December 12, 2024, Agenda and Minutes

Convening Center, Room B123
500 Technology Way, Florence, KY 41042
Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

Board Members Present

Board Members Absent

• John Baines
• Charles Coleman
• Agnes VanderPutten

Gateway and KCTCS Faculty and Staff Present

Guests

• Debbie Cannatella
• Cayla Combs

Agenda

1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENCE/ROLL CALL
   Chair Larry Brown called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence. Roll call was taken. The record will reflect that a quorum was present.
2. MISSION MOMENT
   Dr. Figueroa introduced Cayla Combs, the Gateway Food for Thought pantry assistant. A Gateway graduate of 2017 with an Associate in Arts degree, she shared her journey as a single mother while pursuing her education. She began her studies at Gateway in 2014, seeking a better life for her family. Cayla highlighted the resources available at Gateway that supported her educational journey. After graduating, she enrolled at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) but faced challenges that led her to connect with Gateway again through job referral from someone in the financial aid office. Now employed at Gateway, Combs is off assistance and takes pride in serving the community through her role at the food pantry. Encouraged by her supervisor, she is set to return to school for the spring semester at NKU.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   Chair Brown invited discussion on the draft minutes. With no comments, he requested a motion to approve the minutes from the October 24, 2024, meeting. Olivia Keller moved to approve, and Madeline Kues seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved. 
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
   Chair Brown provided an overview of the KCTCS Six-Year Capital Plan process. Michelle Hughes, Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee, presented the background and details of the Six-Year Capital Plan to be submitted to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). It is reviewed biennially and adjusted, as necessary. The seven top priorities for 2026-2032 were discussed, including the identification and prioritization process. After Gateway’s projects are finalized and sent to KCTCS, the sixteen KCTCS college plans are combined and reprioritized for submission to the Kentucky General Assembly. Items on the list may have been carried over from prior years, and they may remain until they are funded, or until requirements change. A recent project for security updates has been funded and approved. The board discussed maintenance and updates needed for aging buildings and equipment. The board inquired about alternative funding sources for capital needs, emphasizing the importance of state fund matches for larger projects.
   Committee Chair Hughes moved to approve Resolution 01-2024-2025 KCTCS Six-Year Capital Plan, which was seconded by Olivia Keller. The resolution was unanimously approved.
5. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
   Chair Brown reminded the board of the importance of contributing to the Foundation campaign, expressing appreciation for any contributions made.
6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
   Dr. Fernando Figueroa provided an update on SJR 179, which was delivered to the Board of Regents, approved, and presented to the joint education committee. It lists eleven items for committee consideration.
   Dr. Figueroa introduced Antoine Smith-Rouse, Associate Vice President of Workforce Solutions, to present the "Get to Know Gateway" session 3, focusing on Workforce Solutions. This initiative serves as a bridge for businesses, connecting them with the training resources they need to achieve their goals. Workforce Solutions students are Gateway students, receiving help from comprehensive student support. The program provides opportunities for both college credit and credit for prior learning, focusing on customized, pertinent, and transformative educational experiences and training.
   Workforce Solutions aims to strengthen the community through partnerships and full-service solutions for workforce preparation. Key services include an assessment and testing center for certifications, which serves more individuals annually than are enrolled in the college. Gateways testing centers accommodate high-stress testing situations for various companies, including Atlas Air, Kroger, Walgreens, and Amazon. Additionally, CDL training and testing are provided, allowing participants to achieve certification and licensure within four weeks.
   Customized training options are available for businesses, covering a range of topics from hydraulics to Microsoft Office.
   KCTCS TRAINS funding, designated by the Kentucky General Assembly, supports companies in workforce development investments. Workforce Solutions is also committed to offering reentry training for incarcerated individuals at the Campbell County detention center, providing them with workforce-enhanced operator certifications. Gateway is developing an industry-recognized certificate for construction in collaboration with the KY Transportation Cabinet and is planning a leadership conference for advanced leaders.
   The board can support Workforce Solutions by attending events, making recommendations, and fostering connections within the community. Discussion ensued regarding the challenges companies face in recruitment and how Gateway can enhance visibility. Statewide marketing efforts, community event participation, and referrals from trained companies are key strategies. Collaboration with BENKY and Northern Kentucky Chamber and the development of outreach plans are ongoing to ensure small businesses are connected to available resources. Dr. Figueroa’s office will distribute lists to the board, if it is a recommended event for their attendance, fostering both recommendations and professional relationships.
7. ADJOURNMENT
   Chair Brown called the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

Important Dates to Remember

Board Meetings 2025:

• February 13
• April 10
• May 22
• September 11
• October 23
• December 11

Commencement 2025 - May 15