NCMC Honors Bosley Brothers; Recognizes Staff With Excellence Awards

Twin brothers who were strong supporters of North Central Missouri College will be honored by having a section of Geyer Hall named for them following action taken at a meeting of NCMC trustees on Tuesday.

Receiving the NISOD Excellence Award during Tuesday night’s NCMC Board of Trustees meeting were, from left, front row, Senior Data Base Administrator Tami Campbell, Health Sciences Program Coordiator Kristi Cutsinger, Admissions Director Kristie Cross; back row, computer science instructor Cory Cooksey and Facilities Director Randy Young.[/caption]
Board members approved the naming of what has been known as “The Learning Commons” in Geyer Hall as the Franklin and Frederick Bosley Learning Commons.” The area includes the college library, tutoring center and Student Support Services and is in recognition of a $1.2 million donation from the estate of the late brothers. NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver said the donation toward the renovation of Geyer Hall was one of the largest donations to Trenton Junior Col-lege/NCMC.
The honor comes posthumously as Franklin died in 2011 and Frederick died in 2012. Both had been very strong supporters of the college and its mission.
Trustees approved the employment of Brandon Gossett of Peru, NE, who will serve in the full time, exempt AMP position of residence life coordinator/assistant men’s basketball coach at a salary rate of $35,500 per year. He will also be provided an apartment in Ellsworth Residence Hall and a meal plan for the duration of the school year.
Also hired was Merribeth Copeland of Trenton, who will serve as a full-time financial aid representative at a pay rate of $13.04 per hour. Head Start employees hired were Emily Gladbach, teacher at the Brookfield “A” Center; Kelli Adams, teacher aide at the Trenton Center; and Morgan Kornburst, teacher aide at the Brookfield “B” center.
Dr. Klaver gave a report on fall enrollment, noting that it is down slightly over last fall, however final numbers are not yet available. First day enrollment was down about one-half percent in head count and .9 percent in credit hours. Dual credit numbers are not in yet and there will be students who will enroll in classes for the second eight-week session. Most community colleges in Missouri are experiencing enrollment declines in the 8 to 9 percent range and Dr. Klaver said that is following a national trend of smaller high school classes. Dr. Klaver explained that while the size of high school graduating classes is decreasing, the number of adults with some or no college credit is increasing and is a population that can be recruited by community colleges.
Dr. Klaver also reported on the college’s strategic plan and updated the board on the Missouri Community College Association’s legislative agenda.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tristan Londre recognized several college employees who are being honored with the NISOD Excellence Awards. They include Cory Cooksey, computer science instructor, excellence in teaching; Kristi Cutsinger, program coordinator for health sciences, excellence in academic support; Kristie Cross, director of admissions, excellence in student affairs; Tami Campbell, senior database administrator, excellence in information technology; and Randy Young, facilities director, excellence in business and facilities.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Kristen Alley introduced Kayley Griffin, a member of the college’s new dance team, Dance Wave. The group, which has 12 members, is coached by Melissa Spencer and will perform at home basketball games this year. Dr. Alley gave a report on activities related to the start of the school year and how her office is communicating those activities to students in the first four weeks in an effort to engage them in the campus atmosphere.
In other business, the board:
• heard a report from Chief of Staff Kristi Harris, which focused on employee retention. It indicated that resignations have been cut in half from the 2015-2016 school year when there were 12 to the 2018-2019 school year when there were six. Those leaving indicated they had found other employment and most of them were female, classified staff members and had been at the college for three years or less. It was noted that efforts are under way to have online employment applications and orientation available.
• held a public hearing to receive comment on the 2019 tax levy. The levy was then set at .3907 on the $100 assessed valuation. If 100 percent of the levy is collected it will generate $369,162.37 in local tax revenue.
• approved the Green Hills Head Start Community Assessment, which has been updated to reflect the current data for the 2018-2019 school year. The board also heard a report on the program from directors Sue Ewigman and Janet Gott. The program, which is administered through the college, is funded for 227 spots, with 172 currently enrolled. The remainder are completing necessary items to be enrolled.
• declared as surplus property 39 microtower computers, which will be disposed of or auctioned within board policy.
• heard a report from Director of Development Alicia Endicott on alumni and NCMC activities and the progress of the Gifts in Action Campaign and Voyage Fund. The Gifts in Action Campaign is strictly for scholarships and now totals nearly $1.9 million, while the Voyage Fund encourages unrestricted giving to be used to help meet needs such as building repairs and program expansion.
• held an executive session to discuss legal matters, personnel and real estate. Action was taken on the real estate matter and information will be released following the execution of the agreement.
The next regular meeting of trustees is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24.