DACA students to have scholarship opportunities

Wilson also announced that the Friends and Family spring semester scholarships are now open for applications. Students can now use the new submission method available that allows students to use one application to apply for all scholarships they qualify for.

The board also heard from NPC Faculty Association Co-President Ryan Jones, who spoke on the group’s current activities. Jones mentioned the overall success of the Technology to Advance Learning Outcomes at Northland (TALON) and NPC Flex programs, which have allowed students to take classes via the internet with video interactions as well as in person. The programs also allow students to revisit video lectures, in case they were unable to join during the class.

During the president’s report, President Dr. Chato Hazelbaker announced official enrollment was up 3.2% for NPC’s full time equivalent students. “It’s our first increase in enrollment in about three years of any kind,” stated Hazelbaker, adding that it’s the biggest increase the college has seen since 2005.

Hazelbaker did note that although full time equivalent enrollment was up, there was a headcount decline of approximately 1.3%. “Next month, we’ll be doing a deep dive into that.” He also explained that full time enrollment percentages do impact funding more than headcount numbers.

Director of Construction David Huish updated the board on the Show Low Skills Center and the Winslow Headstart building, both of which remain under construction.

The board received a report on the financial position of the college from July 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, as well as a report from NPC Student Government Association (SGA) and Human Resources.

They also heard from Database Administrator Michael Jacob who provided a brief overview of Enterprise Resource Planning Software (ERP) and information on replacing the college’s current software, which is called Jenzabar.

Associate Dean Dr. Allison Landy provided an update on the efforts to offer baccalaureate degrees at the college and explained the internal processes and applications the college must go through to offer those programs.

Frank Orona, director of Enrollment Management, spoke to the board about his plans for enrollment management. “Enrollment Management takes a look at how you become student centric,” explained Orona. He described the importance of plan mapping for students, data driven decisions, and unity on the college’s mission and vision. “All strategic enrollment management initiatives are mission driven, we need to ensure that we’re all saying the same thing that we all know our mission and vision is for the college.” Orona also stated clear enrollment goals are also important.

The board heard from Vice President of Administrative Services Maderia Ellison who received the preliminary budget assumptions and guidelines for the fiscal year 2023-24. Ellison reviewed the results on the NPC Friends and Family audit for the 2021-22 fiscal year, as well as the Northeast Arizona Training Center audit.

For NPC Friends and Family, total assets increased by $240,865 due to restricted contributions and donations to endowed scholarship funds, primarily the AndyVon scholarship. Total net assets decreased by $240,865, as a net result of the above activity. Total revenue decreased $296,724 related to net investments that are doing poorly due to market conditions. Total expenses increased by $69,401 due to increase awards of scholarships. Overall cash position decreased $83,792.

As for Northeast Arizona Training Center audit, total assets and total net assets increased $639,739 due primarily to an increase in cash related to the legislative appropriation pass through from NPC. Total operating revenue increased $686,440 due again to the legislative appropriation identified above. Total expenses increased $32,120, due to a repairs and maintenance at the training center. Overall cash position increased $617,962 due to unspent legislative appropriations to be used for capital projects at the training center.

The board approved naming the Painted Desert Campus library “The Dr. Eric B. Henderson Memorial Library,” in honor Dr. Henderson who passed away in March of 2020. A plaque in memory of Dr. Henderson will be funded by donations from the faculty and other college employees. If donations exceed the cost of the plaque, they will be donated to the Taking Flight scholarship through the NPC Friends and Family Foundation.

“I do think that lots of people have made major contributions to the NPC during my time here, but nobody’s made a larger contribution than Dr. Henderson,” stated NPC Faculty Association Co-President Ryan Jones.

During the meeting Community Recruiter Rebecca Hunt announced that Morgan Black has been awarded the 2022 Alumni Award.

In other business, the board:

* Approved a 2022-24 TALON to consortium intergovernmental agreement between Navajo County Community College District and Heber-Overgaard Unified School District (USD), Joseph City USD, Round Valley USD and Snowflake USD.

* Approved a 2022-24 dual enrollment intergovernmental agreement between the Navajo County Community College District and Chinle USD, Heber-Overgaard USD, Joseph City USD, Round Valley USD and Snowflake USD.

* Approved the Northern Arizona Community College Partnership (NACCP) intergovernmental agreement with Mohave Community College District, Coconino Community College District, and Yavapai County Community College District.

* Approved releasing $36,500 for construction related furniture at the Northeastern Arizona Training Center (NATC). Money from the state allocation to NATC of $1 million remains available to utilize for the purchase.

* Approved awarding a contract to assist in the search for the associate vice President of human resources and chief information officer to Academic Search, Inc. not to exceed $85,000 in total costs. This expense was not budgeted but will be funded from contingency monies which remain healthy.

* Approved a purchase in the amount of $114,700 from HveTech Network and Security Solutions, LLC for security cameras, network switches, and accessories. The cost will be covered using Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) money that is currently unused.

* Accepted a Title III grant award from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $1.6 million.

* Accepted two grants from First Things First in the amounts of $170,000 and $225,000, both extensions from previous grants approved for additional one year extensions due to pandemic pressures.

* Approved a contract amendment with Summit Healthcare in relation to the previously mentioned First Things First $225,000 grant. NPC hired a grant coordinator who ran the project until Sept 7. With the coordinator’s resignation, Summit Healthcare has agreed to take on those additional responsibilities while NPC closes out the project. Therefore, their funding amount has increased from $50,000 per year to $101,000 for the final year.