Highlights from the November Board of Trustees meeting

By Nicole Wadkins
Staff Reporter

The Lansing Community College Board of Trustees met on Nov. 17. The meeting began with the President's Report. Jonathan Gusmano, program director of LCC’s Computer Information Technologies department, reported growth in the college’s drone technology program. He noted that students can earn their FFA Part 107 license to become drone pilots.

Gusmano also included a demonstration of the robot known as SNOOP DOGG, which stands for Security Networking and Operations Observational Platform and Drone-Oriented Geospatial Guardian. The robot dog is used in the program for 3D mapping and obstacle navigation using its LiDAR senses. They are also programming the robot to use AI visual recognition to recognize people. Treasurer Robert Proctor wondered if the technology would be monetizable. Gusmano stated that it was not yet, but emphasized that the program is more focused on education and workforce preparation while still remaining affordable for the students.

The board then moved on to discuss an update on Chair Angela Mathews’ proposal for a $700,000 book stipend for students. This would reduce textbook costs and ensure students have access to required materials on the first day of class. The administration’s findings stated that a one-time stipend would have a limited impact on individual students and proposed alternative options that would provide more lasting benefits. Those options included expanding the library's textbook lending program, expanding the college’s food pantry, or expanding the laptop lending program.

John Szilagyi, the director of the library, was invited to the podium to discuss laptop and textbook lending. Szilagyi mentioned how the program updates laptops regularly to make sure students have access to current technology and software.

Trustee Noel Garcia then asked about LCC’s online textbook options. Provost Sally Welch noted several options: physical textbooks through Barnes & Noble, First Day Inclusive Access (which provides electronic textbooks and online homework systems), and Open Educational Resources. However, she noted that OERs are not available for every course or section.

Szilagyi then reported that West Campus currently has high demand for laptops, with only 100 available and 11 students currently on a waitlist. Downtown Campus, by comparison, has 1,000 laptops available with no students on a waitlist. He mentioned that expanding the laptop program to another campus would also require additional staffing.

The board then requested an analysis outlining the estimated cost for the laptop lending program. 

Next, Ronda Miller, dean of Student Affairs, spoke about the campus food pantry. The Student Affairs division is looking for ways to expand the food pantry in order to make it more accessible to students. This includes a potential partnership with the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Staffing is the main concern. If the Downtown Campus food pantry was open five days a week, Miller noted that a dedicated employee would have to be hired as they are currently relying on volunteers. Student Affairs also hopes to provide more nutritious food options, and to have refrigeration along with dedicated storage space.

The board also asked for an analysis of the estimated costs for the expansion of the food pantry.

After hearing all three proposed options, the board members discussed which of the options should receive the funding. Several of the members emphasized the need for a detailed analysis before making a final decision. The board then agreed to wait for the analyses before choosing which program will receive the funding.

Moving onto the next agenda item, Vice Chair Terrence Frazier mentioned that the LCC Foundation scholarship application for the next academic year is now open.

The LCC Foundation reported that it received private donations supporting the Osborne Scholarship (a skilled trades scholarship), STEAM Fest, the Adult Resource Center endowment, and the Help-Portrait event on Dec. 6.

The next Board of Trustees meeting occurs on Dec. 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. and is open to the public to attend via Webex.