Board of Trustees
August 14, 2025
CRMI Conference Room
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 14, August in the Conference Center at the CRMI. Chair Feighert called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Linda Pledger, Jon Burnside, Pam Henry, Bob Mouser, Chris McNew, Debbie Johnson, and Jason Patience were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Jo Adams, Nicole Clark, Kelsea Lowery, Darren Young, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Jeff Smith, Ryan Hoffman, Bobby Howard, Tara Smith, Brigette Kompfe, Jennifer Marshall, Randall Dias, Dr. Matta Cardin, Lana Fowler, Brandon Cone, Tavonda Brown, Genie Allen, and Charla Jennings.
Approval of Agenda
Chair Feighert asked if there were any changes to the agenda as presented. There being none a motion was made, unanimously approved.
Regular Reports
Finance Report: Nicole Clark shared Preliminary E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through July 2025.
In the E&G fund, Nicole Clark stated the total preliminary monthly revenue was $4,579,176, and the expenditures ended at $1,857,214. The year-to-date total of revenues was $4,579,176, and expenses were $1,857,214. Nicole stated trendlines are similar to last year.
Auxiliary: The month's preliminary revenue totaled 470,025, and the expenditures totaled $75,938 The year-to-date revenues were $470,025, and expenses were $75,938.
President’s Report:
Dr. Massengale reported on Fall 2025 enrollment as of Friday, August 8. The total headcount was 1,840, with SSCH at 18,899—an increase of 7% compared to last year. The concurrent headcount was 636, with concurrent SSCH at 4,414.
He invited everyone to attend the CRMI Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00 a.m., as well as the North Arkansas College Foundation Golf Tournament on Monday, September 15, at the Harrison Country Club, presented by Anstaff Bank.
Dr. Massengale also discussed changes to ACCESS concurrent credit:
• Tuition rate is $65.00 per credit hour.
• Northark will bill the state.
• The home high school will pay for books and access fees.
• Parents and students cannot be billed for tuition, fees, or supplies.
• Students may take up to 15 credit hours per semester.
On the national level, he noted significant changes, including a reduction in force with approximately 50% staff cuts, leaving 2,183 employees. Key offices such as the Office of Civil Rights (which enforces Title IX and anti-discrimination laws) and the Federal Student Aid Office will continue to operate, though changes are expected in Pell Grant and loan administration, as well as borrower support. Grant awards and funding have also been impacted.
Regarding the U of A System merger, Dr. Massengale explained that the agreement of merger and transition plan has been signed by both Boards of Trustees. The next step is submitting an initial change-of-control request to HLC. The target completion date is May 1, 2026. Northark’s official name will become North Arkansas College of the University of Arkansas. Northark will hold a vote among the public, students, staff, and faculty to choose a new street name, which will then be shared with the Northark Board of Trustees.
Dr. Massengale highlighted additional updates and changes:
• Federal-level changes in higher education.
• State-level changes in higher education.
• Opportunities to expand concurrent outreach locally (Bentonville, Farmington, Elkins, Huntsville).
• Merger with the University of Arkansas System.
• Positive preliminary indicators showing improvement in the Productivity Model.
• New partnerships with UA Fayetteville, UA Fort Smith, and UAMS.
• Renewed excitement in the communities we serve.
• Opening of the Center for Robotics and Manufacturing and the Innovation Center.
• Renovation of Pete’s Grill with a completely new look.
• Expansion of the E-Sports program to a larger facility.
• Addition of a new police vehicle and passenger van.
• All Northark Athletics programs now competing as NJCAA Division II members.
• Enrollment has increased for the fifth consecutive year (from 1,604 to 2,090).
Monitoring Report
Dr. Rodney Arnold presented the monthly monitoring report, increase community engagement.
The Northark Challenge was held on Friday, April 4, 2025, and included special recognition for Micki Somers for her outstanding work on Foundation events. Highlights of Foundation activities included the Summer Movie Series, Golf Tournament, JPH Lecture Series, Tiki Party, and the Economic Update Series. Collectively, these community fundraising events have generated more than $155,000 for the Foundation.
Dr. Arnold provided an update on the objective to increase and enhance Community Education offerings. Spring 2025 classes featured oil painting, stained glass, sewing, line dancing, spring foraging, and crochet. Looking ahead, the Painting the Ozarks series—featuring acrylic, oil, and watercolor workshops, as well as hand-painted ornament sessions—will launch in Fall 2025. Returning by popular demand are line dancing, photography with Jamie Stevens, Timber Hollow Pottery workshops, herbal medicine classes, crochet, macramé, and sewing.
Dr. Arnold also reported on the objective to enhance marketing and public relations strategies. In July 2025:
• The Amazon CRMI ad generated 142,777 impressions and 30 clicks.
• The Facebook/Instagram Nursing program ad reached 81,152 views and 1,143 clicks.
• The Drone Class ad received 45,269 views.
• The Energy Management ad reached 85,145 views.
• The Nursing ad on Spotify reached 21,484 listeners with 30,788 impressions.
Dr. Arnold concluded his report with a YouTube video showcasing the Practical Nursing program at the Carroll County Center.
Consent Agenda:
The Consent Agenda included approval of the July regular meeting minutes, Replacement Hire: TRIO Educational Talent Search Academic Advisor (grant funded).
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Pledger seconded by Trustee Henry, and unanimously approved.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 3:41 p.m.
