Keegan Bain

This strategic plan outlines the direction for Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell, aiming to establish it as a premier community college focused on student success, engaged learning, and dynamic community partnerships. The plan is structured around three strategic goals: Student Success, Community Success, and Institutional Success. Key objectives include increasing student enrollment and completion rates, enhancing community outreach and partnerships, and improving campus infrastructure, employee development, and internal and external communications, all while enriching lives through learning and upholding values of excellence, integrity, and unity.

The board meeting covered several critical items, including administrative updates on campus enrollment, budget status, and the progress of ongoing capital projects such as the greenhouse, outdoor pavilion, and roof replacements. Officers were elected for the board. The board discussed campus security, specifically regarding the Clery Act and emergency operations. Additionally, the board approved emeritus status for Dr. Loyd Hughes, finalized the 2026 meeting schedule, and received information regarding recent art installations and upcoming administrative changes within the university leadership.

The meeting included Chancellor remarks regarding legislative strategy development for the 2026 session and preparation for a special session, noting increased enrollment metrics across the system. The ENMU-Roswell President discussed a Constitution Day event, potential program expansions in nursing and aviation maintenance technology, and reviewed fall enrollment data showing a decrease in overall enrollment but an increase in semester credit hour production. Key action items included approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. Major actions involved the approval of hiring ASA Architects for the Child Development Center improvements and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, and the approval of hiring Parkhill Architects for the Aviation Maintenance Technology building expansion, funded partly by a 2024 General Obligation Bond. The Board also approved proceeding with the construction phase for the Instructional Technology Center roof replacement, funded by insurance proceeds and capital reserves. Approval was granted for the construction of the Gerald Shumaker pavilion, which will serve as an outdoor learning space. Furthermore, the Board approved the installation of a gas manifold for the welding program to enhance safety and efficiency. Finally, capital outlay requests totaling $809,000 for the 2026 Legislative Session were approved, covering items such as IT infrastructure, simulation platforms, and equipment replacement for various programs and the physical plant. The Board also convened briefly in a closed session to discuss one limited personnel matter.

The meeting included the swearing in of three newly re-elected Board members. Key discussions involved Chancellor remarks on increased student enrollment, positive outcomes from the One Eastern initiative, and efforts to utilize guided pathways. The ENMU-Roswell President reported the passage of the mill levy which will provide expansion funding for career and technical education programs. Construction updates were provided for multiple ongoing projects, including the Greenhouse, Fire Suppression, Central Walkway, and Nursing Expansion. The Board also discussed Foundation support metrics, including scholarship distributions. Action items included the approval of the mid-year Budget Adjustment Request (BAR) for the 2025-2026 academic year, which included transferring funds for student financial obligations. Additionally, the Board approved numerous fee proposals for Academic Year 2026-2027 across Technical Education (Automotive, Aviation, Construction, HVAC, Welding), Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences programs, generally increasing fees due to rising market costs or removing unused fees. Approval was also granted for establishing the ENMU-Ruidoso campus as an additional location for the Nursing program, allowing students there to earn an ENMU-Roswell associate degree. Finally, the Fall 2025 graduation list, showing a significant increase in degrees and certificates compared to Fall 2024, was approved. The session concluded with discussions held in closed session regarding pending litigation and evaluation of the President.

The meeting included discussions and updates on strategic priorities, particularly strengthening community partnerships through collaboration with the National Championship Air Races (NCAR) in Roswell. Updates were provided on enrollment figures, faculty and staff data, and the exploration of a mill levy to improve career and technical education programming. The board also discussed potential federal grant reductions and their impact on staff. Construction updates were shared, including the nursing expansion program. The board also discussed the deactivation of the automotive tech diesel program, the 2025-2026 academic calendar, and a potential physical therapy program.