[Speaker 2] (0:38 - 0:51)
I hereby call to order the meeting of the Lee College Board of Regents on February 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. We do have a quorum. Our invocation and pledge to the United States and Texas flag will be led by Regent Mark Hall.

[Speaker 3] (0:52 - 2:05)
Please stand as we pray. Our gracious Father, you are the God of all creation, God over all that is beautiful, the God over everything, even when times are troubled. Lord, we pray for your guidance when we face difficult challenges and hard choices.

May we always seek your wisdom for our path forward, for the path of Lee College, the path of each member of our college community, that we may know and experience fully what you've created us to be. In Christ's name we pray. Join me in the pledges to the United States flag and the Texas flag.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And to the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Under God, one and indivisible.

Thank you.

[Speaker 2] (2:07 - 2:13)
Thank you, Regent Hall. Next item on the agenda is public comment. Do we have anyone signed up?

[Speaker 3] (2:13 - 2:15)
Yes, Mr. Chairman, we have John Elliott.

[Speaker 1] (2:16 - 4:40)
Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to address the board. I wish the president was here to receive this. My name is John Elliott.

I've been teaching at Lee College for 19 years. In various capacities, I was still in my first year as a division chair when Dr. Linda Villanueva began her presidency at Lee College. And I'm here tonight on this sad occasion to show support for Dr. V. I'm not privy to what has transpired to lead up to this unfortunate outcome. I've read the transcripts of recent board meetings, but I'm sure I do not have a clear enough picture of the goings-on that have led up to this moment. At any rate, it is not my place to comment on this lamentable decision.

I am here, rather, with full heart and fond memories of the time that we have shared on this journey. We started off hopeful of the new beginnings, were immediately plunged into the chaos of the global pandemic. Dr. V. was open to ideas and provided those that were willing to rise to the occasion with the agency and the resources to emerge from this chaos with the unwavering goal of safely providing instruction to our students, when many others were just making excuses to stay home. This is only one of many examples of her great leadership. I will always remember fondly that she treated instructors as allies, rather than adversaries.

On a personal note, since she took the helm here, I've lost both my parents, my first wife, and one of my sons. And Linda provided a compassionate ear and a heartfelt support during these major trials. Moreover, she's demonstrated the grace of a truly humble leader.

The impact that Dr. Villanueva has made on this institution has been profound, as is the part she played in my life here at Lee College. I am grateful for her service and I wish her the best in whatever the future may bring. God bless you and thank you for everything that you all have done.

[Speaker 5] (4:46 - 4:49)
Else? No, Mr. Chairman.

[Speaker 2] (4:52 - 7:03)
Okay, with no other one, no one else signed up to speak. Next item on the agenda is executive session. The meeting of the Lee College Board of Regents on above listed date after proper posting and in accordance with chapter 551 of the Texas government code for the specific purposes provided will recess from open meeting to closed meeting.

No action will be taken while the board is recessed in executive session. First item we'll have is consult with board attorney regarding legal advice on any item on the agenda per Texas government code section 551.071. Second item will be discussion of employment of Lee College president including evaluation of duties and responsibilities leave and contract matters under Texas government code section 551.074. Third item will be consideration of acceptance of resignation of Lee College president under Texas government code section 551.074. And the fourth item if needed will be consideration of appointment of interim president for Lee College Texas government code section 551.074. We will now recess into executive session.

All right, the closed meeting has adjourned and the board will reconvene into open meeting. Next item on the agenda is any action resulting from closed session. Is there a motion for any action?

[Speaker 4] (7:04 - 7:27)
Yes sir. I move that we accept the president Villanueva's resignation effective February 28th 2026 under the terms discussed in closed session and authorize the chair of the board of regents to execute a resignation and release agreement on behalf of the board.

[Speaker 2] (7:27 - 7:42)
Second. All right we got a motion from Regent Guillory, second from Regent Hemsel. Any discussion?

Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

No. Motion carries. Are there any other actions resulting from closed session?

[Speaker 4] (7:44 - 7:52)
Yes. I move that the board of regents appoint Jacob Atkins as interim president for Lee College.

[Speaker 2] (7:52 - 8:12)
I second. All right we got a motion from Regent Guillory, a second from Regent Hall. Any discussion on this item?

Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

No. Motion carries. All right last item on the agenda matters of concern for future agendas.

Anything tonight? All right hearing none we are adjourned.