Kerrie Jean Lovins

The town hall covered key board actions, including the approval of a 3.73% increase in the comprehensive fee for the upcoming academic year and a successful vote regarding faculty tenure, promotions, and emeritus status. The session also addressed current enrollment trends and the competitive landscape of higher education. Furthermore, the Board formally approved a new institutional strategic plan, which will be unveiled at the start of the next academic year.

Key discussions during the meeting included a report from the Faculty Executive Committee (FEC) regarding proposed policy changes for third-year reviews, tenure and promotion, and faculty committee elections. The President provided an update on strategic priorities, such as the brand launch, institutional review, the Four Corners Pledge, the Career Catalyst Program, and the Science Building project, noting a final strategic planning draft is anticipated in June 2026. The Board Chair discussed Board goals focusing on presidential priorities, institutional strength, shared governance, and alumni engagement, recommending the creation of an Alumni Engagement & Advancement Committee. In committee updates, the Investment Committee policy changes regarding benchmarking and asset allocation were approved. The Buildings, Grounds & Infrastructure Committee secured approval for its Charter and approved a needs-based approach framework for the Science Building project. The Audit Subcommittee deferred action on scholarship language pending further review. Discussions also covered Board composition and skills review by the Governance Committee.

This document provides an update on the state of Colorado College, outlining current achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities. Key strategic areas include enhancing academic excellence through immersive learning and research, improving institutional health via fundraising, enrollment expansion, and brand refresh, and strengthening alumni engagement. The college is also focused on developing a comprehensive institutional strategic plan, upgrading science facilities, and actively addressing broader challenges in higher education, reaffirming the enduring value of a liberal arts education in cultivating critical thinking and societal contributions.

The schedule outlines the multi-day meeting activities for the Board of Trustees, commencing with optional class attendance and committee meetings on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Key sessions scheduled for Thursday, February 19, include the Budget & Finance Committee Meeting, Buildings, Grounds & Infrastructure Committee Meeting, and the Investment Committee Meeting. Friday, February 20, features two Plenary Sessions, addressing topics such as NIL Guiding Principles, Institutional Review Update, Enrollment Update, and Fortifying Our Institutional Strength. The main Business Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, where action items include recommendations for the Comprehensive Fee, Restricted Gifts Eligibility Language, Governance Committee Charter, Student Success Charter, Faculty Tenure Track Promotions, Faculty & Staff Emeritus Status Honorary Designation, and Honorary Degree Nominations. The Saturday session concludes with an Executive Session.

This Divisional Strategic Plan sets a focused agenda to strengthen Colorado College's academic mission. It is structured around three core themes: Faculty Academic Excellence, Student Academic Journey to Excellence, and Learning and Impact Beyond the Campus. The plan aims to cultivate independence of thought, promote creativity, ethical leadership, and prepare students for purposeful lives, inquiry, leadership, and impact. Key strategies include investing in faculty development, enhancing curricula and pedagogy, strengthening academic advising, and expanding external engagement through alumni partnerships, public scholarship, and educational collaborations.