Steve Buchanan

This document outlines the initial 100-day plan for Dr. Aron Gabriel, President of Mayland Community College, centered on listening, learning, and building relationships. The plan is structured around four key pillars: CONNECT (listening and building trust), UNDERSTAND (learning from experiences and data), ALIGN (creating clarity and shared direction), and ADVANCE (addressing challenges and reinforcing successes). The objective is to establish early priorities grounded in real experiences and data to foster college-wide progress and stability.

The meeting included updates such as the budget and construction, including progress on Three Peaks, the hotel, main campus HVAC for Health Science, and the culinary construction. The board approved the Prison Property Lease, Policy 5.3.6 regarding student grievances, and the 2-1 Forms for County Funds. The board also discussed a request from the hospital to expand the number of beds in Asheville but decided to hold this request for the current time.

The meeting included a budget update, discussion of construction projects including the Three Peaks repair and Hotel stucco addition, and the addition of a study room to the main campus library using grant funds. The board also discussed and approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, Policy 6.3.7 Purchasing, and the Notice of Intent to Lease. There was also a discussion regarding the Prison Property Lease and plans for the President's retirement party.

The presentation discusses the revisioning process of the college's mission and strategic planning. It emphasizes the college as an educational gateway to opportunity, embracing communities and citizens by establishing respectful learning environments and opening doors for people. The presentation also highlights maximizing natural resources, bridging the gap between goals and achievements, responding to community needs, advancing entrepreneurship and innovation, cultivating relations with community partners, encouraging lifelong learning, and improving the quality of the student educational experience. Additionally, it covers the tenants of the 5-year plan, including increasing community service and involvement, improving the quality of the student educational experience, partnering with the community to advance the local economy, and improving the college's fiscal position through resource development and entrepreneurism.

The meeting included the introduction and oath of office for a new trustee, Mr. Jeff Gouge. The board discussed a budget update, including potential insurance cost increases and the impact of prison closures on enrollment. They also reviewed construction updates for Culinary, Three Peaks, YMCA, and the hotel. Policies related to the acceptance of transfer students and withdrawal from courses were approved. The SACSCOC reaffirmation was granted with no recommendations, and new programs such as Culinary, Dental Assisting, Fire Science, Cyber Security, and Medical Lab Tech were introduced. The board also discussed the president's contract and the election of Dr. Aaron Gabriel as the next President of Mayland Community College.