Board of Trustees
May 08, 2025
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 08, May 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, Chris McNew, Bob Mouser, and Debbie Johnson were present.
North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Richard Stipe, Tavonda Brown, Micki Somers, Nell Bonds, Dr. Matt Cardin, Teresa Paul, Jo Adams, Ryan Hoffman, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Jeff Smith, 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 April 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $1,003,396, and the expenditures ended at $1,415,448 The year-to-date total of revenues was $15,537,785, and expenses were $14,090,160.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $313,040, and the expenditures totaled $243,039. The year-to-date revenues were $2,240,291, and expenses were $1,943,470.
Trustee Burnside inquired about federal government funding and whether there were any concerns or issues the Board should be aware of. Mr. Stipe responded that there is some information suggesting potential reductions in funding or the possible elimination of certain grant programs, but nothing definitive at this time. He noted that any changes would not directly impact the college’s operating fund. The grants in question fall under the college’s restricted funding process, meaning funds are only expended as provided by the grant program. However, since some employees are funded through these grant programs, changes at the federal level could impact the college’s participation in these programs.
Trustee Burnside also asked about ACCESS and whether there is anything the Governor or state legislature could do at the state level. Mr. Stipe replied that, as of now, there have been no indications of related action at the state level in response to federal developments. He assured the Board that they will be kept informed of any updates.
President's Report:
Dr. Massengale reported that Northark received a rebate check of $12,457.68 for its participation in the Continuous Energy Improvement Plan through Entergy Solutions. He commended the Construction Technology students for building new cabinets for the nursing simulation center and recognized Construction Technology Instructor David Zirkle and HR Director Kris Greening for their years of service and upcoming retirements. He congratulated students who placed in state competitions for FBLA Collegiate and SkillsUSA, as well as those inducted into the Northark Business and IT Honor Society. He also expressed appreciation to the student-athletes for their community involvement, including assisting the Master Gardeners with downtown flower arrangements and volunteering with Special Olympics. Dr. Massengale shared that Northark was nationally recognized by the Affordable Degree Guide as having the 7th most affordable online accounting degree. He provided an update on the Center of Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI), noting that the targeted access date is mid-June to early July. He added that the EDA has approved Reimbursement Request No. 1, totaling $1,789,905. He reported on a meeting with Rhett Bramley, owner of Ozark Trailer MFG & Sales, to discuss technical program opportunities for students. He also touched on the recent North Arkansas College Town Halls regarding the proposed UA System merger, acknowledging the involvement of Board Chair Luke Feighert, UA System representative Chris Thomason, and the Cabinet in each session. Dr. Massengale listed various outreach efforts to inform stakeholders about the merger, including radio interviews, newspaper articles, civic organization meetings, and discussions with superintendents, principals, and counselors. He shared that his most meaningful conversation was with Bonnie Baker, who told him her approval wasn’t necessary but offered her blessing, stating she supports the merger because it benefits students. Lastly, Dr. Massengale reviewed the recent high school award assemblies and graduations attended by him and the Cabinet. He highlighted the Connect Four Signing Day, where high school seniors from Berryville, Eureka Springs, and Green Forest committed to attending North Arkansas College.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda included the April regular meeting minutes, 2025-2026 provisional positions Request, and new position titles request. Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Henry, seconded by Trustee Pledger, and unanimously approved.
Monitoring Report
Dr. Ricky Tompkins presented a report on Technical Education and Workforce Development. He updated the Board on the growth of non-credit and contract training offerings, which now include CNA, Management Strategies, Forklift Operator Certification, Machining and CNC Refresher, and Heavy Equipment Training. He also discussed upcoming programs such as CDL and Bus Driving. CDL programming will fall under Workforce and is expected to involve third-party providers. He noted that CDL training is particularly challenging due to its high costs and frequent regulatory changes.
Dr. Tompkins shared that the Workforce Challenge award is expected to increase from $800 to $3,000 by Academic Year 2027, and he expressed appreciation to local legislators for supporting this opportunity.
In his Technical Education update, Dr. Tompkins reported that Outdoor Power Equipment has become a newly accredited program. He announced that the Energy Management Program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, while the Industrial Maintenance Technician Program is still under discussion regarding its implementation timeline. He referenced the recently passed ACCESS Act, noting that high schools will increasingly demand access to technical pathways for students.
Dr. Tompkins also discussed technical programs for regional high school students, funded by the Arkansas Department of Education through the Office for Skills Development. In Spring 2025, 57 students earned Technical Certificates, and 232 students received Certificates of Proficiency, marking a record-high enrollment of 267 students. Currently, 18 high schools are being served on the North Campus, with additional outreach taking place at regional high school campuses.
He concluded his report by highlighting key trends to monitor: the impact of increased Workforce Challenge awards, rising demand for technical education from high schools, curriculum, and delivery revisions to align with employer needs, and broader economic and workforce trends.
New Business
Proposed Affiliation Agreement with UA System- Chair Luke Feighert read the resolution: WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of North Arkansas College is entrusted by the State of Arkansas with ensuring the availability of quality, affordable postsecondary education, and community service opportunities to enhance the economic and cultural development of the Greater North Arkansas Region; and WHEREAS North Arkansas College meets this responsibility by offering an array of associate degrees, general education transfer programs, and workforce-relevant technical programs, along with public service and outreach programs to serve the citizens of the region; and WHEREAS the University of Arkansas System shares this mission of providing educational, cultural, and economic development opportunities to the state and its citizens through its 20 campuses, divisions, and units across Arkansas, including eight community colleges that share the goals and mission of North Arkansas College; and WHEREAS, the president and Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas System have expressed their willingness to explore partnerships with other state institutions of higher education that align both strategically and geographically with the System; and WHEREAS, the presidents of the University of Arkansas System and North Arkansas College have discussed the benefits of creating a formal partnership between the System and the College. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE THAT the Board hereby approves of the proposed merger in which North Arkansas College will, subject to the approval of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, become a member campus of the University of Arkansas System. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board requests that the President, in consultation with legal counsel, negotiate and prepare a merger agreement and plan of transition to be signed as soon as practicable by the Chairperson of each institution’s Board of Trustees. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the President and Chief Financial Officer are authorized to take such other actions and sign such other documents as are prudent or necessary to implement the merger and transition.
Chair Feighert asked Dr. Massengale if he had any additional comments. Dr. Massengale stated that throughout the many presentations and town halls, while there have been questions, no outright opposition to the merger has been expressed. He shared that local superintendents are enthusiastic about the potential opportunities the merger could bring. He noted that while there were once twenty-two independent colleges in the state, only seven remain independent today.
Chair Feighert then opened the floor for questions or comments. Trustee Patience asked if there would be any drawbacks for students should the merger proceed. Dr. Massengale responded that one concern raised was whether a new chancellor at UA Fayetteville could revoke the existing scholarship agreement. While he acknowledged the uncertainty of future leadership decisions, he emphasized that there could also be new opportunities with other UA System universities. He also addressed a rumor suggesting that the technical campus would be eliminated and clarified that this is absolutely untrue.
Trustee Mouser inquired about legal fees associated with joining the UA System. Mr. Stipe responded that while he did not have the exact rate at the moment, it would be discussed at a future date. He clarified that the fee is not new or additional—it is based on the size of the institution, and Northark already participates in similar technology-related costs as an independent college. He added that any future system-wide technology costs would likely be consistent with what is currently being paid.
Trustee Mouser then asked if the merger would positively impact Northark's financial situation. Mr. Stipe said he believes it will, citing the economies of scale and increased buying power the system can offer. However, he acknowledged that there is no definitive projection of exact cost savings at this time. Trustee Mouser also asked whether the UA System has reviewed Northark’s financial statements and balance sheets. Mr. Stipe confirmed that they have.
Dr. Massengale added that if the Northark Board votes in favor of the merger, the matter would proceed to the UA System Board of Trustees for approval. Trustee Johnson asked what the Northark Board of Trustees would be called post-merger. Dr. Massengale explained that, according to state law, it would become the Board of Visitors. Though this board is advisory in nature, he has been assured that the UA System Board will not act on matters unless they are first approved by the local Board of Visitors—meaning that Northark’s Board would still play a critical role in decision-making.
Trustee Tomlinson shared his perspective, noting he had been part of a previous merger that was successful due to Dr. Bill Baker’s leadership. He expressed his full confidence in Dr. Massengale, stating that if this merger succeeds, it will be because of his leadership, and that he believes the merger will have a positive outcome.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve resolution that authorizes the Chief Financial Officer and President to sign any other documents as necessary to implement the merger and transition.
A motion was made by Trustee McNew, seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 3:49 p.m.
