Minutes of the Board of Trustees Public Session
April 14, 2026
Members present: A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair; Dr. Nadine Chien; Keshawn Johnson; Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak; Sandra E. Moore; Jennifer Pastrone; JaCina Stanton-Buttrom; Anelle R. Tumminello; and Lawrence W. Ulvila, Jr.
Absent: Roxana Rodriguez
I. Call to Order - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
II. Roll Call and Approval of the Agenda - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
Ms. Price-Jones asked for the roll call, and a quorum was established. By motion of Ms. Pastrone, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and a roll call taken of trustees to determine their vote, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the agenda.
III. Welcome and Introductions - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
IV. Election of Vice Chair - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
Ms. Price-Jones welcomed everyone to the meeting and addressed the change in board leadership. She noted that Dr. Chien had stepped down as chair earlier that month and thanked her for her leadership, contributions, and service over the past year. She acknowledged that service as a trustee is both voluntary and demanding, especially as an officer, and balancing professional, personal and civic commitments can be challenging. She expressed appreciation for Dr. Chien’s decision to remain on the Board as a member while stepping down as chair. She added that the Board looked forward to her continued service.
Ms. Price-Jones stated that, in accordance with the bylaws, she had automatically transitioned from vice chair to chair for the remainder of the term, requiring no Board vote. She then indicated that the Board needed to elect a new vice chair for the remainder of the fiscal year. Ms. Price-Jones opened the floor for nominations, and Ms. Pastrone and Ms. Moore submitted their names for consideration. By a vote of 6-3, Ms. Pastrone was elected vice chair for the remainder of the term.
V. Consent Agenda
Ms. Price-Jones presented the Consent Agenda. By motion of Dr. Chien, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and a roll call taken of trustees to determine their vote, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Consent Agenda:
• Approval of the minutes of the March 10, 2026, Board of Trustees Public Session; and
• Approval of .the minutes of the March 10, 2026, Board of Trustees Closed Session
VI. Board Chair and Committee Reports
A. Reports for April
1. Board Chair Report - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
Ms. Price-Jones reported that progress had been made on the presidential search. She noted that the website had been updated with information on the search committee and upcoming listening sessions, and that outreach had been conducted to the college community, constituency leaders, and external partners, including a call for nominations for the search committee and participation in RH Perry-facilitated listening sessions. She encouraged participation, emphasizing its importance in shaping the next president’s leadership profile. Ms. Price-Jones added that progress was also being made on the interim president search and that additional updates would be shared as they became available.
2. Nominating Committee - Dr. Alexandra Matiella Novak, Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Matiella Novak reported that in accordance with the Board of Trustees’ Bylaws the Nominating Committee contacted all trustees prior to the April meeting to assess interest in serving as chair or vice-chair. Following a March 16 email requesting responses by March 31, four trustees had expressed interest. The committee nominated Trustees Sandra Moore and Joyce Price-Jones for chair, and Jennifer Pastrone and Jacina Stanton-Buttrom for vice chair.
3. AACC Foundation – Dr. Nadine Chien, Lead Liaison
Mr. Johnson shared a thank you letter from a student who received a scholarship.
Dr. Chien reported that, as of April 1, the AACC Foundation’s fundraising total was just over $2.36 million in gifts and commitments. She noted that $1.9 million had been secured for scholarships, including just over $525,000 for the Future Nursing Professionals Scholarship, a Foundation Board-designated initiative for FY26, and that just over $122,500 had been raised for HelpLink and the HelpLink Fund for Nursing. She further reported that the Foundation had transferred close to $137,000 to support College needs identified through the budget process. Dr. Chien stated that the Foundation Board met on March 11 and adopted a new strategic plan, AACC Foundation: Philanthropy Forward 2030, to advance philanthropy in support of the College’s strategic priorities. She noted that the Board also approved updates to the Foundation’s Constitution and By-laws, the Investment Policy Statement, a 3% endowed spend rate for scholarships for the FY27 budget cycle, and the Form 990 for IRS filing. She added that the Board’s next meeting would be held in June.
B. No Reports for April
1. Audit & Finance Committee - JaCina Stanton-Buttrom, Committee Chair
2. Board Development Committee – Anelle R. Tumminello, Committee Chair
3. Board Policy Oversight Committee – A. Joyce Price-Jones, Committee Chair
4. Budget Committee – Sandra E. Moore, Committee Chair
5. Facilities Committee – Lawrence W. Ulvila, Jr., Committee Chair
VII. President’s Report - Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President
A. Information Items
1. College Updates - Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President
Dr. Lindsay reported that on March 25, the College welcomed Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) Board of Education President Gloria Dent, Vice President Dawn Pulliam, Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, and staff for a tour of the AACC–BCR Cyber Classroom, noting the strong partnership with AACPS and appreciation for their interest in College programs. She also noted that she attended the Maryland State House on March 31 as a guest of Senator Shaneka Henson in recognition of Women’s History Month.
She shared that she attended several student events, including the President’s Opportunity Scholars Spring Forum on March 26, and a luncheon for valedictorian candidates on April 1, noting that that two students will be selected to speak at each Commencement ceremony on May 21.
Dr. Lindsay further reported that she attended the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors meetings and Annual Convention, held April 10–12 in Seattle, Washington, marking her final year of service after completing two three-year terms. She added that April is Community College Month, themed “The Smartest First Step. The Strongest Next Step,” and encouraged the use of Board of Trustees Talking Points for the Community and Association of Community College Trustees resources to highlight the impact of community colleges.
2. Academic Forum (AF)/Council - Dr. Shelley De Blasis, Chair
Dr. De Blasis noted that her written report included updates from the March 12 Academic Council meeting and highlighted the work of Academic Forum committees in supporting oversight of the College’s academic programs. She emphasized the Educational Policies and Curriculum Committee, chaired by Dr. Tina Smith and Faculty Vice Chair Dr. Abigail Brackins, for their leadership in advancing the 2026–2027 course catalog, reporting that the committee has processed 411 proposals to date.
She further reported that Academic Forum’s final meeting of the 2025–2026 academic year will be held April 23 in Kauffman Theater and will include the announcement of awards. She noted that this will be Dr. Lindsay’s final meeting and, on behalf of Academic Forum, expressed appreciation for her service and leadership. She added that the meeting will open with a slideshow of members, including administrative officers’ high school photos, and will be accessible via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
3. Administrative Staff Organization (ASO) - Stacy Korbelak, President
Ms. Korbelak reported that ASO has been actively engaged in the presidential search process, participating in meetings with the search firm and providing additional input through direct engagement.
She also noted that ASO held its final meeting of the academic year that morning, featuring Dr. Kralevich and the Information and Instructional Technology team. She recognized Nominations Chair Liz Wulbrecht for her work in screening candidates for the Presidential Search Committee and developing the slate of officers, members-at-large, and Academic Forum committee representatives for the next academic year, with results to be shared at the next meeting.
4. Professional and Support Staff Organization (PSSO) - Caitlin Silver Negrón, President
Ms. Silver Negrón reported on concerns raised by PSSO members regarding paycheck calculations in the College’s new payroll system. She noted that the issue has been shared with Human Resources, Vice President Beardmore, and Dr. Lindsay, and that PSSO leadership has met with constituents to better understand the concern. She explained that, under the previous system, salaries were evenly distributed across pay periods, while the new system calculates pay for non-exempt employees based on hours per pay period, resulting in fluctuations for some employees. She added that PSSO and Human Resources are working to maintain transparency, identify the cause, and pursue solutions, and that a special meeting was held to discuss the transition and its impact.
She also reported that PSSO’s Professional Development Day, held April 8, was successful, highlighting neurodiversity training sessions co-led by Ms. Silver Negrón and Darian Senn-Carter. She noted that the next business meeting, scheduled for April 21, will include presentations on the Federal Work Study Program, campus information, and an introduction of the new Chief Compliance and Fair Practices Officer, Michael Salvador.
Ms. Pastrone offered congratulations on PSSO’s Professional Development Day.
5. Student Government Association (SGA) - Chris Chambers, President
Mr. Chambers reported that SGA will hold Executive Board elections in late April, with applications closing April 15. He noted that SGA’s Earth Day event, in partnership with the Super Science Club, is scheduled for April 22 near the Careers Center. He also shared that two members attended the Association of College Unions International conference in Pittsburgh, which accounted for his absence at the previous Board meeting. He further reported that the Impact and Excellence Awards will be held April 23 at the DoubleTree in Annapolis.
6. The Faculty Organization (TFO) – Heather Riordan, President
Ms. Riordan recognized Frederick Neric, Student Government Association Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, for his advocacy on behalf of students.
She reported that Riverhawk Educators United (REU) members adopted bylaws on April 10 with participation from more than two-thirds of members, establishing REU as the exclusive representative for collective bargaining. She noted that TFO will be consolidated under REU, with updates to the Board to follow.
Ms. Riordan further reported that TFO leadership has met with Dr. Lindsay following the vote of no confidence in the provost to discuss formation of a joint task force, with continued work involving Strategic Communications and Human Resources. She stated that TFO remains focused on addressing issues raised in the resolution and on strengthening communication, transparency, and collaboration moving forward.
7. Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Activities – Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President
Dr. Lindsay stated that the 449th Session of the Maryland General Assembly had adjourned on April 13. She noted that MACC would prepare a comprehensive summary of the 2026 legislative session and that, once available, the report would be shared with the Board for review.
VIII. New Business
The Board recognized Mr. Ulvila on the occasion of his birthday.
IX. Next Board Meeting
The next public session meeting will be on May 12, 2026, starting at 4:00pm.
X. Vote to Close Meeting - A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair
A. To discuss personnel matters pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code Section 3-305(d)(2)(i)(ii).
By motion of Ms. Moore, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and a roll call taken of trustees to determine their vote, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the vote to close the meeting.
XI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
A closed session of the Board of Trustees was held on March 10, 2026, at 5:51 p.m. pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code Section 3-305(d)(2)(i)(ii). The following Board members voted to close the session A. Joyce Price-Jones, Acting Chair; Keshawn Johnson; Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak; Sandra E. Moore; Jennifer Pastrone; Roxana Rodriguez; JaCina Stanton-Buttrom; Anelle R. Tumminello; and Lawrence W. Ulvila, Jr. The following Board members were present at the meeting: A. Joyce Price-Jones, Acting Chair; Keshawn Johnson; Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak; Sandra E. Moore; Jennifer Pastrone; JaCina Stanton-Buttrom; Anelle R. Tumminello; and Lawrence W. Ulvila Jr. Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President; Dan Baum, Executive Director, Strategic Communications (left at 6:55 p.m.); Stephanie LaRue, Executive Director, Human Resources (left at 6:55 p.m.); Suzanne Boyer, Presidential Search Advisor (left at 6:34 p.m.); Dr. Joanne Bashford, Consultant, R.H. Perry via Zoom (left at 6:22 p.m.); Charlene Newkirk, Consultant, R.H. Perry via Zoom (left at 6:22 p.m.); Paul Doeg, President & CEO, R.H. Perry via Zoom (left at 6:22 p.m.); and Monica Rausa, Special Assistant to the President were present as well. The Board discussed matters related to leadership transition and presidential search planning under the personnel exemption, including governance roles, communication protocols, and bylaw compliance. The Board reached unanimous consensus regarding the composition of the presidential search committee. By a vote of 5-3, the Board determined that the individual appointed as interim president would not be eligible to apply for the permanent president position. The Board unanimously approved the position description for the interim president role. The closed session began at 5:50 p.m. and adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
A closed session of the Board of Trustees was held on April 13, 2026, at 5:04 p.m. pursuant to Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code Section 3-305(d)(2)(i)(ii). The following Board members voted to close the session A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair; Dr. Nadine Chien; Keshawn Johnson; Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak (via Zoom); Sandra E. Moore; Jennifer Pastrone; JaCina Stanton-Buttrom (via Zoom); Anelle R. Tumminello; and Lawrence W. Ulvila, Jr. The following Board members were present at the meeting: A. Joyce Price-Jones, Chair; Dr. Nadine Chien; Keshawn Johnson; Dr. M. Alexandra Matiella Novak (via Zoom); Sandra E. Moore; Jennifer Pastrone; Roxana Rodriguez (via Zoom); JaCina Stanton-Buttrom (via Zoom); Anelle R. Tumminello; and Lawrence W. Ulvila, Jr. Dr. Joanne Bashford, Consultant, R.H. Perry and Charlene Newkirk, Consultant, R.H. Perry were present as well. The Board considered personnel matters related to the appointment of a president, including discussion of candidate qualifications, characteristics, and institutional leadership needs. The closed session began at 5:03 p.m. and adjourned at 6:02 p.m.