FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
January 27, 2016
NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE WELCOMES DR. JERRY THOMAS, VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Hot Springs, Arkansas – National Park College (NPC) Board of Trustees held their annual meeting and regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Items for report included new hires, new degree programs, an update on the Foundation’s year-end report, and an overview of recent and upcoming campus events.
During the annual meeting, the Board elected new officers, appointed standing committees and adopted the calendar for the year. Gene Parker was appointed Chairman, Ray Donathan was appointed Vice Chairman and Gail Ezelle was appointed Secretary/Treasurer.
The Board welcomed new hires Jake Berry, Website Developer, Pam Castleberry, Grants
Specialist, and Dr. Jerry Thomas, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Dr. Thomas has 20 years
of experience in educational leadership, academic advising, and student development
programming. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in mathematics
and a Master of Education in Agency Counseling from Southern Arkansas University (SAU)
in Magnolia. He has a Master of Arts in History from Louisiana Tech University, and
a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University at Commerce.
Dr. Thomas will begin his new role on February 1.
The December Student of the Month was introduced by instructor, Caleb Grisham. Jesse
Byrd was selected by the Math and Science Division. Jesse was described as “one of
the few students who loves math." He has decided to focus his studies on mathematics
and engineering. While at NPC, he successfully completed every mathematics course
offered, from College Algebra up to and including Differential Equations and Discrete
Mathematics. He has utilized his mathematics education by working as a peer tutor
in NPC's Academic Success Center. His nomination said that "Jesse has a natural acumen
for mathematics,” and “he has learned that aptitude alone does not earn degrees. He's
learned that it requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance as well." Grisham
noted that Jesse is a terrific student who embodies the spirit of National Park College.
The January Student of the Month was introduced by instructor, Eve Baum. Katherine
Olis was selected by the Technical and Professional Division. She is working to complete
a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Administration. She is a sophomore and maintains
a 4.0 GPA. Baum describes her as an outstanding student with leadership abilities.
She has earned certifications in ServSafe, Alcohol ServSafe and Bar & Beverage Management.
Her goal is to become a general manager of a chain facility.
Dr. Wade Derden, Vice President for Academic Affairs discussed a new agreement with
the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) for an Associate of Science in Business
Information Systems (BINS) degree. Business information Systems is one of the top
10 fields in terms of job demand and starting salaries for graduates. Demand for systems
analysts has been projected to increase 25 percent from 2012 to 2022. The Board approved
the resolution for the new degree.
Vice President for External Relations, Jeff Weaver reported that the Foundation’s Gift of Education campaign was successful, raising over $50,000 from donations, pledges, and in-kind donations. He announced that the Foundation’s year-end report has been completed and will be mailed to donors with statements this week. The report will note that total contributions for the year exceeded $740,000, a number that may continue to grow as year-end donations are receipted. The College provided 920 students with scholarships and emergency aid thanks to the generosity of 569 donors, many of which were faculty and staff. He said the Foundation staff is working to implement a new scholarship management system to help make the entire process easier for students and donors.
NPC license plates are now available at the Department of Revenue for $35. The Alumni Scholarship Fund will receive $25 for each license plate purchased. Weaver added that the 4th Annual Van Davis Memorial 5k will be held February 20 at 9 a.m. and registration is now in progress. The Foundation has raised over $31,000 for the Van Davis scholarship endowment and just awarded scholarships to two new students for the spring semester. He shared that the Student Government Association has partnered with Garland County Farm Bureau to host a State and Local Candidate Forum on February 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. John Hogan concluded the meeting with the President’s report. He expressed his gratitude for the College’s nomination for Large Business of the Year during the Greater Hot Springs Chamber Of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet. He discussed the upcoming budget process which will involve all areas of campus. He said the overall goal for the budget would remain an investment in degree attainment and student success, with an added emphasis on professional development. He commended the crisis management team for a successful table top training exercise on January 11, completed with the assistance of the Garland County Sheriff’s Department, Hot Springs Police Department and the Garland County Department of Emergency Management. He also commended Director of Financial Aid, Lisa Hopper for her election as Representative-At-Large for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
