The Navajo County Community College Governing Board held a regular meeting last Tuesday, during which Faculty Association President Andi De Bellis wrote a letter to the board on behalf of the association regarding their concerns with the presidential search process.
The letter stated the belief that hiring a president mid-academic year risks attracting candidates lacking long-term commitment, potentially causing continued instability. Bellis stated that national and local failed searches show that following strict Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) guidelines, such as limiting candidate information and internet research, may hinder selecting the best fit.
The letter also criticized the current compensation as inadequate for the role’s demands, and noted that the residency requirement limits candidates’ personal choices, potentially deterring qualified applicants. The letter also stated, “It restricts candidates’ autonomy to make personal decisions in the best interest of their families and does not align with the realities of the current housing and rental market. This requirement may deter highly qualified candidates from considering the position.”
Board Chair Everett Robinson addressed these concerns. “First, I want to thank the faculty association for their input.” He continued stating, “It is the board’s responsibility to hire its lone employee, the college president. As I read your letter,
my blood pressure began to rise. I realized that you had intentionally or not alerted the 36 applicants for the presidency, that there is a vocal segment of the college’s faculty who disrespect this board and will challenge the decision of whomever the board decides to hire as the next President.” Chair Robinson assured faculty that many of these subjects were discussed in executive session prior to posting the job profile.
Regarding hiring during the fall semester, Robinson noted that while faculty positions have less applicants apply during the fall hiring cycle versus the spring semester, administrative positions do not have that same problem. “Our consultants with the Association of Community College Trustees have literally done thousands of administrative searches, and their data shows no differential on longevity, on whether the position was filled in the fall or spring cycles. Further, their data shows fall cycles tend to attract more applicants, while spring cycles see more institutions seeking applicants, which could result in desired candidates being hired by other colleges before the offer is extended.”
As for the search committee practices of maintain confidentiality for candidates, Robinson responded that “an internet search may land on a revenge posting by a disgruntled individual that is later proven false. That false information may compromise the otherwise better assessment than the applicants.” Robinson further explained that ACCT does thorough background and reference checks, which are then reported to the governing board and not the search team.
Concerning the analysis of compensation, Robinson addressed NPC’s unique location and size, while also “serving two of the poorest counties in the state and nation.” Salary data was collected from over 60 institutions and the college was still unable to find an apples-to-apples comparison. The board’s ACCT consultant Dr. Sandy Caldwell personally spoke with applicants regarding this very topic, to which Robinson reiterated “there were no concerns raised by the applicants,” adding “The board has the ability to negotiate the components of the president’s compensation before offering a contract.”
As for residency requirement, it was stated that it is subject to negotiation and was based on a recommendation by former President Chato Hazelbaker. “The applicants are all aware of the board’s preference for them to reside in the I-40 corridor and it has not resulted in the withdrawal of any applications.”
The board then received a report on Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Friends and Family from its Director Betsy Wilson. She noted that applications for some fall semester scholarships are still open until Oct. 1. Wilson also provided a report for the 2025-2030 strategic plan, for which the is also the director.
Student Government Association (SGA) President Tyler Wiley reported on the organization’s recent activities. In June, the SGA conducted a college-wide survey on student experiences with online classes, with 81% of those who partook in the survey stating they were taking classes online, noting that time flexibility as the main reason. Twenty-nine percent of those students reported experiencing difficulties, which resulted in a mentoring program being created this semester. Majority of students (95%) responded as being happy with their experiences with online college courses. Difficulties included 38% of students experiencing burnout, 23% technology issues and 45% other issues.
Director of Construction Justin White also provided a report on the various construction projects throughout the district.
The board received an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation update from Manager Colleen Marsh, which was followed by an update on the microwave tower implementation. According to the update, the college’s vendor has purchased the needed equipment which is waiting to be received. Installation is projected to begin Oct. 28, with everything to be done before the end of the year. It was noted that the towers will improve reliability and increase bandwidth to campuses and centers.
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) reported on its activities for the past few months, which included the results of Revealing Institutional Strengths and Challenges (RISC) survey conducted in Spring 2024.
The survey, distributed to 2,625 NPC students, received 307 responses and showed that major challenges to student success were work/personal issues (54%), course success (45%) and finances (29%). Students rated their experiences with five NPC offices, with high satisfaction in staff availability, concern and effectiveness. Most (95%) would recommend NPC, and 98% felt they received good value. Key strengths identified were supportive staff, low costs and academic options.
Improvements were suggested in course structure, resources and technology. It was noted that this survey provides valuable feedback for ongoing improvement efforts, according to the report.
After the report, Board Member Kristine Laughter raised concerns in regard to professors having their cameras off during online classes, as well as the need for better financial aid support for students. The board discussed the challenges students face in completing the FAFSA and the need for more proactive support from the financial aid office.
The board reviewed the budget calendar and assumptions as presented by Vice President of Administrative Services Maderia Ellison. Interim President Michael Solomonson provided a summary of current events.
Following the regular meeting, the board held a special meeting in which the board approved to renew SMARTnet services for an additional one-year term, through HyeTech Network & Security Solutions, LLC., in the amount of $97,695. This is an annual budgeted expense and utilizes Government Procurement Alliance Contract 22-02PV-08 to ensure competitive pricing for the college.
In new business, the board:
* Approved a 2024-25 intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Navajo County Community College District and Apache County.
* Approved a 2024-27 IGA between Navajo County Community College District and Northeastern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy for the City of Winslow.
* Approved a 2024-27 IGA between Navajo County Community College District and Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT).
* Approved an update to the existing network technology at the White Mountain Center campus with updated and higher performance 5G internet purchased from Sparklight Business for $139,320. This is a budgeted expense utilizing Government Procurement Alliance No. 348943 to ensure competitive pricing for the college.
