Zaria O'Bryant

The Board meeting included the President's Report regarding school initiatives, interim courses, and upcoming events. Updates were provided on finance, facilities, and the foundation's fundraising goals and campaigns. New business involved committee appointments and the reorganization of the meeting agenda. The Board discussed and approved the transfer of the QLiteX software platform and ABii robots, the acceptance of real property in Hartsville, and a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the same property. The Board also modified the schedule for a future Joint Board Retreat and upcoming meetings.

The board meeting agenda included a series of reports from the President, the Finance and Business Operations office, and the GSSM Foundation, along with updates from the Faculty Senate and student representatives. New business items were addressed, followed by a review of the consent agenda, which encompassed partnership documents between GSSM and the GSSM Foundation, as well as operational updates concerning residential academic affairs, research and global innovation initiatives, enrollment management, outreach programs, and student support services.

The board discussed enrollment trends, highlighting an increase in school visits and integrated marketing efforts. Key agenda items included the introduction of a notable state document award for the school's viewbook, progress on the AI educator summer institute supported by a Google grant, and an overview of student impact across various counties. The foundation team reported on fundraising goals, including corporate in-kind gifts and grants for AI education, and outlined upcoming community events and alumni engagement initiatives. The board also addressed committee assignments and received updates regarding faculty senate activities.

The meeting included the introduction of new members and the President's report covering student enrollment trends, the variety of interim courses offered, and updates on ongoing staff recruitment searches. Key highlights included the announcement of an AI Educator Summer Institute supported by a Google grant, outreach initiatives across multiple counties, and progress on capital projects. The Foundation team provided a fundraising report, detailing progress toward annual goals and the impact of recent in-kind gifts.

This inaugural speech by President Flores outlines a vision for the future of GSSM, referred to as 'GSSM 3.0,' over the next decade. It proposes redefining the school's academic core to holistically integrate STEM with humanities, arts, and social sciences, moving beyond a traditional science and engineering focus. Key strategic questions are posed regarding curriculum innovation, expanding student programs and outreach, fostering engaged citizenship, and ensuring financial accessibility for competitive college choices. The overarching goal is to cultivate student-centered excellence and opportunity for all within a supportive community.