Trustees at North Central Missouri College heard an update on the success of the college’s Upward Bound program during a meeting held Tuesday night, with the board also hiring staff members and approving a classification change for one position.
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Trustees at North Central Missouri College heard an update on the success of the college’s Upward Bound program during a meeting held Tuesday night, with the board also hiring staff members and approving a classification change for one position.
Upward Bound Program Director Kendra Wolgast presented information that shows that the program is meeting or exceeding its goals for program participants, which are required to be from one of the six target schools (Trenton, Tri-County, Hamilton, Gallatin, Grundy R-5 and Chillicothe) and be first generation college students or meet income guidelines. Students in grades nine through 11 are currently eligible and should show potential for academic success in college, but lack skills in motivation or self-confidence.
Mrs. Wolgast’s report indicated that the program saw 100 percent of participants be promoted to the next grade level last year, with 96 percent earning a grade point average above a 2.25 and an average GPA of 3.13. Students attend tutoring sessions throughout the year and participate in a summer component, which allows them the opportunity to experience various aspects of living in the residence halls. They take academic classes, as well as ACT preparatory classes and personal growth/counseling workshops. Students are also involved in evening activities planned by the residential staff. There are also Saturday programs held once each month, as well as community service projects and visits to other colleges.
Mrs. Wolgast reported that 100 percent of seniors in the program graduated from high school and enrolled in college in the fall. In a six-year follow-up of Upward Bound Alumni, Mrs. Wolgast found that 71 percent of UB alumni are currently enrolled in a program of post-secondary education or have successfully completed a degree. She also found that 67 percent of UB alumni have been enrolled at NCMC, with 33 percent enrolled in NCMC as their first post-secondary institution.
Mrs. Wolgast also explained some changes for the next funding cycle, which include among other items, additional criteria that must be met concerning state assessment performance levels.
Board members hired Jackie Kent of Gilman City as student finance assistant, with Cindy Collins of Meadville hired as Upward Bound Academic advisor. Marian Bohumil of Clinton was hired as professional development specialist to work with the Missouri Adult Education and Family Literacy Professional Development Center. She will be paid $32,000 annually for the 12-month AMP position and will begin her duties Jan. 2, 2007.
Janet Gott of Trenton was hired as an adjunct instructor in the Early Childhood Development Department, teaching early childhood classes on the NCMC campus. Rob Maloney of Trenton was hired to serve as an adjunct instructor in the Business Management Department, teaching credit and finance on the NCMC campus beginning in the spring.
In the nursing department, Laura Bray of Maysville was hired to serve as a part-time clinical instructor for Level I at $200 per day, teaching OB clinical classes. Also hired was Trudith Scott Dorrell of Maryville, who will serve as a part-time clinical instructor for the Maryville Level I Nursing Program at a pay rate of $200 per day.
In a Head Start personnel matter, the board approved the employment of Roxanne Wrisinger of Meadville as teacher aide at the Chillicothe B Head Start Center.
Board members approved a request from Marcie Cutsinger for a status change for the Student Support Services Tutor Coordin-ator position to make it a full-time Administrative, Management, Professional position. Mrs. Cut-singer had noted that the position change is justified by the Tutor Coordinator’s responsibilities as outlined by the Student Support Services Grant, increased program efficiency and consistency with other TRIO programs. The tutor coordinator hires, trains and supervises all SSS tutors, including a full-time tutor, part-time tutors and student tutors. She included a list of duties performed by the tutor coordinator and stated that they clearly reflect AMP level responsibilities. Human Resources Director Dr. Gene Moyers agreed that the program meets the criteria to be designated as an AMP position.
Mrs. Cutsinger also asked that the tutor coordinator position and the program coordinator both be placed on an 11-month contact, rather than a 12-month contract. This would ensure that the positions are equivalent to other positions on campus. That request was also approved.
The board approved the Third Year Continuation Grant Application for the Green Hills Head Start Program in the amount of $1,761,413, with an additional $440,353 in non-federal resources. The proposed project would begin Feb. 1, 2007 and end Jan. 31, 2008. NCMC would also receive indirect cost funds in the amount of $112,896 as the legal and fiscal agent for the Head Start program. Head Start Director Bev Hooker said the application reflects the 1 percent in funding that got cut last year and noted that the funding cut will result in the program being reduced to 128 days. The Green Hills programs is funded for 277 students.
In reports, Dean of Instruction Dr. James Gardner reported on a recent superintendent’s meeting held on the campus and Dean of Student Services Joanna Anderson reported that the college is serving 205 students who are receiving benefits through the A-Plus Program, an increase from 173 last year. Chillicothe has the largest number of A-Plus students at 51, with 34 of the students coming from Trenton. In all, the 205 students are receiving benefits in the amount of $209,471. NCMC President Dr. Neil Nuttall said legislators need to realize the huge benefit A-Plus provides to students and their parents and be encouraged to continue the program.
Dr. Nuttall also reported on the continuation of strategic planning on campus, as well as state-wide efforts he is involved with to see that state appropriations to higher education be returned to at least what they were in 2003 before major cuts were made. He also praised the efforts of Jim Norris as a faculty senate representative in keeping the lines of communication open between the president’s office and the faculty. Dr. Nuttall indicated that plans are under way to begin conceptualizing the allied health building and other projects on campus.
Steve Maxey, director of public relations/development, recognized the late Everett and Hazel Frey, whose estate has now provided the college with nearly $350,000, including the recently-announced gift of $190,000. Maxey said the NCMC Foundation’s “Invest in the Vision” Campaign will be nearing the $5 million mark after the first of the year. He also reported that the foundation has voted to increase its membership on the board from 21 to 24 members to allow for additional regional representation. The board also approved increasing the amount of Foundation Scholarships. which are awarded to about 130 students, from $250 to $350 per semester.
Maxey also reported on a meeting of the Barton Campus Advisory Committee, which is assisting in the development of a physical vision of the campus, the development of facilities and equipment, recommended policies and procedures and public relations/fund-raising. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18 when Missouri Director of Agriculture Fred Ferrell plans to be in attendance.
Maxey gave an update on the NCMC High School Holiday Shoot-Out, which will have 19 teams involved in the Dec. 27-29 event at the Ketcham Community Center.
While an executive session had been listed on the agenda for legal matters, real estate and personnel, one was not held.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 19. This is a change in the regular board meeting date.