Board of Trustees
September 11, 2025
JPH Conference Center
The North Arkansas College Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday 11, September 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, 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, Jeff Smith, Ryan Hoffman, Bobby Howard, Brigette Kompfe, Micki Somers, Randall Dias, Dr. Matta Cardin, Brandon Cone, Tavonda Brown, Charla Jennings, 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 Preliminary E&G and Auxiliary budget activities through August 2025.
In the E&G fund, Richard stated the total preliminary monthly revenue was $1,562141, and the expenditures ended at $1,769,362. The year-to-date total of revenues was $6,141,317, and expenses were $3,626,576.
Auxiliary: The month's preliminary revenue totaled 309,833 and the expenditures totaled $217,166 The year-to-date revenues were $779,857, and expenses were $293,104.
President’s Report: Dr. Massengale reported on Fall 2025 enrollment. The total headcount was 2,190, with SSCH at 20,784. The concurrent headcount was 936, with concurrent SSCH at 6,196. He stated that the concurrent headcount is a record, up by 47, and the SSCH is a record, up by 855.
He then introduced Northark’s Director of Police Safety/Chief of Police, Randall Dias, who presented a police report that included updates since April 2025:
• Hired a new police officer, Hunter Ply (bringing the full-time force to three).
• Promoted Capt. Eddie Ragland (six years of Northark service).
• Purchased a new patrol vehicle (2025 Dodge Durango).
• Upgraded an existing patrol car (2014 Chevrolet Impala).
• Designed and installed updated vehicle graphics.
• Established a standard of uniform presence on campus for high visibility.
• Ensured that all officers meet and maintain state-mandated certifications and training.
• Established MOUs with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office and Harrison Police Department.
• Conducted Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event training, available to all Northark faculty and staff.
• Hosted a state-certified law enforcement class on Strategic Leadership and Conflict Resolution (October 1).
• Secured a donation from the Prosecuting Attorney for two Tasers.
• Received a donation of three bulletproof vests from Boone County OES.
• Increased interactive patrols throughout all campus locations.
• Established daily radio communications with Boone County Emergency Dispatch.
• Created a “Daily Call Log” to document police activity.
He also listed general and specific goals:
• Provide the best professional law enforcement and public safety services to the North Arkansas College community.
• Remain conservative and cost-effective by:
o Utilizing resources already in place.
o Requesting only items truly needed to perform duties.
o Seeking opportunities for partnerships where appropriate.
o Nurturing and building on existing relationships in the community to provide value back to law enforcement partners.
• Maintain a proactive patrol and professional interaction with the Northark community to create a safer educational environment.
• Improve officer competencies through continued law enforcement training.
• Increase student interactions, especially at the Residence Hall.
• Conduct more visits to the Berryville campus.
• Expand Northark Police coverage of on-campus events, reducing reliance on outside agencies.
• Develop Northark into a “training destination” in North Central Arkansas for law enforcement training.
• Continue collaborating with Physical Plant and I.T. to implement upgraded security.
Dr. Massengale also spoke about Fall 2025 Welcome Week, the Northark College Fair (with more than 400 students meeting with representatives from around 40 colleges and organizations), and Northark’s hosting of the State of Higher Education Community Breakfast. He highlighted the volunteer service of Pioneer athletes at Share & Care and other charities.
As part of the UA System partnership, the UA System Workforce Initiative- UA Phillips County instructor will teach 20 workforce students at no cost to either Northark or the students.
He also mentioned upcoming events: the Open Arkansas Conference on October 3 in the JPH Conference Center, and the public signing of the Northark and UA System partnership agreement.
Agricultural Report
Agricultural Instructor Michelle Buchanan shared an update on the agricultural program, which includes the AS in Agriculture, AAS in Turf Management, and TC in Sports Turf Management. She highlighted the following courses currently offered:
• Introduction to Animal & Poultry Science
• Introduction to Agribusiness
• Introduction to Plant Science
• Principles of Horticulture
• Introduction to Turfgrass Management
• Pest Management
• Behavior of Domestic Animals
• Feeds and Feeding
• Weed Science
• Soil Science
• Equine Science
• Internship – Operations and Management
• Internship – Irrigation and Drainage
• Agriculture Internships
The program’s greenhouse and high tunnel provide produce to the Northark College Grill, Neighbors Mill, Skylark, and to Northark faculty, staff, and students. Mrs. Buchanan also introduced agricultural staff members Lindsey Booth and Laykyn Rainbolt.
She discussed the Ag Club, which focuses on agricultural education, leadership, community service, and networking. She noted that student Emma Blankenship completed an internship with Farm Credit and shared a video from her experience. Mrs. Buchanan also highlighted student participation in the 2025 Young Ranchers and Farmers Conference in Fort Smith, AR, and reported that Ag Club students raised over $2,500 during the third annual Youth Ag Day. She added that Northark will host the upcoming FFA LDE & CDE competitions.
Mrs. Buchanan then reported on the Turf Management program, which currently has 15 students working at turf sites across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. She shared a video message from student Isaac DeMeyer, who is gaining hands-on experience while completing his coursework.
She concluded by outlining goals and future opportunities for the program, noting that the purchase of the Newberry property will provide expanded educational opportunities for students, enhanced community outreach, and stronger recruiting efforts. Next steps include developing a timeline, proposal, and funding plan.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda included approval of the August regular meeting minutes.
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Patience seconded by Trustee Pledger, and unanimously approved.
New Business
Chair Feighert asked for a motion to approve the proposal for the Craig Campbell of Innovation at the Center of Robotics & Manufacturing Innovation building. A motion was made by Trustee Pledger seconded by Trustee Johnson, and unanimously approved.
Dr. Massengale commented the location of the room at the CRMI and the dedicated work that Craig Campbell played into the CRMI.
Next board meeting will be Thursday, October 9th at 3:00 p.m. in the JPH Conference Center.
Chair Feighert adjourned the meeting at 4:04 p.m.
