Hill College Board of Regents holds April monthly meeting
Cami Steele
Monday, April 28, 2025 12:26 PM
General Events
Hillsboro, TX
On April 15, 2025, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
The minutes from the February meeting were approved; there was no meeting in March.
The financial report was presented by Vice President of Administrative Services Melissa Boyle and was approved. Tuition revenue is up.
The annual review audit is complete and was given to the board for review.
Prior to the president’s report, guest Bill Weston from Whitley Penn Wealth (WPWealth), an investment firm that currently manages funds for the Hill College Foundation, gave a presentation on the firm’s history. Dr. Mills asked that the board consider approving that the college’s endowment fund be managed by WPWealth.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills presented his report, including the Industrial Maintenance Open House on March 26, 2025, which was well attended. Thanks to the Hill College Foundation and Johnson County Campus Development Foundation, the college was able to renovate the Cleburne Technical Center to house the Industrial Maintenance Program, providing a more central location that better benefits students and faculty by allowing better access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Ashlee Ferguson, executive director of institutional advancement, gave a report on the 20th annual Boots & Suits, which was held on April 10, 2025. A total of $53,088 was raised for student scholarships. In addition, $9,175 was raised for the Pamela Boehm Student Emergency Fund and $64,500 was raised in sponsorships for the event.
Dr. Mills also announced that the board retreat will take place on June 11, 2025, which will include open meetings, strategic planning, the 2025–2026 budget, and legislative items.
The president discussed the elimination of the Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts at the college per the recent bill passed (SB17). The college is moving forward with a committee dedicated to inclusion and belonging, which is committed to ensuring students feel part of the Hill College family.
In addition, Dr. Mills mentioned several other state and federal legislative updates and noted that he will be going to Austin to discuss legislation regarding property taxes, bonds, undocumented students, and accreditation changes.
Personnel updates were presented and approved.
A brief report of suggested items of consideration for the 2025–2026 budget was presented to the board, including updating the soccer fields and a consideration for the Job Training and Conference Center with the City of Hillsboro.
An update on enrollment was presented; overall enrollment numbers continue to trend upward. The second eight-week enrollment numbers are up significantly; enrollment for spring mini-mester is up as well.
Executive Director of Information Technology & Learning Innovation Kevin Rocha presented an update on upgrades to the college’s IT infrastructure, providing increased security for staff and students. He also gave a report on the Esports Program, which is now a Division II program (previously the college was in Division III). The program had a successful first year with one team reaching the season championships. They are currently recruiting.
Dean of Students and Athletics Randy Graves presented the athletic report, including the recognition of 33 student-athletes who were named to the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. The men’s rodeo team is going into the Hill College rodeo on April 25–26, 2025, in fourth place, the women in ninth. For more information on standings and upcoming events, visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.
Dean of Arts & Humanities Nancy McKenzie along with College Readiness Manager Kacie Miller introduced the College Readiness Team, a group created to improve student outcomes and provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff focused on improving advising, acceleration strategies, and the completion and/or transfers of students who are considered underprepared for higher education. This initiative was made possible by a recent grant that was awarded to the college by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Physical Plant Director Matt Southard, along with Dr. Mills, presented a consideration of approval for the renovation of the nursing and echocardiography facilities at the Johnson County Campus (JCC). Two bids were approved for a total of $91,079.26.
Vice President Boyle presented a consideration of approval for course fee changes for the 2025–2026 academic year. The motion passed
Vice President of Student Learning & Success Irene Accomando presented a consideration of approval for curriculum changes for the 2025–2026 academic calendar. The motion passed.
Dr. Mills presented a consideration of approval on a resolution for the North Central Texas Council of Governments Membership, aimed toward networking, grants, and economic developments for JCC. The motion passed.
Finally, the board approved the change of date for the May meeting. The monthly Board of Regents meeting will be held on May 13, 2025, instead of May 20, 2025.
Members present: Karen Brackin, Bill Galiga, Jolene Lehmann, Dwight Lloyd, Tony Marley, Jennifer Nowlin, Kevin Ray, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel.
Members absent: Kent Eubank, Guy James (ex officio), and Allan Lane.
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.