Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center board approves FY26 budget, authorizes armed campus security and extends executive director contract

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Board of Trustees on June 12 approved the center’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, passed a resolution authorizing campus security personnel meeting state requirements to carry firearms while on duty, appointed Olivia Bailey to fill a vacant secretary seat, and extended Executive Director David Matlock’s employment agreement through Jan. 31, 2027.

Board members voted by voice on each item. The budget vote followed questions about the center’s contingency level and accounting for apprenticeship costs; trustees approved the proposed FY26 budget after a motion and second and a voice vote in which members said “aye.” David Matlock, executive director, told the board the center’s general fund revenue came in slightly above the approved figure and that non-general fund program revenue produced about $1,139,000 in the year reported. Matlock said personnel costs came in under the approved figure and that a maintenance-reserve account remains available for future work. Matlock said the center’s contingency increased in the proposed budget to about 18.7 percent “so we don’t have to go run into the General Assembly” if partners reduce support, and that the target is to be able to operate independently for three to five years if needed.

Trustees asked for clarification about how apprenticeship funding flows through the budget. Matlock explained the rural IT apprenticeship program is funded via a state account that can support multi-year commitments and that current apprenticeship enrollment is smaller than the program’s capacity; he said the center currently supports about 17 apprentices and aims for roughly 25 at full scale. He also told trustees the center recently secured philanthropic and commission support for a registered apprenticeship intermediary position (see separate article on grants and workforce below).

The board approved a resolution that authorizes campus security personnel to carry firearms while performing official duties if they meet statutory training and vetting requirements. Dr. Adam Pollard, who presented the Human Resources/administration report, said the resolution implements language clarified in the 2025 General Assembly session and that the attorney general’s office reviewed and approved the resolution’s form. Pollard said the training and qualification requirements mirror those the center’s current private contract security staff must meet. Trustees discussed whether armed security would require higher compensation and were told funds for converting contractor positions to state employees would be migrated from the current contractor line in the budget.

The board filled a vacancy created by the April resignation of former secretary Steve Ahn by unanimously approving Olivia Bailey to serve as secretary for the remainder of Ahn’s term (the minutes record the remainder through 02/19/26). The board also authorized the chair to work with Matlock and the attorney general’s office to extend Matlock’s employment agreement to expire Jan. 31, 2027; that motion carried by voice vote.

Other routine business included approval of prior minutes and the executive director’s annual acknowledgement that the agency will not obligate the commonwealth to debt beyond its authority. The board set a proposed next meeting in December (date to be finalized) and staff will circulate reminders.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes of Dec. 12, 2024 meeting — passed (voice vote). - Motion to appoint Olivia Bailey to fill secretary vacancy (serve remainder of Steve Ahn’s term through 02/19/26) — passed (voice vote). - Motion to approve proposed FY26 budget — passed (voice vote). - Motion to adopt resolution authorizing campus security personnel meeting state requirements to carry firearms while performing official duties — passed (voice vote). - Motion to extend Executive Director David Matlock’s employment agreement to expire 01/31/2027 and authorize the chair to execute necessary documents — passed (voice vote).

Matlock concluded the board meeting by thanking staff and noting the center’s next proposed meeting will be held in December; staff will confirm the date and time.