Board of Trustees
December 14, 2023
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, 14, December 2023 in the JPH conference center. Chair McNew called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Scott Miller, Pam Henry, Debbie Johnson, and Linda Pledger were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Richard Stipe, Brandon Cone, Micki Somers, Dr. Matt Cardin, Mel Klipp, Kris Greening, Jo Adams, Ryan Hoffman, Tavonda Brown, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Scott McDonald from Harrison Daily Times, and guests, Craig Campbell, Karlea Newberry, and Joe Willis.
Approval of Agenda
Chair McNew 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 November 2023.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $2,845,044, and the expenditures ended at $1,724,709. The year-to-date total of expenses was $7,080,806.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $591,875, and the expenditures totaled $31,336. The revenue does include $261,141 in transfers of activity fees. The year-to-date revenue was $1,400,058, and expenses were $954,086. Mr. Stipe stated the trend line pattern is as expected for this time of year. He said the revenue does include revenue for the Spring semester. Trustee Miller asked about the cause of revenue collected ahead in the charts and trends. Mr. Stipe said Spring enrollment was posted in the system, and some revenue appeared in November instead of October.
President's Report: The artist, Richard Stephens, gave a watercolor demonstration to the students and members of the community. The TRIO program featured North Arkansas College employees who are first-generation graduates. Northark employees held a Day of Service, where the group went out in the community to help with the jobs of non-profit organizations.
Dr. Massengale mentioned the seven floats that participated in the Harrison Christmas Parade. He said that as of now, forty-two prospective students for the Spring 2024 Semester from Wabash Industries. Dr. Massengale met with Clinton School District to provide educational opportunities. He congratulated all the Fall 2023 graduates. Dr. Massengale thanked Turner and Lair for their contributions to the Northark Foundation. He ended his presentation with an invite to the board of trustees to the Spring 2024 Convocation via Teams on January 4, 2024.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the November regular meeting minutes, replacement positions, Associate VP of Workforce and Career Initiatives, and Medical Lab Tech Program Director. Chair McNew asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Tomlinson, and unanimously approved.
New Business
Agenda item: Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation Proposed Final Construction Budget.
Chair McNew asked Richard Stipe if he had further information. Mr. Stipe shared the background of the Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation project's process. After ongoing adjustments, the final construction budget is ready for approval. He mentioned the pricing does include at least fourteen local sub-contractors pending commitment. He stated that we want as many local businesses as possible to be involved in the project. He said we will physically commence construction once we have the final sign-off from EDA. He noted the sign-off from EDA will not affect the final costs. Chair McNew asked if Richard felt comfortable with the finalizations. Mr. Stipe said no that the process had been extensive.
Chair McNew requested a motion to approve the new business item, Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation Proposed Final Construction Budget. Trustee Miller made a motion, seconded by Henry, and unanimously approved.
Chair McNew asked for comments. Trustee Miller thanked Craig Campbell for his commitment to this project for the last seven years, his vision for CRMI, and Joe Willis, Executive Director of NWAEDD, for being instrumental with some of the funding and his dedication to the CRMI project. Chair McNew thanked both men for their involvement in the CRMI project.
Agenda item: Recommendation of Board of Trustees Election of Officers
Chari McNew appointed Trustees Johnson, Newman, and chairman of the election committee, Trustee Feighert. Trustee Johnson recommended Trustee Linda Pledger as Chairman, Trustee Don Tomlinson as Vice Chair, and Trustee Pam Henry as Secretary-Treasurer. Chair McNew opened for additional recommendations, with none; a motion was made by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Miller, and unanimously approved.
At the end of the meeting, President Dr. Massengale presented a plaque to Chair McNew for his service as Chairman of 2023. He thanked Trustee McNew for his service and passion for Northark.
Chair McNew passed the gavel to the 2024 chairman, Trustee Pledger.
Chair Pledger adjourned the meeting at 3:26 p.m.