Hill College Board of Regents holds July monthly meeting
Jessyca Brown
Thursday, August 15, 2024 8:48 AM
General Events
Hillsboro, TX
On July 30, 2024, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
The minutes from the June meeting were approved. The financial report was also presented and approved. Tuition revenue continues to trend up.
The proposed budget for the 2024–2025 school year was provided to the board for review prior to the next board meeting on August 20, 2024, where the budget will formally be presented for approval.
Dr. Mills presented his report, including details on the 2024–2025 budget and a reminder of the three ways the college is funded (state funding, local funding, and tuition and fees). He reminded the board that there will be a reduction of $940,360 in state funds compared to last year.
An update on enrollment was presented; overall enrollment numbers continue to remain steady.
Personnel updates were also presented and approved. The board welcomed Melissa Boyle, the new vice president of administrative services. Boyle is replacing Billy Don Curbo, who is retiring after 40-plus years of service to the college.
Physical Plant Director Matt Southard presented an update on campus facilities, including the softball field, the Bob Bullock Sports Complex, the baseball field, the Bailey Residence Hall, the board room renovations, and other various projects.
Upgrades to the softball field include tiered seating, improvements to the grandstand, concession stand, press box, turf, pavilion cover, and batting cage. The new turf on the field is a state-of-the-art geo-cool material. Hill College will be the only community college in the state with this technology.
Renovations to the Bob Bullock Sports Complex include a new score board, new flooring and college spirit decals, new paint, a spray-foam ceiling, as well as upgrades to the lobby, bathrooms, and locker rooms.
Other improvements include a complete renovation of the board room at the Hill County Campus, the bull pen for the baseball field, electrical upgrades to the Bailey Residence Hall, and improvements to the rodeo arena, cosmetology, and the Johnson County Campus, among additional smaller projects.
Vice President of Institutional Affairs Jessyca Brown presented a report on the annual employee survey. This is the sixth year that the college has engaged with the University of Texas’ Institute for Organizational Excellence to survey employees on various aspects of campus life and employee satisfaction.
Vice President of Student Learning & Success Irene Accomando gave an update on the Fire Academy reconfiguration. The advisory board met on July 18, 2024. The board requested additional information on the student licensure test and discussed potential resources for the college to acquire a fire truck for hands-on training. Bobby Goolsby has been hired as the program coordinator and instructor for the fire program. Two new adjuncts have been hired, with additional hires being considered. Updated text materials as well as additional courses were approved to better prepare students for the licensure test that is required by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Dean of Students and Athletics Randy Graves presented the athletic report. The volleyball, softball, and men’s soccer teams all received the 2023–2024 Academic Teams of the Year by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Thirty-eight Hill College student-athletes received the NJCAA 2023–2024 All-Academic Award. Six rodeo student-athletes received academic recognition from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Practices are underway for fall sports. For more information on standings and upcoming events, visit hillcollegeathletics.com.
Executive Director of Information Technology & Learning Innovation Kevin Rocha presented a consideration of approval with Lantek Communications for audio/visual wiring, installation for wireless access and routers for classrooms for a total of $141,386.91. The motion was approved.
Rocha also presented a consideration of approval with GTS Solutions Verkada to secure the college’s network rooms with keyed-only door access for a total of $90,799.21. The motion was approved.
Physical Plant Director Matt Southard presented a consideration of approval to repair fencing around the baseball field that was damaged in recent storms for a total of $83,308.82. The motion was approved.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Ashlee Ferguson presented a consideration of approval for an advancement plan with consulting company Gonser Gerber. This will be a three-year plan at $62,000, provided with funds from the Hill College Foundation. The motion was approved.
Vice President of Student Learning & Success Irene Accomando presented a consideration of approval for two fields of study (FOS) in nursing and criminal justice. This would ensure transferability of credit as an 18-hour block for students transferring to a four-year institution. The motion was approved
Vice President of Student Experience Lizza Ross presented consideration of approvals for updates on both the student and residential life handbooks. Both motions were approved.
Vice President of Administrative Services Billy Don Curbo presented a consideration of approval for the administration to have the authority to approve inclusive access for textbooks and required reading material to be included in tuition costs rather than a separate cost for students. The motion was approved.
Members present: Karen Brackin, Kent Eubank, Bill Galiga, Guy James, Jolene Lehmann, Dwight Lloyd, Tony Marley, Jennifer Nowlin, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel
Members absent: Dr. Allan Lane and Kevin Ray
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.