Kenny Hernandez

The board meeting included a sociology program overview and updates from various administrators regarding student affairs, academic affairs, and athletics. Key business items involved approving a revised applicant travel reimbursement policy, renewing the Colby Commitment Scholarship, and authorizing the disposition of surplus assets including livestock, IT equipment, and veterinary tools. The board accepted a contract bid for a new ERP system and approved a memorandum of understanding with Newman University to create transfer pathways. Additionally, policy revisions were adopted, the May board meeting date was rescheduled, and both room/board rates and tuition/fee structures for the upcoming academic year were approved. Multiple executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters with no formal actions taken.

The board retreat covered a variety of strategic and operational topics. Discussions included the matching of the Federal IRS Personal Mileage Reimbursement rate, the status of dormitory and kitchen projects, and an overview of the Colby Commitment Scholarship program. Trustees participated in mandatory FERPA and Title IX annual training. Future planning items addressed the adult education contract, debt schedules for callable bonds, and business and industry fund projections. The board also reviewed the college's financial structure, a memorandum of agreement with Newman University, prison enrollment statistics, and the summer course schedule. Additionally, the session included an update on the Higher Learning Commission timeline, a review of institutional goals with a focus on increasing program applicants, a historical overview of the mill levy, and a briefing on anticipated reductions in state and federal fiscal aid.

The board discussed and took action on several administrative and policy matters, including the disposition of surplus equipment and vehicles, and the approval of clinical agreements for the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The board also approved offering postsecondary courses at the Norton Correctional Facility East Unit and adopted a new performance expectations policy. Additionally, the board selected a vendor for a staff computer equipment procurement, approved a student drug testing policy for residence hall students, accepted various staff resignations, and terminated a contract following an executive session.

The board discussed several operational and academic topics, including a student presentation and an overview of the criminal justice program. Administrative reports were provided across student affairs, academic affairs, business affairs, athletics, and executive leadership. The Foundation provided updates on scholarships and giving campaigns. Action items included the disposition of obsolete surplus items, the approval of a kitchen remodel contract for the Student Union, and the adoption of a formal policy regarding lease agreements. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved policies concerning staff recruitment advertising, campus mobile device usage, credit hour definitions, and prison education attendance. The board also approved the expansion of the welding program into an associate degree for correctional facilities and accepted a staff resignation. Finally, the board conducted executive sessions to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included a Program Overview by the Business Instructor, detailing transfer and non-transfer programs, faculty challenges, and a suggestion for enhancing the student meal plan. Administrator reports covered late fall session credit hours, balancing online and face-to-face course offerings, the review of bids for the ERP RFP, and updates on athletic seasons. The President reported on the start of the Colby Grade School After School Program and upcoming travel to Washington, D.C. Business items involved the selection of the Finance Committee slate for 2026, approval of the Board of Trustees Travel and Professional Development Policy, the election of 2026 officers, and the approval of the Gate Stop Policy, aligning with Kansas Department of Corrections standards. New policies concerning payment controls for international online and outreach students were approved, as well as a policy clarifying the college's stance on serving undocumented individuals. The board also accepted the resignation of a Financial Aid Counselor. Two executive sessions were held to discuss non-elected personnel.