Mickey D. Best

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.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous special and regular meetings of January 12, 2026. The Dean of Students provided an update on Spirit Week activities. The General Counsel had no immediate updates. The SENMC status report detailed progress on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan goals, including potential theatre partnerships, updates on the Trades x Technologies Building, legislative advocacy efforts in Santa Fe, recognition of Phi Theta Kappa members, and campus forum activities. Under New Business, the Trustees voted against increasing tuition and fees for 2026-2027, instead opting to maintain current rates. A resolution for the disposal of surplus property was approved. The financial reports for the period ending December 31, 2025, indicated a projected surplus of over $6.2 million, and the quarterly financial certification was approved. Administrative reports covered the advertisement for the Medical Assistant program, approval of the Radiation Protection Technology program, finalization of paperwork for an investment firm, enrollment figures showing 1,759 students enrolled for Spring '26, and updates on workforce development initiatives including MOU signing with Artesia Truck Driving School and progress on Electrical Apprenticeship and Nondestructive Testing programs. The CIO reported on the launch of the Raspberry Pi program. The HR Director reported an employee count of 289 and introduced new hires. Faculty reported on upcoming events like RiverBlitz and Energy Day. The Board convened a closed session to review the audit report and discuss litigation, reconvening in open session afterward.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included several key discussion and action items. Discussions covered General Counsel updates, SENMC updates including progress on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, and HR Director's updates. New business items slated for action included discussion and potential action on Tuition and Fees, a Resolution for the Disposal of Surplus Property, and review of Monthly and Quarterly Financial Reports. The meeting also included scheduled Executive Administration Staff Reports and a Closed Session to discuss an Audit Report and personnel matters related to litigation concerning Jason Sanchez vs. Southeast New Mexico College and several individuals.

The special meeting began with the establishment of a quorum and the approval of the agenda. Key new business included the swearing-in of re-elected Trustee Dr. Ned Z. Elkins (District 5) and newly elected Trustee Mr. Lee White (District 2), who both took the oath of office. Following this, the trustees unanimously elected Ned Elkins as the Board Secretary for a two-year term.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous session in December 2025. The General Counsel reported on ongoing contract reviews. The President provided a status report on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, covering activities related to student service, community engagement, learning efficiency, and success promotion. Key new business items involved the approval of an updated Capital Projects list for presentation at summer hearings. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved three new degree programs for submission to the New Mexico Higher Education Department: AAS-Environmental Management Technician, AAS-Radiation Protection Technology, and AAS-Public Safety Technician. The financial report ending November 30, 2025, projected significant positive revenue variance. Reports covered EMT testing progress, HLC review preparations, enrollment figures (noting an increase to 1,192 headcount), progress on Workforce Training initiatives including apprenticeship partnerships, and technology updates such as implementing course evaluation software and a One Application system. The session included a closed session to review promotion and tenure applications.