Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: January 22, 2026

Board Members Present:

Board Members Absent:

• Mr. Jonathan Arnett, Chair
• Mr. Phillip Duncan

Call to Order

Vice-Chair Wilburn called the meeting of the Somerset Community College Board of Directors to order at 1:00 p.m. She welcomed everyone in attendance and expressed appreciation to Karen’s Catering for the meal provided.

Action Item: October 23, 2025 Minutes

Ms. Dana Muse announced that the minutes of the October 23, 2025, meeting were included in the agenda booklet mailed to Board Members before the meeting. Mr. Napier moved to approve the minutes as distributed. Ms. Winstead seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.

President's Remarks

Dr. Castle shared an update on Somerset Community College's enrollment status, highlighting an increase over the previous year and progress toward enrollment goals.

Dr. Castle reported that although the system’s budget request has been submitted, an increase in operational funding is unlikely due to competing demands for state surplus funds. The college has requested $2.2 million to support its aviation pilot program by purchasing airplanes, with ground school set to begin in February. He also noted that KCTCS Advocacy Day will be held in Frankfort on February 24 to engage with legislators and express appreciation for their support.

Dr. Castle referenced participation in the “Serving Up Solutions” fundraiser, an initiative that addresses food insecurity and supports the Share Care Centers. He emphasized the college’s continued commitment to students facing food challenges.

Dr. Castle reported that the KCTCS strategic plan would be presented to the Board of Regents for first reading in March, with anticipated final approval in June. Locally, the SCC Board will be asked to review and approve the college’s mission, vision, and values statements in upcoming meetings. Materials will be distributed in advance for review and feedback.

Dr. Castle shared that artificial intelligence remains a major focus across the college. Training modules through ACUE are being launched to provide foundational knowledge about AI and its practical applications. The goal is to ensure faculty and staff develop a shared understanding of AI and its implications for teaching, learning, and operations. Workforce Solutions is also offering AI-related programming for area businesses. 

Dr. Castle highlighted the December commencement ceremony at the Corbin Arena, where more than 200 graduates participated, noting that the addition of both fall and spring ceremonies has increased student and family engagement. He also shared details about the RISE Student Leadership in Action event held in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which was organized by Student Government with support from Phi Theta Kappa. The program featured a presentation by Dr. Josh Jones and a leadership panel of faculty and community members, with approximately 30 students in attendance. Dr. Castle commended the students for their leadership in planning and executing the event.

Dr. Ron Meade reported the launch of a new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, with the first cohort beginning in the fall at the Russell Center and in London, and noted strong early interest. He shared that the college is exploring additional program expansion, including dental hygiene in London, and participating in a shared-model cybersecurity program with other KCTCS colleges, pending necessary approvals. Health sciences programs are currently experiencing strong enrollment growth, with most at capacity, and marketing strategies are being implemented to support programs with lower enrollment.

Dean Chris Hall reported continued enrollment growth in Career and Technical Education programs and highlighted the development of a fixed-wing flight technology program, with ground school beginning in February in coordination with Madisonville Community College. A community information session is planned to support recruitment, and the program addresses workforce demand for pilots. He also shared that the college is seeking SACS approval to offer an Agribusiness Marketing certificate Russell County, with a projected launch in January 2027.

Travis McQueen provided an update on the new approximately 50,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education building planned for the Laurel campus, which will replace the aging Laurel South facility and consolidate multiple technical programs onto the North Campus. The Board reviewed preliminary renderings of the project.

Adjournment

Vice Chair Wilburn announced the next meeting will be on Thursday, May 7, 2026. With no further business, the members were dismissed at 1:45 PM.

Date Approved by Board of Directors: May 7, 2026