At their meeting on June 9, the Seminole State College Board of Regents approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
President Lana Reynolds began the meeting with an update on campus activities and personnel additions. New hires include former District Attorney for District 22 Paul Smith, who will serve as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice; Dr. Brenda Prochaska, also joining the Criminal Justice program as Assistant Professor; Alexus Thomas, named Director of Clinical Instruction for the Physical Therapist Assistant program; and Butch Cantrell, hired as Assistant Professor of Nursing.
The Board approved a $2 per credit hour increase in tuition, the first such adjustment since 2022. This change is primarily due to inflation and the rising cost of insurance premiums, a cost being felt across institutions statewide. Additionally, the campus safety fee was raised from $2 to $5 per credit hour to aid in the recruitment and retention of qualified officers for the SSC Police Department and to upgrade safety equipment.
“These changes were not made lightly,” President Reynolds said. “Our goal is always to balance affordability for students with the resources we need to maintain a safe and high-quality learning environment.”
In total, the combined tuition and fee changes represent a 3.11% increase in student costs, or $5 more per credit hour.
The Regents also reviewed and approved the College’s Educational and General Fund Budget for FY26. While the budget reflects flat state funding, it incorporates special allocations for deferred maintenance and increased property insurance. President Reynolds commended Vice President of Finance, Grants and Enrollment Melanie Rinehart and the administrative team for assembling a budget that addresses institutional needs within existing financial constraints.
The meeting also marked the final session for Regent Bryan Cain, who has served on the Board since 2014 and is a past chair. President Reynolds and fellow Regents recognized Cain for his years of leadership and service to the College.
“We thank Regent Cain for his exemplary service to the Board and the institution. His leadership and commitment have greatly contributed to the success of the College. He has always been supportive of our students, faculty and staff. He will be missed,” President Reynolds said.
Board members present at the meeting were: Chair Curtis Morgan, Bryan Cain, Marci Donaho and Robyn Ready.
The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is set for Thursday, July 17, 2025.