Gulf Coast State College

The key discussion topics involved internal employment changes, including promotions, resignations, retirements, and terminations affecting various staff members across different departments. Specific changes detailed included Dana Erskine's move to Interim Academic Program Specialist and Jennifer Evans' promotion to Financial Aid Coordinator. Resignations included Christopher Infinger and Joseph Otte. A retirement was noted for Daniel Finley, and terminations included David Lee and Jordan Hale. New career service employments were confirmed for Sharon Mitchell (Custodian) and Chelsea Young (IT Technician I), while Elizabeth Kirkland resigned from her role in Online Learning.

The workshop meeting included a review of Manual of Policy (MOP) 5.178 concerning the Naming of Facilities and Other Methods of Recognition, resulting in the decision to keep the latest approved version in place. The group also agreed to discuss the gift agreement with the Gulf Coast State College Foundation, considering the addition of a Schedule and/or Procedure document. Furthermore, the attendees addressed existing agreements lacking sufficient safeguards, agreeing that contingency provisions must be refined moving forward to establish stronger terms and avoid one-sided agreements.

The agenda for the meeting covered General Functions, including call to order, invocation, and hearing of citizens. Discussions under District Board of Trustees included trustee comments, reports from the Board Attorney, GCSC Foundation, Inc. President, and updates from the United States Navy and Tyndall Air Force Base. The Student Government Association provided a report. The Consent Agenda included approvals for personnel recommendations, contract ratifications, overload/adjunct pay, review of expenditures for November 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, and approval of Restricted Current Fund budgets for Title III and TRiO Grants. The Action Agenda focused on tentative approval of changes to the Manual of Policy regarding educational expense reimbursement and approval for the Gulf/Franklin Campus Classroom and Emergency Shelter Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Contract. Informational items included the comparison of actual revenues and expenses to the budget, an IT security update, and a construction update on the Nursing Simulation Center and Gulf/Franklin facility.

The regular meeting included welcoming guests from NSA-Panama City, Tyndall Air Force, Gulf Coast State Foundation, and representatives from Gulf Coast State College. A special presentation was made by Ms. Glatthar, who presented a check from the Mulick Ferrell Family Legacy gift towards the Gulf Coast Guarantee. Mr. Hall commended the IT Steering Committee and its accomplishments. Dr. De La Rosa attended the inauguration of the Panama City FSU Biomedical Sciences Degree Program.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. Proposed lab fees for 2025-26 were addressed, and presentations were made regarding donations to the Gulf Coast State College Foundation. Updates were provided on the Foundation's financial status, including total assets, donations, investment income, and Gulf Coast Guarantee Funds pledged. The board discussed and approved changes to the Manual of Policy, lab fee changes for 2025-26, and an increase to the scope and budget of the Gulf/Franklin Campus Multi-Purpose Classroom and Shelter Project. Additionally, the board addressed the lease and redevelopment of Hathaway Inn, ultimately deciding to reject the proposal and explore selling the property. The board also approved writing off delinquent accounts, the 2025-26 College Unrestricted Current Fund Budget, and Capital Improvement Program Priorities for 2026-27 through 2028-29. Contract extensions for the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program were approved, and the 2025-26 DBOT Regular Meeting Schedule was set. Updates were provided on building construction projects, including the Nursing Simulation Center, Corridor Renovations Project, and Gulf/Franklin Multi-Purpose Classroom & Shelter.