Hill College Board of Regents holds May monthly meeting
Ashlee Ferguson
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 3:28 PM
Enrollment Management
Hillsboro, TX
On May 19, 2026, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills presented a consideration of approval for the Consent Agenda Items, including the minutes from the April regular meeting and the certified minutes from the April executive session, as well as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Penelope Independent School District.
Vice President of Administrative Services Melissa Boyle presented the financial report. The motion was approved.
Dr. Mills presented his report to the board, beginning with an update on the college’s Choir Program. Dr. Chul (Caleb) Chang, director of choirs & associate professor of vocal studies, who presented a report on the college’s choir activities. Courses currently include chorale, women's and men’s chorus, and vocal ensemble. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Choir Program performed at the Hill County Veterans Ceremony, held a fall band and choir concert at the Vera Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center, participated in the Hillsboro Christmas parade and caroling event, attended the all-state choir concert at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), hosted the musical Ride in the Cyclone, held the annual Spring Choir Concert, and hosted a summer camp at Corsicana High School.
Dr. Chang also presented a review of the program’s recruiting and strategic plan for the Music and Choir Program, including the scholarships available to students. Currently, there are nine returning students for the upcoming academic year with a goal of recruiting 20 students for 2026–2027.
Dr. Mills continued with the president’s report, reminding the board of the annual retreat at Lake Whitney. He also reminded the board of the annual Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT) conference in September in Baytown, Texas. Members are encouraged to reach out to the president’s office if they would like to attend.
A date has been set for the Institute of Museum and Library Services Medal Award Ceremony. It will be held in Washington, D.C., on July 21, 2026, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Several members of the administration will be attending, including Dr. Mills and Executive Director & Chief Curator John Versluis.
Dr. Mills informed the board of the annual student academic awards ceremonies held at both the Hill (HCC) and Johnson County (JCC) Campuses.
Executive Director of Information Technology & Learning Innovation/CIO Kevin Rocha gave an update on scholarships and recruiting. The esports program has signed three additional recruits for this coming year. The cross-country team also signed new recruits.
Dr. Mills presented a report on the Commercial Driver’s License ribbon cutting at JCC. The CDL program is now available at both HCC and JCC. The relationship with the ATDS (Texas CDL Truck Driving School) has been successful and is thriving.
He also gave a recap of the Johnson County Jumpstart non-profit event held at the end of April. The fundraiser highlighted area high schools and included an auction to raise money to support dual-credit students.
Executive Director Rocha also gave a report on the Extreme Technology Conference held in early May.
Chief of Staff Lyndsey Pederson gave a recap of the EMS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at JCC on May 8, 2026.
Vice President of Student Learning & Success/Chief Academic Officer Irene Benero announced that Hill College was the recipient of the Champion Award from Minding College Minds, a program founded by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, honoring the college for its efforts in supporting mental health with college-aged students.
Vice President Boyle informed the board of the end-of-the-year pool party hosted by the Hillsboro Country Club and provided an update on the progress of the new soccer stadium--fencing is underway, turf should be installed soon, and the foundation for the stadium seating has been poured.
Dr. Mills also gave reports on the professional development day on May 1, 2026, the Visual and Performing Arts Student Showcase held on May 7, 2026, and the commencement and nursing pinning ceremonies held on May 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
An update on enrollment was presented; numbers are slightly down for the mini-May and summer sessions from last year, but are expected to increase for the fall.
Athletic Director & Dean of Students Randy Graves presented the athletics report, including the rodeo athletes going to the College National Finals in Casper, Wyoming, this year—James Arviso, Koby Douch, Sam Shofner, and Sage Webster will all compete.
Dean Graves also highlighted the success of the Hill College baseball team, which ranked fourth in the final standings for the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference (NTJCAC). The softball team finished 21–35 for the season.
Three student-athletes received Beacon of Excellence Awards from the college, a new award recognizing students with a 3.25 GPA or higher. Journee Chambers (women’s basketball), Katie Garza (cross country), and Sam York (baseball) all received this year’s award.
Executive Director Kevin Rocha gave an update on esports. One team went to finals, winning the spring 2026 National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) Varsity Plus Group E Valorant Championship.
Executive Director of Human Resources Tamy Rogers gave an update on personnel considerations. The motion was approved.
Vice President Boyle presented a consideration of approval for bids for a tractor for the rodeo team that will be housed at the Hill College Rodeo Arena. Assistant Rodeo Coach Dylan Riggins discussed the coaches’ preference. A bid from United Ag & Turf for a John Deere tractor was approved in the amount of $52,200. The motion passed.
Dr. Mills presented the need for the appointment of a regent to the Hill College Foundation. Board of Regents member Jennifer Nowlin was recommended. The motion was approved. Mrs. Nowlin will replace former board member and foundation regent, Tony Marley.
Vice President Boyle presented a consideration of approval of the sale of certain property acquired at a delinquent tax foreclosure sale of 1.23 acres, Abstract 620, J M Moore Survey—Appraisal District Account No. 126-0620-00920. The motion was approved.
A consideration of approval was made for the demolition of the Fine Arts Building at a cost of $45,000. The motion was approved.
Executive Director Rogers presented a consideration of approval of Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) policy updates (five updates were presented). The motion was approved.
Vice President of Student Learning & Success/Chief Academic Officer Irene Benero presented a consideration of approval of the 2026–2027 Academic Catalog. The motion was approved.
Members present: Christy Bailey, Kent Eubank, Bill Galiga, Jolene Lehmann, Dwight Lloyd, Jennifer Nowlin, Kevin Ray, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel
Members absent: Karen Brackin, Guy James (ex officio), Dr. Allan Lane
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.