Patrick Adkinson

The board meeting included several key actions and updates. The Board authorized renaming Snugs Hall at Enterprise State Community College to Matt Rogers Hall and adopted a resolution for a self-evaluation to comply with SACSCOC accreditation principles. Multiple construction and renovation projects were approved for several institutions, including Bishop State Community College, Wallace Community College Selma, Bevill State Community College, Drake State Community and Technical College, Wallace State Community College, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Additionally, the meeting featured personnel updates, including the appointment of new leadership for instructional AI, professional development, and health-related initiatives, as well as shifts in responsibilities within the fiscal division.

The meeting featured a college spotlight presentation on Gadsden State Community College, focusing on its advanced manufacturing training programs and the role these played in securing a major economic development investment from the Menth Group. The board also received a presentation on Beville State Community College, highlighting its strategic goals, economic impact, and successful dual enrollment partnerships with local K-12 school systems.

The meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions included a College Spotlight presentation featuring Southern Union State Community College and an alumnus, focusing on workforce and economic development. The Board authorized the Chancellor to negotiate and obtain professional legal liability insurance for the system colleges and the Alabama Technology Network for the period of March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027. Furthermore, the Board approved several new educational programs, including an Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Services Education for Bishop State Community College, an off-campus instructional site for Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing for Reid State Community College, an Associate in Applied Science in Film and Multimedia Production for Calhoun Community College, an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice for Marion Military Institute, an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science for Marion Military Institute, and a Certificate for Practical Nursing (PN) for Snead State Community College. Authorization was also granted for capital projects, including the Bay Minette Campus Tennis Facility at Coastal Alabama Community College, the Phil Campbell Campus Renovation FF&E at Northwest Shoals Community College, the Chilton-Clanton Campus Workforce Development Projects at Jefferson State Community College, and the Ozark Dale Medical Center Renovation at Wallace Community College - Dothan. The Chancellor's report highlighted strong Spring 2026 enrollment figures, showing a 6.2% increase in for-credit course enrollment over Spring 2025.

The meeting began with introductory remarks, including the recognition of newly elected Representative Kristen Nelson and Sheriff Jeff Nelson, and a welcome to leadership representatives from the state. The session featured a college spotlight on Southern Union Community College, emphasizing its focus on economic and workforce development, building industry relationships, and providing relevant education, including success stories of alumni in the HVAC trade and the transformation of educational facilities. Key actions taken by the Board included approving the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous January 14th meeting. Furthermore, the Board authorized the negotiation for professional legal and liability insurance for the ACCS Board of Trustees and directed each college in the Alabama Technology Network to purchase corresponding insurance. Educational program approvals included Bishop State Community College's application for an Associate in Applied Science in Funeral Services Education, Lurlane B. Wallace Community College's new off-campus instructional site for diagnostic medical sonography, and Reed State Community College's application for an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the college spotlight segment featuring Lawson State Community College, where the President highlighted facility expansions, new partnerships for health professions programs (including radiology technology and medical sonography), updates to CTE classrooms, and investments in infrastructure. The presentation emphasized workforce development initiatives such as a new cyber access grant to establish a cyber range and existing excellence in automotive programs (ACAE) with various manufacturers. Adult education achievements, faculty/staff investment, and student advisement were also noted. In action items, the Board considered the approval for Drake State Community and Technical College to name its automotive building the LNA Fairhurst Automotive Center, contingent upon a $5 million pledge to the college.