Trina Branson

The Board of Governors discussed several key items, including the selection of the Harold K. Michael Award recipient, the approval of multiple AI curriculum proposals, and reports from staff and faculty regarding course assessment processes and adjunct awards. The college President provided updates on state agency budget cuts, property acquisition, funding for the Heavy Equipment program, and future program development, including a potential transition of the wind energy curriculum to an industrial maintenance program.

The 2025-2026 Catalog for Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College serves as a comprehensive guide to the institution's accessible and affordable educational opportunities across academic, technical, and workforce training programs. It details the college's mission to enrich the Potomac Highlands region through innovative programs and services, guided by values of opportunity, quality teaching, lifelong learning, integrity, partnerships, and continuous improvement. The catalog provides extensive information on admission policies, academic regulations, student services, financial aid, and specific program curricula for associate degrees and certificates.

Key discussions included the approval of the FY 26 Q1 Financial Statements and the approval of two Board Policies: BP 3.8 Academic Honors and BP 3.12 Graduation Requirements. The Board Chair congratulated Dr. Striplin and staff on fall 2025 and spring 2026 enrollment numbers. The President provided updates noting ongoing work with the Chancellor's Office regarding a land purchase awaiting Governor's Office approval, a $400,000 grant application for opioid settlement funds, the operational status of the commercial kitchen, and the in-housing of medical assistant programs. Future items include monitoring federal activity and anticipating Workforce Pell Grants next summer.

The Board of Governors meeting included a presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report and Financial Statements. The board discussed Artificial Intelligence and Eastern's hosting of the WV Connect meeting. Updates were provided on registration for the Spring semester, CTE pathway options for Hampshire High School students, and upcoming Faculty Senate meetings. The US Department of Education announced grant funding for short-term training programs, and Eastern is exploring opportunities to augment its heavy equipment program. The board was also invited to Eastern’s holiday party and the Nursing LPN to RN Pinning Ceremony.

The meeting included a presentation on the annual GLBA requirement regarding the status of cybersecurity. The Board of Governors decided to maintain a monthly meeting schedule, with a minimum of six meetings per fiscal year. There was a discussion of potential state funding cuts, deferred maintenance at the Technology Center, land acquisition progress, kitchen and fitness center updates, strong enrollment, academic program reviews, and the need for state and HLC approval for the Artificial Intelligence program. The Faculty Senate Agenda included discussions on the Advisory Counsel of Faculty, improving assessment processes, methods for attaching course learning objectives to assignments, and encouraging faculty to offer bonus points for student attendance at learning opportunities.