Board of Trustees
October 09, 2025
JPH Conference Center
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 09, October in the JPH Conference Center. Vice Chair Henry called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Chair Feighert, Trustees Don Tomlinson, 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, Kelsea Lowery, Darren Young, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Ryan Hoffman, Brigette Kampfe, Micki Somers, Randall Dias, Dr. Matta Cardin, Brandon Cone, Tavonda Brown, Dr. John Gripka, and Michael Gripp with Harrison Daily Times.
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 September 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard stated the total monthly revenue was $857,320 and the expenditures ended at $1,413,560. The year-to-date total of revenues was $6,998,637, and expenses were $1,958,501.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $74,318 and the expenditures totaled $180,380 The year-to-date revenues were $854,176, and expenses were $380,694.
Richard shared that the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) provides tentative projections for the productivity funding formula, which determines how colleges receive state funding. Since the current model went into effect, Northark has experienced decreases in state funding; however, preliminary numbers indicate that our productivity index will be positive for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Richard also reported that the Legislative Audit has not yet been released but is expected to be available in November. He expressed hope that it will be received prior to the November Board meeting.
He further noted that the CRMI project has been completed and that the college is currently in the process of finalizing details with the contractor and others involved in the project. He mentioned that, preliminarily, Northark will receive a credit due to cost savings associated with the project.
President’s Report: Dr. Cardin reported on behalf of Dr. Massengale. He began by congratulating Rea Leon, Magali Cisnaros, and Kenzie Parker for receiving scholarships from North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) and the NARMC Auxiliary.
He then discussed the upcoming 2025 North Arkansas College Foundation Golf Tournament and provided an update on the Construction Equipment Operations students who are currently working at the Boone County Regional Airport. Richard Stipe shared comments from Airport Manager Judy McCutcheon, who recently spoke at the Harrison Rotary Club about how valuable and significant Northark’s program and students are to the airport.
Dr. Cardin also shared that ETS Advisor Michelle Dees, in collaboration with Alpena Career Coach Star Waters, led Alpena Talent Search students on a campus tour of North Arkansas College and Arkansas Tech University.
He went on to highlight the public signing with the University of Arkansas System, which took place on Friday, September 26, during the UA System Board meeting in Fayetteville. Dr. Cardin stated that the goal is to have the merger process completed by April or May 2026.
He concluded his report by discussing the Open Arkansas Conference, noting that about 130 participants attended. He shared details from the conference and mentioned that the opening keynote speaker was David Wiley.
Upcoming Events- Micki Somers mentioned the Evening on the Plaza taking place on Thursday, October 16,2025.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda included approval of the September regular meeting minutes and revised policy, Faculty Qualifications.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee McNew seconded by Trustee Patience, and unanimously approved.
Monitoring Report: Student Success
VP of Student Affairs, Tavonda Brown presented the monthly monitoring report, Student Success.
Mrs. Brown discussed objectives that align with the college’s strategic plan, Vision 2025. She began by addressing student success and student transfers.
She reported that in 2022, 30 students transferred to Arkansas four-year institutions with 30 earned ACTS course hours, and 37 students did so in 2023. Transfers to Arkansas four-year institutions with an associate degree totaled 66 in 2021, 55 in 2022, and 87 in 2023.
Mrs. Brown noted that MSU and CFO are not included in these totals. When students transfer to border colleges, the college does not receive credit for those students in performance funding. She explained that these numbers reflect past years because tracking occurs over a two-year period.
She listed the following transfer strategies:
• Spring Transfer Fair
• College visits
• Recruiter visits
• 2+2 agreements
• University of Arkansas System merger
• Purpose First/advising sessions.
Mrs. Brown also reviewed student retention data from 2015–2023. The initial enrollment status for full-time students was 53% in 2018–2019, 58% in 2020–2021, 55% in 2021–2022, and 59% in 2022–2023. Retention strategies include:
• Free tutoring
• On-site housing
• Student organizations
• Purpose First/advising sessions.
She then presented student completion data from 2013–2021. Tracking is completed using the IPEDS 150% graduation rate, which measures the percentage of full-time, first-time, degree- or certificate-seeking students in a given cohort who earn a credential within 150% of the expected time.
Completion strategies include:
• Academic maps
• Academic and holistic support
• Prior learning assessment
• At-risk interventions
• “15 to Finish” initiative
• Student satisfaction survey
Mrs. Brown shared results from the Spring 2025 Student Satisfaction Survey, noting that 75.3% of respondents strongly agreed that they would recommend Northark.
Engagement strategies include:
• Ice cream socials
• Intramural cornhole
• Welcome Week activities.
• Back-to-School Bash
• Tie-dye events
• Karaoke nights
• Movie nights
• Homecoming activities
• Athletics
She also listed active student organizations, including:
• Student Government Association
• Villa
• Agriculture Club
• Parenting Student Support Group
• SkillsUSA
• FBLA
• Northark E-Sports
• Drama Club
• Wellness Warriors
• Criminal Justice Club
• Student Engagement Council
During discussion, Trustee Burnside asked which groups are more likely to be engaged in student organizations and events. Mrs. Brown responded that non-traditional students, particularly those working full-time or with families, are the most difficult to engage. She noted ongoing efforts to connect with all students and welcomed suggestions.
Trustee Johnson commented that students living in campus housing likely feel more connected to college life and asked whether there are plans for a second housing addition.
Dr. Arnold replied that Phase Two of the housing project is planned, but the timeline has not yet been determined.
New Business:
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve to reactivate programs: AAS, CP, and TC Law Enforcement Administration and AAS, CP, and TC Crime Scene Investigation. A motion was made by Trustee Mouser seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the new academic program: AAS Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). A motion was made by Trustee Henry, seconded by Trustee Burnside, and unanimously approved.
Next board meeting will be Thursday, November 13th at 3:00 p.m. in the Bennie Ellis board room.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 3:55 p.m.
