Shanda R. Bedoian

The Blue Ridge Community College's 'Rising Together: The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan' serves as a roadmap to meet the evolving needs of its students, employees, and community. Developed through extensive community input, it is structured around four pillars: Student Success, Community Success, Employee Success, and Institutional Success. This framework aims to build on the college's strengths, embrace innovation, and prepare individuals for both current and future workforce opportunities.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, with Item VIII (Closed Session) being removed. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering items such as the Foundation Financial Statement Audit Report and Policy 8.4 Electronic Information Management and Storage. The Curriculum Committee requested and received approval for adding the Natural Hair Care, Medical Office Billing and Coding, and Horticulture Lawn and Landscape certificates, while closing Administrative Office Specialist, Early Childhood Introductory, and Turfgrass Management certificates due to low enrollment or redundancy. Updates were provided on enrollment data, the impact of Hurricane Helene, and new enrollment strategies. The Finance Committee discussed the unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, reporting a slight increase in net position and explaining the operating loss. The committee also presented and received approval for the 2025-2026 College Budget Resolution totaling $42,180,818. In College Reports, the President highlighted Aspen Top 200 Recognition, the successful legislative amendment allowing the college to remain with SACSCOC, and the receipt of a $387,000 Dogwood Health Grant for apprenticeship development. The Educational Foundation reported on expanding the year-end fundraising appeal and planning for the upcoming Scholarship Luncheon. The SGA report detailed student engagement events and notable savings from student support programs like the toiletry and snack programs. New Business involved the Statement of Economic Interest Evaluation from the NC Ethics Commission, which identified no actual conflicts of interest for the listed trustees.

The meeting included the introduction of new Trustees, an overview of the Brevard Campus, and the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. A presentation was given on the Facilities Master Plan, covering both the Henderson County and Transylvania County Campuses. The Finance Committee reviewed the 2024-25 State Budget, county budgets, the financial statement audit, and the 2025-2026 State Budget. Updates were provided on hurricane recovery efforts and SAMTEC equipment. The Facilities Committee updated the Board on various projects, including those in Transylvania County, the redirection of funds for a new Facilities Maintenance Building, and the Patton Parking Lot Pavement Update. The President's Report highlighted high-profile engagements, the BLET Program Update, AHEAD Committee Appointment, economic development involvement, and an enrollment update. The SGA Report covered student events and activities. Performance measures were reviewed, noting the College's ranking and improvements in licensure pass rates, college transfer, and curriculum completions measures. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss confidential personnel information and attorney-client communications.

The meeting included discussion and action on various topics. The agenda covered approval of the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, financial statements, instructional service agreements, apprenticeship program reviews, policy updates, human resources reports, requests for alcohol use at events, and a capital projects report. The Curriculum Committee provided updates and sought approval for certificate additions and closures in areas such as Natural Hair Care, Medical Office Billing/Coding, Horticulture Lawn/Landscape, Admin. Office Specialist, Early Childhood Introductory, and Turfgrass Management. The Finance Committee presented financial updates, the State of North Carolina Single Audit Report, and discussed SAMTEC Equipment. The committee also sought approval of the college budget and budget resolution. Additionally, there were college reports from the President, Educational Foundation, and Student Government Association. The board also addressed statement of economic interest evaluation result letters.

The "Lew Ebert 2030 Business Plan," also referred to as "Vision 2030," is a business-led, nonpartisan initiative launched in 2013 to grow North Carolina's economy. Its overarching goal is to establish North Carolina as the world's premier business destination by 2030, aiming to create a million new jobs to accommodate projected population growth. The plan focuses on four key strategic pillars: enhancing education and talent development to address workforce shortages, fostering a competitive business climate by tackling prohibitive costs, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to cultivate the next economy.