Megan Abbey

This economic analysis, commissioned by The Great Plains Institute, outlines the national economic benefits and strategic direction for carbon capture retrofit opportunities across the contiguous United States from 2021 to 2050. The plan identifies significant investment opportunities ranging from $330 billion to $500 billion through midcentury, alongside substantial job creation, projecting up to 64,000 jobs from capital investment and 43,000 from operations in the near-term (2021-2035). A key strategic outcome is achieving net-zero emissions, with projected annual CO2 capture targets of 704 million metric tons in the near-term and an additional 408 million metric tons in the long-term (2036-2050), emphasizing carbon capture as a critical technology.

The Board convened with an Executive Session to discuss property purchase, legal advice, confidential matters, honorary awards, and personnel issues. During the Regular Meeting, the Board unanimously approved the September 26, 2025, Minutes. The President's Welcome included recognizing a Trustee's service as a keynote speaker and presenting a Silver Diploma for advocacy contributions. The financial report provided the 2026 financial forecast. Action items included the unanimous approval of a strategic property acquisition in Golden, Colorado, for $5,850,000, and the approval of the December 2025 graduation lists. Furthermore, the Board approved granting a posthumous Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics. A new undergraduate degree program, Bachelor of Science in Quantum Systems Engineering, proposed to start in Fall 2026, was also approved. Discussions covered updates on Technology Transfer management, the Mines@150 campaign recap, the Earth 2.0 strategic initiative to restructure earth-focused departments, admissions and enrollment data, progress on international projects including a potential campus in Guam, and the Faculty Senate Report.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss legal matters, employee negotiations, and confidential information. The regular session commenced with the administration of the oath of office to the new Student Trustee. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering minutes from a previous meeting, an easement for fiber internet services, a Refinancing Authority item, a Fund Designation Memo, and additional funding for a Workday Contract based on FTE. The President welcomed attendees, noting enrollment status and campus events. The strategic discussion focused on key trends in the higher education landscape, featuring a presentation on necessary cost-cutting and transformation, followed by a review of Mines' approach, strategic imperatives (including critical minerals research, quantum engineering, and AI), and future planning. Financial reports indicated results were on plan for FY25 and tracking on plan for FY26, despite anticipated headwinds in tuition growth and funding challenges. Action items included the approval of a new graduate research tuition model, which involves increasing the rate charged to funding agencies over three years, starting in Fall 2026, and the approval of a fifteen-year lease agreement with Elevate Quantum for the administrative building at Quantum Commons. The Board also approved modifications to several Board level policies, moving two to the university level and amending nine others, and approved amendments to the Board of Trustees Bylaws, reducing the minimum number of required meetings per year from six to four. The Faculty Senate provided a report on completed and upcoming business, including a campus climate survey and fiscal responsibility initiatives.

The Board of Trustees convened to discuss several key items, including an executive session covering legal advice, confidential matters, honorary awards, and employee matters. The regular meeting included the approval of the December 2024 graduation lists, tenure approval for Dr. Lucas Bessire, and emeritus status approvals for Dr. Angus Rockett, Dr. John Speer, and Dr. Brian Thomas. Additionally, the board discussed and approved the Guam initiative, focusing on establishing an accredited Mines' alternative location on Guam. The meeting also featured a Faculty Senate report and a presentation on the strategic plan, addressing future directions for the university.

The campus town hall focuses on adapting to the changing higher education landscape, addressing the impact on Mines, and outlining adjustments and future directions beyond the MINES@150 initiative. Key priorities include maintaining a focus on the institution's mission, delivering a strong value proposition, achieving operational efficiency, and fostering a sustainable business model. Strategic initiatives involve enhancing academic programs, expanding research capabilities, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting the university's unique strengths and achievements.