Judi Yorges

The Board of Trustees reviewed and considered the proposal for a new Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Leadership at Peru State College. The discussion covered descriptive information, program requirements, evidence of need and demand within the workforce, resource adequacy, and the alignment of the proposed degree with the mission of the institution and the state’s comprehensive plan for postsecondary education.

The Board reviewed and considered the acceptance of the Single (federal) audit for the Nebraska State College System for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The audit, performed by BKD, yielded an unmodified opinion with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses reported regarding the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.

The Board meeting included an executive session regarding litigation and personnel matters. Key agenda items covered the revision of various board policies, including those related to professional development, anti-harassment, and student trustees. The Board authorized the Chancellor to explore deficit appropriation opportunities and negotiated salary provisions. Additionally, the Board approved several academic program additions for Chadron State College, an interlocal agreement for Peru State College, and a dual degree program agreement for Wayne State College. Significant fiscal and facilities actions included the acceptance of a revenue bond audit, the approval of a cyber security services agreement, the allocation of remaining bond funds for the Chadron State College stadium project, and the approval of design and construction actions for the Wayne State College athletic and recreation project. Informational reports were provided on the strategic plan, student trustee nominations, grant awards, capital construction status, and campus student activities.

The Board reviewed and discussed program review recommendations for various academic offerings at Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College. Key topics included the assessment of program quality and effectiveness for fields such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Mathematics, Organizational Management, Technical Occupations, and Engineering Technology. Discussions covered faculty resource needs, facility improvements, enrollment trends, and efforts to align programs with regional workforce demands and state standards.

The board discussed several items including the approval of the Distinguished Service Award for Peru State College and the appointment of a committee for the Peterson Fine Arts renovation project. Policies were revised regarding academic degrees, conflicts of interest, political activities, and employment terms for various staff categories. The board also acted on salary policies, program reviews, and the continuation or addition of various academic programs and minors across the state college system. Financial and facility matters were addressed, such as approval of audit contracts, capital improvement fund allocations for multiple campus projects, and an interlocal agreement for sewer services. Additionally, the board reviewed operating budgets, room and board rates, and various informational reports covering financial performance, construction projects, and future meeting schedules.