Mark J. Poarch

The meeting included reports on campus building projects, including a Department of Transportation improvement agreement regarding utility pole relocation, progress on the Health Sciences Building, and land acquisition status. The President provided updates on a grant application for a regional Biotech Hub, SACSCOC accreditation compliance, student enrollment reports, hurricane recovery efforts, and apprenticeship funding. Additionally, the Board appointed members to a student award committee, reviewed future event schedules, and entered a closed session to discuss a naming opportunity.

The meeting addressed several key topics, including detailed updates on the Health Sciences building construction and related site impacts. The Board reviewed plans for a bookstore renovation and a potential bistro addition. Discussions also covered a regional Biotech project opportunity and an associated Federal EDA grant application. Academic matters included the approval of several new degree programs and educational pathways. Financial agenda items involved the approval of state budget transfers and an interim financial summary report. Finally, the Board discussed plans to provide employee bonuses to mitigate insurance premium increases and arranged for future meeting time adjustments to accommodate student events.

The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute outlines a vision to be a leader in student success and a premier provider of transformative education. It is guided by core beliefs that students, employees, communities, and the institution thrive under specific conditions. The plan focuses on four strategic pillars: Student Success (prioritizing access, teaching, engagement, and achievement), Employee Success (fostering a supportive culture, growth, and employer of choice status), Community Success (strengthening partnerships, workforce, and economic development), and Institutional Success (ensuring a welcoming campus, robust infrastructure, security, and financial advancement). The overarching mission is to provide accessible, quality instruction, support economic development, and improve the quality of life.

The meeting included an ethics statement review, introductions of new employees, and a presentation on the EMSI report, covering student employability and economic impact. Committee reports provided updates on the new Student Services Center construction, challenges with the Electrical Linemen facility location, and the healthcare clinic's family access policy. Financial reports were reviewed and approved, including gifts to the institution, state budget transfers, and the interim financial summary. Personnel matters included employment and resignation announcements. Other topics included SGA reports, the Civic Center report, grant approvals (CAMCG), BLET reaccreditation, the 2016 Cohort Default Rate, trustee self-evaluations, and upcoming events such as the golf tournament and NCACCT meeting. Discussions also covered meetings with legislators and the distribution of campus pictures.

The meeting included committee reports on athletics, building and grounds, curriculum, finance, and personnel. Key discussion points included the approval of new Diesel and Heavy Equipment and Emergency Medical Science programs; financial reports and budget transfers; personnel changes; and an SGA report covering events, initiatives, and upcoming elections. The President's comments covered various topics including a budget call back, legislative meetings, Title II funding, a COVID-19 update, and the Foundation Annual Fund Drive. Trustee reappointments and upcoming events were also discussed.