North Central Missouri College Trio Director Janet Pultz reported on Trio programs at the NCMC Board of Trustees meeting on April 23.
She reported that NCMC’s Trio has 50 students from six high schools in the Upward Bound program. There are 160 college students from Trenton, Savannah, and online in Student Support Services. Additionally, there are 500 students in grades six through 12 from the Saint Joseph School District in Talent Search. Pultz said NCMC Trio programs receive almost $1 million per year to help low-income students, which she believes is a significant amount.
She reported that eight different Trio programs operate at nearly 3,000 sites in the United States and territories. She noted the name Trio originated from having three programs when it started in 1965. The programs support a student’s holistic growth and aim to raise an individual’s social class and lifelong economic stability.
Pultz reported the chances of a low-income student graduating are not much higher than they were in 1970. She said there are more complications for low-income students, which can include running out of data or minutes on a cell phone and not being able to log into their accounts to do school work.
Pultz mentioned that Trio meets with students one-on-one. Trio can assist students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a class they are having trouble passing, choosing a career, a vehicle breaking down, and accessing online assignments.
Pultz reported that NCMC met its objectives for 2022-2023 for Student Support Services and Upward Bound.
Dean of Instruction Doctor Mitch Holder said he would miss Pultz when she retires later this year. He commented that she has a wealth of knowledge, and the Trio programs have been in good hands.
Holder gave a report on behalf of Vice President of Academic Affairs Doctor Tristan Londre, who was absent. Holder reported NCMC was seeing instances of the use of artificial intelligence by students. He noted AI is being used by students across the country and not just at NCMC. He said it was a balancing act, and instructors do not want to be accusatory. NCMC has partnered with Turn It In to help determine if there is AI plagiarism.
Holder reported an eclipse party on the main campus on April 8 had 50 to 75 participants.
He mentioned there will be an honors brunch on May 4 after the first commencement ceremony. It will highlight what students have accomplished.
NCMC President Doctor Lenny Klaver gave a report on behalf of Vice President of Student Affairs Doctor Kristen Alley, who was absent. Klaver reported a graduate pancake breakfast will be at the Ketcham Community Center on May 3 before commencement ceremonies on May 4.
He said Student Senate elections were complete. Officers are President Cole Henderson from Cameron High School, Vice President Jacie Morris from Schuyler County High School, and Secretary Bailey Fleming from Leeton High School.
Klaver discussed FAFSA problems. He said he did not think the problems would affect enrollment. He reported NCMC is among the lowest quartile for tuition. He thinks the NCMC Financial Aid Department has done a great job handling the problems.
In his own report, Klaver detailed more of the problems with the new FAFSA form. He said there have been technical glitches, delays, and system failures for months. He stated these problems have caused stress and confusion and hindered students’ access to financial aid and college.
Klaver reported he sent letters to United States Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and U.S. Representative Sam Graves sharing his displeasure with the Department of Education’s development and release for use of the new FAFSA form. Klaver urges Congress to prioritize the issue and take action to improve the process for the benefit of students and families nationwide.
The college president reported on the state legislature. He said there had been no movement with the Higher Education Budget.
The Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act was third read and unanimously passed in the Missouri House of Representatives on April 15. The bill was sent to the State Senate to await a committee assignment. Klaver said the bill would involve transferring college credits.
He reported there would be an increase in dues for the National Junior College Athletic Association. He said the increase would be about $1,200 a year for NCMC, which is less than 0.1% for the college. He thinks the increase is justified and not a significant increase.
Klaver commented that the athletic program is important to NCMC’s enrollment. He said the college has been fortunate to have good teams and receive awards, which are good publicity for the college.
He added there were no recent positive drug tests with athletes.
Klaver reported that summer enrollment is up for NCMC, and fall enrollment is down a little as of now.
Green Hills Head Start Director Sue Ewigman reported Head Start is beginning the self-assessment process to measure the effectiveness of meeting goals and objectives. The process will be broken into three NCMC Board of Trustees meetings.
At the April 23 meeting, Ewigman discussed strengths. She said they included staff working well together, keeping positions filled, working with Bright Futures, and giving staff members a “significant” cost-of-living adjustment and a bonus this year. She commented that it had been a good year.
Head Start Director Janet Gott reported Chillicothe had been licensed for infants and toddlers. She said Unionville was close to being licensed, and Head Start is waiting on the fire marshal.
The North Central Missouri College Board of Trustees on April 23 approved various personnel matters.
Clarence Green of Maryville was hired as Dean/Director of the Savannah Campus, starting July 1. He will succeed current Savannah Campus Director Sue Nichols.
Tocarra Williams of Trenton will transfer from Student Support Services Assistant Director to Trio Director, starting July 1. She will succeed current Trio Director Janet Pultz.
David Richardson of Gallatin was employed as an adjunct instructor, starting this fall. He will teach Astronomy at the Savannah Campus.
Kelly Raymond of Denver was hired as a clinical adjunct instructor.
Lead Custodian Sarah Bonnett’s retirement was approved, effective June 30.
The board approved the employment of Sheena McDannald as a cook at Unionville Head Start. Her first day in the position was March 20.
Approval was given to contracting with MEI Total Elevator Solutions of Kansas City to complete elevator modernizations at the Ketcham Community Center and Selby Hall for $144,367 and $138,177 respectively. The work will be done under the State of Missouri Office of Administration purchasing contract pricing, and no sealed bids were required. Capital reserve funds will cover the cost.
Vice President of Business and Finance Tyson Otto reported the elevators at the Ketcham Community Center and Selby Hall are original, and there is nothing wrong with them. He noted quarterly inspections are required, and these are planned upgrades.
The board approved the purchase of a new Kubota SVL75-3 compact track skid steer loader and attachments, including two buckets and a front mower, for the Barton Farm Campus. They will be bought from Terry Implement of Gallatin for a total of $77,581.04. They will be purchased through Sourcewell contract pricing. The funding for the equipment is available through the 2023-2024 MO Excels Grant awarded by the State of Missouri.
The board approved the academic calendar for 2025-2027. Dean of Instruction Doctor Mitch Holder reported one change was moving away from the summer intercession because of declining headcount and hours the last few years. Another change was moving the fall start date back a week from when NCMC has been starting classes.
The board declared items as surplus property. The items included tablets, desktop and laptop computers, monitors, and printers.
The trustees approved the annual meeting with the NCMC Foundation. The joint dinner and meeting will be in Cross Hall on May 16. Dinner will start at 5 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Chief of Staff and Board Secretary Kristi Harris gave the oath of office to trustees Don Dalrymple and Rob Maloney for their six-year terms.
The board reorganized and elected officers for two years. They are President Chris Hoffman, Vice President Doctor John Holcomb, Treasurer Tyson Otto, and Secretary Kristi Harris.
The board entered into an executive session for real estate.
