Mechell Downey

The discussion centered on institutional needs, plans for the long-term investment of funds, and the process for prioritizing expenditures related to the $17 million gift received from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. This discussion was held with the Executive Committee of the Seminole State College Educational Foundation and the Administrators. No action was taken by the Board.

The agenda for the business session of the Board of Regents includes reviewing and considering approval for the FY25 external audit conducted by Hinkle & Company, reviewing and potentially taking action on an Agreement for Exchange of Services with the SSC Educational Foundation, and reviewing and considering approval for a project proposal from Brightwell/820 regarding roof repair and the installation of a solar energy system at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. The meeting also includes a report on purchases exceeding $15,000 for July, August, and September 2025. The consent agenda covers the program review and potential approval/rejection/tabling of several Associate degree programs, specifically in Agriculture, Engineering Technology, Health, Physical Education & Recreation, and Secondary Education.

The Board of Regents meeting agenda included the reading and approval of the October 30, 2025 minutes. Communications to the Board featured the November 30, 2025 Financial Report and a report on purchases exceeding $15,000 for October and November, including significant expenditures for Bison Construction and Bytespeed LLC. The President's Report covered personnel updates, enrollment figures, the Mackenzie Scott Gift, campus activities, and the setting of 2026 Board of Regents Meeting Dates. Business items included a review and consideration of a partnership with Seminole Public Schools and the City of Seminole to apply for a TAP Grant. Additionally, there was consideration and possible action regarding the position of Director of Nursing, which followed an executive session to discuss employment changes related to that role. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar and the Jenzabar Annual Contract renewal for 2026.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included a review of the financial report for December, noting no purchases over $15,000. The agenda featured several business items: consideration and possible action regarding a contract with Finley & Cook, PLLC for professional auditing services, consideration for convening an executive session to discuss the employment/change in status/resignation of the President, and consideration and possible action regarding the terms of employment and compensation for the President, Ms. Lana Reynolds. Additionally, there was consideration of matters not known prior to agenda posting.

The Seminole State College Board of Regents held a regular meeting to discuss various topics including the oath of office for Mona Adkisson and Barry Tims, financial reports, purchases over $15,000, personnel updates, the OSRHE budget hearing, campus activities, enrollment report, grant updates, ratification of a declaration of emergency for repairs to the main water line in Tanner Hall, election of officers, ratification of the Updated Education Sales Tax Resolution, review of a bid from Jerry Pratka & Son Concrete for sidewalk repairs, approval of a proposed Board Policy regarding Hazing, and a proposed Board Policy regarding SSC Student Location. The board also reviewed the FY26 Educational and General Budget and discussed a proposed increase in tuition and the Safety Fee.