Matthew Bodenschatz

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as call to order and roll call, followed by a public comment period and special recognition. Key discussion and action items centered on the Consent Agenda, which covered revisions to the Payment Plan Policy, Red Flag Policy, Total Withdrawal Policy, Reinstatement Following Academic Suspension Policy, Repeating Courses Policy, and Right to Know Policy, as well as reviews for the Paralegal Studies A.A.S. Degree Program and the Pre-Health Professions: Nursing Certificate Program. The President's Report addressed an annual review of board policies (24% reviewed in 2025), a regional networking update, and an accreditation update. The Executive Committee agenda included a report and review of minutes, and action items for the 2026 Employee Voluntary Retirement Incentive Plan and the Regional Community College Grant Scholarship. The Finance & Facilities Committee presented financial statements ending October 31, 2025. The meeting concluded with reports from other committees and a planned executive session to discuss employment, compensation, and performance matters.

The Board meeting included several key discussions and actions. The session began with the introduction of a new Board member. An annual audit report for FY 2024-2025 was presented, resulting in an unmodified opinion. Several personnel updates were shared, including a promotion in Recruiting & Admissions and a promotion to Dean of Academic Affairs, alongside strategic reorganization efforts. The Foundation provided an overview of recent milestones, including a $1.1 million endowment, and future priorities. The Consent Agenda approved the minutes from the August 19 Board of Trustees Meeting and a Title IX Policy Revision. The Chairperson's Report welcomed new Student Trustees and noted expiring board member terms. The President's Report covered the submission of the Accreditation Self-Study Report draft, an upcoming PACCC Annual Meeting, and updates on the expiring Strategic Plan, noting the shift to creating a new plan. A Student Satisfaction Survey showed strong overall ratings in the onboarding process. The Executive Committee approved revisions to the Board of Trustees Bylaws, transferring oversight for student recruitment from the Academic Affairs and Student Services Committee to the External Affairs Committee. The Finance & Facilities Committee approved the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit ending June 30, 2025, and the Financial Statements ending August 31, 2025, which included a discussion on cash reserves amid potential delays in State funding. Facilities reported on progress toward campus-wide LED lighting upgrades for energy efficiency. IT reported on cybersecurity enhancements and compliance with federal reporting regulations. Academic Affairs reported exceeding enrollment goals for the dual enrollment (ACE) program, tripling the Police Academy cohort size, and announcing a new accelerated master's degree pathway partnership with IUP, along with plans for yearlong scheduling and piloting an accelerated online Cybersecurity Certificate Program. External Affairs highlighted strong sponsorship for the upcoming Chef Auction, success at the Blair County Community Breakfast, strong employee giving, and ongoing marketing campaigns, including 30 new billboards.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key areas, starting with special recognition for faculty members receiving advancements in rank, Ms. Maria Polka and Mr. Matthew Stumpf. The KEYS Program's mission, goals, and statistics were presented by Mr. Lawrence Goetz. The Consent Agenda was approved, including the revision of the Indemnification Policy and Purchasing Guidance Policy, disclosure of professional services with Mutual of Omaha, and approval of the Business Management for Manufacturing Diploma program. In the President's Report, updates were provided on potential negative impacts of the U.S. House reconciliation bill regarding Pell Grants and the ongoing tense State budget negotiations. The Executive Committee approved an Employee Emeritus Award for Jeff Maul and the Employee Exemplary Service Award for Professor Sherri Slavick. Results from the biannual Climate Survey regarding sexual assault and harassment policies were presented, showing improved awareness scores. The Finance & Facilities Committee approved the renewal of the business and general liability insurance for FY 2026 at $146,468 and the Operating and Capital Budget for FY 2025-2026 at $15,040,127. The Financial Audit ending April 30, 2025, was approved. Technology updates included replacing projectors with TVs and evaluating AI tools. The renewal of the bookstore agreement with Follett was also reported. Academic Affairs/Student Services discussed enrollment goals, strengthening pathways from Career and Technical Centers, and the annual review of student-related issues, which found no persistent issues requiring institutional action. The reinstatement of the Child Development Associate Certificate program and the use of a $1,000,000 Dual Credit Innovation Grant were mentioned. The External Affairs Committee reported on a significant $1,150,000 endowed gift from the Margaret J. Pardee Trust to fund scholarships, increasing the Foundation's assets beyond $3 million. Marketing highlighted website upgrades and increased press coverage.

The meeting included an annual cybersecurity update presented by the Chief Information and Security Officer, detailing compliance with the NIST framework, risk mitigation strategies against human error and executive impersonation attacks, and the requirement for third-party vendor vetting using the HECVAT tool. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the June 17 Board of Trustees Meeting. The President's Report introduced the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services and provided an update on the development of the new strategic plan, targeting presentation in February. The Accreditation Update highlighted an upcoming dinner with the Middle States Team Chair in October. Key achievements for FY 2025 were discussed, including the launch of the Nonprofit Learning Center and securing major grants. The Executive Committee reported on the appointment of Benjamin Estell to the Board. The Finance & Facilities Committee reviewed the Financial Statements ending June 30, 2025, and discussed upcoming athletic wing renovations and the IT department's successful migration to Windows 11 and integration of AI policy. The Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee discussed the expansion of the Dual Enrollment Innovation Grant and significant cost/time reductions for the Police Academy program. The External Affairs Committee reported on preparations for the Chef Auction, fundraising via gymnasium sponsorship banners, and the reinforcement of affordability in the marketing strategy, noting the delay in State budget funding.

The meeting included recognition of student-athletes for their achievements in cross-country, bowling, and basketball. The board approved the consent agenda, including the approval of minutes from the February 18 Board of Trustees Meeting, review of board policies, insurance policy, investment policy, professional services policy, Business Management A.A.S. Degree and Certificate Program Review, Entrepreneurship A.A.S. Degree Program Review, Military Students Policy, and Academic Calendars for AY 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. The board discussed the resignation of Trustee Ralph Stewart and the upcoming Commencement Dinner and Commencement ceremony. The college is part of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges (PACCC), and Mr. Greg Winger has been named Secretary of the PACCC Board of Directors. The board approved advancements in rank for faculty members and revisions to the College Senate Bylaws and the College Constitution. The board approved borrowing from the State Public School Building Authority Revolving Loan Fund and to seek capital funding from PDE for Richland Campus renovations. The board approved the listed professional services for 2025-2026 and the tuition and fee schedule for FY 2025-2026. The board approved the Financial Statements ending February 28, 2025. The college is creating a wrestling practice room, which will also be used for Police Academy defensive tactics training, and student activities classes. Faculty and staff are increasingly using ChatGPT, a secure and private gateway into generative AI. The AI-driven Element 451 chatbot is currently in learning and training mode, supporting prospective and current students 24/7 via the College website.