The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 12, December 2024 in the Bennie Ellis board room. Chair Pledger called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Scott Miller, Chris McNew, Pam Henry, Luke Feighert, and Sarah Newman were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Tavonda Brown, Richard Stipe, Dr. Matt Cardin, Ryan Hoffman, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Randall Dias, Jo Adams, Micki Somers, Walker Robinson, Brigette Kampfe, Darren Young, and John Gripka.
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: Richard Stipe shared the E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through November 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $3,504,823 and the expenditures ended at $2,203,735. The year-to-date total of revenues was $11,264,543 and expenses were $8,899,967. He said Richard said the revenue trend line is typical for November. He said the expense trend line does not include the transfers.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $840,977, and expenditures totaled $111,581. He noted that this amount includes the auxiliary transfers. Year-to-date revenues were $1,748,581, and expenses were $1,054,355. He also noted that the transfers are not reflected in the trend-line chart.
Trustee Burnside asked about enrollment at the Carroll County campus. Richard stated that Northark has conducted a cost analysis, and the costs are similar to those of the main campuses. Dr. Massengale said some classes are at maximum capacity while others have low enrollment, which is normal for all campuses. He added that he believes enrollment will increase in the spring semester. Richard noted that Adult Education utilizes the Berryville campus and helps offset some of the facility’s expenses.
President Report:
Dr. Massengale opened the meeting by mentioning that one of the basketball players had been involved in a car accident. The Athletic Department will be hosting a benefit tournament on December 22, with proceeds going toward his expenses.
He stated that Northark is partnered with Elkins, Prairie Grove, and Siloam Springs for concurrent course offerings and is working toward partnerships with Rogers and Siloam Springs. He also noted a positive development in the funding formula that will provide additional money to Northark.
Dr. Massengale congratulated the Christmas float team, which received second place, and emphasized that Northark values community involvement. Northark Chief of Police Randall Dias participated in “Police Officers Shopping with Kids.” Dr. Massengale recognized the Homecoming Queen and King, Kailey Vaught and Rhett King. He concluded his report by inviting everyone to attend the Fall 2025 Pinning and Commencement on Friday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda included the November regular meeting minutes.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Trustee Henry made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
New Business
Appointment of Board of Trustees Election of Officers 2026
Trustee Henry recommended Trustee Linda Pledger as Chairman, Trustee Debbie Johnson as Vice Chair, and Trustee Jason Patience as Secretary-Treasurer. Chair Feighert opened for additional recommendations, with none; a motion was made by Trustee Mouser seconded by Trustee McNew, and unanimously approved.
Proposed Bonus Award for eligible full-time Faculty & Staff
Chair Feighert expressed his enthusiasm for this item, noting that it has been discussed for several years. He asked Richard if he had additional information. Richard stated that, after reviewing the numbers, Northark has a positive surplus and sufficient cash reserves to fund the bonus in accordance with policy.
Chair Feighert asked about the amount of the bonus. Richard stated that it will be $750.00 for eligible full-time employees. Chair Feighert then asked about grant-funded programs, and Richard confirmed that grant programs may cover the bonus if their funding allows.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the new business item, Proposed bonus award for eligible full-time Faculty & Staff. Trustee Patience made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Burnside, and unanimously approved.
At the end of the meeting, President Dr. Massengale presented a plaque to Chair Feighert for his service as Chairman of 2025. He thanked Chair Feighert for his dedication and leadership this year.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 3:28 p.m.
