Crowder president recommends eliminating classes in Carthage, Mt. Vernon

(From Crowder College

There being a quorum present, the meeting of the Crowder College Board of Trustees of the Community College District of Newton-McDonald Counties, Missouri, was called to order by the President of the Board, Mr. Andy Wood, at 10:01 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2016, in the Crowder College Student Center Fireside Room.

Reconfiguration of Regional Centers

Dr. Methvin read the following statement:

At our September Board Retreat, one of the items the Trustees and I reviewed was enrollment at our instructional sites. Since that time, the vice presidents and I have spent significant time reviewing and analyzing our operations in Carthage, Mt. Vernon, and Monett. We have also considered extensively how to manage the addition of instruction at the Advanced Training and Technology Center in Joplin.

All of that analysis leads me to my recommendation today on a reconfiguration of our regional centers and their oversight.

First, I recommended that we discontinue credit instruction at Carthage and Mt. Vernon at the conclusion of the Spring 2017 semester and close those instructional sites on June 30, 2017. Crowder will continue to operate the Monett site in the Scott Regional Technology Center with the goal of growing enrollment, particularly in career and technical education areas. As we do with all our operations, we will periodically review our results in those efforts.

Our presence in Carthage provided Crowder with additional space to assist with the growth we were experiencing at our Webb City campus. With the opening of Dawson Spencer Hall in Fall 2014 and the recent completion of the remodel of the Hickey Building, the space available at our Webb City campus coupled with our online and hybrid course offerings will allow us to continue to serve Carthage students well. Dr. Coltharp has been phasing down classes offered at Carthage as we have ramped up in Webb City.

We have offered instruction at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center (MARC) since Spring 2012. Unfortunately, we have not experienced enrollment growth in this time sufficient to sustain the operation of a separate physical facility. Because of Mt. Vernon’s geographical proximity to Monett and Cassville and Crowder’s availability of online and hybrid classes, I am confident that we can continue to provide educational opportunities to the citizens of Mt. Vernon. I would note that Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) instruction will continue at Mt. Vernon. Teams of personnel from both the Neosho and Cassville campuses along with our current center staff will work this spring to assist Mt. Vernon and Carthage students in designing a pathway to complete their programs of study.

Finally, I have approved a reconfiguration of Melissa Smith’s duties to include oversight of the instructional sites, including the Joplin Advanced Training and Technology Center, as well as dual/concurrent enrollment. We will discontinue the Regional Centers Director as a separate position and instead add a full-time position to assist with enrollment in dual/concurrent credit and at the Centers. Recruitment for enrollment at the Joplin Center will begin in Spring 2017 under Mrs. Smith’s direction, and classes will begin there in Fall 2017. The Mt. Vernon secretary position and the part-time Regional Centers Student Services Coordinator positions will be eliminated June 30 as well.

I did not come to this decision lightly. As president of Crowder College, it is incumbent upon me to continually monitor our operations and make certain we are using our resources to most effectively meet our mission. As Crowder strives to balance our student access and student success missions and strengthen our fiscal position, two of the four tenants in our Strategic Plan, we will have to make some tough decisions. You know I am a rural community college advocate and take seriously our charge to serve our nine county service area. It is my job to see that we do so to the best of our ability with the resources we have. This reconfiguration, I believe, is congruent with our current Strategic Plan and allows Crowder College to use our resources more wisely and serve students more effectively.

Mr. Wood referred to the enrollment data for the three sites noting that there are only sixteen credit hours being offered in Carthage and thirty-five hours in Mt. Vernon for this fall semester. Dr. Methvin agreed saying this affects fifteen students in Carthage and forty-eight students in Mt. Vernon. Mr. Wood said when these sites were started, it was under the premise that they had to be profitable, and that has not been the case for some time. Dr. Methvin said although profitability is only a portion of a program’s value, their geography allows students to take classes within close proximity as well as through online or hybrid classes. She said the Monett site allows access to career and technical education space. Expanding career and technical instruction is one of our strategic goals, so it will remain at this time. When asked, she said we lost over $28,000 at Carthage and over $81,000 at Mt. Vernon this past academic year. She said we are not able to offer full degree programs at these locations which has slowed their enrollment. There being no further discussion, Board members agreed to roll this item forward for approval at the January 2017 meeting.

Dr. Methvin thanked J.P. Dickey, Heidi Gilligan, and Lisa Adams for their leadership and service in the role of Regional Center Director/Coordinator. She also thanked the Carthage School District and the City of Mt. Vernon for their exemplary partnership and support. She said Crowder looks forward to continuing to work with both to help area residents find pathways to and through higher education. She expressed sincere appreciation to Kathy Wade, Dianne Renkoski, and the Carthage and Mt. Vernon faculty for their devoted service to our students.

A few moments of silence were observed to prepare for the meeting. The following new employees were introduced and welcomed: Jason Smith, Public Services Librarian; Lin Tracy, Institutional Research Data Specialist; Ashley Mosley, Housing Coordinator, Roughrider Village; Jamie Ward, Counselor; Donna Clemens, EOC Educational Advisor, and Lisa Coleman, Talent Search Office Assistant.

Financial Reports

Mr. (Board Chairman Andy) Wood noted the monthly cash flow statement saying under our new procedure, we will do a much briefer review of the monthly checks with Dr. Jennifer Methvin (college president) only responding to questions on specific checks. Dr. Methvin asked Ms. Rand to give an update on the Nevada remodel project. Ms. Rand reported there are a couple of items still pending including patching the flooring, and final payment will not be made until those items are addressed which could be as late as February or March. There being no further questions, checks in the amount of $1,405,824.15 were approved ON MOTION by Mr. Butler, seconded by Mrs. Andris, and unanimously carried. The rest of the fund balances and agency accounts were reviewed. Dr. Methvin said we have completed the comprehensive review of the agency fund accounts, noting that Aggie students will be going to Hawaii over the semester break. She said the Lady Riders Basketball Camp fund with a zero balance is used at various times during the year so it will remain as an agency line. The other accounts were reviewed. Dr. Methvin said the Maddox Hill revenue will come in over time. The revenue and expense accounts were reviewed with Dr. Methvin and others responding to questions as needed.

Policy Section 2 FLSA Revisions

Dr. Methvin announced the federal change in the FLSA law has been halted for now, but it does not change the need to firm up the policy for exempt and non-exempt employees to account for their time. Ms. Rand thanked Michelle Paul for her efforts to keep up with current developments in the laws. She said we are proceeding based on the recommendation that the law will go into effect at some point, and these are good policies that we need to have in place no matter what, so we are proceeding with practices as if the law went into effect December 1. She said we have communicated this to employees, and they have begun tracking their time as requested. Ms. Rand said we have been told the requirement could be made retroactive so we are continuing as if the law were in place since these are “best practices” to have in place. She said this affects 29 employees. Dr. Methvin said much of the policy language that we used was taken directly from the federal regulations. When asked, Dr. Methvin said these are basic practices that should remain in place regardless of changes in elected officials. Without further discussion, a MOTION to approve this policy change as presented was made by Mr. Vancuren, seconded by Dr. Chapman and unanimously carried.

Policy 2.17.3 Non-Working Days Revision

Dr. Methvin reminded the Board that College Council reviewed the academic calendar for 2017-18 in October and recommended discontinuing all 3:00 p.m. closings. She said these early closings had taken place on some busy working days when students needed assistance, and many employees did not leave at the designated closing time. In an effort to make it fairer for all employees, Dr. Methvin recommends replacing the 3:00 p.m. closings with a paid non-working day on the Friday of Spring Break when students are not on campus. She said if this is approved, it will go into effect for the 2017-18 academic year with the 3:00 p.m. closings remaining in effect for this current academic year. A MOTION to approve this recommendation was made by Mr. Butler, seconded by Mrs. Andris and unanimously carried. Dr. Methvin said we will get this communicated more clearly to employees as needed.

Learning Initiatives by Neosho and Crowder College (LINC) Logo
Dr. Methvin said she and Neosho Superintendent Decker collectively recommend the LINC logo branding for the unique partnership between Neosho R-V Schools and Crowder College through the Maddox Hill Behavior Support Center. She said the logo has been approved by the Neosho R-V School Board. Dr. Methvin said this will be a great communication tool to help explain our partnership at conferences or to others whenever needed. Without further discussion, a MOTION to approve the LINC logo as presented was made by Mrs. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Vancuren and unanimously carried.

Personnel

Dr. Methvin recommended approval of the retirement of Judy Ireland, Administrative Assistant in Academic Affairs, after fifteen years of service. She said her retirement party is set for this Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the Wright Center. A MOTION to approve her retirement with thanks for her great service was made by Mrs. Andris, seconded by Dr. Chapman and unanimously carried.

Dr. Methvin recommended approval of the following four resignations: Alicia Irsik, CAMP Director after sixteen years of service; Drew Young, Graphic Design & Fine Arts Event Coordinator; Kristina Wisdom, Nursing Instructor, Nevada; and Madison McDonnell, Switchboard Operator. A MOTION to approve all four resignations as requested was made by Mr. Butler, seconded by Mrs. Barnes and unanimously carried.

Dr. Methvin recommended approval of the following six employments: Layne Sleeth, Student Support Services Academic Coordinator, Cassville; JP Dickey, Director of Admissions; Jeri Phillips, Director, Training & Development Solutions; Kirsten Hargis, Project NOW Secretary (PT); Julie Moss, Seasonal Advisor (PT), Webb City; and Melissa Smith, Director, Concurrent Enrollment & Regional Centers. It was noted that some are current employees who are shifting to different positions. A MOTION to approve all six employments was made by Mrs. Andris, seconded by Mr. Vancuren and unanimously carried.

Budget Modifications

Ms. Rand provided a budget summary that is similar to the budget that was approved in the spring saying additional modifications are needed now that grant award amounts have been finalized. The summary showed the 2015-16 budget, the 2016-17 budget that was approved in April and again in May, and the changes that are recommended for approval now. Ms. Rand said the difference is about an $850,000 total increase in revenue which is about a 1.8% change. She provided a couple more detailed pages showing each revenue and expense account that changed saying we received a couple of new grants since the originally approved budget including one new Talent Search grant. Ms. Rand said a portion of the federal grants include indirect funds which increases our overall revenue as well. Mr. Wood asked what triggers a budget modification for Board approval. Ms. Rand said according to Board policy, the Board approves the annual budget and any budget amendments. Dr. Methvin said if we can adjust our expenses to balance what we are making then it does not require Board action, but since we do not know the exact award amounts for grant funds until fall, it adjusts our projected net profit/loss for which we request Board approval. Mr. Wood and Ms. Rand agreed that it is a good record keeping policy. A MOTION to approve the budget modification as presented was made by Mr. Butler, seconded by Dr. Chapman and unanimously carried.

YMCA Request

Dr. Methvin introduced the YMCA guests in attendance saying this request has been discussed among all parties, and the YMCA has slightly changed their original request to seek a one year note for a lesser amount and to launch a capital campaign similar to what we did for the Roughrider Village purchase. She said her recommendation is that Crowder only pledge what portion of land is necessary for the YMCA to secure the note. Mr. Wilson reported the YMCA is a fifteen year old facility, and the ventilation Dectron unit that keeps the humidity down in the pool area has been failing for some time. He said the YMCA had hoped to do a capital campaign to raise funds for the unit over time, but the unit has now gone completely down so the pool is no longer in use. Because of that, it is now imperative that the Y get a new $250,000 unit purchased and installed as soon as possible. Mr. Wilson said CBT has agreed to provide a one-year loan note that could be converted to longer if needed. He said the goal is to begin the capital campaign in 2017 and, if possible, to complete the fundraising within nine months. He said the YMCA is a great facility with good structure, but some of the air conditioning has caused some roof leakage and all the repairs will now be included in this capital campaign. Mr. Wood explained that Crowder owns the property that the Y is located on with a ninety-nine year lease to the Y for their usage. He said a loan cannot be secured without our permission to utilize the property as collateral to finance the loan. Mr. Wilson agreed saying the Y has a great partnership with Crowder which they hope to continue. He said there is no other indoor pool in this area, and the Dectron unit will take at least sixteen weeks to complete and install. Mr. Wood said Crowder’s approval is needed for the bank to move forward with the loan process. Dr. Methvin said the land survey is completed, and 7.9 acres of land would be pledged as security for the loan in the amount of $253,500, and in the event of a default, Crowder will have the option to assume the note and retain the facility. Without further discussion, a MOTION to approve the YMCA agreement as requested with the Crowder terms listed was made by Mrs. Barnes, seconded by Mr. Butler and unanimously approved. Dr. Methvin noted this is a great partnership that allows us not to have to maintain a separate student activity facility.

McDonald County Public Water Supply Easement Request

Ms. Rand reported the McDonald County Water District received a USDA grant for several major water improvement projects, and Crowder was approached by Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc. to assist them with these projects. She provided a map for one of the projects with the work that would be done on Crowder’s property shown in red. Ms. Rand said they would be replacing a four inch water line pipe with an eight inch water pipe which would make it commercial capacity. She said as a land owner, this would allow structures to be built there or for the land potentially to be sold for commercial use, and the owner would not have to make these modifications themselves. Dr. Methvin said it will be a narrow section of work beside the original pipe, and the project will improve service for the entire county which would include better service for the Crowder McDonald County facility. When asked, Ms. Rand said it would be a plus for a residential area as well although not required for residential usage, but a plus for any future potential growth in the area. Dr. Methvin clarified that this is not land where our current McDonald County campus is located, but it is the additional forty acres of property that Crowder has owned in McDonald County since 2008. Mr. Wood and Mrs. Barnes confirmed that this water line improvement was discussed at the time Crowder purchased the land as being needed. Ms. Rand said they will need about twenty feet width on the property to complete the work for a construction easement. A MOTION to approve the Water Line Easement as requested was made by Mr. Vancuren, seconded by Dr. Chapman and unanimously carried.

Human Resources Program Review

Mrs. Paul thanked the Board for allowing her to present in her role as HR Director which she has been in for three years. She introduced and thanked the HR/Payroll staff saying they are very dedicated, loyal and hard-working, and work every day to make the HR/Payroll offices an asset to Crowder. Mrs. Paul reviewed recent implementations including the Affordable Care Act which has redefined full-time employment to thirty hours per week and required realigning our part-time positions to be under thirty hours a week. She said the Missouri Public School Retirement System has implemented a uniform reporting of instruction hours, and after much work, it was decided that every credit hour would count as thirty work hours which impacted our adjunct instruction. She said changes in the Fair Labor Standards Act are now on hold, and possible action is expected after January 20th. HR worked with Dr. Morris in Academic Affairs to conduct a faculty credential review to verify that all faculty had either a master’s degree or eighteen hours of master’s level courses in their subject area for the Higher Learning Commission to meet accreditation requirements. Official transcripts are now on file for all full-time instructors, and this has been incorporated into the hiring process.

Mrs. Paul reported we track about 780 employees at any given time which includes 291 full-time and 489 part-time employees. She said in the past three years we have averaged filling 55 positions and processing about 855 applications annually. She said the HR office and the Staff Development Committee administer the Educational Loan program in which 23 employees received loans to continue higher education this past year. She said we average about 120 staff development offerings each year with about 3,000 employee attendance credits tracked. Employees are given service awards for each five years of service and “Employee of the Year” awards are given annually for each employee group with selections presented by the Newton and McDonald County chambers at the end-of-year luncheon. Nominations for Outstanding Service Awards are taken to College Council each month, and various other awards are offered. Mrs. Paul said required employee trainings are taken and tracked in Blackboard for FERPA, Emergency Operations, and Title IX and Clery. She said health and wellness services for employees include an annual Health Fair, flu shots and the Mobile Mammography Unit.

Mrs. Paul reported seven payrolls are run every month. She said 267 full-time employees are covered by College health insurance for individual employee and/or children, spouse or family coverage, and several retirees retain College insurance. She said the College pays life insurance on its full-time employees, and there are various voluntary insurance options available with a critical illness option offered for the first time this year. She reported about 1,200 W2 forms are sent each year. She said a FLEX plan for dependent care and unreimbursed medical expenses is provided. She said we are part of the Missouri Public School Retirement System with 364 employees in PSRS, 103 in PEERS, and 73 employees with 403(b) accounts. Mrs. Paul thanked her staff again saying they do an exceptional job responding to employee needs and questions. Dr. Methvin congratulated Payroll and HR for being rated by employees as one of the best departments on campus in the recent Campus Quality Survey.

Soccer Team Season Report

Coach Brad Smith welcomed about fifteen soccer players to the meeting. He said the two main questions students ask after the game is “Did you win?” and “Who scored?” which reflects how important winning is to our society, but it is more important to ask how you won. He said character drives process, and process drives results, so if you are doing poorly in class, it may reflect in the game. He said in athletics, everyone loses a game or fails at some point, and how you deal with it is critical. He said we have students from all over the world and making them a team was crucial to our success. He provided information from their first team meeting showing the importance of character and teamwork. Coach Smith announced we had a terrific year finishing the season with 15 wins and 4 losses only to lose in the Region 16 Championship. He said we set nearly every school record including most wins in a season, fewest losses in a season, most goals scored in a season (64), fewest goals allowed in a season (17), most assists in a season (35), and most shutouts in a season (10). He said individually, several records were set by Marlon Freitas, Humberto Cruz and Daniel Ost, and these three players were named to the All Region Team. Coach announced Marlon Freitas was the fourth leading scorer in the nation and was named Crowder College’s first soccer All-American this week. He said our rallying cry has been, “If it is going to be, it is up to me” to emphasize the hard work needed to succeed. The Board congratulated Coach and the team for the terrific year. Dr. Methvin said this soccer season has shown exceptional support from all the sports teams for each other which has truly been inspirational. Mr. Wood asked if servant leadership transferred to making a successful soccer team. Coach Smith said absolutely in that putting other players first helps make a team and provides support for each other.

MCCA Annual Convention

Mr. Wood thanked Mrs. Andris and Mr. Vancuren for attending the Missouri Community College Association Annual Convention in early November. Mr. Vancuren reported there were a couple sessions that really stood out to him. He said Don Massengale from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College spoke about the process in Mississippi of how community colleges are involved with the state legislature early in the budget process to work hand-in-hand to make sure adequate funding takes place. He said it was clear that Mississippi invests in education more than Missouri, and we need to learn from them. He said the evening session with Dr. Tommie Watson was very inspirational about his childhood and life, and he told a story about a Johns Hopkins professor who experimented with rats in the 1950’s. He said when rats were made to swim without being able to get out of the water, most rats would drown in 15-17 minutes unless they were given a reprieve out of the water for a few minutes after which they would swim for days the second time. He said although we are not rats, people still ultimately need hope, and it is important for community colleges to give hope and encouragement to those we come in contact with. Mrs. Andris said there was a good trustee roundtable on Wednesday afternoon where trustees shared what is happening at their colleges, and she reported about our apprenticeship program with Branco. She said another session was about a model for counseling services in which Central Methodist University, State Fair CC and Moberly Area CC are partnering to provide training for CMU master’s degree counseling students to do internships, and we might consider looking at this. She said one of OTC’s presentations was on providing safe places for the LBGT community. She said East Central did a session about finding funding sources through many different grant sources. Mrs. Andris said there was also a good legislative session in which they reported on the shortfalls of the state budget. Community colleges should not expect more funding. She said the legal issues session was very interesting as well, and she provided some handouts to Board members for future review. Brief discussion took place. Dr. Methvin said trustees were involved with MCCA to help set the legislative priorities this past year and that will continue. Mr. Wood reminded members that Board policy indicates members should attend a development session at least every three years.

MCCA Student Leadership Award

Dr. Methvin said her favorite part of the Conference is to be with the trustees who attend as well as to recognize the various award winners. Dr. Fitch reported he had the pleasure of escorting Darby Gillman to the MCCA Conference to be recognized as Crowder’s MCCA Student Leadership Award winner. He said Darby works as a Student Ambassador and in the Webb City front office. She was a tour guide for the “Skills That Pay the Bills” program and was the first recipient of the Webb City Center Scholarship. He said she is a full-time student as well as working at Hobby Lobby and performing at children’s birthday parties as a Disney princess. Mr. Wood congratulated Darby and presented her with a certificate. Darby said she loves to volunteer and especially to work with children and students. She is working to become an elementary school teacher, but would also love to teach high school students. Darby said learning is always fun, and she plans to transfer to MSSU and continue on to a master’s level or higher.

President’s Update
Dr. Methvin announced Crowder has been notified that we met all five performance funding measures for this year to receive the full amount of state funding allowed. She said it is harder every year to meet these measures, and meeting them is one of our Strategic Plan strategies to strengthen our fiscal position. Dr. Methvin said in January the Coordinating Board approved their new Preparing Missourians to Succeed: A Blueprint for Higher Education, which calls for a full review of the state higher education system. Dr. Methvin is one of six community college presidents who are serving on the System Review Task Force, and Dr. Coltharp is serving on a subcommittee of the Task Force. She said a new program review process has come out of this. She said it has been a very comprehensive review, and a good experience to work with the four-year presidents. Dr. Methvin said she is also serving on an MCCA Workforce Big Idea Task Force along with Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC. Dr. Higdon and Dr. Methvin come from states that have a consortium approach to workforce development, and the MCCA colleges want to create something similar for Missouri. She said the Taskforce is working to get data that focuses on non-credit students to show the legislature how important that side of community college work is. Dr. Methvin reported she has been named to the International Advisory Board for The Chair Academy which is devoted to the professional development of higher education leaders. She said this is extremely important as leaders are aging and retiring, and preparing new leaders for the future is greatly needed.

Dr. Methvin announced Crowder’s automotive training program recently received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). She said this recognizes the quality of the program and helps students to get better jobs. She congratulated Kirk Roelfsema saying this fits with our Strategic Plan to expand student opportunities for academic growth as well as by advancing our image for a quality and affordable education. Dr. Methvin said McDonald County has been certified as a Career Ready Community, which means that an acceptable number of citizens have earned a Career Readiness Certificates (CRC), and all but two of our nine counties in Crowder’s service region are now certified. She reported on October 13, a box of Camp Crowder memorabilia from Lynn McHale was donated to and opened in the Longwell Museum. She said Crowder baseball players and others had a unique experience learning about baseball and activities that took place at Camp Crowder. Dr. Methvin said Servant Leadership Cohort #3 has begun with Christy Manning, Chris Fenske, David Webber and Christina Cullers who have been charged with engaging in self-education and leading the rest of campus in servant leadership development. She said a fun, fall party took place last month at the Maddox Hill Center to allow their students to trick-or-treat in the safe environment of their facility and to practice what they have been learning at the Center. Dr. Methvin said an International Market has begun on campus where international students sell their wares to earn scholarship funds. She said student training for active threats, weather, fire, and earthquake emergencies has taken place, and more trainings will be done. She said the Branco Apprenticeship Program was celebrated during Apprenticeship week. She said several staff participated in Upward Bound Career Day where students asked various area professionals questions about their careers. Dr. Methvin thanked Mr. Wood for providing our recent Book Talk with Whitney Terrell. She said the student session served to expand student growth as many of these events have done which is one of our Strategic Plan goals. Dr. Methvin noted several upcoming events including a Crowder student art exhibit in the Longwell Museum; the play, A Doll’s House, on December 8-10; the Community Choir Gala on December 11 at the Civic; the Holiday Buffet for employees on December 15; and Graduation on December 17.

Closed Session and Adjournment

Mr. Wood noted the next regularly scheduled meeting set for Monday, January 23, 2017. At 12:00 p.m., a MOTION to go into closed session in accordance with RSMO 610-021 to discuss personnel was made by Mr. Butler, seconded by Mrs. Andris and passed unanimously.

During the closed session, discussion took place with Dr. Methvin regarding a personnel issue. No action was taken. A MOTION to adjourn was made at about 12:18 p.m. by Dr. Chapman, seconded by Mr. Vancuren and was unanimously carried.