Taylor Barron

The meeting featured presentations on the Pre-Radiology and Radiology programs offered through the EPiC consortium, as well as an update on Dual Enrollment and Early College high school programs. The Board reviewed administrative reports regarding strategic enrollment management, campus facility renovations, and personnel updates. Key actions included the approval of a contract with Strata Information Group for project management support, revisions to nursing course-specific fees, and the certification of appointments to the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors. The Board also approved the first reading of several policy revisions, issued resolutions of appreciation for retiring faculty, and approved a memorial to honor a campus advocate.

The board conducted a closed session to perform the periodic personnel evaluation of the college president. Following the return to open session, the board discussed the president's employment contract, resulting in an authorized $30,000 compensation increase and additional fringe benefits. The board also authorized the preparation of contract modifications based on the president's positive performance review for subsequent approval.

The board received updates on strategic pillar progress and a presentation regarding the capital outlay project for the Manufacturing Innovation Center. Discussions also covered new certificate offerings in the EMT and Paramedic programs, as well as the positive impact of state tuition assistance programs. Additionally, the board explored opportunities for congressionally directed spending to support equipment needs and workforce training initiatives.

The Board meeting included presentations providing updates on the Criminal Justice, Social Work, Associate of Arts, and Pre-engineering academic programs, detailing enrollment, retention, and workforce needs for each area. The President provided a report on the college's strategic alignment with the Resilient by Design framework, and administrative reports were delivered by various college departments, including Workforce and Strategic Partnerships, Student Affairs, Foundation and Alumni Relations, Information Technology, Iron Mountain Campus, Human Resources, Finance, Academics, and Institutional Effectiveness. The Board discussed governance and personnel committee updates, approved extensive curriculum activities including new and revised programs and courses, and received an update regarding upcoming legislative advocacy efforts.

The board engaged in strategic discussions concerning institutional growth, including metrics for enrollment, retention, student pathways, and employee engagement. Key topics included a potential student housing project, federal and state legislative updates, and accreditation assessment planning. The board also reviewed the 2026-27 budget draft, evaluated the President's performance tool and process, discussed CEO compensation benchmarks, and identified upcoming professional development opportunities for board members.