Richard Barbee

Key discussions and actions from the Board of Trustees meeting included updates on the affordable housing property closing scheduled for mid-December. Progress continues on the café renovation, which the Board named the John Burness Commons, and the exterior courtyard project. Enrollment for Spring 2026 is trending positively, and the campus climate is reported as positive. Student Government Association President reported on a successful fall conference and outlined spring plans, including hosting a Town Hall. Committee reports covered Student Success and Workforce & Economic Development, noting SACSCOC approval for several existing programs (Social and Human Services AAS, Introduction to Social and Human Services Certificate, Construction Management Certificate). Pending SACSCOC approval, three new Information Technology (IT) offerings were proposed, including an Artificial Intelligence AAS degree. The Board unanimously approved the budget report, Continuing Education off-cycle fees, and capital replacement actions for the HVAC systems in both the West Collins Building and the East Collins Building.

The meeting included a discussion about state performance measures, focusing on adult basic education, developmental education, curriculum completion, and college transfer performance. The board also discussed the establishment of baselines and goals for performance measures and the college's performance in relation to these metrics. Additional topics included the upcoming holiday party, a multi-year plan of work, enrollment trends, and potential partnerships. The board also touched on campus improvement plans, renovations, and the exploration of alternate organizational structures to enhance entrepreneurial approaches to program delivery.

Durham Tech's strategic plan focuses on transforming lives, achieving equity, and building communities through an expansive vision of higher education. It emphasizes guiding programs of study, offering a mix of short-term and longer-term opportunities, making institutional investments, providing support services, partnering with companies and sectors, and embracing innovations over the next five years.

The meeting included the swearing in of new and reappointed members. The Board approved the budget report and off-cycle fees. Approvals were also given to the spring 2025 Continuing Education Class Visitation Report and the report on actions taken under delegation of presidential authority for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Retiring Trustees were honored for their service. The new Student Government Association President introduced himself and shared his goals for the year, including starting a student newsletter and creating a peer mentoring program. The College had been selected to participate in the Aspen Unlocking Opportunity program.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the swearing in of a new member, Jamezetta Bedford. The board unanimously approved the budget report and a revision for the repair of the roof of the Collins Building, as well as offering a new intermediate culinary course at the Orange Correctional Center. Updates were provided on a proposed change to community college audits, the Quality Enhancement Plan, and a clean compliance review received by Durham Tech. President Buxton reviewed the handling of changing federal practices and policies, budget updates, early data results for eight-week terms, and the status of the Durham Early College of Health Sciences.