Board of Trustees
February 8, 2024
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, 8, February 2024 in the JPH conference center. Chair Pledger called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Scott Miller, Pam Henry, Luke Feighert, Sarah Newman, Debbie Johnson, and Chris McNew were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Richard Stipe, Brandon Cone, Micki Somers, Shelly Mencacci, Jeff Smith, Dr. Matt Cardin, Dr. Laura Berry, Jo Adams, Ryan Hoffman, Tavonda Brown, Dr. Rodney Arnold, and Scott McDonald from Harrison Daily Times.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Pledger asked if there were any changes to the agenda as presented. There being none a motion was made, unanimously approved.
Regular Reports
Finance Report: Richard Stipe shared E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through January 2024.
Before the report, Mr. Stipe introduced new hire Director of Physical Plant, Danny Ohler.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $1,329,124, and the expenditures ended at $1,231,065. The year-to-date total of revenues was $ 12,819,316, and expenses were $9,884,469. He said the revenue tracking pattern is slightly above the prior year and is pleased with the finances for January.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $222,661, and the expenditures totaled $217,831. The year-to-date revenues were $1,694,065, and expenditures were $1,264,129. Dr. Massengale said the revenue trend lines are slightly ahead of last year. Trustee Feighert said he discussed employee wages with Richard. He said the finances still need to be for them to act. However, it will be back for discussion for the next fiscal year.
President's Report: Dr. Massengale introduced new AVP of Workforce and Career Initiatives, Shelly Mencacci. The Spring 2024 enrollment headcount is 1,773, and the student semester credit hours are 18,418. We met 96.1% of our goal with 92 students over last year. He thanked Kastle Graphics LLC for the wrap on our Automotive and collision repair trailer. He spoke about the agriculture students planting strawberries for distribution in Spring. He said our Logistics and Supply Chain Program ranked #2 in Arkansas by Editor's Choice.
Dr. Massengale said we are continuing to wait for an appointment from the Governor for the vacant board of trustee seat. FOIA training will be offered to all board members on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the JPH conference center. Members received a Zoom link through email to attend the training if unable to meet in person. Board members were invited to participate in the Association of Community College Trustees' conference from October 23-26 in Seattle, WA, and the Arkansas Community College conference from October 13- 15 in Hot Springs, AR. He informed the board members that Soccer has yet to take off as they had hoped and proposed Golf teams. He stated that Soccer will not be removed, but interest has been low. Dr. Massengale said the budget will not be affected. Trustee Miller appreciated that we tried out options, whether they were successful or not. Dr. Massengale invited everyone to the class A basketball tournament in the Pioneer Pavilion during the week of February 26.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the January regular meeting minutes, replacement position, EMS Clinical Coordinator, Technical Certificate in Energy Management, and Certificate of Proficiency in Energy Management. Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Miller, seconded by Trustee Henry, and unanimously approved.
Monitoring Report
Mr. Ryan Hoffman presented the February monitoring report, Optimize deployment and use of technology. Mr. Hoffman mentioned the report was based on Strategic Plan Objective 3.5. He highlighted classroom technology with seven collab-capable rooms, rooms that can do Teams and Zoom, and seven classrooms installed with smart touch projectors. Mr. Hoffman listed the following network upgrades: better backup, fiber optic connection to the Truck Driving/Heavy Equipment building on North campus, additional WiFi access point in gym, and network switch and fiber connection in room M111D. The IT department has implemented stricter device firewall policies, quarterly external vulnerability scans, and implemented multifactor authentication for VPN connections. He highlighted upcoming projects: upgrade cyber security platform for advanced threats, touch projectors in additional classrooms, more north classroom projector upgrades, refresh printer and copier deployment, improve built-in administrator account security, CRMI building network design and installation, upgrade A/V in the Cathy Brandt board room, upgrade network in N114 and optimize it in M185, and migrate ticketing system to more optimal platform.
New Business
Appointment of Commencement Award Committee – Chair Pledger announced that Trustee Miller will chair the committee with members Trustee Tomlinson and Johnson.
Chair Pledger adjourned the meeting at 3:28 p.m.
