NPC Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
The National Park College Board of Trustees met in a regular session on February 25, 2026, beginning at 3:30 PM. Trustees present were Mike Bush, Jim Hale, Bev Joe, Joel Newburn, Lance Porter, Forrest Spicher, Renee Westfall, and Raymond Wright.
Staff, faculty members, and guests present were Chuck Argo, Blake Butler, Victoria Caraway, Sarah Day, Wade Derden, Jessica Ellis, Kelli Embry, Nicole Herndon, Brian Kroening, Jennifer Lyons, Rose Milnes, Scott Post, Emily Pyland, Kristin Quintanilla, Bill Ritter, Darla Thurber, Tim Ward, 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.
Sarah Day introduced Jennifer Seward, NPC Assistant Professor Graphic Design, who introduced Brooklyn Scroggins and Aaliyah Swisher, two NPC art students participating in the upcoming Night of Art.
Chair Jim Hale provided the invocation.
Items for Action
- Chair Hale noted that the minutes presented for approval incorrectly stated the date as February 4, 2025. Hale verified the correct date of February 4, 2026. Trustee Bush motioned to approve the February 4, 2026, regular meeting minutes as presented. Trustee Joe seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Megan Wheeler, NPC Controller, presented the December 2025 and January 2026 financial statements for approval during the Finance Committee Meeting. Trustee Wright motioned to approve the December 2025 financial statements as presented. Trustee Joe seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Trustee Westfall motioned to approve the January 2026 financial statements as presented. Trustee Bush seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Bush motioned to approve the February Personnel Ratifications as presented by Kelli Embry, NPC VP for Administration. Trustee Westfall seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Trustee Wright motioned to approve Resolution 2026-A Tuition and Fees as presented by Kelli Embry, NPC VP for Administration. Trustee Joe seconded the motion. Following discussion, the resolution was passed unanimously.
- Chuck Argo, NPC VP for Academic Affairs, presented for approval the Amended NPC Policy 5.120 Faculty Minimum Qualifications. Following discussion, Trustee Spicher motioned to approve the policy as presented. Trustee Westfall seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
- Chuck Argo, NPC VP for Academic Affairs, presented the following Academic Program
changes:
- NEW PROGRAMS:
- Construction Technology, CP - The Construction Technology Certificate of Proficiency is a short-term, hands-on credential designed to prepare learners for immediate entry into the construction workforce or for advancement within skilled trades. The program emphasizes practical skills, safety, and real-world applications through lab-based instruction and an applied capstone experience. Graduates will be workforce-ready, safety-conscious, and capable of contributing effectively on residential and light commercial job sites. This certificate is intentionally structured to serve multiple audiences, including current high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners.
- Middle Level Education, AS - As part of our ongoing efforts to simplify and strengthen transfer pathways, the College
is moving away from narrowly defined education degree tracks in favor of a more flexible
middle-level education model. The Middle Level Education, AS is a streamlined degree
designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation across core content
areas and foundational education coursework. This program expands transfer options
and better aligns with a range of four-year middle-level education programs, preparing
students for successful transfer and continued progression toward teacher licensure.
- NEW PROGRAMS:
Trustee Westfall motioned to approve the new programs as presented by Dr. Chuck Argo. Trustee Bush seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Items for Report
- Trustee Wright provided the Building and Campus Development report, consisting of an update on the progress made to date on the Welding facility.
- NPC Director of College Success & Career Services Jessica Ellis provided the College Success/Career Services report. Ellis provided a PowerPoint presentation. Discussion ensued, and questions were answered.
- President's Report – President Derden discussed the impact of Act 503 of the 2025
Arkansas Legislative Session on its Board of Trustees election timeline. Although
the legislation was primarily designed to align K–12 school board elections with other
nonpartisan elections, legal counsel from the Attorney General’s Office has confirmed
that the revised filing timelines also apply to NPC, which is one of only two community
colleges in Arkansas with an elected Board of Trustees.
Under Act 503, candidates for the three Board seats scheduled for election in 2026 were required to file during the statewide nonpartisan filing period in November 2025. Because no candidates filed during that window, there are no eligible candidates for those positions on the March 2026 election ballot.
In accordance with Arkansas law and longstanding legal precedent, the expiration of a term does not create a vacancy. If a vacancy occurs, the Governor of Arkansas will appoint a replacement in accordance with state law and the College’s bylaws.
Derden stated his appreciation for the guidance provided by state legal counsel as the College works to ensure compliance, stating that maintaining stability and continuity in governance is important for the College and the students. - New Business – Chair Hale noted that the regular March board meeting will be held on April 1, 2026, due to Spring Break.
There was no further business.
Trustee Westfall motioned to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:13 PM.
Jim Hale, Chair
Raymond Wright, Secretary/Treasurer