Local Community College Board
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Virginia Peninsula Community College
521 Butler Farm Road|Hampton, VA 23666
Room 4226
6:00 P.M.
MINUTES NO. 467
- CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
Roll Call 6:05 pm
Present: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson (arrived after roll call), Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual/Departed meeting at 7:02 p.m.), Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren
Absent: Ms. Mary Bunting, Mr. Stephen Ferguson, Dr. Donna Woods
Staff and Guests: Ms. Michelle Alexander (Academic Affairs), Ms. Ada Badgley (Office of the President), Mr. Brian Baines (Institutional Effectiveness and Transformation), Dr. Porter Brannon (Office of the President), Mr. J.J. Bonavita (Institutional Effectiveness & Transformation),Mr. Steven Carpenter (Finance & Administration), Mr. Tim Crittenden (Finance & Administration) Ms. Nicole Currier (Academic Affairs), Mr. Todd Estes (Workforce Development), Mr. Steven Felker (Institutional Effectiveness & Transformation), Mr. Michael Filsinger (Faculty Senate), Mr. Seth Fisher (Enrollment Management & Student Success), Ms. Jonalyn Gore (Institutional Effectiveness and Transformation), Ms. LaRhonda Johnson-Horton (Enrollment Management & Student Success), Ms. Mary Kanani (Enrollment Management & Student Success), Ms. Barbara Mason (Office of the President), Dr. Kerry Ragno (Academic Affairs), Sargent Kathy Shannon (Campus Police), Mr. Mark Vernon (Finance and Administration) , Ms. Tracey Wright (Office of the President)
- Approval of Minutes for December 4, 2024
Ms. Laura Abel moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Joseph Fuentes. By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the December 4, 2024, Board Meeting [No. 465], as presented. Roll Call Vote: The following board members approved the December 4, 2024, minutes: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, and Dr. Vince Warren.
- Approval of Special Called Meeting Minutes for February 10, 2025
Mr. Allan Melton moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. R.C. Miller. By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board Special Called Meeting minutes from the February 10, 2025, Board Meeting [No. 466], as presented.
Roll Call Vote: The following board members approved the February 10, 2025, minutes: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, and Dr. Vince Warren.
- CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Public Comments
No Public Comments
- Appointment of Nomination Committee for Chair and Vice Chair
Dr. Vince Warren tabled the appointment of the Nomination Committee until the April Board meeting.
- Report from the College Board Liaison to the Virginia Peninsula Educational Foundation Board of Directors.
Ms. Gholson reported Ms. Tracey Ashley departed the College on January 24, 2025. The next Foundation Board meeting is scheduled for April 2025.
- Approval of Proposed Changes to the Local College Board Manual
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The Virginnia Peninsula Community College Board approves the proposed changes to the Local College Board Manual, as presented.
Mr. Fuentes noted minor editorial corrections made during the February 10 special meeting. He thanked Ms. Badgley for her assistance.
Mr. Fuentes moved to approve the manual changes; seconded by Ms. Abel. By roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved. The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approved the changes to the Local College Board Manual, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: The following board members approved the changes to the Local College Board Manual: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson, Dr. Joyce Jarrett (Virtual), Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren.
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Services Committee
- No Report
- Budget and Finance AND FACILITIES Committee
Mr. Carpenter shared a brief overview of the ten-year master plan process that was shared earlier with the Budget and Finance and Facilities Committee and was included in the full board meeting materials. Recommendations included reconsidering how we “use” space by renovating current spaces. A major recommendation for the Hampton Campus is to rebuild the Automotive Lab to allow for program growth. The current lab is not designed for today’s cars and a larger space would allow the College to increase the capacity of automotive students. Other recommendations included: Drone Labs for flying and growing the Drone program, renovation of Hastings Hall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Division by updating current labs, identifying a designated space for athletics, and a final recommendation is to replace Kecoughtan Hall which is nearing its replacement age.
Mr. Carpenter introduced Jeremy Wright and John Massey from RRMM Architects who were present for the committee meeting along with Shelley Baines from the System Office who joined virtually and is the project lead. Stormwater consultants were also in attendance at the 4:30 p.m. committee meeting to assist with the presentation.
Mr. Carpenter shared that during the committee meeting the ten-year master plan was reviewed in detail and the committee’s recommendations is for the College to consider and incorporate the ideas and thoughts that were recommended.
Mr. Durham shared that the plan was very well done and allows for capacity for future growth and how the College can better serve our communities.
Capacity is not an issue for us because of the decline in enrolment. Our campuses are equipped to house the 16,000 students we served during the college’s peak enrollment period. VPCC currently serves approximately 10,000 – classroom space is not a concern; Modernization is the main driver.
The Board asked what their role is in the Master Plan process. Mr. Carpenter shared that the State Board for Community Colleges approves the plan and what was presented to the Local College Board is for information only. The Local College Board does not approve the plan but has been involved by participating in interviews during the planning process. Dr. Brannon clarified that the Local College Board would need to approve any future changes the College wished to make to the Facilities Master Plan.
Mr. Durham encouraged everyone to look through the report that was sent out to the full board.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the Facilities Ten-Year Master Plan, as presented
- Receipt of the FY 2025 Local Funds 2nd Quarter Update
Mr. Crittenden provided a detailed report on the FY 2025 local funds and reviewed each funding area. Student activity fund is growing, the parking and safety fund is growing, and the construction fund is growing (having projects ongoing will be a bump in the third quarter).
Mr. Fuentes asked for clarification on the revenue from the localities. Mr. Crittenden shared that all the localities are on pace with their commitments.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the FY 2025 Local Funds 2nd Quarter Update, as presented.
- Receipt of the FY 2025 State Funds 2nd Quarter Report
Mr. Carpenter provided an overview of the FY 2025 State Budget 2nd Quarter which does not include Workforce money and is our annual operating budget.
The number one expense is personnel. Mr. Carpenter shared that he anticipates a small surplus at the end of the year.
Mr. Fuentes inquired about Dual Enrollment and if funds were received from the school systems. Mr. Carpenter shared that we do not receive funding from any of the school systems for Dual Enrollment; however, we do incur costs.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the FY 2025 Local Funds 2nd Quarter Update, as presented.
- Introduction of Future Request to Rename Two Buildings
Mr. Carpenter shared that during the April 2025 Board meeting, the Facilities Committee will bring two formal request to change the name of our newly rebuilt theater from The Mary T. Christian Auditorium would be changed to The Mary T. Christian Theater. The second recommended change is to change the building to be updated to Facilities Services which is more modern and reflective of their work. The Plant Services update would also reflect the name of the department and would be easily identifiable in an emergency event for safety responders.
Mr. Carpenter will provide cost estimates for signage and detailed information at the April meeting.
INFORMATION ONLY: The Virginia Peninsula Community College Board acknowledges receipt of the Introduction of Future Request to Rename Two Buildings, as presented.
- PRESIDENT’S REPORT
SACSCOC Compliance Certification
Dr. Brannon confirmed the submission of the compliance certification and recognized all involved faculty and staff.
Professor Emeritus Recommendations
Dr. Brannon presented two nominees:
- Ms. Cherie Aukland (28 years, GIS and Drone Program contributions)
- Ms. Darlene Putnam (25 years, Administrative Support Technology Program)
Dr. Brannon moved approval of the Professor Emeritus recommendations; seconded by Mr. Melton.
Roll Call Vote: The following board members approved the February 10, 2025, minutes: Ms.
Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Mr. Allan Melton, Dr.
Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, and Dr. Vince Warren.
President’s Evaluation Survey (VCCS)
Dr. Brannon outlined the evaluation process and timeline, highlighting uniformity initiatives by VCCS. The Executive Committee will review the President’s self-assessment prior to the April meeting. Mr. Felker will facilitate the Board’s self-evaluation required by SACSCOC, with results shared at the April meeting.
Legislative Impact Update
Dr. Brannon summarized potential legislative impacts on higher education including executive orders, regulatory changes, and Virginia General Assembly bills affecting Board composition, meeting livestreaming, and dual enrollment funding.
Discussion: The Board noted enrollment growth in Social Sciences, though reasons remain unclear. Dr. Brannon clarified that the theater manager position will be non-faculty, state-funded, and focused on performance management.
The Board congratulated Dr. Brannon on the VCIC Humanitarian Award and thanked staff involved in the SACSCOC compliance certification.
- UNFINISHED BUSINess
- Ad-hoc Committee Report of the Dana B. Hamel Nominations
Closed Session
Mr. Joseph Fuentes motioned for the Board ofVirginia Peninsula Community College Board, in accordance with §2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia vote to convene in closed session relating to the discussion or consideration of special awards. The motion was seconded by Mr. Allan Melton.
By roll call vote the following board members approved the motion and closed session began at 7:54 p.m.: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson, Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren.
Reconvene to Open Session
Mr. Joseph Fuentes motioned for the Board of Virginia Peninsula Community College, having finished all appropriate discussions in accordance with§2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia, motioned to end the closed session and return to open session, the motion was seconded by Mr.
Allan Melton.
By roll call vote, the following board members approved the return to open session which reconvened at 8:10 p.m.: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson, Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren.
Certification of Closed Session
The members in attendance at the closed session of the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board meeting on February 26, 2025, that to the best of their knowledge (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements under §2.2-3711(A)(1) were identified in the motion by which the closed meeting was convened were heard, discussed, or considered in this closed session.
Roll Call Vote: The following board members certified closed session matters: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson, Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dr. Vince Warren motioned, and Mr. Allan Melton seconded that the Virginia Peninsula Community College Board approves the Ad-hoc Awards Committee’s recommendation, as presented.
Roll Call Vote: The following board members approved the Ad-hoc Awards Committee’s recommendation: Ms. Laura Abel, Mr. David “Ed” Durham (Virtual – travel), Mr. Joseph Fuentes, Ms. TiJuana Gholson, Mr. Allan Melton, Dr. Keisha Melvin, Mr. R.C. Miller, Dr. Jonathan Romero, Dr. Vince Warren.
- Adjournemt
8:12 P.M.
Next College Board Meeting: 6:00 p.m. on
April 16, 2025
Campus Locations
Williamsburg’s Historic Triangle Campus
4601 Opportunity Way, Williamsburg, VA 23188
Hampton Campus
Hampton IV Building
521 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.