Local Community College Board
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Poquoson Elementary School
1033 Poquoson Avenue|Poquoson, VA 23662
Library
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES NO. 472
WELCOME
Dr. Keisha Melvin introduced Ms. Ashley Ide, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Support Services, with Poquoson Schools, and thanked her for allowing the College Board to meet at the school.
Ms. Ide welcomed everyone and shared that Poquoson is a small school division with only one high school with this year’s senior class totaling 164 students. The school system had been navigating Dual Enrollment on their own and now Poquoson schools has begun to work collaboratively with VPCC’s Dual Enrollment program. This is the first year of an official cohort of Poquoson High School students who are working towards an Associate of Science Degree in Social Science. The school system also offers a variety of AP coursework for their students as well as an option to attend Governor’s school. Students can choose a path that best meets their personal needs.
There are currently 236 students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes compared to 132 in the previous year. The cohort group for this academic year has 5 students enrolled with a goal to increase that number to 15 next year with a long term goal to eventually have 30 students participating in the cohort. Ms. Ide shared that Poquoson City Schools is growing their credentialed staff to teach these courses.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m.
Roll Call 6:11 pm
Present: Ms. Laura Abel (Virtual), Mr. Wayne Casey, Mr. David “Ed” Durham, Mr. Stephen Ferguson, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Danny Lee, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Mr. Doug Powell, Ms. Mary Sandy, Mr. Leonard Sledge, Mr. Donnie Tuck
Absent: Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Donna Woods
Staff and Guests: Ms. Michelle Alexander(Academic Affairs),Ms. Ada Badgley (Office of thePresident),Dr. Porter Brannon (Office of the President), Mr. J.J. Bonavita (Institutional Effectiveness & Transformation), Mr. Steven Carpenter (Finance & Administration), Ms. Daniela Cigularova ( Enrollment Management & Student Success), Mr. Todd Coxe (Office of the President), Ms. Nicole Currier (Academic Affairs), Mr. Todd Estes (Workforce Development & Innovation), Mr. Steven Felker (Institutional Effectiveness & Transformation), Mr. Michael Filsinger (Faculty Senate), Mr. Keith Feigh (Poquoson City Council), Ms. Jean Frank (Academic Affairs), Mr. David Garrett (Office of the President), Mr. Paul Long (Office of the President), Ms. Barbara Mason (Office of the President), Mr. John Mason (Finance and Administration), Ms. Geri Mathey (CSSA), Mr. Julian Parker (SGA), Mr. Eric Pesola (Institutional Effectiveness & Transformation), Mr. Damond Pope (Finance & Administration), Dr. Kerry Ragno (Academic Affairs), Dr. Scott Stauble (Academic Affairs), Mr. Marc Vernon (Finance and Administration)
- Approval of Minutes for November 12, 2025
A motion to approve the minutes was made by Danny Lee and seconded by Ed Durham. The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approved the minutes from November 12, 2025, Board Meeting [No. 471], as presented.
By roll call vote the following board members approved the November 12, 2025, minutes: Ms. Laura Abel (Virtual), Mr. Wayne Casey, Mr. David “Ed” Durham, Mr. Stephen Ferguson, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Danny Lee, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Ms. Mary Sandy, Mr. Leonard Sledge, Mr. Donnie Tuck
Abstain: Mr. Doug Powell
- CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Public Comments
There were no public comments.
- Report from the College Board Liaison to the Virginia Peninsula Community College Educational Foundation Board of Directors
Mr. Donnie Tuck, College Board Liaison, reported that the Educational Foundation Board will be meeting next week and provided an overview of the upcoming meeting.
- The Gators Cares Campaign concluded on November 30, 2025. The campaign received donations from 106 individuals and raised $6,917. These funds will be used for student success initiatives and direct support to students in need.
- The College is continuing to search for an Associate Vice President (AVP) for Institutional Advancement. The AVP will also serve as the Executive Director for the VPCC Educational Foundation and will play a vital role in efforts to enhance fundraising and major gift campaign work to include the upcoming celebration of the College’s 60th anniversary.
- The Foundation is actively working to recruit new board members. If anyone has recommendations, please share them with Dr. Brannon or Steven Felker.
If anyone has not made the November 30th deadline for the Gators Cares Campaign the President’s Office will send out a link for submitting a gift. Mr. Tuck reminded everyone that the goal is to have 100 percent board participation.
- Executive Committee Serving as the Presidential Evaluation Committee
The Executive Committee will serve as the Presidential Evaluation Committee
- Ad Hoc Committee for the College Board Awards at Commencement
Mr. Stephen Ferguson will chair the College Board Awards committee, and Mr. Danny Lee and Ms. Mary Sandy have agreed to serve on the committee. Solicitation for nominees will be forthcoming soon.
- Approval of Proposed Changes to the Local College Board Handbook
Currently the College Board Handbook states in section 3.13(A) that the board shall hold regularly scheduled meetings in August, October, December, February, April, and May, totaling six meetings a year. The proposed amendments align with the Board’s intent to streamline its meeting calendar by establishing an annual retreat that may include official business, followed by four quarterly meetings to conduct regular business throughout the year.
Dr. Melvin proposed that the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board amend Section 3.13(A) of the handbook to read as follows:
- Regularly scheduled meetings of the College Board shall be held five (5) times per year as follows: Annual Retreat – This meeting may include official board business in addition to planning and development activities.
- March, June, September, and November (Quarterly Regular Meetings) – Regular meetings shall be held during these months for the transaction of official board business.
- Special meetings of the College Board may be held at the call of the chair or upon petition of a simple majority of the members of the board.
- A simple majority of eight (8) members of the College Board shall constitute a quorum for all regular meetings.
- All other provisions of Section 3.13, including those regarding public notice, open-meeting requirements, remote participation, and minute taking procedures, shall remain in full effect.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approves the proposed changes to the Local College Board Handbook, as presented.
On behalf of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board Dr. Keisha Melvin motioned that the board approve the proposed changes to the Local College Board Handbook, as presented. Ms. Mary Sandy seconded the motion.
By roll call vote the following board members approved the proposed changes to the Local College Board Handbook, Ms. Laura Abel (Virtual)l, Mr. Wayne Casey, Mr. David “Ed” Durham, Mr. Stephen Ferguson, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Danny Lee, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Mr. Doug Powell, Ms. Mary Sandy, Mr. Leonard Sledge, Mr. Donnie Tuck
- Motion from the floor to eliminate the need for roll call when we have virtual attendees.
There was a motion on the floor to eliminate the need for roll call when there are virtual attendees. The motion was moved by Mr. Stephen Ferguson and seconded by Mr. Donnie Tuck.
3. CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND STUDENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
There were no agenda items from the Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Services Committee.
4. BUDGET, FINANCE AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE
- Receipt of the Campus Police Internal Audit Update
Mr. Ed Durham reported that the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee received and reviewed the Campus Police Internal Audit Update presented by Ms. Ada Badgley, Chief of Staff
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College board acknowledges receipt of the Campus Police Internal Audit Update, as presented.
- Adoption of the Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework
Mr. Ed Durham shared that the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee and the full board received information on the Adoption of the Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework during the November board meeting. During this evening’s committee meeting the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee unanimously voted to approve the framework. Mr. Durham asked the full board to adopt the framework this evening.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board adopts the 2026 Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework, as presented.
On behalf of the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee, Mr. Ed Durham motioned that the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board adopt the 2026 Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Framework, as presented.
The board was in full favor and the motion passed.
- Request for $0.50 Increase to the Student Activity Fee
Mr. Ed Durham shared that the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee received a presentation on the benefits of increasing the Student Activity Fee by $0.50 from the Enrollment Management Team during their committee meeting as well as being briefed at the November meeting. Mr. Julian Brown, SGA President shared that the SGA unanimously accepted the proposed increase of $0.50. As a reminder the activity fee will increase from $1.76 to $2.26.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approves an increase of $0.50 per credit hour to the Student Activity Fee, as presented.
On behalf of the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee, Mr. Ed Durham motioned that the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approves an increase of $0.50 per credit hour to the Student Activity Fee, as presented.
The board was in full favor and the motion passed.
- Receipt of Statement of Economic Interest Filing Information for College Board Members
Mr. Carpenter clarified that the Annual Conflict of Interest Reporting Information is part of Executive Order 18 issued by Governor Youngkin. Depending on an individual’s role and position will determine what forms need to be completed. Mr. Steve Carpenter shared that each board member should have received the Statement of Economic Interest Filing Information in their electronic board packets sent out by Ms. Mason. Board members should expect an email in early January from Ms. Geraldine Mathey containing the information to complete the filing. The Statement of Economic Interest Filing is a state mandate and anyone failing to complete the filing will be fined $250.00. Board members who complete the filing for their job do not have to complete it a second time. As a reminder VPCC is still listed as Thomas Nelson and that will need to be selected. If you did not take training last year it will be required this year (training is required every two years).
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the Statement of Economic Interest Filing Information for College Board Members, as presented.
- Update on the Facilities Naming Guidelines
Mr. Ed Durham shared that the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee received an update on the Facilities Naming Guidelines from the Facilities Naming Taskforce.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the Update on the Facilities Naming Guidelines from the Facilities Naming Taskforce, as presented.
5. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
- Written President’s Report to the College Board
Dr. Brannon highlighted the data point on page three noting the increase in enrollment of young males (18-24). There has been a decline for many years for this demographic group and, we are proud to see this increase in male students. The College cannot focus on one demographic, but we are pleased with this increase and we need to continue to pay attention to those who need us the most by offering equitable opportunities for all of our students.
Dr. Woods shared the following via email as she was unable to be with us this evening.
There’s much to celebrate based on your hard work and leadership. VPCC has achieved a 3.6% increase in overall headcount and a 6.8% increase in FTE, with particularly strong gains among full-time students, returning students, and dual-enrollment learners. Your intentional approach—grounded in retention, credit intensity, and student success—has clearly paid off, placing VPCC among the top performers in the VCCS.
The progress in FastForward completions and adult-learner enrollment is very impressive and underscores a transformational year for both the College and the communities represented by the Board.
Congratulations on an exceptional 2025 and the continued momentum as we press full steam ahead!
Mr. Durham inquired about changes in state and federal aid and what they should as a board be looking for. Dr. Brannon shared that she is not too concerned at this point and is most focused on retention. We are generally the first step, but aid could run out before you get to a four-year university; however, we are not too concerned at our level. The impact on higher education will be seen mostly by four-year schools. We will continue to focus on retention and emphasize with students in DE classes to do well or be at risk for losing aid further down the line in their education.
- Update on the President’s Annual Goals and Chancellor’s One System Five-Year Plan
Dr. Brannon shared that most schools in the system are meeting the Chancellor’s Goals. We are training less Fast Forward students due to less funding and would love to see the College hit 95% but it does not look likely because we have less resources available. We are currently at 91%. The VCCS is requesting to increase Fast Forward funding in the General Assembly and Dr. Brannon is also working with a senator for this increase as well. Everyone is encouraged to make requests as a region to accompany the systems ask.
JLARC reviewed the Virginia Community College System this year and looked at efficiencies, facilities etc. There is a new plan that the State Board approved, and it coincides with the Chancellors’ plans to align the 23 colleges. An example is the Student Code of Conduct that was adopted by all 23 colleges. This plan will be better for the system, and there will be more to share in the future.
The Peninsula for decades has provided DE at no cost for students and their families. In the last 18 months the System Office has been working on creating a uniform fee for all DE courses outside of pathways. Having a fee will be a huge departure for us. The pathway is 31 credits. It is not approved yet, but we believe the State Board will pass a fee for Dual Enrollment. This is currently in discussion. Our school divisions have been making plans, and this will be difficult for these systems who are used to no fees. Dr. Brannon anticipates knowing more by the March meeting and this increase would be effective fall of 2026. The College will begin meeting with school superintendents in January.
- End of Year Appreciation Gift
Dr. Brannon shared that each member has a gift at the table in recognition and thanks for their contributions to the board and acknowledged their gift of time and talents to the College.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
7. NEW BUSINESS
None
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Next College Board Meeting:
March 18, 2026
PWDC – 600 Butler Farm Road/Hampton, VA
PWDC 1301-1303
Committees convene prior to the full College Board from 4:30 – 5:45 (Light meal included)
Campus Locations
Williamsburg’s Historic Triangle Campus
4601 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Hampton Campus
PWDC
600 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666
Note
General Local College Board meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.