Matt Cartwright

The board received an overview and tour of the nursing department, heard reports from the WOSC Foundation, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate, and reviewed the final internal audit. Actions taken included the adoption of the Western Open Records Act policy, procedure, and fee schedule, as well as the renewal of the Ellucian Cloud software agreement. The President provided updates on student athletics, academic achievements, the institutional profile, and funding formula impacts. Additionally, the board appointed a budget subcommittee, held an executive session, and took action on various personnel matters including a resignation, retirement, and restructuring. The meeting also addressed site visits by the Higher Learning Commission.

The board meeting included a formal recognition of a departing regent and an overview of the WOSC Foundation's centennial celebration goals. The Staff Senate reported on campus activities and expressed concerns regarding proposed changes to weapons policies. Financial and operational approvals were granted, including a travel expenditure for the Upward Bound program, the addition of a Sports & Recreation Management degree option, the implementation of a Prison Education Program policy, procurement of technical coverage for nursing simulators, and the purchase of educational materials from Elsevier. Additionally, the board approved a Weapons on Campus resolution and received a legislative and institutional update covering topics such as student housing meal plans, degree hour requirements, and recent homecoming activities.

The Board of Regents meeting included an informational overview of the WOSC Foundation's goals and initiatives for the One-Hundred Year Celebration, including campaign goals and legacy projects. The Staff Senate Chair provided updates on activities such as the Pioneer Pal gift exchange, Pictures with Santa event, and opposition to changes regarding weapons on campus laws. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the Financial Report, approval for the Upward Bound Summer 2026 Travel Expenditure amounting to $49,900, approval to add a Sports & Recreation Management Option to an existing Associate degree, approval for the purchase of educational books and materials from Elsevier for $58,213.32, approval of the Prison Education Program (PEP) Enrollment, Funding, and Course Availability Policy, approval for Technical Coverage and Extended Warranty for Laerdal Simulators at a cost of $42,469.29, and approval of the Weapons on Campus Resolution. The President provided updates on legislative matters, including HB 2197 regarding meal plans and the potential for 90-hour bachelor degree programs and reduced general education requirements being considered by OSRHE. The celebration of Homecoming 2026 was also reported.

The Board of Regents meeting included several key agenda items and approvals. Discussions included an update from the Guest Speaker Representative on legislative activities relevant to higher education. The Faculty Senate reported on the Quality Matters Professional Development Series, while the Staff Senate detailed preparations for a community Trick or Treating event and reported on recent social activities, including a Chili Cook-off and fundraising Bake Sale. The Board received and unanimously accepted the Annual External Audit Report, noting no findings or deficiencies, despite delays in the 2025 OMB Compliance Supplement. Major expenditures approved included 300 network engineering hours with CBTS, replacement of the kitchen/cafeteria rooftop unit, entering into a Service Agreement and a Lease Purchase Agreement with Ideal Impact, Inc., a purchase for the USDA RUS Grant project, procurement of educational books and materials from Elsevier, and the purchase of simulation and technology equipment from ZOLL, Gaumard, and DiaMedical USA. The Board also approved the 2026 regularly scheduled meeting dates and established a Standing Finance Committee, appointing its members. Finally, approval was granted for payment to OneNet Virtual Infrastructure.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum and announcing compliance with Open Meeting Law requirements. A guest speaker, Colonel Adam Rosado, provided an informational briefing on the history, current status, vision, and priorities of Altus Air Force Base. The Faculty Senate reported on the progress of QM online teacher training sessions, the integration of the Simple Syllabus tool, and faculty efforts during finals week. The Staff Senate reported on recent community engagement events including Trick-or-Treat with the Pioneers, the Tree Decorating Party, Pictures with Santa, and collaboration on a memorial for a long-time employee. Key financial actions included the unanimous approval of the Financial Report and the approval of Academic Service Fees, which included an increase to the Nursing Testing and Materials Fee. The Board was informed of a Letter of Intent for a new Associate in Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. The President provided updates on Fall 2025 enrollment growth, a potential FIPSE grant application focusing on AI and cybersecurity education, the Western Oklahoma Legislative Forum, and significant achievements by Western Oklahoma State College alumni and current students in professional rodeo competitions. The Board unanimously approved a one-time stipend incentive for qualifying full-time ($1,000.00) and part-time ($500.00) employees based on commitment and enrollment growth. The Board also entered and exited Executive Session to discuss a matter, concluding with the unanimous approval of a Personnel Matter related to employment.