Board of Trustees
September 12, 2024
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 12, September 2024 in the Kiwanis meeting room at the Creekside Community Center. Chair Pledger called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Scott Miller, Luke Feighert, Chris McNew, and Sarah Newman were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Tavonda Brown, Richard Stipe, Michelle Buchanan, Dr. Matt Cardin, Mel Klipp, Chandra Huston, Jo Adams, Kris Greening, Brandon Cone, Micki Somers, Dr. Rodney Arnold, and Harrison Daily Times guest, Scott McDonald.
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 the E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through August 2024.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $1,524,583, and the expenditures ended at $1,453,041. The year-to-date total of revenues was $5,532,412, and expenses were
$3,301,465.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $364,547, and the expenditures totaled $301,922. The year-to-date revenues were $733,952, and expenses were $392,167.
Mr. Stipe provided an update on the CRMI building, noting that the rock has been completely broken up, and we can expect to see progress on the construction soon.
Agricultural Report
Agricultural Instructor Michelle Buchanan shared information about the agricultural program, including AS in Agriculture, AAS in Turf Management, and TC in Sports Turf Management. Michelle listed classes offered currently and stated there will be a new partnership offering Intro to Animal and Poultry Science as a concurrent class by Caroline Lester at Clinton High School. She presented details on our turf management program, greenhouse, high tunnel, and a two-day grower workshop.
The greenhouse & high tunnel provide produce to ag娱乐官网 College Grill, Neighbors Mill, Skylark, ag娱乐官网 faculty, staff, and students, Redeeming the Thyme Farmstand & Gifts, and the Sanctuary.
Mrs. Buchanan covered the Ag Club—agriculture Education, Leadership, Community Service, and Networking. Farm Bureau sponsors the Ag Club. She mentioned the competition at the 2024 Young Ranchers and Farmers conference held in Omaha, NE, and spoke about the Youth Ag Day with 140 youth participated, and the Ag Club students raised over $1,800.00. She spoke about the Agricultural classroom remodel and new equipment.
The Turf Management program consists of fourteen turf management majors, eight apprentices, multiple apprenticeship sites, and a new concurrent program at Baptist Prep in Little Rock. She said there is a new apprenticeship site in 2024 at the Chenal Country Club and multiple internship sites. She listed the current apprenticeship and internship sites, including Big Cedar, Dickey-Stephens Park, Pinnacle Country Club, Mountain Home Parks and Recreation, Ball Coach Lawn Service, Holiday Island, Harrison Country Club, Belmar Country Club, Focale Point Landscaping, and Chenal Country Club.
Michelle ended her report by listing the goals and future opportunities. She stated that with the purchase of the Newberry property, we are on the brink of exciting new opportunities. These include expanded opportunities with ATU and U of A Bumpers College, enhanced Ag classes, labs, and projects, modern farm technology, and partnerships with agencies such as the Cooperative Extension Service, Wildlife Education, and Turfgrass lab opportunities.
President's Report:
Dr. Massengale congratulated Trustee Don Tomlinson for being the first to complete the annual board training. He then invited Marketing Coordinator Brandon Cone to provide a brief overview of the Web Privacy Policy. Mr. Cone explained that the policy aims to ensure transparency regarding the College’s data collection practices. He clarified that while the College will collect IP addresses, it does not gather personal information such as names or phone numbers. He also mentioned that users might see ag娱乐官网 ads on other websites they visit.
Dr. Massengale reported that the headcount for the Fall 2024 semester stands at 2,090, with a total Student Semester Credit Hours (SSCH) of 19,219. He noted that there are 889 concurrent students, contributing 5,341 SSCH. He provided a brief overview of Fall enrollment trends since 2000, highlighting a gradual upward trajectory over the past decade. Additionally, he announced that North Arkansas College has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) award of $399,189 through the EPIIC grant.
Finally, Dr. Massengale complimented Mayor Jerry Jackson on the impressive appearance of the Creekside Community Center.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda included the August regular meeting and special meeting minutes, new policy, Website Privacy, and Acceptance of the FY2022-2023 Legislative audit report.
Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Trustee Feighert made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Newman, and unanimously approved.
The Chair Pledger adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
