LIVE @ Montgomery Community College Board Committees + Board of Trustees Meeting 6/14/23

Montgomery Community College Board Meeting Recap: June 14, 2023

On June 14th, the Montgomery Community College (MCC) Board of Trustees convened a comprehensive meeting addressing key areas impacting the college, its students, and the wider community. The session covered a wide range of topics from facility improvements and security enhancements to personnel updates, curriculum changes, and financial matters. This recap highlights the major decisions made, significant discussions, and what these developments mean for residents of Montgomery County.

Significant Decisions & Approvals: A busy agenda led to several important approvals for MCC. The Board voted to move forward with much-needed forestry road repairs, allocating $23,870 funded by timber sales to address erosion issues. A major decision was the approval of a campus-wide security upgrade, utilizing state funds to install keyless entry systems on exterior and interior doors, enhancing safety and enabling lockdowns. The board also approved several personnel changes, including the promotion of Alex Williams to Gunsmithing Instructor and the hiring of Michael Gardner as a program facilitator, while acknowledging the retirement of Matthew Mutarelli. Finally, new faculty positions were approved in Early Childhood Education, Humanities, and Psychology – demonstrating a commitment to expanding academic offerings.

Discussion Highlights: Safety, Curriculum & Partnerships: A significant portion of the meeting focused on enhancing campus safety. Discussions centered around the planned security upgrade, with board members emphasizing the importance of utilizing state funds strategically to improve safety and access control. The conversation underscored a commitment to providing a secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Beyond safety, the board received updates on student success initiatives, including impressive NCLEX (nursing exam) passing rates and the development of valuable internship opportunities through partnerships with companies like Benelli USA. A discussion regarding curriculum also led to the approval of a termination for the Development and Disabilities concentration, allowing resources to be redirected. A new articulation agreement with Richmond Community College for truck driving was also approved, expanding educational opportunities for residents.

Community Input & Future Focus: While there were no formal public comments during the meeting, discussions consistently reflected a focus on community engagement and partnerships. The success of the sporting clays tournament was highlighted as an example of a positive community event, and ongoing efforts to secure funding for the Dental Hygiene program were noted. Dr. Bledsoe’s legislative update highlighted ongoing discussions regarding higher education accreditation and community college governance, indicating MCC's active participation in shaping the future of higher education within the state.

What Happens Next: Action Items & Important Dates: Several key action items emerged from the meeting. The college will finalize vendor selection for the security upgrade, a crucial step in implementing enhanced safety measures. Dr. Bledsoe will continue working on SACS reaccreditation documentation, preparing for an upcoming on-site review. The Board will also discuss findings and recommendations from their self-evaluation at the August retreat, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. Finally, MCC will continue exploring opportunities with Benelli USA to expand internship programs and address workforce development needs.

This meeting demonstrated MCC's commitment to providing a safe, high-quality education and fostering strong community partnerships. Residents can expect to see progress on the campus security upgrades in the coming months, alongside continued efforts to expand academic programs and address workforce development challenges within Montgomery County.