Hill College Board of Regents holds July monthly meeting
Ashlee Ferguson
Thursday, August 20, 2026 3:55 PM
General Events
Hillsboro, TX
On July 28, 2026, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills presented the consideration of approval for the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the June regular meeting and the certified minutes from the June executive session. Four considerations for approval were presented—the 2026–2027 Student Handbook, the 2026–2027 Residential Life Handbook, the approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Millsap Independent School District (MISD) for a college preparatory program, and the approval of the 2026–2027 catalog. The motion was approved.
Vice President of Administrative Services Melissa Boyle presented the financial report and gave an overview of the preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027. A review of the 2027 expected revenue, expense revenue, and currently funded expenditures was provided to the board. A final review and approval of the budget will be held at the August 2026 meeting.
The motion for the financial report was approved.
Youth Services Outreach Specialist & Kids College Camp Director Jocelyn Williams presented the month’s program spotlight, highlighting the eighth annual Kids College program held in June. Hill College hosted 130 campers this year. The camps, held over two weeks in June at the Johnson and Hill County campuses, provided a variety of hands-on activities for students entering the first through eighth grades.
Students came from Abbott, Burleson, Covington, Grandview, Hillsboro, Hubbard, Itasca, Irving, Keene, Lorena, Malone, Morgan, Robinson, West, and Whitney to attend the camp. Representatives from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension program and the Texas Through Time Fossil Museum located in Hillsboro hosted activities again this year.
The camps were also supported by funding from the Youth Career Exploration Event 2026 Grant—sponsored by and in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) on behalf of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) and the Jobs Y’all initiative (JY).
Atmos Energy generously donated water for campers, volunteers, and staff.
Williams also presented suggested improvements for 2027, including the addition of a camp at the Burleson Higher Education Center (BHEC) and adding more sports, robotics, and technology courses as well as more advanced projects.
Dr. Mills continued with the president’s report, informing the board that Hill College under the leadership of Dr. Jenny Corder, drama instructor and Phi Theta Kappa chapter advisor, was selected for the Texas Theatre Association Award of Distinction. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to institutions raising standards for theatre education. To receive the award, programs must prove their dedication to theatre through quality performances, a robust play library, community and administrative support, student involvement in UIL (the University Interscholastic League) contests, theatrical design competitions, and theatre technology.
The president also announced that the college’s Truck Driving Academy received the Champion of the Year Award for the Heavy Haul Program at the Texas Economic Development Corporation Award Luncheon.
College faculty and staff participated in the annual Hillsboro Fourth of July Late Bloomers parade again this year.
Dr. Mills, Executive Director & Chief Curator of the Texas Heritage Museum John Versluis, and several representatives from Hill College attended the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal of Honor Ceremony, which was held on July 21, 2026, in Washington D. C. The president reminded the board of the gala that will be held at the college in honor of the IMLS award later this year on November 14, 2026.
An update on enrollment was presented; overall numbers are up.
Dr. Mills provided an update on the capital master plan, including the addition of the Johnson County Campus (JCC) and Cleburne Technical Center (CTC) plans, which were distributed to the board for consideration. A motion for approval will be presented at the August 2026 meeting.
Dr. Mills also provided a recap of the purchase closing for the Aquilla Water Supply District property at a cost of $132,149 for 2.281 acres.
Dean of Students & Athletics Randy Graves presented the athletics report. Several articles were published about the addition of the men’s and women’s Wrestling Program, including Texas Wrestling and the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Volleyball and soccer are beginning their preseason. An update was also provided on the ongoing construction for the new soccer facility.
Executive Director of Information Technology & Learning Innovation/CIO Kevin Rocha announced that the esports Program is growing, almost doubling in size from last year’s numbers.
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 depository and banking services. Board members Jennifer Nowlin and Bill Siddons excused themselves from this portion of the meeting due to potential conflicts of interest. A motion was approved to use Citizens National Bank of Texas as the depository and banking account holder.
Vice President Boyle also presented a consideration of approval for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) insurance renewal in the amount of $390,208, as well as a consideration of approval for the CTC HVAC boiler in the amount of $62,185 from DL Plumbing & Heating. Both motions were approved.
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Ashlee Furgeson presented a consideration of approval for a donation of a truck for the Truck Driving Academy, a 2007 Western Star semi tractor, which would allow the program to have its own vehicle, providing students with more consistent training. The motion was approved.
Finally, Dr. Mills presented a consideration of approval regarding Board Policy (BDB) limiting public speaking times to three minutes. The motion was approved.
Members present: Christy Bailey, Kent Eubank, Bill Galiga, Jolene Lehmann, Dwight Lloyd, Jennifer Nowlin, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel
Members absent: Karen Brackin, Guy James (ex officio), Dr. Allan Lane, and Kevin Ray
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.