Rhiannon Almeida

The meeting included discussions and updates on various aspects of the college. New employees were introduced, and the business manager shared her enthusiasm for her role. Personnel transactions were reviewed, and budget statuses were reported as healthy. Updates were provided on the pond project, the diesel/welding facility, and the student development suites renovation. The college is preparing for active shooter drills and safety blind installations. Changes to the AA&S degree were discussed, and positive feedback was received. Enrollment figures were up, and results from the fall 2024 student survey were positive. The online scholarship application was highlighted, and information on spring RILL classes and student videos was shared. Technology updates included the completion of Zoom rooms and progress on Zoom huddle rooms, as well as the Knowbe4 anti-phishing program and discussions on a new phone system. The college has hired a new Vice President of Instruction and Student Success. Updates were given on the Health Sciences building project and the college's Fifth-Year Interim Report to SACSCOC. The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan was discussed, focusing on post-college success, career services, and increasing bachelor's degree attainment. The college is rewriting its Mission Statement. An audit related to grants management was reported with no findings. Members were reminded to complete their ethics disclosures, and information on the Legislative Reception was shared.

The meeting included reports from various staff members covering personnel transactions, instruction and student success initiatives, faculty staff survey results, scholarship applications, and updates on the health sciences building fundraising campaign. IT updates included Zoom room conversions, employee training, and MS Teams phone upgrades. Concerns were raised about high schools using different learning management systems for dual enrollment. The President reported on enrollment statistics, dual enrollment funding, the search for a new Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, and upcoming graduation ceremonies. The board also discussed the next strategic plan and reviewed the list of members for the Citizen's Advisory Committee.

The 2020-2025 Strategic Plan for Rappahannock Community College aims to provide inclusive access to exceptional training and educational opportunities that meet community needs and prepare individuals for success as learners, employees, and citizens. The plan is guided by core values of Integrity, Diversity and Inclusion, Excellence, Access, and Learning for Life. The college seeks to transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire excellence. The plan also emphasizes the college's economic impact, focusing on increasing student employability, retaining students in the region, serving regional businesses and the community, and contributing to increased tax revenues and public sector savings.

The meeting included reports on diversity initiatives, the president's report covering upcoming holidays and upcoming meetings, and reports from various deans and vice presidents on academic programs, financial matters, facilities, workforce development, research, and college advancement. Key discussion points included curriculum changes (discontinuation of Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate and approval of Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree), local funds budget, capital improvement budget requests from counties, and the selection of a representative to the Joint School Board for the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School.

The meeting included a special report on the Haynesville Correctional Center program, highlighting its impact on recidivism rates. The President's report covered various activities, including attending conferences, community engagements, and internal college events. Updates were provided on enrollment, workforce development programs, student surveys, legislative updates, scholarship applications, fundraising efforts for the 50th anniversary, and financial matters. Committee reports included discussions on county payments, funding requests, and personnel matters. The meeting also included recognition of retiring employees and plans for upcoming events.