November 2020
West Kentucky Community & Technical College
Board of Directors and PJC Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Microsoft Teams
12:30 pm
I. CALL TO ORDER
The virtual meeting was called to order by Chair Chuck Murphy, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by introductions of both boards. Those present were Heather Coltharp, Summer Holland, Larry Kelley, Barry McDonald, Chuck Murphy, Nadia Pacheco, and Chris Roty. PJC Foundation Board of Trustees members attending were Anne Gwinn Chair; Lee Emmons, Executive Director; Chris Black, Bruce Brockenborough, Ann Denton, Judge Craig Clymer, Joe Frampton, Sid Hancock, Lorraine Schramke, Teresa Spann, Susan Ybarzabal, Ken Wheeler, and John Williams.
Others in attendance: Dr. Anton Reece, Dr. Renea Akin, Janett Blythe, Bridget Canter, Octavia Lawrence, Dr. Uppinder Mehan, Shay Nolan, Kevin O’Neill, Emily Peck, Dr. Kate Senn, Todd Birdsong, Karen Brown, Kyle Fisher, Dr. Shari Gholson, Carrie Hopper, Roberta Jackson, Ruby Rodgers, Clay Ryckert, Tammy Thompson, Cody Vannerson, and Melissa Allcock, WKCTC Board assistant secretary.
II. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Mr. Chris Roty moved, and Mr. Barry McDonald seconded to approve the October 6, 2020 minutes. Motion passed.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Mr. Chuck Murphy congratulated Dr. Reece on his recent selection as a finalist in the Presidential search for Valencia College.
IV. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
WKCTC Year in Review
Dr. Reece highlighted the college’s accomplishments during 2020, which included Bellwether Finalist, Top Community College in Kentucky, Best Online Community College in Kentucky, CASE Educational and Fundraising award, and a top ten finalist for the Aspen Prize for the fifth time. He also recognized our higher education partners: University of Kentucky, Murray State University, and the University of Louisville. Dr. Reece noted the Community Scholarship Program’s decade of success. He highlighted several changes in Workforce Solutions’ customized employee training. He concluded his presentation of the 2020 highlights with WKCTC’s economic impact on students, taxpayers, and society, as defined by the January 2020 Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI) report.
Introduction of Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs
Dr. Uppinder Mehan introduced Dr. Kate Senn as the new Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Senn started at WKCTC approximately twelve years ago as a faculty member in Computer Information Technology and has worked on different grants throughout her time at WKCTC. Dr. Senn has been the Director of Online Learning and has served as Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for the last eleven months.
Graduation – December 12, 2020
Dr. Reece noted that we offered our spring and summer 2020 graduates, a hybrid format of graduation, held on November 6 and 7. However, in light of the latest Governor’s directive on Covid-19, the fall graduation will be entirely virtual.
V. Adjournment
A motion was made by Barry McDonald and seconded by Chris Roty to adjourn the WKCTC Board meeting. Chair Chuck Murphy turned the meeting over to PJC Chair Anne Gwinn, who conducted the PJC Board of Trustees meeting.
