Stephanie Autumn Baer

The Board discussed initiatives within the UPWARD correctional education program and reviewed a new marketing brand strategy. Financial reports were presented and accepted. The Board also reviewed various college policies and procedures, including those related to strategic planning and shared governance. Additionally, the Board approved 2026-2027 tuition, fees, and room and board rates, and awarded a construction contract for the new Milford Construction Technology Center.

The meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the agenda, bills and claims, and personnel changes. Key discussions involved the unaudited financial report ending November 30, 2025, which showed an expenditure rate of 41.1% against the budget. Nebraska Public Power District representatives presented scholarship awards totaling $15,000. Board team reports covered setting the meeting agenda, reviewing reimbursement policies, adopting an anti-discrimination policy, and discussing the organizational chart restructure, which aims to reduce the number of direct reports to the President from over 13 to 10 primary divisions. The President reported on enrollment increases, finalized COPS financing, the positive review from the HLC site visit, and ongoing fundraising efforts. The Student Activities Report detailed campus activities, including clothing drives and elections. An administrative presentation demonstrated the use of virtual and augmented reality applications, specifically the Bodyswaps platform, for soft skills training in the Office Professional Program. Finally, the Board approved new academic programs for 2026-2027, noting that instructor workload management would be handled via credit hour compensation or the addition of adjunct faculty.

The meeting commenced with the Reorganization of the Board of Governors, including the election of officers for 2026, resulting in Arlyn Uhrmacher as Chairperson, Brandon Gunther as Vice Chairperson, Joann Herrington Pitcher as Secretary, and Neal Stenberg as Treasurer. Board members were asked to complete team interest forms. The Consent Agenda, which included approval of the agenda, bills and claims, and personnel changes, was approved, though two members abstained from voting on specific claims due to conflicts of interest. The unaudited financial report for the period ending December 31, 2025, was accepted. Board and team reports covered topics such as prison education graduation attendance, President's Evaluation schedule, human resources policy revisions (including merging policy E-18 into F-01), facilities project status, and marketing workshops. The President's Report highlighted a 6% increase in spring enrollment and ongoing legislative monitoring. Administrative presentations covered the Beatrice Campus Custom Farming Agreement, the 2026-2027 Budget Calendar, and proposed 2026-2027 tuition and room & board rates, including a decision to offer weekend dining at the Milford campus. Action was taken to accept the Beatrice Campus Custom Farming Agreement and adopt the 2025-2026 College budget calendar. The Board also discussed the ACCT 2026 Legislature Priorities.

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the agenda itself, personnel changes, and ratification of bills and claims, with one member abstaining on specific vouchers. The financial report for the period ending September 30, 2025, was reviewed, showing a budget spent percentage of 24.5%. Board members provided reports on attendance at the ACCT Conference, noting several takeaways including the need for agile responses to technology changes and better alignment between employers and colleges. Board team reports covered executive actions, policy revisions (A-5 and E-4), and facilities project status updates. The President's report detailed the recent AA1 rating from Moody's, fundraising efforts, and coordination with the Coordinating Commission. The Student Activities report highlighted various campus events. An administrative presentation from the Continuing Education Division detailed services provided to community members, incumbent workers, and businesses, and discussed future innovations like micro-credentials. Mueller/Robak presented a legislative preview for the upcoming biennium. Key actions taken included the approval of revised policies A-5 and E-4, and the selection of finalists to interview for the District 4 Board of Governors vacancy, advancing David Bruno and Matthew Haden to interviews.

The special meeting, which served as a public budget hearing, was called to order and compliance with the Public Meeting Law was affirmed, noting the notice publication dates. The key agenda item was the presentation and public hearing regarding the 2025-2026 Budget. The presentation detailed the balanced general fund budget of $121,872,000, reflecting an 8.56% increase, with specific breakdowns for revenue sources like state aid and property valuation, and expenditures including salary, benefits, and operating costs. The total SCC budget across all funds was presented as $354,898,600. Following the public hearing, during which no public testimony was given, the Board proceeded to adopt and approve the proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget statement and an associated resolution outlining fund allocations and administrative authorizations.