NPC Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
The National Park College Board of Trustees met in a regular session on April 29, 2026, beginning at 3:30 PM. Trustees present were Mike Bush, Jim Hale, Rhonda Harrington, Bev Joe, Joel Newburn, Lance Porter, Forrest Spicher, Renee Westfall, and Raymond Wright.
Staff, faculty members, and guests present were Chuck Argo, Alexandra Barnard, Hannah Billings, Eric Boardway, Sheena Burrow, Lisa Couch, Sarah Day, Wade Derden, Jessica Ellis, Kelli Embry, Kathy Flournoy, Jessica Gilbert, Nicole Herndon, Brad Hopper, Lisa Hopper, Janice Ivers, Chelsey Jones, Brian Kroening, Amanda Kruzel, Shannon LaDuke, Sonia Lopez, Jennifer Lyons, Rose Milnes, Emily Pyland, Kristin Quintanilla, Bill Ritter, Zane Shnaekel, John Tucker, Lindsey Vondenstein, Tyler Ward, Jessica Weatherford, and Megan Wheeler.
The media was notified of the meeting. Brandon Smith with the Sentinel Record was in attendance.
Chair Jim Hale opened the meeting with a welcome at 3:30 PM.
Sarah Day took roll call. A quorum was present.
Pastor Thomas Glover with the Garage Church provided the invocation.
Sarah Day introduced NPC Dean of Instruction, Jennifer Lyons, and NPC Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences, Janice Ivers, both of whom introduced some of the NPC Bachelor’s Degree graduates from the UAM Business and Education programs, and the RN to BSN program.
Chair Hale introduced the Spotlight on Success Recipient, Tyler Ward.
Items for Action
- Trustee Bush motioned to approve the April 1, 2026, regular meeting minutes as presented. Trustee Spicher seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Spicher motioned to approve the March 2026 financial statements as presented by Megan Wheeler, NPC Controller, during the Finance Committee Meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
- Trustee Wright motioned to approve the April Personnel Ratifications as presented by Kathy Flournoy, NPC Director of Human Resources. Trustee Joe seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Harrington motioned to approve the Staff Senate Constitution Revisions as presented by Kelli Embry, NPC Vice President for Administration. Trustee Westfall seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Bush motioned to approve the Faculty Senate Constitution Revisions as presented by Dr. Chuck Argo, NPC Vice President for Academic Affairs. Trustee Spicher seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Westfall motioned to approve the Academic Program Changes as presented by Dr. Chuck Argo. Trustee Bush seconded the motion. Questions were asked and answered. Following the discussion, the Academic Program Changes passed unanimously.
Items for Report
- Trustee Wright invited Brad Hopper, NPC Associate Vice President of Campus Operations, to present the Building and Campus Development Report, which included an update on the progress of the new welding facility project.
- NPC Foundation Executive Director Nicole Herndon presented a PowerPoint report highlighting the success of the Night of Art fundraising event.
- President’s Report – President Derden congratulated the NPC Foundation on the success of the Night of Art and acknowledged the collective efforts of NPC Maintenance staff, Chartwells, and Foundation volunteers in making the event unprecedented. He also recognized the Women’s Softball and Men’s Baseball teams for qualifying for postseason play. President Derden expressed appreciation for the NPC/UAM partnership, which continues to expand access to relevant four-year degree opportunities in Hot Springs. He concluded by reminding trustees that the 2026 NPC Graduation will be held Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Bank OZK Arena.
- New Business – Chair Hale shared the following reminders:
- May 7 RN Pinning
- May 8 Employee Recognition Day
- May 20 Board Budget Retreat
- Chair Hale asked Jessica Ellis for an update on the successful NPC Job Fair.
Trustee Spicher congratulated Trustee Porter on becoming a new grandfather.
Trustee Westfall motioned to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:11 PM.
Jim Hale, Chair
Raymond Wright, Secretary/Treasurer