Karin Cole

The meeting included a welcome to new staff, recognition of Joyce Kessinger's service, and appreciation for Dr. Sandel's contributions as president. Updates were provided on academic and workforce solutions, including commencement statistics, GED classes, and workforce enrollment trends. A student spotlight featured Yassine Abdelkader. The financial report highlighted local funds and the proposed FY26 budget. Institutional Advancement reported on fundraising success and the Nursing Program's accreditation. Institutional Effectiveness discussed strategic planning and DEI edits. Student Affairs shared positive enrollment trends and student enrichment activities. The board affirmed the Strategic Priorities Update and the 2025 Annual Evaluation Letter to the Chancellor and approved the nomination letter for Dr. Sandel to be considered for VCCS President Emeritus.

The meeting included a welcome to a new board member and a brief presidential recruitment update, noting interviews at the system level have commenced and once finalists are identified, college visits will be the next phase. A board member was acknowledged for his most recent book being published.

The 2022 Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) Strategic Plan outlines five key priorities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; College Access; Academic Success; Economic Success; and Resources to Support the College’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The plan aims to guide annual planning and budgetary decisions, serving as a crucial component of VWCC’s institutional effectiveness process. It is a living document subject to ongoing evaluation and review by college leadership.

The 2022 Virginia Western Community College Strategic Plan outlines five key priorities: diversity, college access, academic success, economic success, and resource allocation to support the college's mission, vision, and values. The plan aims to improve diversity and inclusion, increase enrollment from underrepresented populations, enhance student retention and completion rates, improve workforce readiness and employment outcomes, and secure adequate resources to support these goals. Specific goals include increasing enrollment of Pell-eligible adults, adult learners, veterans, and the ALICE population; improving student retention and graduation rates; increasing the number of students completing workforce credentials; and enhancing facilities and technology. The plan also emphasizes collaboration with community stakeholders and regional employers to meet workforce needs and promote economic development.

The meeting included recognition of college employees, updates on enrollment, the presidential search process, and various college division reports. Reports covered student affairs, including a student spotlight and updates on disability services and TRIO programs; institutional effectiveness, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and strategic planning alignment; institutional advancement, highlighting grant funding, marketing efforts, foundation net assets, and an upcoming gala; human resources, with the approval of emeritus honorees; and financial and administrative services, including a financial report update and capital projects. Academic and workforce solutions updates included program additions (AS in Science: Health Science Major, Agriculture CSC, Plumbing CSC, Introduction to Paramedic CSC) and discontinuances (AS in Health Sciences), along with curriculum advisory committee updates. The meeting concluded with the approval of the 2025 meeting schedule and upcoming committee meetings.