Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: October 23, 2025

Board Members Present:

Board Members Absent:

• Ms. Dana Muse, Secretary
• Ms. Whitney Wilburn, Vice Chair

Call to Order

Chair Arnett called the meeting of the Somerset Community College Board of Directors to order at 1:05 P.M. He welcomed everyone in attendance.

Action Item: July 24, 2025 Minutes

Chair Arnett announced that the minutes of the July 24, 2025, meeting were included in the agenda booklet, which was mailed to board members prior to the meeting.  Mr. Vanhook moved to approve the minutes as distributed.  Mr. Napier seconded the motion.  The minutes were unanimously approved.

Chair Arnett directed members to the Conflict of Interest Statements provided in their folders. All Board Members reviewed and signed the forms, leaving them for proper documentation.

Chair Arnett invited board members to the annual Christmas Breakfast hosted by SCC on December 17.

President's Remarks

Dr. Castle reported that Somerset Community College continues its six-semester trend of growth. Spring enrollment is already tracking ahead, with a headcount of 1,551 compared to 1,323 last spring, representing a nearly 17 percent increase. Credit hours are also up from 15,000 to 17,000, reflecting an 11.6 percent rise. SCC expects to serve between 7,000 and 8,000 students this academic year—its highest numbers since his arrival. He attributed this success to the work of faculty, student services, and all employees who keep the college running.

Dr. Castle emphasized that the activity shown on the meeting packet cover reflects the energy on SCC’s campuses. Students are engaged, and Dr. Castle believes they are well-served and thriving. He commended Student Government leadership and expressed gratitude for the positive momentum he hears across the college.

Dr. Castle updated the board on campus safety and security. SCC continues to prepare for emergency situations through planned exercises. On November 14, another full-scale training will take place in the Harold Rogers Student Commons involving local law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management partners. He encouraged those on campus to be aware of increased activity that day.

Dr. Castle shifted to artificial intelligence, noting that AI is becoming central to nearly every new technology discussed in higher education. After meeting with college presidents and industry partners in New Orleans, he stressed that SCC must stay ahead of emerging tools and trends. Dr. Castle introduced Dr. Bruce Gover to provide a focused update on SCC’s AI policy, training, and strategic planning work.

Dr. Castle also highlighted two major grants recently awarded to the college. SCC received $6 million through the Abandoned Mine Lands program to furnish and equip the new Laurel campus building. This award will enable the college to reallocate previously budgeted funds toward expanding the building’s square footage. Additionally, SCC received $1.9 million for the MSSE Scholars STEM grant, which supports high-achieving students preparing for engineering and related university pathways. He celebrated the grant as an affirmation of SCC’s strong work and continued commitment to student success.

Dr. Castle updated the Board on the Laurel Tech building, noting that planning has progressed. Although the timeline has moved more slowly than hoped, architectural work is advancing, and the college expects to break ground in March.

Dr. Castle closed by reiterating that much of SCC’s current focus—from convocation training to policy development—connects back to artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI will influence instruction, efficiency, and the student experience, and SCC intends to remain proactive. With that, he turned the meeting over to Dr. Bruce Gover to continue the discussion on AI initiatives.

Action Item: Election of Officers for 2026

Mr. Larry Vanhook, representing the nominating committee, reported to the board the decision to appoint the following individuals to positions throughout 2026: Mr. Jonathan Arnett as Chair, Ms. Whitney Wilburn as Vice Chair, and Ms. Dana Muse as Secretary. Mr. Vanhook made a motion to approve the presented nominations. Mr. Duncan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Action Item: Meeting Schedule for 2026

Chair Arnett asked board members to review the meeting dates distributed in their booklets. Mr. Napier made a motion to approve the schedule as presented. Mr. Duncan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment

Chair Arnett announced that the next meeting would be on January 22, 2026, and the meeting adjourned at 1:58 p.m.

Date Approved by Board of Directors: January 22, 2026