Lori Barber

CEI utilizes a flexible furthering framework designed to keep CEI agile, innovative, and responsive to market pressure while ensuring that change is data-driven, research-based, and measurable. The framework shows what data CEI collects and why it is analyzed, how data is communicated across the entire campus, encourages each department to scan and respond to the constantly shifting environment and shows possible lines of administrative support so the institution can pivot to capitalize on its opportunities. Most buildings at CEI are over 40 years old, making them inadequate for today's technology-based careers, and outlines programs and curriculum.

This comprehensive plan outlines how CEI uses futuring to evolve its campus to meet community needs, focusing on providing open-access to affordable, quality education. The plan emphasizes student-centered learning, community engagement, and alignment with regional employer needs. It includes quantitative and qualitative measures to track progress and drive innovation, with priorities such as cultivating esteemed graduates, removing educational objectives, ensuring institutional sustainability, and enriching employee potential.

The board meeting covered several key areas. Financials for February 2023 were reviewed, including the General Fund, Other Funds (Grants, Unrestricted, WTCE, EIWTC), and bank balances. Several policies were reviewed and approved, including revised policies on harassment, workplace violence, and debt management, as well as a new risk management policy. A resolution honoring Craig Miller for his service was approved. Discussion items included legislative updates, instructional and student affairs updates, strategic plans, WTCE updates, accreditation, and miscellaneous updates. Trustee and foundation reports were also given.

The committee reviewed March financials, including the general fund, other funds (grants and unrestricted funds), WTCE budget, and EIWTC budget. Discussions included grant management, a new grant report, indirect costs, and budget updates for Future Tech, legislative funding (CEC and OER), and the Launch program. The committee also heard updates on the new Director of Grants and a new board trustee.

The Board of Trustees conducted interviews with three candidates for the Zone 4 Trustee vacancy. Each candidate was asked about their understanding of a community college trustee's role, the college's top strategic goals, their experience with board work and strategic goal setting, their definition of organizational culture, and how they would contribute to the board's perspective and oversight. Following the interviews, the board discussed the candidates' qualifications and strengths.