Michelle Tufau Afriyie

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from the previous meeting, the Trust Fund Report for FY26, informational personnel items, and approvals regarding the President's travel and leave time. Key discussions involved the Chair welcoming and introducing three new trustees and providing an overview of recent events, such as a Donor Reception and governance meetings. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported on the State Auditor's office audit findings, covering cybersecurity training, internal controls, and employee settlement documentation, noting all recommendations are being addressed. The committee also reported strong FY26 financial performance with an operating surplus of approximately $2 million, earmarked for strategic investments. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee approved a sabbatical leave application for Fall 2026 and the 2026-2027 College Calendar, and reported a positive Spring 2026 enrollment update showing significant increases in headcount and credit hours. The Executive Committee emphasized the importance of 100 percent trustee participation in annual giving and detailed the growing demand and services provided by the HomePlate Food Pantry. The QCC Foundation reported increased faculty, staff, and alumni giving, successful digital fundraising campaigns, and high scholarship demand. The Student Trustee detailed initiatives to enhance student engagement, including establishing a coalition of student club leaders for fund allocation. Finally, the President addressed campus safety measures, celebrated faculty recognition, provided updates on NECHE standards, announced the formation of a committee to review the College's mission and vision, outlined legislative priorities for MACC funding, and provided updates on campus construction projects.

The meeting covered several administrative and committee reports. The Consent Agenda, which included approval of previous minutes, acceptance of the Trust Fund Report, informational personnel items, and the President's out-of-state travel and leave time, was approved. The Chair congratulated a Student Trustee on a new appointment and reminded trustees about an upcoming donor reception. The Audit and Oversight Committee reported a clean, unmodified opinion on the FY25 audit, although one control issue regarding the QCC Foundation's contribution recording was noted. The committee also reviewed the FY26 operating budget, noting a 25% increase since FY23 due to MassReconnect and MassEducate, and discussed strategic investments planned from the operating budget surplus. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee reported an 11.6% increase in Fall 2025 enrollment headcount, noting that Latinx student enrollment surpassed the goal for HSI designation, and a 33% increase in Pell Grants. The committee also addressed the transition of the TRIO program following non-renewal, noting the award of a new five-year TRIO grant for STEM and healthcare preparation. The Executive Committee reported on coordinating presentations and trustee appointments. The Student Trustee reported increased student engagement and new initiatives for direct communication with trustees. The President reported on strategic investments, invited trustees to an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony, mentioned attending the ACCT Leadership Congress, and discussed monitoring federal funding uncertainties while maintaining focus on student success.

The meeting included updates from the Chair, including congratulations to Student Trustee Noah MacDonald and reminders about the upcoming donor reception. The Audit and Oversight Committee presented the FY25 audit results, highlighting a clean opinion and an increase in total assets. The Strategic Planning, Education, and Student Success Committee discussed enrollment updates, noting an increase in headcount and credit hours. The Executive Committee coordinated presentations and discussed trustee appointments. The Student Trustee reported increased student engagement and new initiatives. The President reported on strategic investments, campus updates, federal funding uncertainties, and the importance of maintaining focus on student success.

The meeting included updates from the Chair, including the introduction of the Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration and the establishment of the Liz R. Pape Scholarship. Challenges in recruiting new board members were discussed, and the QCC Foundation report highlighted the expansion of the Foundation Board and modernization efforts. The Student Trustee introduced himself and shared his plans to provide student perspective reports. The President reported on enrollment and budget, noting the highest enrollment since 2012 and a budget surplus. The board reviewed the presidential evaluation process and approved the draft of the presidential evaluation as edited, also approving allowable increases for the President.

The Board of Trustees discussed several key topics, including the establishment of a fund in memory of Liz Pape by the QCC Foundation, the approval of Charran Fisher to join the Board, and the need for additional Board member recommendations with a focus on increasing Hispanic representation. The President's Evaluation deadline was set for the end of August. Sabbatical leave applications for the Spring of 2026 were considered and approved. The FY26 budget, based on a 3% increase to FY25 estimates and increased program fees, was presented and approved. The Board also approved the 2025-26 Board Meeting Calendar. Updates were provided on ongoing initiatives, including changes to Pell Grant eligibility for part-time students and the discontinuation of the TRIO grant. The President presented his goals for the FY26 academic year, focusing on strengthening student support systems, closing achievement gaps, and maintaining adequate faculty resources.