Board of Trustees
January 14, 2026
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, January 14th in the Cathy Brandt board room. Chair Pledger called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Trustees Burnside, Feighert, Henry, Johnson, McNew, and Mouser was present. North Arkansas College personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Tavonda Brown, Richard Stipe, Dr. Matt Cardin, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Dr. Ricky Tompkins, Randall Dias, Jo Adams, Micki Somers, Brandon Cone, Doug Gere, Darren Young, Danny Ohler, and Kelsea Lowery.
Approval of Agenda Chair Pledger 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 December 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $1,844,272 and the expenditures ended at $1,545,599. The year-to-date total of revenues was $13,108,815 and expenses were $10,445,566. He said Richard said the revenue trend line is a consistent pattern for December.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $158,473 and expenditures totaled $93,821. Year-to-date revenues were $1,907,054, and expenses were $1,119,176.
President Report: Dr. Massengale opened the meeting by reporting the Spring 2026 semester enrollment. As of January 9th, 2026, the head count reached 2,033 with a goal of 2,078 and student semester credit hours at 19,256 matching our goal. Dr. Massengale noted that he will be visiting Greenland about concurrent opportunities. He noted that we are attempting to meet the demands of our schools and students.
He announced that our VP of Workforce and Technical Education, has been selected as the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Hope Texarkana. Dr. Tompkins gave a few words of gratitude and appreciation of Northark faculty, staff, students, and the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Massengale informed the board that Higher Learning Commission (HLC), President of University of Arkansas System, and other representatives of the UA System will be on campus the week of January 22nd for the Change of Control evaluation. Consent Agenda
The consent agenda included the December regular meeting minutes and new policy, Articulated Credit.
Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Trustee Feighert made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
Monitoring Report
Physical Plant Director Danny Ohler presented the January monitoring report, highlighting enhancements to the college’s physical and technological facilities and infrastructure.
Danny detailed several upgrades to the HVAC system, including:
Danny reported that energy-efficiency projects included converting 32 units in Pioneer Villas, resulting in significant power savings and improved air handling. These upgrades are estimated to generate approximately $74,000 in cost avoidance. He noted the partnership with Clear Result, which helps the college access energy incentives through Entergy with projects that reduce energy consumption. They are submitted for approval, and upon audit, the college receives rebate checks reflecting the energy savings.
Additional improvements and completed projects include:
Roof lead mitigation and ceiling replacements
Replacement of leading gym guttering and installation of ice dams
Power washing of gym walls and repair of EIFS surfaces
Agricultural room remodel, including ceiling replacements, new cabinets, sink and a hydroponics section.
Gym floor refurbishment
- New construction of CRMI
- Renovation of the Cathy Brandt Conference Room
- Upgrades to the college grill (Pete's Cafe)
- Renovation of Northark police offices
- Construction of new softball dugouts.
Danny concluded his presentation by expressing appreciation for the support that made these facility enhancements possible.
Chair Pledger adjourned the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
