Editor’s note: Midland College releases Board of Trustees meeting minutes in the agenda packet for the following meeting. As a result, The Permian Press received the April 21 minutes in the May 19 meeting agenda.

What happened: The Midland College Board of Trustees met on April 21 for a daylong governance retreat and regular business meeting, with a heavy focus on new higher-education requirements passed during the 89th Texas Legislature. The board also approved a new Medical Assistant certificate program and officially seated newly appointed trustee Jacobe Kendrick.

Key points:

  • New trustee: Jacobe Kendrick officially joined the board after trustees unanimously appointed him in March to fill the unexpired Place 3 term previously held by Larry Lawrence, who retired after serving since 2009. Kendrick, whose term runs through 2028, is a Midland native, Air Force veteran, and local business professional.
  • Board authority: The board received governance training from Dr. Debbie DiThomas with the Association of Community College Trustees. According to meeting minutes, DiThomas emphasized that effective governance depends on a strong and ethical relationship between the board and the college president. This mirrors language in the Texas Association of School Boards Team of Eight training.

She also reviewed the distinction between the board’s policymaking role and the president’s responsibility for day-to-day operations, and recommended avoiding surprises and presenting a unified front in support of board decisions and the president.

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  • Facility proposal: President Damon Kennedy led a discussion on long-term campus facility priorities tied to safety, deferred maintenance, enrollment growth, and workforce education needs. You can read The Permian Press’ coverage of the $200 million in facility priorities outlined in the meeting’s agenda.
  • Nursing program: Trustees received an update on the Associate Degree Nursing program, which projects 62 graduates in 2026. College officials reported a 100% job placement rate for the most recent graduating cohort. The program’s NCLEX-RN pass rates continue to exceed state and national averages, and the program is pursuing ACEN accreditation.
  • Medical Assistant certificate: Trustees approved a new 18-credit-hour Medical Assistant certificate program proposed to begin in August. The college would offer the four-semester, face-to-face program at the main campus. Midland College still requires final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before students can enroll.
  • Admissions procedures: Trustees also formally approved the admissions procedures that the college already uses under Senate Bill 37.  The procedures govern 11 admission categories and include selective-admission point systems for programs such as radiologic technology, respiratory care, sonography, and nursing.