Mesalands Community College

The Board approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar, the monthly finance report, and an NMDOT application for road improvements to the rodeo arena. The President provided updates on legislative appropriations, college accreditation status, staff hiring, and upcoming conference attendance. Other key discussion topics included student enrollment statistics, new recruiting initiatives, property procurement processes, and administrative policy updates. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, litigation, and real property rights, with no formal action taken upon reconvening.

The Board discussed various operational and financial reports, including the NMHED Quarterly Financial Actions Report and the January 2026 Financial Report. Key discussion topics included changing the date of the next meeting, the implementation of a Donated Leave Policy, and the approval of a Memorandum of Agreement for FY25. Reports from Academic Affairs covered recruitment efforts and student assessments, while Student Services provided updates on enrollment, financial aid, and campus facilities. Additionally, the Board reviewed administrative reports regarding roofing projects, capital outlay funds for vehicles, and updates from the Staff Senate. An executive session was conducted to discuss personnel, litigation, and real property matters with no resulting actions taken.

The key discussions and actions during the meeting involved the organization of the Board, including the appointment of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Clerk. Appointments were also confirmed for the Foundation Committee, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee. The President reported on progress towards removal from HLC probation, legislative session activities, and plans for road and rodeo house arena maintenance. Academic Affairs noted that classes began with 194 course offerings, the launch of the new Canvas LMS, and upcoming starts for welding and CDL programs. Student Services addressed the ongoing search for a recruiter and reported record registration numbers for corrections services. Furthermore, the Board discussed sports reports for rodeo, golf, and esports teams. Following an executive session covering personnel matters, litigation, and real property/water rights, the Board took action to extend the President's contract by two years. The meeting concluded with the adjournment action.

The regular board meeting involved several key actions and reports. The Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda items. A significant action was the approval of the purchase of a Kenworth Semi Truck to support the growing Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, which anticipates serving eight students every six weeks starting March 2026. The Academic Affairs report noted participation in the DEAL Program for adult learners and mentioned the upcoming draft decision regarding the Institutional Advisory Council (IAC) hearing. Financial matters discussed included the approval of the November 2025 Financial Report, with ongoing adjustments related to the FY2025 audit. The Executive Director of Operations reported on building insurance work completion, upcoming roof construction bids, and requests for legislative funding for new vehicles and security improvements, noting the wind turbine replacement is contingent on funding. The Board also recognized two retiring members for their years of service before entering and reconvening from an executive session for personnel, litigation, and real property matters.

The meeting included updates on the HLC draft report, indicating a recommendation to remove the college from probation, and preparations for an upcoming HLC IAC hearing. The board discussed the FY-24 Exit Audit, focusing on findings and progress in addressing them, and reviewed the September 2025 Financial Report. Academic affairs covered Canvas training for faculty, communication strategies with students, and potential community education programs. Student affairs highlighted advising activities, financial aid disbursements, the Fall Rodeo, and the development of a new MCC website. Additionally, the board approved a purchase requisition related to a death loss of calves and received updates on campus-wide improvements and facility use for a spay and neuter clinic. The board also entered and reconvened from an executive session to discuss limited personnel matters, litigation, and real property and water rights.