Michael Gideon

The Board meeting included committee reports, a presentation of the external financial audit which resulted in clean opinions, and discussions regarding student exchange programs and recent institutional achievements, including the Carnegie Foundation classification and new educational resource consortium participation. Additionally, the Board reviewed plans for a new regent onboarding packet and received updates on faculty achievements and community service projects.

The meeting agenda includes subcommittee reports from various bodies including Housing, Audit, Finance, Facilities, Academic and Student Affairs, Governance, and HERC. The President's report features celebrations, reports from the New Mexico Independent Community Colleges and the Foundation, and staff introductions. Key action items include the ratification of collective bargaining agreements for non-exempt staff, adjunct faculty, and full-time faculty units, as well as the approval of updates to the Faculty Handbook.

The Board meeting included discussions on the AGB annual membership, approval of a new Certificate in Cybersecurity, and formal recognition of a Professor Emeritus and an honorary degree recipient. Financial matters addressed included the quarterly Fiscal Watch Report, approval of asset disposals within the nursing department, and the authorization of capital outlay projects for campus security, accessibility, and safety infrastructure. Additionally, the President provided updates on student success initiatives, enrollment growth, legislative funding, and accreditation status.

The board reviewed financial reports including the annual audit and a fiscal watch report. Discussions included subcommittees, various presidential and faculty reports, and actions regarding academic calendar approval, tenure promotions, and capital outlay projects for campus security, accessibility, and HVAC improvements. Additionally, the board approved final budget adjustments for the fiscal year and the proposed operating budget for the upcoming year.

The regular meeting agenda included subcommittee reports (Housing, Audit/Finance/Facilities, Academic/Student Affairs, Governance, HERC), the President's Report, and reports from the Faculty Senate and Student Senate Presidents. Key action items involved the approval of the Certificate in Technical Trades (Carpentry) and the first reading of a proposed Certificate of Engineering and Technology in Cybersecurity, developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Lab. The Finance Vice President reported on Budget Adjustments for FY2026 and discussed the Executive and LFC Budget Recommendations regarding formula funding, compensation increases, and the impact of potential federal funding cuts. The Governance Committee reported on the unanimous approval of the 2026 Open Meetings Act Resolution and the completion of mandatory HED Regent Training by all members, as well as progress on creating a comprehensive onboarding binder for new regents. A significant event during the President's report was the recognition of the Gallegos family for their donation of $250,000 for scholarships, contributing to the completion of a million-dollar fundraising campaign for various college initiatives. Additionally, two security staff members were recognized for their recent outstanding service.