Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: July 24, 2025

Board Members Present:

Board Members Absent:

• Mr. Jonathan Arnett, Chair
• Ms. Whitney Wilburn, Vice Chair
• Mr. Riley Pierce

Call to Order

Filling in as Chair, board member, Harris, called the meeting of the Somerset Community College Board of Directors to order at 1:00 P.M. She welcomed everyone in attendance.

Action Item: May 08, 2025 Minutes

Ms. Muse announced that the minutes of the May 08, 2025, meeting were included in the agenda booklet, and the book was mailed to board members before the meeting.  Mr. Vanhook moved the minutes to be approved as distributed.  Ms. Winstead seconded the motion.  The minutes were unanimously approved.

Action Item: FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget Request

Harris called on Ms. Jill Meece, VP of Administration, to present the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget as presented in the booklet. Mr. Duncan made a motion to approve the budget as presented. Mr. Napier seconded the motion. The 2025-2026 Operating Budget was approved unanimously.

President's Remarks

Dr. Castle commended the college for their dedication and service in response to the recent tornado damage in the area.  Campus facilities were opened to provide showers and rest areas for impacted individuals, and faculty, staff, and volunteers participated in community clean-up and relief efforts.

Dr. Castle reported that 3,693 students graduated this past year. Fall enrollment was up by 3%, and summer enrollment exceeded expectations. He noted a significant increase in student retention, attributing it to the strong engagement of faculty and staff who are supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Dr. Castle provided an update on strategic planning efforts using the college’s “4DX” model, which emphasizes sustainability and weekly alignment with key goals. This model has helped the college maintain momentum.

Dr. Castle shared that initial steps in addressing salary compression were well received and that conversations around compensation would continue with the President’s Leadership Team throughout the year.

Dr. Castle reported that SCC’s Provost, Dr. Clint Hayes, has accepted the presidency at Southwest Virginia Community College. SCC is proud of him and grateful for his years of service. In the interim, our Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Ron Meade, has stepped up and is already doing an excellent job in the role. The Provost position will be posted soon.

Dr. Castle reported on budgetary constraints, sharing that the Adult Education Department experienced funding losses at both the state and federal levels. As a result, three employees were released at the end of their contracts, and some part-time positions were reduced. One long-serving staff member retired following the elimination of her role and Project BEAM was also eliminated.

Dr. Castle reported a structural change in academic divisions. Due to enrollment growth, the Business/Professional Services and CTE division was split into two separate divisions, bringing the total to four: Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences, Business and Professional Services, and Career and Technical Education. Interim leadership has been assigned for the new division as the college evaluates the best long-term structure.

Dr. Castle reported continued progress on the Laurel Technical Building project, which remains on schedule according to state timelines. Architectural planning is underway, and local government partners have assisted in securing adjacent property for future expansion. He shared plans for a fundraising campaign to support equipment and infrastructure for the new facility.

Dr. Castle reported on the recent Executive Council Retreat, which addressed multiple strategic topics including federal and state legislative updates, the upcoming Pell Grant changes, and future enrollment trends. The Council initiated work on an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) plan to identify, assess, and mitigate institutional risks, supporting better decision-making at all levels.

Dr. Castle provided an update on the college’s initiatives involving artificial intelligence (AI). The college is exploring ways to leverage AI to streamline workflows, support marketing, and enhance instruction. He emphasized the importance of developing college-wide policies and professional development to guide responsible AI integration.

Dr. Castle reminded the Board that faculty would return on August 1, and Convocation would be held on August 7. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. John Pearson, is a neurobiologist at Duke University and a proud alumnus of the college’s early dual-enrollment program. Dr. Castle noted that Dr. Pearson’s story is a compelling example of the impact of community college education.

Dr. Castle introduced Dr. Ron Meade, Interim Provost. Dr. Meade provided an overview of academic program development. New offerings include a Human Services program with a track in addiction counseling, which will serve as the college’s first competency-based education initiative. Additional programs in development include a paramedic-to-nursing bridge program for next fall and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at the Russell Center. Career and Technical Education (CTE) will see the launch of a Nail Technology program, an Electrical Apprenticeship, and a fixed-wing flight training program in collaboration with Madisonville Community College.

Adjournment

Harris appointed a nominating committee for next year’s officers: Mr. Larry Vanhook, Ms. Whitney Wilburn, and Ms. Natalie Winstead.  The next meeting will be on October 23, 2025, and the meeting adjourned at 1:58 P.M.

Date Approved by Board of Directors: October 23, 2025