Karen Gormish

The board received a presentation featuring alumni success stories in celebration of National Community College Month. Academic reorganization plans were approved, including the establishment of a new Health Professions Division, the creation of an Allied Health Department, and the restructuring of the Business and Computer Science departments. The finance committee reviewed and approved several contracts and contract amendments for services ranging from architectural consulting to debt collection and facility repairs. The board authorized reimbursements to the county for the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity strategic investment plan. Human resources actions, including new hires, status changes, separations, and summer employment approvals, were finalized. The board also reviewed the president's expenses for the third quarter and received reports on college events, student achievements, and the college's involvement in the NJ BioFutures Initiative.

The Board of Trustees received a presentation on the transformation of the Human Resources department. Several resolutions were adopted, including approvals for various state and local contract projects, cooperative purchasing agreements, construction and renovation projects, and reimbursements to the County for strategic investment plans. Human resources actions, including new hires, status changes, sabbatical leaves, and separations were approved. Additionally, the Board aligned institutional policy with executive orders and local county policy regarding interactions with federal immigration enforcement, and received updates from various committees and the President on academic and community initiatives.

The board meeting featured a presentation on student success initiatives, the approval of an academic program name change to Radiography, and the authorization of a new LPN-RN bridge program. The finance committee received approval for various cooperative contracts, the rejection of bids for a building renovation project, contract amendments, and the sale of surplus property. Additionally, the board approved the annual operating budget for the next fiscal year, reimbursements for a community investment project, a gas pipeline easement, and adjustments to tuition and fee rates. The human resources committee recommended several hires, status changes, and retirements. Finally, the board appointed officers for Title IX, Section 504, and Civil Rights compliance and held an executive session to discuss potential litigation.

This strategic plan is built on a mission to provide quality, affordable education, support student success, and enhance community life. It is guided by core values including excellence, integrity, diversity, collaboration, transparency, and civility. The plan is structured around five pillars: 'Gateway to Success' (student transition and goal achievement), 'Focus on Students' (broadening learning opportunities), 'Community Engagement' (partnerships for student services), 'Pride in Our Welcoming Environment' (supportive facilities and technology), and 'Equitable and Inclusive Excellence' (fostering systemic change for equity).

The meeting included a presentation on Student Life, focusing on engagement opportunities, services, clubs, and leadership workshops, along with discussions on utilizing student surveys and social media for interest gauging. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee presented and received approval for three resolutions: approving a contract proposal for the "COUNTY COLLEGE- BASE CENTERS FOR ADULT TRANSITION" project with OSHE for $117,882.00; approving a contract proposal for the "COLLEGE READINESS NOW XII" project with NJCCC for $49,972.50; and approving a contract proposal for the "HUNGER FREE CAMPUS ACT GRANT" with OSHE for $27,500.00. The Finance Committee received an unqualified audit report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and approved nine resolutions covering cooperative pricing contracts for equipment and supplies, awards for digital signage replacement and HVAC maintenance, authorization of professional services contracts (engineering, legal, environmental), contracts with non-profit organizations, contract amendments, authorization to sell surplus IT equipment, and approval of payments to architectural, engineering, construction management, and legal firms. The Human Resources Committee received approval for 25 resolutions concerning hires, changes of status (including promotions and stipends), separations (including a resignation and a retirement), and miscellaneous personnel actions, including conferring the honorary title of Professor Emerita upon Dr. Christine Wathen. A resolution was also adopted approving the President's expenses for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. The NJCCC Ambassador reported on the "New Jersey Future Ready" report goals and recent relevant legislation.