Michelle Blake

The committee discussed the extensive stakeholder engagement process, identifying key themes such as the need for system transformation, improved legislative relationships, and workforce alignment. They reviewed desired candidate characteristics, including the need for a bold, action-oriented leader with enterprise-level thinking. The committee also provided feedback on a preliminary draft of the presidential profile, suggesting an increased emphasis on economic impact and workforce roles. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the upcoming search timeline, search milestones, and candidate distribution strategies.

The Board meeting agenda included a Military Engagement Update from Central Carolina Community College, a Special Announcement Presentation regarding the Endowment for Student Experience and Innovation, and the introduction of Dr. Aron Gabriel, the new President of Mayland Community College. Committee reports covered various topics: the Transformation Committee provided updates on Enterprise Resource Planning Modernization and Customer Relationship Management initiatives. The Strategic Planning Committee secured approval for the System Office Mission Statement and the proposed 2026-2029 System Strategic Plan goals. The Finance Committee addressed action items, including allocations for NC Edge Customized Training Regional Trainers, the Enrollment Growth Reserve, an amended expenditure for the System Office website redesign, and reimbursement for the CRM pilot program. They also presented the legislative agenda focusing on Propel NC and salary increases. The Programs and Student Success Committee presented legislative reports on Dual Enrollment and the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Biotechnology Training Center, and announced North Carolina's selection for the national Credit for Prior Learning policy initiative. The State Board Policy and Governance Committee recommended refusal of initial proprietary licensure for Medical Careers Readiness of North Carolina. The Personnel Committee discussed reports in Closed Session and recommended the re-election of two community college presidents. The President reported on significant philanthropic contributions, including a $9.25 million Siemens Foundation award, and updates on the ERP modernization progress. Chair Looney provided a timeline for the Presidential Search process.

This document outlines an allocation request for the NC Career Coach Program, which is integral to the State Board of Community Colleges' Strategic Plan Goal 2: to streamline and strengthen pathways to community colleges and careers. The program aims to expand the deployment of career coaches in high schools to assist students with career planning and identification of suitable community college programs. Key improvements include flexible budgeting, increased accessibility for colleges to receive funding for coaches, and a rigorous application review process based on deployment, evaluation, economic impact, professional development, and communication strategies.

The Executive Committee meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and opening remarks emphasizing the committee's role in enhancing coordination, facilitating deeper discussions, supporting the presidential transition, and accelerating system-wide transformation initiatives. Key agenda items included the presentation of the proposed Executive Committee Charter for review, an update on the comprehensive Presidential Search process involving extensive stakeholder engagement, and an overview of the proposed core responsibilities for the System President. Furthermore, progress updates were provided on modernization initiatives, including the reconciliation milestone achieved in the College-Based Accounting System (CBAS), the status of the Data Warehouse and Common Course Library, and an evaluation of the continuing education solution. The legislative update detailed key priorities, such as continued support for Propel NC, salary increases for employees, and expanded funding for Apprenticeship NC programs. A briefing on Project Kitty Hawk outlined its function as an ed-tech partner facilitating online bachelor's degree pathways for adult learners and discussions regarding affordable transfer agreements with community colleges. Committee roundtables covered federal funding transparency by the Finance Committee, personnel matters, and the development timeline for the 2026--2029 Strategic Plan.

The Transformation Committee meeting focused on several key updates related to system modernization efforts. Discussions included the successful reconciliation of all 58 colleges across the existing CBAS solution and the new Banner solution, marking a significant milestone. Progress on the Data Warehouse update was noted, with nine of 17 pipelines passing User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and an onsite session planned with Ellucian to resolve remaining issues. The Common Course Library (CCL) is nearing completion for its courses component, with a critical July deadline for the Programs component to support academic scheduling. The customized training module has been deployed with minor issues remaining. Discussions covered the proposed support model post-Go-Live, detailing continued UAT, Hypercare from Ellucian, and the transition to ongoing maintenance. A financial deep dive is scheduled to review project spending, accomplishments, and remaining funding requests. Additionally, an update on the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) landscape analysis was provided, noting high overall adoption but varying maturity levels, which will inform a coordinated System plan. The Chair emphasized keeping enterprise systems (CRM, ERP/Banner, data platform) within their appropriate functions to avoid inefficiency.