April 09, 2026
The UA Northark Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, April 9th in the Bennie Ellis board room. Chair Pledger called the meeting to order at 3:00p.m. Trustees Burnside, Mouser, Feighert, Tomlinson, Johnson, Patience, Henry, McNew, and was present.
UA Northark personnel attending included Dr. Rick Massengale, Tavonda Brown, Richard Stipe, Dr. Matt Cardin, Dr. Rodney Arnold, Randall Dias, Jo Adams, Dr. Lewis Villines, Randall Dias, Brandon Cone, Cindy Keenom, Bobby Howard, Micki Somers, Ryan Hoffman, John Gripka, Bridgette Kampfe, Darren Young, Kelsea Lowery, and Harrison Daily Times, Michael Gripp.
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 March 2026.
In the E&G fund, Richard Stipe stated the total monthly revenue was $792,434, and the expenditures ended at $1,148,691. The year-to-date total of revenues was $15,587,289 and expenses were $14,196,869. He noted percentage wise the budget numbers have run like past years and includes the increase in scholarships, waivers off revenue, and bonus payment given last fall. The revenue trend and expenditures trend lines are as expected.
Auxiliary: The month's revenue totaled $44,490 and expenditures totaled $211,631. Year-to-date revenues were $2,220,020 and expenses were $1,923,525.
President Report:
Dr. Massengale opened the meeting by mentioning the new Governor’s Scholars Program, which targets high school juniors and seniors and allows them to earn a technical certificate while unlocking a $20,000 scholarship. He also spoke about the Student Government Association’s Spring Fling event, which featured a dunk tank, food, face painting, and a performance by the 7 South band.
He highlighted community service efforts, including Northark’s Day of Service, during which employees volunteer throughout the community with several nonprofit organizations to meet their needs. He noted that the Basketball Pioneers and Lady Pioneers spent the day assisting at the Special Olympics, reflecting the college’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Dr. Massengale also shared that he attended the Single Parent Scholarship Fund banquet, where he highlighted students who have earned their degrees and shared their stories. He announced that Northark ranked the sixth-largest community college in the state based on Fall 2025 enrollment, according to Arkansas Business.
He further mentioned that he is recommending the 2026 Board of Trustees to receive the Presidential Citation Award at the Spring Commencement, noting that they have earned this recognition and expressing his deep appreciation for their role in giving Northark the opportunity to merge with the University of Arkansas System.
He concluded his report by noting that the college is in its final days before merging with the U of A System, with April 21 set as the deadline for the final signature. He thanked everyone for their contributions and for helping Northark continue to change lives.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda included the March regular meeting minutes, Replacement position-hire, Head Women’s Basketball Coach/Faculty, and Approval of Participation in the Cyber Learning Network Consortium.
Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Trustee Feighert made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Burnside, and unanimously approved.
Executive Session
The Board adjourned into an executive session to discuss the completed annual evaluation as prescribed by his contract. Trustee Feighert moved the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Burnside. The Board reconvened to a regular board meeting, with Trustee Johnson moving the motion and seconding Trustee Tomlinson. No action was taken.
After returning, Trustee McNew chaired the President Evaluation Committee and recommended a 3% salary increase for Dr. Rick Massengale for FY 2026–2027. The Board also recommended extending his contract for an additional year.
Dr. Massengale expressed appreciation for the recommendation but stated that he did not want an increase greater than the 1% being given to employees. Board members responded that, although employees are receiving a 1% increase, his work, diligence during the UA merger, and overall accomplishments justify the higher recommendation. Dr. Massengale thanked the Board for its support and the three percent increase.
A motion was made by Trustee McNew seconded by Trustee McNew seconded by Trustee Feighert, and unanimously approved.
New Business
FY 2026-2027 Tuition and Fee Rates- Richard Stipe provided additional information in the board packet, including details previously shared during the Board budget session. Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Tuition & Fee rates. A motion was made by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
FY 2026-2027 Proposed Operational and Capital Budget— Richard Stipe stated that there was no new information beyond what was included in the board packet, which had already been discussed during the Board budget session and outlined in the handout provided to each trustee. Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Operational and Capital budget. Trustee Feighert made the motion to approve the Operational and Capital budget, seconded by Trustee Tomlinson, and unanimously approved.
Recommendation of 2026 Commencement Awards- The commencement award committee, Trustee Johnson and the committee proposed Sarah Newman to receive the Board of Trustees Commencement award. No other recommendations were received from the floor. Dr. Massengale announced that the 2026 Board members receive the Presidential Citation award. A motion was made by Trustee Johnson seconded by McNew, and unanimously approved.
Board of Visitors By-Laws
Dr. Massengale highlighted that the BOV by-laws will take effect after the final signature and noted that they follow the approach used by other UAS colleges. He explained that the Board of Visitors will meet quarterly instead of monthly to align with the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees meetings. He encouraged all members to continue serving on the Board of Visitors and emphasized that the most significant change is that the Board will transition from a governing body to an advisory one.
He also explained that employees will be hired through a letter of appointment rather than a contract, meaning the Northark Cabinet will be responsible for approving hires. This change will help improve the timing of start dates for new employees, since the governing board meets quarterly.
Trustee Feighert expressed concerns about the potential length of quarterly meetings. Executive Assistant to the President, Joetta Adams, commented that Board of Visitors meetings are not expected to be lengthy, as reporting will primarily consist of departmental updates. Richard Stipe added that the Board will have fewer items requiring approval, which should also help keep meetings concise.
Chair Pledger asked for a motion to approve the Board of Visitors By-Laws. A motion was made by Trustee Feighert, seconded by Trustee Patience, and unanimously approved.
Chair Pledger adjourned the meeting at 3:56 p.m.
