Laurel Ridge Community College

The board discussed the Strategic Enrollment Plan, the Institutional Priorities AY2025-26 progress report, and various curricular program renames. Actions taken included approving increases to auxiliary fees and student activity fees effective Fall 2026, approving the 2026-28 Biennium Auxiliary Parking Plan, and formalizing the renaming of several Career Studies Certificates including Virtual Reality and Game Design, AI and Applied Data Science, Industrial Robotics and Automation, and Computer Science. Additionally, the board received a report from the Educational Foundation representative regarding facility projects and fundraising efforts.

The board discussed and approved nominations for the 2026 College Board Medallion of Recognition, as well as nominations for professors emeriti and classified staff emeriti. The board approved the president evaluation procedures for the 2025-2026 academic year, reviewed a quarterly update for the fiscal year 2026 budget, and approved the renaming of the Computer Science Generalist Career Studies Certificate. Additionally, the board approved the academic year 2026-2027 meeting dates. Reports were provided regarding college personnel changes, the growth of the Power Line Worker Program, campus operations, and an update on the activities of the Educational Foundation, including project developments and upcoming special events.

The board discussed several informational items, including the VCCS legislative priorities for 2026, the findings of a recent JLARC study on the VCCS, the Laurel Ridge Impact Report, dual enrollment snapshots, and criteria for the College Board Medallion of Recognition. Additionally, the board reviewed the quarterly update for the FY2026 budget and a proposal for a program name change for the Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree. The board also approved a request for the Student Union acquisition.

The meeting included the approval of the June 5, 2025, meeting minutes. New business encompassed reviewing the Laurel Ridge Institutional Priorities for AY 2025-26 as an information item. The Board took action to approve the Laurel Ridge Community College Local Board Annual Goals AY 2025-26 and to approve the Curriculum Advisory Committees AY 2025-26. Updates were provided on State Funding and College Budgeting Process, and the College Board Budget FY 2024 quarterly update, both as information items. The Board took action to approve the College Board Budget for FY 2027. Reports included updates from the College Board Chair, emphasizing upcoming events and VCCS Chancellor's directives regarding unified goals and funding needs, and a report from the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Board Representative concerning scholarship impact, award nominees, infrastructure development for the Power Line Worker Program, and potential transfer of the Student Union Building ownership. The meeting concluded with reports from various College Vice Presidents and an adjournment motion.

The meeting included a presentation on the Future Educators Academy, a recommendation to approve Laurel Ridge Local College Board Policy 110, and a discussion on the Local College Board Self-Assessment Process. The board also reviewed the College Board Budget FY2025 quarterly update and approved the FY2026 Local Funds Budget. Additionally, the board approved Brian Sours as the College Board Representative to the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Board for AY2025-26. The Board Chair highlighted the co-enrollment agreement signed with Shenandoah University. The Foundation's investment report was shared, communicating the positive position of the Foundation's investments.