Former ACC Instructor Frost receives emeritus status
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ALPENA -- Former Residential Builders Pre-Licensure Course Instructor Bruce Frost received emeritus status at the Alpena Community College (ACC) Board of Trustees regular meeting Thursday night.
Frost worked at ACC as an online instructor for the course for over 15 years.
He is a nationally recognized building code expert, green building champion, and longtime construction management educator. Frost developed and taught the 60-hour state approved program, preparing nearly 1,000 students throughout Michigan to sit for the Residential Builders licensing exam. Frost taught the open entry/open exit course to working adults and people unable to participate in an in-person format, most recently to a group of 13 incarcerated students, two of whom credit Bruce's course with "changing their lives."
"Bruce and I first started working together probably 15 years ago," ACC President Don MacMaster said. "And that was always noticeable to me, the kindness and professionalism that he extended to our staff, and we of course reciprocated, and it's been a delight to work with him."
The trustees unanimously approved a resolution to applaud Frost for his service to ACC and its students, and, recognizing his distinguished attributes, confers upon him the title of emeritus, as appropriate with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereunto.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- Business Management Faculty Matthew Bedard reported that he is in the final draft of an additional three-plus-one articulation agreement with Northwood University for a major in marketing. In a three-plus-one agreement, students complete three years at community college tuition rates before paying university rates for the final year.
- MacMaster reported that headcount for the Fall 2026 semester is down 1.3% from last year, the equivalent of 19 students. Credit hours are up by 0.8% and contact hours are up by 0.4%.
- MacMaster reported that the solar array is connected to the grid and generating power. The $4.6 million project was completely funded by a state grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission.
- Trustees voted in favor of affirming Wenzel, Bennett, and Harris P.C. as "Counsel of Record." Wenzel, Bennett, and Harris P.C. was last affirmed as ACC's legal counsel in January 2019. Since that time the firm has represented ACC with strategic sharpness, responsiveness, and great integrity, according to the meeting packet.
- Trustees voted in favor of Affirming Straley, Lamp, and Kraenzlein P.C. as external auditors. Straley Lamp & Kraenzlein P.C. were last affirmed as ACC's auditors in January 2019.
- Trustees approved a second reading of Policy 4042 Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy. It will replace current policies 4017 College Level Examination Program Policy and 4018 Non Traditional Credit Evaluation Policy. The new policy will allow academic credit to be earned through verifiable college level learning gained through professional learning, work experience, military service, industry certifications, and other experiential learning opportunities that align with ACC course outcomes and degree requirements.
The CPL process is intended to increase access and accelerate credential completion by expanding opportunities for credit attainment and ensure equitable, transparent, and consistent evaluation of college-level learning achieved outside the classroom, according to the CPL policy.
- Trustees approved the deletion of policies 4017 and 4018.
- Trustees approved the purchase of one Haas Super Mini Mill CNC Vertical Machining Center from HFO Gerotech at a cost not to exceed $70,171.
The purchase will be reimbursed through a grant/contract from America's Cutting Edge Network (ACENet), a national initiative focused on rebuilding the skilled workforce in the machine tools sector. ACC has been awarded $304,262 from the grant.
Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com.