Miriam Basinger

The board meeting agenda included reports on finance and facilities, curriculum and student affairs, personnel, enrollment, and the educational foundation. New business topics consisted of updates on graduation logistics, information regarding the president's evaluation process, and the board's self-evaluation process.

The board meeting covered a range of institutional topics, including a presentation on the college's strategic planning efforts aligned with the Accelerate Opportunity framework. Financial reports for the latter half of the year were approved, and updates were provided on campus facilities projects, including the CDL Driving Range, student center renovations, and upcoming C Building renovations. Academic affairs discussions highlighted the launch of the new Career Academy, the successful Advisory Committee Summit, and the implementation of a new Lab School in collaboration with Rockingham County Public Schools. Additionally, the board received enrollment updates, a report from the Educational Foundation, and a president's report covering upcoming graduation planning, digital accessibility compliance efforts, and legislative funding requests for the Aviation Maintenance Technician program.

The scholarship luncheon celebrated the success and growth of the college's scholarship program. Discussions highlighted the significant financial impact of donor contributions, which provided substantial funding to numerous students during the academic year. Key segments featured testimonials from students regarding their educational journeys, the transformative power of receiving financial support, and the role of the institution in fostering student success. The event also included acknowledgments of donors, faculty, and staff for their commitment to the college's mission and student achievement.

The meeting agenda included reports from the Chair, Secretary, Finance and Facilities Committee, and the Curriculum and Student Affairs Committee. Specific reports covered Personnel, Enrollment Update, and the Educational Foundation. New business items involved updates on Graduation and Attendance, information regarding the President's Evaluation Process, the Board's Self Evaluation Process, and a report from the President. There was no old business listed.

The meeting commenced with a "Moment in Mission" segment featuring Student Ambassadors who discussed their program funding via the BRCC Educational Foundation, challenges faced by students transitioning to college or learning online, and the importance of scholarships. Key agenda items included approval of financial reports for the period of July 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, and updates on facilities projects. Facilities discussions covered the near completion of the CDL Driving Range, finished but unused renovated restrooms pending fan coil replacement, delays in fan coil updates for older buildings (B and J), progress on the C Building renovation, and the completion of vehicular and pedestrian signage design. Staff provided input for space planning, noting JLARC concerns regarding facility upgrades given increased virtual learning. Options for the poorly conditioned tennis courts (removal or conversion to pickleball/tennis courts) were presented, with an estimated replacement cost of $500,000. Academic Affairs reported on new degree additions, elective adjustments, and the upcoming launch of an Artificial Intelligence learning course as the first VCCS school to deliver it. The new Dean of Workforce Solutions is initiating an apprenticeship initiative, and the first Advisory Committee Summit is scheduled for January 8. The Personnel Report and an enrollment update showing positive FTE trajectory were presented. The Educational Foundation reported 100% Board participation in the Blue Ridge Fund campaign and significant donation increases exceeding prior reports. New Business included a request for graduation speaker suggestions and the President's report, emphasizing the need to make one-time funding for the Aviation Maintenance Technician program permanent, exploration of distance learning partnerships, and progress on establishing a Career Academy. The recent Hunger Symposium, which raised over $5,000 for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, was highlighted. Recognition was given to Dr. Dave Urso for mentorship.