Lisa Dester

The board discussed the SUNY Adirondack Academic Momentum Plan, an initiative focused on improving student retention and completion, and received an update on the Middle States Self-Study process themed Rooted and Rising. The Chair reported on board activities and recommended pausing the Board Innovation Fund to finalize ongoing projects, specifically the e-Sports Gaming Room, which the board approved. The board also discussed the potential discontinuance of the Hospitality Management degree program due to low enrollment and financial aid eligibility challenges. Additionally, the board received updates on governance, faculty activities, and state budget advocacy, and authorized an agreement with JMZ to refresh the college's Facilities Master Plan.

The Board meeting included reports on SUNY and New York Community College Trustees activities, as well as an overview of college operations, advocacy efforts, and shared services initiatives. The strategic planning process for 2026-2031 was presented for discussion. Key actions included the approval of a sabbatical request, authorization of the college attorney's annual contract, and the consideration of an executive session to discuss real estate, personnel, and legal matters. Faculty representatives provided updates on accreditation progress and academic initiatives.

The board heard a presentation on the college's annual audit, which resulted in a clean opinion with no material weaknesses identified. An update on the Faculty Student Association audit was also provided. The session included the swearing-in of a new Student Trustee and the appointment of a Student Liaison. The Chair reported on the National ACCT Legislative Summit and federal workforce initiatives. Additionally, the board received updates on enrollment figures, middle states accreditation, faculty accomplishments, and workforce collaborations. Nominations for Emeriti status were approved, and an executive session was held to discuss legal, real estate, and personnel matters.

The board discussed a variety of operational and strategic topics. The Chair reported on SUNY and NYCCT initiatives, including updates to presidential search requirements and new communications strategies. The Academic and Student Affairs committee presented recommendations for program modifications and curriculum updates. The President provided updates on State budget advocacy, shared services discussions, and faculty concerns regarding facilities and enrollment. Additionally, the strategic planning process for 2026-2031 was reviewed. The board also approved a sabbatical request and authorized the execution of the annual contract for the college's legal counsel. An executive session was held to discuss real estate, contracts, and personnel matters.

The Board received reports on the annual financial audits for the College and the Faculty Student Association, noting unmodified opinions in both. Additional actions included the swearing-in of the new Student Trustee and the appointment of a Student Liaison to the housing committee. Discussions covered federal workforce initiatives such as the National ACCT Legislative Summit and the implementation of Workforce Pell, alongside governance updates regarding faculty searches and AI syllabus policy. The President provided an enrollment and institutional update, detailing progress on workforce collaborations and state advocacy efforts. The Board also approved the nomination of faculty for Emeriti status and entered an executive session to discuss real estate, attorney contracts, and personnel matters.