North Central Central Missouri College trustees packed a lot of action into a relatively short meeting Tuesday evening, when trustees approved the 2007-2008 budget, reviewed plans and drawings for the new allied health building, were introduced to a new NCMC “brand” and approved numerous personnel matters.
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Trustees gave their approval to a budget that Chief Fiscal Officer Sharon Barnett called “very tight.” The budget for the General Fund shows both expenses and revenues at $7,776,590.22. The revenue from this year’s tuition and fees were based on the 2006-2007 enrollment figures using the already-approved 2007-2008 tuition increase. The college’s total increase in State Aid and RTech funds is budgeted at $91,850, which represents a 4 percent increase.
The General Fund budget also includes a minimum salary increase of 5 percent for all employees, with corresponding increases in retirement, FICA and Medicare. It was noted that salary adjustments for some employees were made to accommodate the new organizational chart due to changes in responsibilities. Salaries and benefits for four new faculty positions (two nursing instructors, a counselor and a teacher education instructor) were also included in the budget.
NCMC President Dr. Neil Nuttall noted that he was pleased that the cost of college-paid health insurance had risen only 5 percent this year, as many organizations are seeing double-digit increases. Also included was an increase of one-half percent for teacher retirement and one-fourth percent for non-teacher retirement.
The only really large line-item increase, according to Mrs. Barnett, was a $200,000 expenditure for an anticipated lease payment on a new administrative software package that has been discussed for the past several months.
Dean of Student Services Joanna Anderson, who was attending her last regular meeting prior to moving to a position at Casper College in Wyoming, presented materials designed by Stamat, a consulting group that has been working to develop a college “brand.” The phrase “Emerge…It’s All in You” has been chosen, as well as a new logo using the college name.
Dr. Nuttall reviewed drawings of the floor plan and exterior of the new allied health building, which will be connected to Hoffman Hall. The building will be similar to Geyer Hall in architecture and brick color. Dr. Nuttall noted that the NCMC Foundation will be trying to raise another $1 million in the next seven months. In referring to a written report from Director of Development Steve Maxey, Dr. Nuttall pointed out that an extensive direct mail campaign is being finalized for August focusing on the allied health campaign and is earmarked for nearly 1,500 health care graduates and providers. Maxey’s report also indicated that signage is expected to be erected on the campus this week announcing the new allied health building in hopes that those attending the Trenton Sesquicentennial will take notice.
In personnel matters, board members accepted the resignation of Blaire Birdsong, director of admissions, effective June 30, and Cindy Lance, a nursing instructor, effective at the completion of her contract in July.
The board hired Jewell Harris of Trenton to serve as an instructor in the Level I Practical Nursing Program at a salary of $42,840. Korynn Skipper of Trenton was hired as a nursing skills laboratory instructor at a salary of $42,840. Michael Howell of Cape Girardeau was hired to teach English on campus at a salary of $30,954, while Donnie Hillerman of St. Louis was employed as director of residential life/head baseball coach, earning $40,000 annually. Jason Nold of Fayette was hired as the coordinator of residential life/assistant baseball coach at an annual salary of $22,840, plus room and board, as he will be required to live in the residence halls.
The board also hired Joni Oaks of Newtown as the coordinator of academic support programs at a salary of $24,916. Judy A. Kidd of Trenton was hired to serve as an ARC learning specialist and tutor coordinator at a salary of $24,916. Hilary Cooksey of Laredo was approved for employment as the accounts payable officer at a salary of $11.32 per hour.
Two dual credit instructors were hired to teach classes at Milan High School. Julie Hammons of Kirksville will teach dual credit English classes, while Jeri Herington of Milan was hired to teach dual credit science courses. Board members also hired Cynthia Goddard of Trenton as an adult education and literacy instructor at a salary of $10.50 per hour.
On the recommendation of Dean of Instruction Dr. James Gardner, the board agreed to combine the current director positions in student support services and Upward Bound into one position, which would be the TRIO Director. Marcie Cutsigner, who currently serves as student support services director, will take on the position at an annual salary of $50,000. The change, which will go into effect July 1, would be in compliance with the federal grant guidelines and statutes and would be a 12-month, full-time, grant-stipulated AMP position.
The board also approved, on the recommendation of Chief Infor-mation Officer Alan Barnett, the addition of an evening systems manager in the IT services department. The person hired will be paid approximately $30,000 and Barnett said he does not anticipate having that person in place by July 1.
The board gave its approval to a new classified staff position in the maintenance department and the creation of a lead maintenance position. John Campbell was hired as the interim lead maintenance employee.
In other business, the board:
• approved additions to the college’s board policy manual to address areas of non-compliance identified during a federal review of the Head Start program. Mrs. Barnett said the changes are specific to and would apply to all federal programs administered through the college.
• approved the Student Loan Preferred Lender Agreement on Code of Conduct, which sets guidelines for helping students receive loans for college.
• learned from Dr. Gardner and Associate Dean of Allied Health Janet Vanderpool that the evening and weekend nursing program at Bethany has been approved and about 10 students have already expressed an interest in the program, which will begin in January. Dr. Gardner also briefly discussed an upcoming meeting with representatives from Missouri Western State College and the possibility of working with State Fair Community College on a dentistry program.
• heard a report from Mrs. Anderson on summer enrollment, which was up 19 percent in credit hours and 3 percent in student head count.
• heard a report from Dr. Nuttall on a meeting with Kim Oaks of the Grundy County Health Department concerning pandemic planning and noted that efforts are under way to develop plans and strategies for emergency situations that could occur on campus.
• heard that the transfer of the Barton campus property is expected to begin in early July and that the foundation recently held a new member orientation attended by five newly-elected members and some current members. He also reminded the board that the deadline for nominations for the 2007-2008 Distinguished Alumni are due on July 1.
Following an executive session, the board voted to employ Cindy Bylczynski of Lake Mills, WI to serve as history/sociology instructor at a salary of $30,347. Lesli Wyatt, an NCMC alumnus now living in Fairview, TX, as coordinator of residence life (women), as well as assistant women’s basketball and softball coach. She will be paid $24,340 and will live in the residence hall.
Dr. Jamie Hooyman, who has served as associate dean of arts and sciences for the past year, was promoted to Dean of Instruction, effective July 1, a 12-month position for which she will be paid $65,000 annually. The current dean of instruction, Dr. Gardner, will become vice president of instruction/student services, also effective July 1. The changes were made due to the adoption of the college’s new organizational chart.
Also discussed in executive session was the Tech Prep/Career Services position, which board members had earlier voted to discontinue. The board voted to reverse that decision and keep the program, with Dr. D.J. Champagne continuing in her role as its director.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 24.