Southern State Community College

The board meeting covered several key administrative and operational items. The board confirmed the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair, reviewed the President's report, and approved the President's annual evaluation. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, authorized the addition of five faculty policies to the manual, and approved a construction agreement for the Technology Innovation Center. The Board also decided to discontinue the internal Audit Committee. A closed executive session was held to discuss employment matters.

This strategic plan outlines new strategic priorities to meet regional needs, strengthen student outcomes, and support long-term sustainability, beginning in 2026. Key focus areas include building a future-ready portfolio of programs, shaping a sustainable dual enrollment strategy, attracting and engaging more students, enhancing student success and outcomes, modernizing operations and data systems, and strengthening people, systems, and culture. The plan aims to foster innovation, expand partnerships, and further advance student success and regional economic growth.

The President's report provides an update on the Strategic Planning engagement, including the establishment of priority pillars for programs, students, and organizational modernization. It highlights a data-driven dive into new employment outcome metrics for performance-based funding and details a reorganization to elevate enrollment and workforce innovation as a major college division. Additional topics include the hosting of a regional literacy roundtable, various campus events celebrating the college's 50th anniversary and community partnerships, updates on academic and student affairs including library system migrations, information technology infrastructure projects, and progress on grants and workforce development enrollment initiatives.

The President's report covered updates on Spring term enrollment, which is trending upward, and collaborative efforts supporting Wilmington College's new Agriscience Complex. It highlighted the strong performance of the Adult Opportunity Center in state metrics and provided updates on the upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit. Personnel updates within the Nursing department, campus security reports, and workforce development initiatives, including truck driving academy funding and expansion of the Ohio Code Scholar program, were also discussed. The report concluded with a review of recent marketing efforts and staff changes in the Business Office and Human Resources department.

Key discussions focused on the Technology Innovation Center (TIC) overview, which received overwhelmingly supportive comments, including consideration for white noise mitigation. An update on the Ohio Code Scholars program was provided, noting the introduction of new staff, growth in participation numbers, a partnership with Firewatch Studios for marketing enhancement, and projected increases in CCP Revenue. The committee reviewed the program curriculum, specifically discussing Data & Logic as a potential alternative to Algebra, and planning for new certifications in Tech Support and Datacenter roles. Retention and graduation rates for the Computer Science program were identified as ongoing concerns, with only about a 35% graduation rate observed. Current and future industry trends involved extensive discussion regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on utilizing AI for support, planning, enhancing efficiency, and building networks, rather than focusing on short-term hype. Employer recommendations included flipping the interview process, implementing yearly tours with the advisory committee, focusing on the longevity of AI applications, setting up tours with internship partners, and enhancing the Professionalism course.