Yakima Valley College

The Study Session covered informational presentations, including an outline of Senate Bill 5110 regarding an optional tuition waiver for eligible American Indian tribe members aged 55 and older, which serves as a potential marketing and recruitment opportunity. Another presentation provided an overview of the college's Equity Lens Tool, developed to align college practices with an equity-centered approach, with plans for phased campus-wide adoption. The Regular Meeting included the formal appointment of Dr. Teresa Rich as President, effective January 16, 2026, with a three-year, five-month, and 14-day contract. Board reports highlighted legislative concerns, including potential state funding reductions and the need for legislators to visit in Olympia and Washington, D.C. The Student update detailed recent ASYVC-sponsored events such as a blood drive, holiday crafts, and a pool tournament, demonstrating responsiveness to student feedback. Administrative reports covered an ongoing audit dispute with the Department of Revenue concerning Leasehold Excise Tax, updates on the Financial Statement Audit, and the success of the student tuition payment plan. Instructional updates included the return of former faculty member Stephen Kinney part-time to support STEM courses, the expansion of the College and Career Readiness (CCR) program to a new Ellensburg location, extended library hours, and a new dual enrollment credit partnership with K-12 partners and ESD 105. Enrollment reports showed overall headcount growth of 3.5% and FTE growth of 6% for Winter 2026, despite lower CCR enrollment. Financial Aid awarded approximately $26 million, benefiting from batch awarding implementation. The community relations update focused on the college's first Giving Day scheduled for April 22, 2026, aimed at replenishing Student Emergency Funds and providing scholarships. Faculty reported on preparations for Lobby Day to advocate on budget concerns.

Key discussions centered on the approval of Exceptional Faculty Awards for Fall 2025, following a review by the Faculty Development Committee. Communications highlighted a faculty member's research on the buffalo leading to a commemorative coin in 2028. Board reports included an update on the National ACCT Congressional Conference, the Presidential Search process semifinalist interviews, and concerns regarding federal government funding challenges. Student representatives reported on recent campus activities, including Breast Cancer Awareness Month events and the creation of a Day of the Dead altar, and discussed food insecurity concerns related to the SNAP benefits freeze. Reports from Administrative Services covered fiscal updates concerning a federal shutdown and budget projections. The Interim Vice President for Instruction noted the successful accreditation renewal of the Automotive Program through 2030. Enrollment updates showed an increase of over 100 students compared to the previous winter quarter, alongside a report on Financial Aid, including updates on the FAFSA simplification process. The Interim President provided an update from the HACU Conference, emphasizing HSI funding issues, and discussed the projected budget decrease reflected in the Governor's first budget proposal, necessitating strategic budget reductions. Faculty representatives thanked the Board for funding the EFA awards and discussed updates on labor negotiations and the need for faculty training on career pathways.

The Board of Trustees convened for a special meeting where roll call was completed, and no changes were made to the agenda. There were no action items or public call-ins initially presented. The Board convened in Executive Session to review the qualifications of semifinalist candidates for the Presidential Search and discuss potential compensation packages. Following the Executive Session, the Board formally approved the semifinalist candidates—Dr. Kerry Lynn Levett, Dr. Bonny Copenhaver, and Dr. Teresa Rich—to advance to the final interview stage, scheduled for December 8-10, 2025. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The special meeting began with a roll call and introduction of guests. There were no proposed changes to the agenda, and no members of the public signed up to address the board. The Board of Trustees indicated that they would convene in Executive Session to interview and review the qualifications of the finalist candidate, Dr. Kerry Lynn Levett, with no action taken during that session. The agenda also included no action items or communications.

The special meeting commenced with a roll call. There were no proposed changes to the agenda and no members of the public signed up to address the board. The agenda included reports from the Board of Trustees, where the Chair announced that the Board would convene in Executive Session to interview and review the qualifications of the finalist candidate, Dr. Teresa Rich, without taking action. The Board subsequently entered Executive Session for this purpose, with the session lasting ninety minutes. The meeting concluded with adjournment.