Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: January 23, 2025

Board Members Present:

Board Members Absent:

• Mr. Larry Vanhook
• Mr. BJ Brown
• Mr. Phillip Duncan

Call to Order

Chair Arnett called the meeting of the Somerset Community College Board of Directors to order at 12:58 p.m.  He welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked the Culinary Program for lunch.

Action Item: October 24, 2024 Minutes

Ms. Dana Muse announced that the minutes of the October 24, 2024, meeting were included in the agenda booklet, and the book was mailed to Board Members before the meeting.  Mr. Napier moved the minutes to be approved as distributed.  Ms. Winstead seconded the motion.  The minutes were unanimously approved.

President's Remarks

Dr. Castle shared an update on the enrollment status of Somerset Community College, highlighting an increase compared to the previous year and improvements in enrollment goals.

Dr. Castle reported that the budget is currently being developed.  He briefly reviewed possible expenses that come with the six-year capital budget requests and SJR179.

Dr. Castle reported that the compression planning on salaries is in progress. Software was purchased at the System Office to help analyze positions to see where compression fits.

Dr. Castle reported that SCC continues to see progress with 4DX Model.  Faculty and staff are developing their goals for each of their areas.  This year employees are looking at each of their areas to see where they can make improvements and make it great.

Dr. Castle provided an update on initiatives happening around campus.  SCC has launched a hot food service, at the request of SGA to enhance students' dining options. Additionally, SCC hosted the annual MLK Unity Breakfast, fostering community and reflection. The College has also initiated supervisor training programs aimed at developing leadership skills among employees in supervisory roles.  SCC organized the Valley Oak Open House and the Going Pro Event, both of which showcased opportunities for student engagement and community involvement.

SACSCOC Update

Dr. Bruce Gover, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, provided an overview of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Fifth Year Interim Report. He explained the areas that are evaluated in the report, how it differs from the decennial report, and who is responsible for developing it. The College received the report back with no recommendations.

Action Item: Six-Year Capital Budget Plan

Jill Meece, VP of Business Operations, presented the six-year capital budget request.  SCC is required to submit a Capital Request every two years. For SCC, this is any new construction or major renovation that costs more than one million dollars or any single piece of equipment that is more than $200,000. Any of the items that SCC is interested in purchasing must go through a biennial budget process and be authorized for purchase by the state government. Ms. Meece went through the items, by priority, and the estimated cost. She then requested approval from the board. Mr. Napier moved to approve the request as presented. Mr. Denney seconded the motion.

Board Evaluation and Code of Ethics

Cindy Clouse, VP of Advancement, reminded the Board that every two years the Board is required to evaluate its own effectiveness. This evaluation will assist the Board in achieving its mission to advise and support the College.  She requested that the Board members return the evaluation form in the envelope provided. Result will be reviewed at the next meeting.  In addition, the Board is required to review and acknowledge the SCC Board of Directors Code of Ethics every year.  A form was passed around for signatures.

Adjournment

Chair Arnett announced the next meeting will be on Thursday, May 8, 2025.  Ms. Wilburn made a motion to adjourn and with no further business, the members were dismissed at 1:39 PM.

Date Approved by Board of Directors: May 8, 2025