November 19, 2020

Research and Growth Opportunities Subcommittee Minutes

Committee Members Present:

  • Annette Bigham
  • Bradley Christian
  • Bronwen Forbay
  • Bryant Windham
  • David Davenport
  • Gary Myles
  • Glynnis Gaines
  • Jeffrey Martin-Moreno, Co-chair
  • Joe Arrington
  • Lizette LaStrape
  • Sally Frazier
  • Sharon Kenan, Co-chair

Committee Members Absent:

  • Celina Brown
  • Matt Porter
  • Steven Wenzel

Guest Attending:

  • Kim Patterson, Co-chair, SEM Steering Committee

Agenda Topics:

  • The first meeting of the Research and Growth Opportunities Subcommittee was called to order in Zoom by Co-chair Jeff Martin-Moreno at 1:05 p.m. on November 19, 2020.
  • The following agenda items were discussed:
    • Self-introductions by members that included sharing skills and expertise that might be helpful for the committee’s work
    • A brief review of the charge of the SEM Research and Growth Opportunities Subcommittee
    • An explanation of a Resources Repository (at a Google Site where files can be uploaded to a Google Drive) that was created for subcommittee members to use
    • An action item that will guide the subcommittee’s work during the spring semester
  • A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Gary Myles, and Joe Arrington seconded the motion. Co-chair Jeff Martin-Moreno adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.

Action Item and Timeline:

  • Action Item--prioritize growth opportunities by the next meeting as follows:
    • Review the listening sessions (focus group summaries), consultant’s PPT (RNL Enrollment Opportunity Analysis), and other resources.
    • Observe and record patterns.
    • Pick three to five possible opportunities for growth that could be researched.
    • Fill out a form for each of the opportunities by
      • going to the google site.
      • scrolling down and clicking on “Working List” in the uploaded Files,
      • and filling out a form for each opportunity by 1) describing the opportunity for growth, 2) listing gaps in knowledge, including how the committee might address those gaps, and 3) listing relevant resources if and when available.
    • During the meeting, an opportunity for growth was discussed that was of interest to several committee members and that will need to be considered when prioritizing opportunities for research, i.e., expanding marketing reach outside of MCC’s service area (McLennan County and Falls County) if there are no competing programs. Sources of information (e.g., the Higher Education Regional Council) and approval processes were discussed.  Several programs were mentioned as possibilities for expansion, including MCC’s new cybersecurity program.  
  • Timeline--growth opportunities should be recorded in the Working List by the next meeting, January 21, 2020.

Submitted by Sharon Kenan

November 30, 2020