Hill College Board of Regents holds May monthly meeting
Jessyca Brown
Thursday, June 6, 2024 1:47 PM
Enrollment Management, General Events
Hillsboro, TX
On May 21, 2024, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
The minutes from the April meeting were approved. The financial report was also presented and approved. Tuition revenue continues to trend up.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills introduced Brad Stevens, the new faculty association president.
Dr. Mills presented his report, including celebrating commencement for the 2024 graduating class. Over 280 students walked the stage in this year’s ceremony, a record for the college.
An update on enrollment was presented; overall enrollment numbers continue to remain steady.
Personnel updates were also presented and approved.
David Teel presented the installation of offices by swearing in the Oath of Office to returning regents Karen Brackin, Rick Sullins, and Bill Siddons III.
Executive Director/CIO of Information Technology & Learning Innovation Kevin Rocha presented a consideration of approval for an esports pilot program for the college. The program will be available to all Hill College students, teaching skills such as teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, math skills, and more. The projected timeline includes a three-phase plan that would begin in the 2024–2025 academic year. The motion was approved.
Vice President of the Student Experience Lizza Ross discussed student activities, including Spring Fling activities, this year’s Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony, end-of-the-year band and choir concerts, and the Performing Arts Showcase. The college also hosted a midnight breakfast for students during finals.
Vice President of Institutional Affairs Jessyca Brown presented updates on community events, including the 19th annual Boots & Suits event, the Hill County Summit that was held on April 25, 2024, and the 19th annual Teen Forum for students in the Hillsboro Independent School District.
The president also discussed state funding cuts for the college. Funding allocations from the state are performance based. This year’s funding from the state will be approximately $1 million down from previous years.
Dean of Students and Athletics Randy Graves presented the athletic report. The men’s rodeo team finished fourth in the Southern Region Finals; the women finished fifth. The cross country
and track team went to the track national championships in Monroe, Louisiana. Construction on the softball fields has begun, as well as floor and ceiling replacements in the Bob Bullock Sports Center. Brandon Crisp was hired as the new volleyball coach. Recruiting has started for next year. For more information on standings and upcoming events, visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.
Dr. Mills presented a consideration of approval for SB 17 compliance certification, including eliminating DEI offices and requirements. The motion was approved.
Kevin Rocha also presented a consideration of approval for information technology equipment and a firewall for cybersecurity at a cost of $1,377,718.12 and $152,008.52 respectively with vendor Logically Cerdant Cybersecurity Division. The motion was approved.
Vice President of Student Learning & Success Irene Accomando presented several considerations of approval. The first being approval of an Industrial Maintenance Program Improvement Plan that would improve program visibility and student recruitment, increase advisory board membership and involvement, addition of faculty, as well as additions of certification training, internships, and automatic transcript audits. The motion passed.
Accomando also presented a consideration of approval to reconfigure the Fire Academy over the next few months. The motion was approved.
Finally, Accomando presented a consideration of approval of the Weber State University Articulation Agreement to provide bachelor-level courses for the automotive program. The motion was approved.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Ashlee Ferguson presented a resolution for approval regarding the Hill College Cybersecurity Infrastructure Remediation Program grant. The motion was approved.
A motion was made to rename the Snap-On building at the Cleburne Technical Center the Howard and Sherry Dudley Snap-On Automotive Building. The motion passed.
Members present: Karen Brackin, Jolene Lehmann, Tony Marley, Jennifer Nowlin, Kevin Ray, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel
Members absent: Kent Eubank, Bill Galiga, Dr. Allan Lane, and Dwight Lloyd
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.