The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 3:04 p.m., in The Brumit Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Tillman Dining Room. Dr. Theresa Banks, Chair, presided.
The following members of the Board participated: Joe Barwick, Michael Garrison, Tommy Justus, Matt Kern, David King, Judy Lewis, Roger Metcalf, John Parham, Anthony Penland, Frances Ramsey, Roger Reid, Glenda Weinert, and Mariana Flores, Ex-Officio. Himanshu Karvir and Libby Kyles were absent.
Others present for the meeting included: Dirk Wilmoth, Acting President; Deborah Bailey, Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development and Continuing Education; Amanda Edwards, Executive Director of College Advancement; Cris Harshman, Interim Vice President of Information Technology; Fairley Patton, Vice President of Student Services; Beth Stewart, Vice President of Instructional Services; Darryl Rhymes, Director, Employment & Employee Relations; Chris Campbell, College Attorney; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Call to Order
At 3:04 p.m., Chair Banks read the ethics statement. No conflicts of interest were reported. Ms. Rice called roll; a quorum was present.
At 3:05 p.m. the Board sang “Happy Birthday” to Mr. Roger Reid!
Consent Agenda
At 3:06 p.m., Chair Banks asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Ms. Lewis moved to approve Consent Agenda items: 1. A. August 5, 2024, Board Meeting Minutes; and 1. B. Personnel Actions. Dr. Justus seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Resolution/Action Items
2. A. Dr. Fairley Patton shared that the College is offering a Continuing Education course to Spain and Portugal in July 2025. The ten-day trip provides students with an immersive experience in the diverse cultural, historical, and geographical landscapes of Iberia, as well as the opportunity to learn about the history, migration, and language of these cultures. All safety protocols are covered, including comprehensive health and travel insurance. All students are provided with 24-hour support and a local phone number in case of an emergency. The trip enhances the College’s commitment to global education.
Dr. Justus moved to approve the Global Education Trip to Iberia. Chief Penland seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
President’s Report
- Dr. Wilmoth, Acting President, shared the following with the Board:
- The last eleven pages of your Board packet contain detailed activities and accomplishments of each division on campus.
- You are welcome to join us at the Fall Festival tomorrow, September 10, to see the updated Beech Tree Deck, as well as to meet students and enjoy a free meal.
- You are invited to attend the groundbreaking for the new Stormwater Green Infrastructure project on September 30, at 11:00 a.m. This project is funded by both Article 46 and by grant funds from RiverLink. This is phase one of improvements to the stormwater management system, and it will be located to the west of the parking deck and into the woods by the Chestnut building.
- Enrollment is up 399 students which is a seven percent increase from this time last year. Our FTE is also up by 74 students and student retention numbers continue to increase as well. Enrollment is ongoing for late start classes and college career and promise students (CCP). Great work by our recruiters!
Staff Report
Dr. Fairley Patton informed the Board that the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is based on a comprehensive PEAK (Proactive Outreach and Strengths-Based, Empowering, Achievement, Knowledge) Performance Success Coaching model, designed to support student achievement and completion. Dr. Patton shared the following information with the Board:
- PEAK aligns with our mission and priorities.
- The QEP is structured around clear goals, with emphasis on proactive outreach, and success coaching.
- We are focusing on students who need financial aid and are Pell Grant eligible.
- Success Coaches will be embedded in classes so that they can partner with faculty to support students.
- The PEAK model is strength-based, which leverages the student’s talents and abilities, empowers students to take an active role in education, and helps students align their goals with a tailored academic and career pathway.
- The Case Management model is technology-based and is supported by a platform called “Watermark.”
- Watermark tracks students’ progress, and grades, and lets the College know if a student is having problems or is falling behind.
- Ms. Judy Fleming, QEP Director, is tasked with making the QEP successful. Success coaches will report directly to her.
- Watermark also predicts what services students may need, such as automatically sending a referral to the Tutoring or Writing Center.
- Watermark offers online services for distance learning students.
- Advising is a part of coaching. Coaches need to be familiar with programs of study. Advisors ask questions as to what the students need, what their goals may be, and what their interests are.
- Advisors also work with students to select which classes to take each semester.
- Highschool counselors will be made aware that the College has success coaches, and that we will have a continuum of support for high school students.
- In conclusion, PEAK is expected to have a significant impact on student success, retention, academic performance, and graduation rates.
The Board thanked Dr. Patton for her presentation, stating that it was very impressive; and will have a substantial impact on our students.
SGA Report
SGA President Mariana Flores shared that the SGA has already held three meetings this semester. We make sure that all clubs and societies are chartered each year. The SGA meets at Manna Food Bank once a month, and all students are invited to participate.
Over 100 students participated in our first “Tye Dye” event! September 17 is National Voter Registration Day, and members of the SGA will be on hand to discuss politics and the importance of voting.
Classes are canceled tomorrow from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 p.m. so that all students can participate in the Fall Festival.
Closed Session
At 3:47 p.m., Mr. Kern moved that the Trustees enter closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a) (1) and (3) in order to discuss confidential personnel matters pursuant to G.S. 115D-27-29 and to discuss matters protected by the attorney-client privilege.”
At 4:31 PM, Mr. Garrison moved to return to the Open Session. Chief Penland seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Handouts
The Divisional Updates and the 2023-2024 Tracking Measures Scorecard are in the Handouts.
The next Board meeting will be on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in The Brumit Center for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Tillman Dining Room.
Adjourn
Upon a motion properly made, the meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary