Board of Trustees
June 12, 2025
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 12, June 2025 in the JPH Conference Center. Chair Feighert called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Trustees Don Tomlinson, Linda Pledger, Jon Burnside, Pam Henry, Jason Patience, and Debbie Johnson were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Richard Stipe, Micki Somers, Nell Bonds, Dr. Matt Cardin, Kelsea Lowery, Jo Adams, Randall Dias, Darren Young, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Dr. Rodney Arnold.
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 E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through May 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $714,954, and the expenditures ended at $1,549,748 The year-to-date total of revenues was $16,252,739, and expenses were $15,639,908.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $60,248, and the expenditures totaled $92,597 The year-to-date revenues were $2,300,539, and expenses were $2,036,067.
President's Report:
Dr. Massengale shared highlights from the Spring commencement ceremonies, congratulating our graduates and noting how meaningful it was to see so many family members and friends in attendance. He also congratulated the FBLA National Leadership Conference participants, with special recognition to Nathanael Smith, who placed second in Computer Applications and fifth in Cybersecurity.
He spoke about the recent Basketball Camps and the GLOW Welding Camp. He expressed how exciting it is to see more young women exploring welding as a future career.
Dr. Massengale briefly mentioned the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees meeting, where the UA System Board joined North Arkansas College's Board of Trustees in voting to accept Northark into the University of Arkansas System. The next step will be approval by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a process that could take 9 to 12 months to complete.
Lastly, he invited everyone to attend Northark Movie Night, featuring Minecraft, on Saturday, June 21st. Activities will begin at 6:30 PM. The event is generously sponsored by REMAX Unlimited.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the May regular meeting minutes; replacement position hires (English Instructor, Berryville GED Instructor, Huntsville GED Instructor, Harrison Career Coach); new position hires (Harrison GED Instructor, ESL Instructor, Berryville Career Coach); and new policies (Use of Artificial Intelligence, Anti-Hazing, Board Travel Resolution FY2025–2026, and Issuance of Contracts FY2025–2026).
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Patience, and unanimously approved.
Monitoring Report
Dr. Matt Cardin presented a report highlighting a variety of extracurricular cultural and educational opportunities aligned with Strategic Objective 2.4.
He outlined several program categories: Pioneer Success Workshops, Study Abroad Experiences, Academic and Cultural Enrichment Series, Career, and Industry Speakers, TRIO-SSS Cultural Events, and the CPI Leadership and Skills Development Conference.
Pioneer Success Workshops:
Last year’s workshops provided students with practical skills and real-life guidance. Topics included job search strategies, resume writing, cover letter preparation, mock interviews, FAFSA completion, and cybersecurity.
Study Abroad Experiences:
Dr. Cardin shared updates on global learning opportunities. In June 2024, a group will travel on an 11-day trip to Japan. A 12-day trip to France and Southern Spain is planned for June 2025. These experiences are open to students, faculty, staff, and the community and are offered in partnership with the Aramfo Foundation, featuring a faculty-led academic component.
Academic and Cultural Enrichment:
A variety of speakers and events were held across campus. Highlights included:
• Dr. John Gripka on conspiracy theories and their social impacts
• Dr. Kim Johnson and Judge Wes Bradford on child advocacy and social systems
• Julie Smith on stress, identity, and culture
• A poverty and public services panel featuring Chonda Tapley and Toby Atkinson
• Campus arts initiatives such as the Cave Region Music and Arts Festival, which brought poetry, music, art, and literature to students.
Career and Industry Speakers:
Presentations focused on real-world career insights, including:
• Entrepreneurship and trades with Nikita Fletcher (Knucklebusters Garage) and Rhett Bramley (Ozark Trailer MFG & Sales)
• Donielle Swanson, MNSc, APRN, on professionalism and turning passion into a career.
• David Swanson on careers in electrical engineering and IT
• Judge Wes Bradford on jury trials and the legal process
TRIO-SSS Cultural Events:
Students engaged in enriching experiences such as a trip to New Orleans, local hikes, pottery and cooking classes, and cultural outings in Branson and Harrison. Participation in some events required a student essay application.
CPI Leadership & Skills Development Conference:
Seventy students attended the conference focused on employment skills, leadership, and collaboration. Keynote speaker John Sherman addressed personal leadership and empowerment. Activities included creating a "Leadership Wheel," completing a True Colors personality assessment, and a group project to plan a collaborative vacation.
Dr. Cardin concluded by noting that 80% of initiatives tied to Strategic Objective 2.4.1 have been completed. Next steps include refreshing workshop formats to boost attendance, expanding cultural access for more student groups, and strengthening partnerships for continued growth.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 3:42 p.m.
