The Seminole State College Board of Regents met Jan. 18 to discuss changes to the College’s bereavement policy and review the terms of President Lana Reynolds’ employment. The College’s annual Year-in-Review publication was also unveiled during the meeting.

The meeting opened with an overview of the College’s recent expenditures by Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Melanie Rinehart.

SSC President Lana Reynolds then presented her President’s Report, which included an update on personnel changes, information about campus activities and an update on spring semester enrollment numbers.

The President’s Report concluded with a presentation of the 2023 Year-in-Review. The publication opens with a letter from President Reynolds, highlights the top stories and documents campus news over the span of the past year, month by month. The Year-in-Review is available to the public on the College’s website, sscok.edu.

With the first item on the agenda, the Board reviewed proposed changes to the College’s bereavement leave. SSC’s Administrative Council and Human Resources Office suggested removing a requirement of completing probationary employment status prior to being able to access to bereavement leave.

“We felt the time period for waiting to utilize this leave placed an unnecessary burden on employees. This is a small change in the policy but could make a big difference to someone who needs it,” President Reynolds stated.

The Board approved the change.

The second action item was the review of President Reynolds’ employment. In accordance with Board Policy, the President is evaluated each year prior to the January meeting. The evaluation process is conducted according to the wishes of the Board Chair. Seven years ago, Reynolds was named to the position of President, beginning her tenure in July of 2017.

In December, Board members wrote written evaluations of President Reynold’s performance over the course of the last year. She was assessed in institutional leadership, community relations, legislative relations, institutional loyalty and commitment, fiscal management, vision, planning and integrity. It was reported that President Reynolds met with Chair Kim Hyden earlier this month to review performance and discuss challenges and successes of the last year, as well as to establish goals for the coming year.

The Board retired into executive session to discuss President Reynolds’ evaluation and contract. When the Board returned to public session, her’ contract was extended, and she was given a three percent raise, mirroring the percentage increase full-time staff received last summer.

“President Reynolds has been a visionary leader for SSC. She has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, student success and community. We, as a board, believe that President Reynolds goes above and beyond to foster strong relationships with local businesses and community partners,” Chair Hyden said. “We look forward to what the College

accomplishes under her leadership in 2024.”

Reynolds added, “It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity through both remarkable achievements and tough challenges. I am passionate about this college, our students and our employees, and I am grateful for the Board’s trust and support in enabling me to continue to serve.”

On the consent agenda, the Board approved the academic calendar for 2024-2025, various degree program modifications and a contract renewal with software company Jenzabar.

Board members present at the meeting were: Chair Kim Hyden, Marci Donaho, Ryan Franklin, Curtis Morgan, Ryan Pitts and Robyn Ready.

The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.