Renee B. Conner

The meeting agenda includes several key discussion topics, such as the presentation of the Chairman's and President's updates, the establishment of meeting dates for the upcoming year, and a review of the MACC legislative agenda. Additionally, the board will discuss the results of the 2024 Great Colleges to Work for survey, review and take action on the 2025-2026 academic calendar, and evaluate the status and ESA approval of the campus microgrid and resiliency project. The board will also convene an executive session to address personnel matters.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered various updates from the Chair and President, including college enrollment, budget status, and legislative affairs. Educational presentations were provided on the ACT WorkKeys assessment system and the new ACM Engage professional development program. The board approved revisions to the Driver Safety Policy and the Academic Grievance Policy and Procedures. In executive session, the board discussed and subsequently approved personnel appointments, Professor Emeritus status for two individuals, and reviewed the results of the President's Annual Evaluation. Additionally, the administration provided an update on the tracking and management of federal directives and executive orders.

During the public session, key discussions included updates on resource collaboration with Garrett College and the receipt of a $350,000 grant from UPMC and Maryland Physicians Care for scholarships. The President's Update highlighted several administrative points, including an award recognition, visits from state commerce and labor secretaries, state budget projections, and registration status. Action items approved were the preliminary list of graduates for Fall 2025, an additional $143,000 in funds for building renovation and design addendums to adhere to green building standards, the academic calendar for 2026-2027, and updated Academic Regulations. The board also received an update on the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accreditation status. In the Executive Session, personnel recommendations were discussed, including appointments for a Nursing Skills Lab Assistant, Director of Bedford County Campus, and Chief Information Officer. There was also an update on tracking and managing federal mandates compliance.

The document provides updates on several college matters, including recognizing Susan Humbertson as a Staff Focus nominee, promoting a collaborative commentary between ACM and FSU regarding student transfers, and congratulating the Financial Aid Team on a successful 2024-2025 PA State Review. The college is participating in the Great Colleges to Work For program, and budget development for FY27-FY31 projects anticipated health/Rx cost increases. Recognition was given to the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter as a 2025 REACH Chapter, students achieving Dean's List for Fall 2025, and Dr. Lex Merrill for receiving the James Griffith Award. Updates also included the approval of the FY2026 Perkins CTE Grant allocation and the introduction of the new FSU President, Shadow J.Q. Robinson. The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2026, with agenda items including the adoption of December 8, 2025, minutes, leadership updates, Board Reflections, Board Education on Works Keys, and action items regarding Drive Safety Policy, Academic Grievance Policy, and Program Advisory Committee Updates.

The public session of the Board of Trustees meeting included a Chairman's update covering auditor meetings and upcoming events, as well as Board Member comments regarding campus walkabouts. The President's update covered several topics including registration and enrollment figures, updates on the Pennsylvania and Maryland state budgets, recognition for League for Innovation Excellence Awards nominations and PTK Induction Ceremony, accreditation notification for the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, partnership highlights with Bedford County Workforce Development, recent open house events, and a theatre production. Key action items included the approval of updates to the Nursing Admissions Policy and the approval of the Educational Master Plan for 2025-2028, which focuses on ethical AI use, enhancing the Culture of Care, and increasing collaboration with partners. The Trustees also convened a preliminary session to approve the clean audit report presented by the auditing firm. Following this, the Board approved the new Youth Protection Policy, which commits to protecting minor children. During the Executive Session, personnel items were discussed, leading to the approval of recommendations for a Director of Online Nursing and a Content and Communication Specialist.