Shelby Lucus

The Board of Regents meeting included an informational overview of the WOSC Foundation's goals and initiatives for the One-Hundred Year Celebration, including campaign goals and legacy projects. The Staff Senate Chair provided updates on activities such as the Pioneer Pal gift exchange, Pictures with Santa event, and opposition to changes regarding weapons on campus laws. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the Financial Report, approval for the Upward Bound Summer 2026 Travel Expenditure amounting to $49,900, approval to add a Sports & Recreation Management Option to an existing Associate degree, approval for the purchase of educational books and materials from Elsevier for $58,213.32, approval of the Prison Education Program (PEP) Enrollment, Funding, and Course Availability Policy, approval for Technical Coverage and Extended Warranty for Laerdal Simulators at a cost of $42,469.29, and approval of the Weapons on Campus Resolution. The President provided updates on legislative matters, including HB 2197 regarding meal plans and the potential for 90-hour bachelor degree programs and reduced general education requirements being considered by OSRHE. The celebration of Homecoming 2026 was also reported.

The Board of Regents meeting included several key agenda items and approvals. Discussions included an update from the Guest Speaker Representative on legislative activities relevant to higher education. The Faculty Senate reported on the Quality Matters Professional Development Series, while the Staff Senate detailed preparations for a community Trick or Treating event and reported on recent social activities, including a Chili Cook-off and fundraising Bake Sale. The Board received and unanimously accepted the Annual External Audit Report, noting no findings or deficiencies, despite delays in the 2025 OMB Compliance Supplement. Major expenditures approved included 300 network engineering hours with CBTS, replacement of the kitchen/cafeteria rooftop unit, entering into a Service Agreement and a Lease Purchase Agreement with Ideal Impact, Inc., a purchase for the USDA RUS Grant project, procurement of educational books and materials from Elsevier, and the purchase of simulation and technology equipment from ZOLL, Gaumard, and DiaMedical USA. The Board also approved the 2026 regularly scheduled meeting dates and established a Standing Finance Committee, appointing its members. Finally, approval was granted for payment to OneNet Virtual Infrastructure.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum and announcing compliance with Open Meeting Law requirements. A guest speaker, Colonel Adam Rosado, provided an informational briefing on the history, current status, vision, and priorities of Altus Air Force Base. The Faculty Senate reported on the progress of QM online teacher training sessions, the integration of the Simple Syllabus tool, and faculty efforts during finals week. The Staff Senate reported on recent community engagement events including Trick-or-Treat with the Pioneers, the Tree Decorating Party, Pictures with Santa, and collaboration on a memorial for a long-time employee. Key financial actions included the unanimous approval of the Financial Report and the approval of Academic Service Fees, which included an increase to the Nursing Testing and Materials Fee. The Board was informed of a Letter of Intent for a new Associate in Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science. The President provided updates on Fall 2025 enrollment growth, a potential FIPSE grant application focusing on AI and cybersecurity education, the Western Oklahoma Legislative Forum, and significant achievements by Western Oklahoma State College alumni and current students in professional rodeo competitions. The Board unanimously approved a one-time stipend incentive for qualifying full-time ($1,000.00) and part-time ($500.00) employees based on commitment and enrollment growth. The Board also entered and exited Executive Session to discuss a matter, concluding with the unanimous approval of a Personnel Matter related to employment.

The Board of Regents convened for a regular meeting, addressing various key topics. The meeting included updates on legislative activities relevant to higher education, a Faculty Senate report on the Quality Matters Professional Development Series, and a Staff Senate report on upcoming community events. The board reviewed and accepted the Annual External Audit Report and approved the purchase of network engineering hours with CBTS. Additional approvals were granted for an emergency expenditure for a rooftop unit, a service agreement and a lease purchase agreement with Ideal Impact, Inc. The board also discussed and approved the financial report, an emergency expenditure for a USDA RUS Grant project, and purchases for educational books and simulation equipment from various vendors. An update was provided on Western's Assessment Report, and notice was given regarding the discontinuation of the NASNTI Grant. The board approved the 2026 regular meeting dates, established a Standing Finance Committee, and approved a payment to OneNet Virtual Infrastructure. The President's report included updates on the OACC Annual Conference, HLC Peer Reviewer Training, the Agriculture Scholarship Luncheon, the upcoming 100-year anniversary, and the Bitter Creek Shooting Sports groundbreaking. The meeting concluded with an executive session and the approval of personnel matters.

The Board of Regents convened for a regular meeting, during which they recognized the former chair, Mr. Justin Lewis, for his service. The board approved the Financial Report. They also approved the bid from Luckinbill Mechanical Inc. for the A-Wing Project. Ms. Rachel Beckner announced the launch of interactive dashboards by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). Dr. Chad Wiginton provided updates on Western's Mission & Vision Statement, the Economic Impact Study, the Fall 2025 In-Service, Bitter Creek Shooting Sports Update, and Summer & Fall 2025 Enrollment. The board entered and returned from an executive session. They also approved employments and a promotion under Personnel Matters. Each board member received Western's Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy along with the Conflict of Interest Certificate.