registration numbers and contact hours exceeded projections, and welcomed the new Dean of Occupational Programs and Workforce Strategies, Dr. Ski VanderLaan. Information sharing celebrated Phi Theta Kappa's five-star status, recognized an associate director with the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, and listed upcoming college events. Trustee comments welcomed new personnel and acknowledged recent retirees.

The Special Meeting focused on the discussion and approval of the Presidential Profile. The Chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee provided an update following a session facilitated by a search consultant. Trustees engaged in a vigorous discussion, leading to careful revisions of the profile. A motion was passed to ensure consistent language regarding "belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion" and the order of counties, as well as to have the document reviewed by legal counsel for non-substantive changes. Subsequently, the Board unanimously approved the Presidential Profile incorporating the agreed-upon changes.

Key discussions during the meeting included public comment regarding a request for Delta to adopt a bid system favoring local vendors. The Treasurer's report noted a discrepancy in the interest amount for the financial statements ending November 30, 2025. The Board unanimously approved several consent agenda items, including the acceptance of minutes from prior meetings. Key actions involved the appointment of a Secretary Pro Tem and Assistant Secretary Pro Tem, effective January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the Board approved renaming the College gymnasium to the "Carlyon Gym" to honor Don and Betty Carlyon, approved the preliminary 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule, renewed the College Net contract for three years, and approved a permanent easement for the Midland Underground Electrical Line project, including an amendment for an indemnifying clause. The President's Report highlighted strong Winter 2026 registration projections, congratulations to the women's soccer team for winning the NJCAA National Tournament, details on a recent food drive, and the establishment of a 3+1 Articulation Agreement with Central Michigan University. The Board also discussed and voted on modifications to the presidential profile during open session following a closed session to review attorney-client privileged material.

The Board meeting included public comments from local residents and a former staff member. The Board accepted the annual financial statements and audit for FY 2024-2025. They also discussed and approved the N Wing Roof Replacement and the S Wing Lighting Upgrade Project. An interim presidential contract for Andrea Ursuy was approved, and the updated Presidential Search Advisory Committee membership was shared. The Board also received an update on student success with a tour of the newly renovated K Wing. The president's report included an enrollment update and congratulations to the women's soccer and volleyball teams.