The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Annual." A 12-Month period coterminous with the commonwealth's fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.
"Board of trustees." The board of trustees of a rural regional college established under this article.
"Certified public accountant." A member of the american institute of certified public accountants who has a minimum of five years' verifiable experience in performing audits of government funds for nonprofit organizations with a comparable or larger annual budget.
"County." Any county in this commonwealth.
"Middle states." The middle states association of colleges and schools.
"Partner institution." One or more middle states-accredited institutions of higher education.
"Rural regional college." A public institution of higher education which is established in a rural area and operated in accordance with the provisions of this article as a college which provides up to a two-year, postsecondary education not to exceed the level of an associate of arts or sciences degree and which is active in work force development.
"Rural regional college plan" or "Plan." A plan for the establishment and operation of a rural regional college under this article.
"Secretary." The secretary of education of the commonwealth or such person as the secretary may designate to act on behalf of the secretary with regard to any of the duties and prerogatives imposed by this article.
"State board." The state board of education.
24 P.S. § 19-1903-G