NCMC Board Accepts Resignations, Hires New VP

North Central Missouri College trustees accepted the resignation of some key employees during a meeting held Monday evening, including that of the TRiO director and the director of development. Trustees also approved the employment of a vice president for academic affairs.
Following an executive session, the board accepted, with regret, the resignation of TRiO Director Marcie Cutsinger, effective Aug. 9. Mrs. Cutsinger has accepted an online teaching position at a university.
In open session, the board accepted the resignation of Director of Development Teresa Cross, who also serves as the director of the NCMC Foundation. Mrs. Cross will be moving to Pennsylvania to join other members of her family. Her resignation is effective Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Also planning to leave NCMC is Dr. Johannah Baugher, who is an instructor in the teacher education department. Dr. Baugher, who has accepted a position as assistant professor at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, informed trustees that her last day was July 31. In addition to teaching courses in Northwest’s elementary education program, she will serve as a coordinator for their graduate reading program. Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Sharon Weiser said adjunct instructors will be used to teach the fall classes Dr. Baugher would have taught and a search will be conducted for her replacement. Trustees approved the employment of Deborah Coleman of Marshall, who will serve as an adjunct instructor in the teacher education department, beginning with the fall semester. She will teach on-line courses.
Associate Director of Financial Aid Ashlea Buntin had also resigned, effective Aug. 1. She said she has accepted an offer for a position at another institution.
Trustees approved the employment of several persons, including Dr. Tristan Londre of Lee’s Summit, who has accepted the position of vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Londre currently serves as the dean of career and technical education for the Metropolitan Community College system, where he has held positions since 2000. He will begin his duties starting the week of Aug. 14 at an annual salary of $97,500.
Dr. Londre replaces Dr. Jamie Hooyman, who left the position last summer, and Dr. Sharon Weiser, who has served as the interim. Dr. Weiser is now serving as the Dean of Extended Campus, heading up a new program in Andrew County.
The transfer of Jordan Cox from financial aid cashier/representative to financial aid representative was also approved. The full-time non-exempt classified position places her on the salary schedule at $12.26 per hour with a 12-month contract. She will begin her position on Aug. 1, with the board now having the cashier/representative position to fill.
In other personnel matters, the board approved the hiring of Ashtyn Wilson of Maryville, who will serve as a nurse educator at the Maryville site at a salary of $52,556 with an 11-month contract. Eric Penrod, who currently serves as the residence life coordinator/assistant men’s basketball coach, was approved as an adjunct instructor in the business department, beginning with the fall semester. He will maintain his current role and teach three hours per semester at the rate of $464 per credit hour. Trustees approved the budget for the 2017 Workforce Development Board, which is administered through the college. The total budget shows revenues and expenditures of $422,287, which is $22,106 less than last year. Staff will not receive salary increases and several line items have been cut in order to balance the budget.
Several items were approved for purchase or renewal, including the purchase of athletic insurance through Dissinger Reed of Overland Park, KS for the 2017-2018 sports year (beginning Aug. 1) at a cost of $23,487. That amount is an increase of $5,750 over last year as the college had a higher than normal amount of claims and the addition of two golf teams.
The board also approved the renewal of the college’s Student Information System annual maintenance agreement with Ellucian of Malvern, PA at an annual cost of $53,064. A sole source bid from Ebsco Information Services of Dallas, TX was approved in the amount of $11,175. This will provide NCMC students with accessibility to The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Sciences Literature.
In other business, the board received its annual board clerk year in review, approved the code of ethics/conflict of interest policy and approved revisions to the 2017-2018 college catalog. The board approved policy changes involving tuition waivers and approved an expenditure of $18,301.72 for Missouri Community College Association dues for the 2017-2018 school year.
NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver gave his monthly board report, noting that based on the number of applicants (115 more than last fall) there is a good chance that enrollment will be up for the fall semester. He told trustees that the hiring freeze has been lifted and there are currently nine positions to be filled on campus. In discussing budget issues, Dr. Klaver said he is “cautiously optimistic” that increased enrollment will assist the budget.
Trustees heard a report from Chief Information Officer Alan Barnett, who discussed the history and challenges (including cybersecurity) of the IT Department at the college. Other reports were given by Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Kristen Alley, who discussed an Academic Recovery Plan being implemented in conjunction with Northwest Missouri State University, as well as testing for students with learning disabilities that can now be done on campus, and Dr. Bev Hooker, Green Hills Head Start Director, who reported on the upcoming school year.
In addition to Mrs. Cutsinger’s resignation, the board also discussed real estate in executive session, with an announcement to be made upon execution of the lease, purchase or sale of real estate.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22, with the annual tax rate hearing set for 5:15 and the regular meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m.