October 2021

West Kentucky Community & Technical College
Board of Directors 
October 20, 2021 2:00-4:00pm ETC 109

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Murphy, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Board members present were Gorman Bradley, Krystian Clayton, Heather Coltharp, Summer Holland, Kenneth Hurt, Barry McDonald, Erika Mehta, Chuck Murphy, Chris Roty, and Jay Simmons. Others in attendance were Dr. Anton Reece, Dr. Renea Akin, Janett Blythe, Bridget Canter, Lee Emmons, Octavia Lawrence, Dr. Uppinder Mehan, Shay Nolan, Kevin O’Neill, Emily Peck, Dr. Kate Senn, and Melissa Allcock, assistant secretary.

II. Old Business

Approval of the Minutes

A motion was made by Jay Simmons and seconded by Chris Roty to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2021 meeting.  No discussion, and the motion passed.

III. New Business

Election of Board Officers

After noting that no nominations for officers had been submitted, Chair Murphy called for nominations from the floor for the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. Gorman Bradley moved that the current officers be re-elected by acclamation, and Jay Simmons seconded the motion. No discussion, and the motion passed. The Board officers for 2021-2022 are Chuck Murphy, Chair; Barry McDonald, Vice-Chair; and Chris Roty, Secretary.  In addition, Chair Murphy appointed Melissa Allcock as assistant secretary to the Board.

IV. President’s Report

Academic Affairs – Dr. Uppinder Mehan and Dr. Kate Senn

Dr. Uppinder Mehan shared initiatives being implemented in Academic Affairs. They include a fast track for an Associate in Applied Science Business, a two-year schedule, three starts per semester, a new consolidated division, and several agreements, partnerships, and collaborations with other institutions.

Dr. Kate Senn outlined another Academic Affairs initiative, the Student Success Center. There will be a total of three success coaches in the center to communicate with new students and students on probation or suspension to coordinate a path for their success.  Also, there will be supplemental instruction both online and in person.  The students will engage in First-Year Experience, and tutoring services will be a part of the Student Success Center.

Enrollment and Advising – Emily Peck

Emily Peck reported on the fall 2021 enrollment headcount.  There has been a 4% decrease in new, first-time, credential-seeking students and a 6.8% decrease in total credential-seeking students.  There has been a 3.8% increase in total headcount so far for fall of 2021.  Spring enrollment is underway and compared to this time in 2020, and we are seeing trends of a 41% decrease in first-time, credential-seeking students.  We are seeing a 19.6% increase in total credential-seeking students and a 15.5% increase in total headcount.

Campus Operations – Shay Nolan

Shay Nolan reported that the Matheson Learning Resource Center (MLRC) skylight, and the first phase of the re-roofing is complete.  The second phase is tentatively scheduled for March 2022.  The MLRC second-floor reception ceiling repairs are being scheduled.  The Crounse Hall aesthetics refresh was completed on October 14.  Shay noted that the Kentucky Veteran Affairs would be moving into an office space in Anderson Technical Building (ATB) on October 21.  Shay announced that beginning Monday, October 25, the campus would be removing the fifty-person event capacity restrictions, but the masking requirement inside buildings will remain in effect.

Healthcare Campaign – Lee Emmons

Lee Emmons reported on the Healthcare Counts kick-off campaign held on October 19. The campaign goal is to reach $3,000,000.  Thanks to early commitments and a portion of the Mackenzie Scott grant, we have met 60% of the goal.  The PJC Foundation will match dollar for dollar up to $1,000,000 from the public. In addition, there are Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) matching opportunities and donor naming opportunities.  Every donation of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the Donor Appreciation Wall.

Workforce Solutions – Kevin O’Neill

Kevin O’Neill reported on the first Minority Small Business Roundtable session held on September 30 in the Emerging Technology Center (ETC). The roundtable session brings together minority-owned small businesses to give them the tools to expand and the training they need to be more successful. He also reported on the McCracken County Regional Jail inmate re-entry program. The program teaches skills to inmates to earn a good wage for re-entry into society. It is made possible from a grant through the Department of Labor-Delta Regional Authority. 

Graduation – Janett Blythe

Janett Blythe reported that plans were underway for walk-through graduation at the Clemens Fine Arts Center on Saturday, December 11.  The ceremony will be videotaped and be available on Facebook and the college’s website the following week.

Janett also noted that the Board of Directors photos had been hung on the wall in the ATB Boardroom.

Student Government Association (SGA) – Krystian Clayton

SGA President and Student WKCTC Board Representative Krystian Clayton gave an overview of the events and activities the students are engaging in this semester. Among the activities mentioned, Krystian noted that there are “Sharing Stations” located over the campus, giving students the ability to access non-perishable items for their use or to leave supplies for others.  The SGA is also working with the Hunger Relief Grant and has handed out over 100 bags of free groceries to students.

President’s Leadership Team (PLT) Update – Dr. Anton Reece

Dr. Anton Reece gave an overview of the itinerary for the November 1st KCTCS President’s All E.A.R.S. (Equitable/Agile/Responsive/Streamlined) tour at WKCTC.  Dr. Czarapata will meet with the WKCTC Cabinet, have lunch with local legislators and business/industry partners and end his day meeting with faculty and staff.  Dr. Czarapata will share his vision and get feedback from the various groups for the KCTCS Strategic Plan.

Aspen Update - $100,000 award – Dr. Anton Reece

Suggestions were solicited on how to maximize the $100,000 Aspen Prize money best.  The number one suggestion to address student barriers was transportation. A portion of the prize money will be used to purchase a small accessibility van to transport students between campus locations. Childcare ranked number two among the student barriers.  Sector six of the Mackenzie Scott grant will meet with Student Affairs to review students’ needs and assess the costs of childcare.  Technology ranked third among student barriers.  Upgrading our existing fleet of vans with WIFI mobility and outfitting the CDL truck capability to use as a mobile recruitment unit to showcase technical programs is being considered.  Finally, honorable mentions were outdoor seating/classrooms and student debt relief which may be funded through CARES Funding 2021.

Dr. Reece announced that the Aspen Prize Celebration event had been postponed until spring 2022. 

Campus Leadership Retreat Outcomes

Dr. Reece presented the August 2021 Campus Leadership Retreat priority outcomes.  

• Enrollment/Retention
  • Refocus on Students and changing needs
  • Recruit (Increase enrollment) and Retain and Release (graduation- ready to work)
• Communication:
  • Timely- Scheduling/Instruction
  • Morale/Employee Recognition (Your supervisors will be reaching out and want to hear from you what those factors are and your suggestions)
• Technology
  • Defined training for faculty and staff on various upgrades of technology
  • Student Access-Support
  • Campus Capacity – infrastructure upgrades to meet growing and multiple online and Bandwidth capabilities

Dr.  Reece also presented the Cabinet’s organizing principles campus-wide focus and efficiency for 2021-2022.

• Part-time Student
  • Adult + Non-Traditional
  • Diverse + Underserved
• Student Success
  • Outcomes
    • Retention-Completion
• New Revenue Streams
  • Expand Budget
  • Industry demands
• Cultivating and investing in our talent
  • Professional Development faculty- Teaching enhancement and support
  • Professional Development Staff leadership

V. Chair’s Report

College Board of Directors Handbook

Each Board member was presented a copy of the College Board of Directors Handbook updated by KCTCS.  Chair Murphy encouraged the Board members to review the helpful information in the handbook.

Mr. Murphy reminded the Board of the upcoming joint board meeting luncheon with the PJC Board of Trustees on November 18 in the ATB Bistro at noon.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chair Murphy thanked Dr. Reece for five years of service to WKCTC.

VI. Adjournment

A motion was made by Barry McDonald and seconded by Gorman Bradley to adjourn the meeting. Chair Murphy adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.