Nick Arnold

The strategic plan for Washington State College of Ohio outlines a clear direction for the institution, aiming to empower growth, inspire success, and build partnerships. Organized around three strategic priorities—Growth, Partnership, and Success—the plan focuses on expanding access to education, increasing credential attainment for workforce development, and fostering student achievement. Key initiatives include strengthening K-12 to college pathways, removing barriers for diverse student populations, developing baccalaureate and non-credit training programs, enhancing collaborations with industry and community partners, and leveraging data for continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and campus culture.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the April 21, 2025 meeting. A new Trustee, Christy Chavez, was inducted. Key discussions involved the Financial Report, noting increases in tuition and fees revenue (4.15%) and total expenses (5.7%), including unexpected electrical surge expenses estimated between $60,000 and $70,000 requiring insurance reimbursement. The Administrative Report detailed current hiring efforts across various faculty and staff positions, and noted recent resignations. A facilities update was presented regarding new wayfinding signage, a project totaling $115,000, which involved installing 329 indoor signs and one LED monument sign. Policy revisions were approved to comply with Senate Bill 1, including commitments to intellectual diversity, which required modifications to the Policy and Procedure manual. The President's Report covered diploma conferrals (453), updates on the InCert Academy, recognition of staff service, and the Foundation Scholarship Ceremony ($170,000 awarded). Additionally, discussions covered state higher education priorities from an OACC Governance Meeting, workforce development data, and a showcase of the college's collaboration efforts during a Workforce Playbook meeting.

The meeting included recognition of a student and a staff member. Financial reports were presented, covering "Then and Now" reports, variance reports, quarterly revenue expenses, and efficiency reports. The administrative report covered open positions and personnel changes. The student affairs report discussed summer and fall enrollment numbers, credit hours, and strategies for increasing enrollment, including the Free College program. The President's Report highlighted the ARC Power Grant, the BB2C Community & Career Connected Learning Summit, the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, and Y.E.S. Days. The board also entered and exited an executive session.

The Board of Trustees meeting included administrative reports, a President's report with updates on campus reopening and introductions of new staff, and discussions on institutional advancement and enrollment. The board also reviewed and approved revisions to Appendix G (Standing Committees of the College) and Appendix H (Organizational Chart), as well as a proposed Campus Animal Policy. An executive session was held to discuss employment and dismissal of a public employee and pending court action.

The meeting included discussions and approvals of several key items, including the agenda, the minutes from the March meeting, and the financial report for FY24. Updates were provided on Human Resources, including new hires and resignations, and on Facilities, specifically the B Wing renovations and bridge project. The board also discussed a potential college name change to reflect the offering of a BSN, narrowing down the options and deciding to conduct a public poll. A presentation was given on the Rural Guided Pathways initiative.