Mickey D. Best

The board meeting covered several key items, including a public comment regarding campus distribution of documents related to federal law enforcement, a presentation on the PTK chapter's annual activities, and a comprehensive status report on the strategic plan and recent campus projects. The board adopted a new tuition rate for the upcoming academic year and approved the purchase of equipment for the Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Program, as well as software for the mine hazard identification and radiological control technician training systems. Additionally, the 2026-2027 budget and a budget adjustment request were approved, and administrative reports were provided regarding academic programs, student affairs, workforce development, and information technology updates.

The board discussed various items including general counsel and institutional updates, a report on the strategic plan, and a certification of inventory. New business included the review of monthly financial reports, reports from the Foundation Board, approval of a resolution to support a general obligation bond, and discussion regarding the President's contract. Additionally, the board received administrative staff reports on academic affairs, business and finance, student affairs, and workforce development. Human resources provided an update on employee counts and vacancies, and board members engaged in an executive session for a performance evaluation.

The board discussed the 2025-2030 strategic plan goals, focusing on serving more students through dual credit opportunities and infrastructure development. Financial topics included the review of the budget, financial reports, organizational charts, and the status of various grants and construction projects, such as the Trades x Technologies Building and boiler replacements. The board also addressed tuition rates for Eddy County, the surplus of abandoned property, and heard various administrative, workforce development, and information technology updates. Additionally, the board entered a closed session to discuss litigation and finalized the appointment of staff to various college roles.

The Board reviewed the college's general status, including progress on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, construction updates on the Trades x Technologies Building and the Western Way entrance, and enrollment data. The Board discussed the potential for extending in-district tuition rates to all of Eddy County, with further deliberation tabled until a future meeting. Additionally, the Board approved the declaration of an abandoned vending machine as surplus property and received financial, academic, student affairs, workforce development, IT, and HR reports. A closed session was held to discuss litigation.

The meeting agenda includes establishing a quorum, approval of the agenda, public comments, discussions regarding Student Government Representative updates, and updates from General Counsel. Key discussion and action items for the President's Office include updates on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, enrollment figures, review of organizational charts, discussion/action on Eddy County Tuition, disposal of surplus property (an abandoned vending machine), and review of the Monthly Financial Report. Executive administration staff reports cover updates from Academic Affairs (including approval of the Radiation Protection Technology program), Business & Finance, Student Affairs (enrollment figures), and Workforce Development & Community Engagement (MOU with Artesia Truck Driving School, updates on apprenticeship programs, and status of various workforce training initiatives). The agenda also includes an HR Director's update and a scheduled Closed Session to discuss litigation concerning Jason Sanchez vs. Southeast New Mexico College, et al.