Katherine Boswell

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included the President's Report covering recognitions and employee notices. Key financial matters for consent included the Financial Reports ending January 31, 2026, Budget Amendment #1, and approvals for various renewals and certificate/degree program approvals. Specific items for consideration included the adoption of 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees, the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Phase 2 of the Student Union Building Project, and the legal process for an institutional name change. The board also planned for a closed session to discuss real property and personnel matters, followed by open session action items on those topics, including the annual evaluation and employment contract of the College President.

The meeting included a visualization presentation regarding the construction of a student union building, emphasizing that the project is environmentally friendly and involves two Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) stages to expedite work while bidding the second part. Discussion confirmed the first phase would take approximately three to four months, leading into the main construction. Significant discussion focused on utility relocation, particularly crossing a high-pressure natural gas line, which requires obtaining an agreement from the gas company; this involved reviewing a usage agreement dating back to 1957. The board unanimously approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Phase One of the student union building project at $10,710,897. A subsequent discussion clarified the financing method, stating that the $100 million structure is funded via a tuition revenue bond, utilizing future student tuition and fees as collateral, explicitly confirming no taxpayer money is used. The meeting also featured an annual foundation report, highlighting a 62% year-over-year increase in private donations ($818,000 for the last fiscal year) and a 65% increase in total net assets over the last decade, reaching $13.8 million (or $14.2 million as of December). The foundation awarded $353,000 in student scholarships last academic year, totaling $2 million over five years. The presentation detailed the difference between endowed (perpetuity) and direct scholarships and emphasized the growth of the Bob Glenn endowment program and new initiatives in planned giving and legacy contributions.

The event was the Associate Degree Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony for the LVN-RN Evening Cohort and the fourth graduating class of the traditional ADN evening program. The ceremony honored the graduates' long hours of study, service, and sacrifice, emphasizing the science of nursing, compassion, advocacy, and care. Recognition was given to the college president, administration members, and faculty who significantly impacted the students. Awards presented included the Clinical Excellence Award for both cohorts (awarded to Susan Wood and Elma Contreras, respectively) and the Florence Nightingale Award (awarded to Dakota Bingham and Alexis Lozano, respectively). The event concluded with the recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge and a final prayer.

The board meeting addressed several agenda items following the President's report, which included recognizing a federal grant for electric vehicle charging stations at WCWC, honoring the volleyball coach, confirming no contract employee resignations, and noting an 11.1% enrollment increase for the spring semester compared to the previous year. The consent agenda, items A through C, was unanimously approved. A primary discussion involved the consideration and approval of awarding the contract for a dedicated Ethernet connection (RFGP-7-26) to AT&T Enterprises LLC for an initial three-year term totaling $144,463.75, intended as an upgrade to the circuit connecting the main campus to the Wise County campus. The board also recognized the new Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Delta, an honors society recognizing scholarly achievement in international education, including plans for student outreach, sponsoring an interdisciplinary academic conference, and supporting an EF Tours trip to Peru. Following the closed session, the board ratified the purchase of two real properties: 1407 Sloan Street for $400,000 plus closing costs, and 212 East Rent Street for $255,000 plus closing costs. The proposed 2026-2027 tuition and fees were presented with no increase recommended.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included several key areas for consideration and action. Discussions covered the President's Report, which included recognitions, employee notices, and a Spring Enrollment Update showing an 18 percent increase year-over-year. The consent agenda involved approving financial reports ending December 31, 2025, and acting on a contract quote from Pacific Office Automation for a multi-function print solution totaling $445,092.60 over five years, meeting requirements and representing a cost savings. A key action item was the consideration of the Dedicated Ethernet Connection RFP-7-26, with a recommendation to award the three-year term to AT&T Enterprises LLC for $144,463.75. Reports addressed proposed 2026-27 Tuition and Fees, noting regular rates would remain frozen but recommending increases for HESI A2 and CLEP Testing Center fees due to external vendor cost increases. The board also planned future discussions on the 2026-27 Tuition and Fees adoption and the annual evaluation of the College President. Closed sessions were scheduled to deliberate on real property and personnel matters.