HCTC Board of Directors
November 6, 2025
Minutes
Present: Chair William “Bill” Weinberg, Vice Chair Dr. Larry “Bart” Francis, Secretary Dew Gorman (TEAMS), Derrick Bowling, Chuck Davidson, Amelia Prater (TEAMS), Dr. Mansoor Mahmood, Gary Smith, Charlene Fugate, Brian Blair for award, Chrystal Slone
Guests: Dr. Jennifer Lindon, Dr. Deronda Mobelini, Jackie Hall, James King, Jessica Barger
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Weinberg at 6:35 p.m. Chairman Weinberg entertained a motion for approval of the minutes of the August 21, 2025 meeting. Derrick Bowling made a motion, and Dew made the second for this motion. The motion to pass the minutes was approved unanimously without edits or discussion.
The next item of business was the recognition of the outgoing and incoming student representative: Chair Weinberg made the motion to recognize the recognition of outgoing student member Brian Blair for his service. Chair Weinberg and Dr. Lindon presented the award to Brian and thanked him for his recognition and service for his serving on board. Brian replies to thank the board and that it was a pleasure to serve on the board. Dr. Lindon further acknowledges his contributions to the board for being the student voice and representing our allied health programs.
Swearing-In of New Member: Chrystal Slone, elected by students, was sworn in as the new student board member, with Executive Assistant I Jessica Barger guiding Crystal through the official oath and notarizing Crystal's as our new student representative on the board.
Dr. Lindon began delivering the presidential updates for the college. She handed the floor to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jackie Hall.
Budget and Fiscal Updates: CFO Hall provided a comprehensive update on the college's fiscal status, reporting a positive spend balance for FY 24-25, successful revenue estimates for Fall 2025, and outlined budget needs and covered items, including salary increases, maintenance, and technology upgrades; the board discussed upcoming budget requests and the impact of dual credit waivers on tuition revenue.
Fiscal Year Outcomes: CFO Hall reported a positive spending balance for FY 24-25, with final amounts pending audit, and confirmed that the college met its Fall 2025 revenue estimate of over $4.6 million.
Budget Needs and Covered Items: The board reviewed items covered in the previous budget cycle, including a 2% salary increase and compression adjustments, maintenance contracts, utility increases, faculty promotions, funding of a First Year Experience instructor, accreditation expenses, security camera replacements, and electronic door upgrades.
Minor Updates to Facilities: CFO Hall mentioned minor updates to facilities at the technical campus, including paint, new carpet, new ceiling tiles, new lighting, and a beginning the process of refurbishing the student lounge.
Purchase of New Tools and Supplies: CFO Hall mentioned the purchase of new equipment and tools at the technical campus.
Dual Credit Waivers Impact: CFO Hall and Dr. Lindon explained that high school dual credit students receive a 50% tuition waiver, resulting in higher waiver numbers and affecting overall tuition revenue, with the board considering tracking the correlation between dual credit participation and subsequent college enrollment.
Dr. Lindon further discussed the impact to HCTC when dual credit students graduate high school with their associate degree, as it typically means those students may no longer be served by the college.
Upcoming Budget Requests: Dr. Lindon outlined the process for compiling budget needs for FY 26-27, with requests to be gathered from all employees and presented for board approval at the next meeting in February.
Mission, Vision, and Values Review: Dr. Lindon initiated a review of the college's mission, vision, and values, seeking input from board members, students, faculty, and staff as part of compliance and accreditation requirements, and discussed potential revisions to better reflect the institution's goals and regional focus.
Mission Statement Feedback: Board members discussed the relevance of the current mission statement, with Chair Weinberg suggesting the removal or revision of a second sentence that no longer needs to be included, including a comma after Hazard Community and Technical College to include “a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System,” and considered emphasizing “serving the needs of students in Southeastern Kentucky.” A revision to the mission will be forthcoming once responses from the community, students, employees, and other interested parties are gathered and compiled. This revision will be presented to the Board for consideration and revision/adoption at a later date.
Vision Statement Suggestions: Dr. Lindon presented the vision of HCTC. Other participants proposed adding language about growth and regional service to the vision statement, aiming to balance aspirations for world-class leadership with local educational impact.
Values Assessment: Board members were asked to review and mark which values should be kept, updated, or removed, with feedback to be collected and incorporated into the strategic planning process. Dr. Lindon asked the Board to return the Mission, Vision, and Values handout from Dr. Ella Strong to her with suggested edits.
Strategic Planning Integration: Dr. Lindon noted that input from this review would inform the upcoming strategic plan and compliance with SACS accreditation requirements, with further opportunities for feedback before finalization in the spring.
Awards and Distinctions: Dr. Lindon mentioned that HCTC was recognized as a Top 200 Institution from the Aspen Institute—a prestigious distinction that was one of HCTC’s long-term goals. HCTC is the only KCTCS institution in the Eastern part of Kentucky to receive this distinction. HCTC will also compete for the Aspen Award, which includes a $1 million financial award for the winning institution.
Program and Grant Updates: Dr. Lindon detailed ongoing and new academic programs, grant awards, and partnerships, including prison re-entry courses, construction technology, ARH training academy, USDA grant for plumbing, and shared allied health programs, as well as challenges and progress in grant applications and accreditation preparations.
Prison and Re-Entry Programs: The college continues to offer eight-week courses at the Legal Adjustment Center and supports re-entry training, with multiple cohorts and ongoing partnerships.
Construction and Allied Health Initiatives: A female cohort in construction technology was highlighted, and collaborations with ARH for nurse aide and medical assistant training are underway, with plans to move classes to the medical mall once construction is complete.
Faculty Leadership: Dr. Amanda Spencer-Barnes and Craig Wilmhoff were named to different leadership positions and academies to further strengthen HCTC’s goal of having exceptional faculty across the institution.
Grant Awards and Applications: The college received a USDA grant to support a plumbing program and is preparing to resubmit an ARC power grant application for aviation maintenance, pending additional employer letters.
Shared Program Development: Efforts are ongoing to share programs such as radiography, paramedic, respiratory care, and surgical technology with other colleges to increase efficiency and serve regional needs.
Fall Graduation Pilot: HCTC is piloting a Fall semester graduation set for December 16th at 6:00 pm at the Hazard Forum. Dr. Mobelini confirms there are approximately 70 students scheduled to walk in the graduation.
Accreditation and Quality Enhancement: Preparations for the SACS ten-year reaffirmation are in progress, with board members expected to participate in the review; work on the QEP has paused pending further guidance from SACS.
Student Support and Services Expansion: Dr. Lindon reported on expanded student support initiatives, including food pantries, SNAP benefit advocacy, disability services, new grants for student support services, and the establishment of success zones to address barriers and improve retention, with collaborative efforts across departments and external partners.
Food Insecurity Response: In response to potential SNAP benefit reductions, the college organized food box distributions and is establishing food pantries on multiple campuses, supported by donations and partnerships with ARH and other organizations.
Ready to Work Program Continuity: Despite federal uncertainties, the college and state committed funds to ensure Ready to Work students continue receiving TANF benefits and wages through January, with ongoing monitoring of federal developments.
Disability Services Enhancement: The college increased support for students with disabilities, including a partnership with LifeWorks who has placed Jennifer Riley in a support role to assist students with autism, and reported serving 230 students with disability services.
Student Support Services Grant: A Student Support Services grant was awarded for the Hazard and Technical campuses, enabling the hiring of a director, success coach, and tutor to provide comprehensive support for student retention and success.
Success Zones and Retention: Success zones are being established as one-stop shops for student support, with recent evaluations indicating high performance and satisfaction; additional initiatives like the Back on Track program assist students flagged for academic progress issues. HCTC had a recent Title III visit. The auditor asked difficult questions but was very pleased with HCTC’s program and the use of resources to facilitate retention efforts.
Bookstore Changes: Barnes and Noble will be replaced by BibliU, effective as of July 1, 2026. HCTC’s leadership has met with KCTCS leadership and representatives from BibliU to discuss the transition. HCTC is hopeful of retaining the current bookstore staff through the transition.
Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements: Dr. Lindon updated the board on ongoing and planned facilities projects, including renovations, new signage, the master facilities plan, and the future of Jackson Hall, with discussions about abatement, potential outdoor teaching spaces, and community input on amphitheater designs.
Campus Renovations and Signage: Minor renovations and new signage were completed on the Hazard and Lees College campuses, improving wayfinding and supporting the broader facilities plan developed in coordination with KCTCS.
Jackson Hall Feasibility and Abatement: A feasibility study determined that preserving Jackson Hall is not financially viable; the college is exploring outdoor teaching spaces and will begin abatement for asbestos, with project bids expected soon and community input sought for future use.
Amphitheater and Community Space Discussion: Dr. Lindon and board members discussed the potential for an amphitheater or event space at the Lees campus, considering local needs and existing facilities, with plans to revisit designs with internal and community stakeholders.
Performance Funding and Governance Advocacy: Dr. Lindon briefed the board on ongoing advocacy efforts regarding state performance funding disparities, potential changes to governance and accreditation structures, and the impact of federal legislative developments on grant availability, emphasizing the need for board awareness and involvement.
Performance Funding Disparities: Colleges not benefiting from performance funding, including HCTC, are advocating for one-time state dollars and revised metrics to address disparities with larger institutions; board members may be called upon to support these efforts.
Federal Legislative Impact: The board was informed that a Congressional resolution will shut down the Appalachian Regional Commission in 2026, potentially affecting grant funding, with the college monitoring developments closely.
Governance Structure Changes: Discussions are underway about possible changes to KCTCS governance, including single accreditation models, new board structures, and advisory boards with county-wide and industry representation; James committed to keeping the board updated on these changes.
Enrollment and Student Demographics: Dr. Lindon shared final fall enrollment numbers, highlighting a headcount of 3,074 students and a breakdown by county, noting strong numbers and areas for growth, and discussed the impact of dual credit and associate degree attainment among high school students.
Events, Outreach, and Community Engagement: Dr. Lindon summarized recent and upcoming events, including conferences, festivals, recruitment activities, and partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, emphasizing their role in marketing, recruitment, and student support.
Community and Recruitment Events: The college hosted a variety of events such as mini conferences, trunk or treats, Rotary Day, roadshows, car shows for Skills USA, and academic career planning conferences, all aimed at engaging students and the community.
Board Meeting Scheduling: Dr. Lindon and the board discussed and set tentative dates for upcoming board meetings in February and April, with flexibility for revisions as needed to align with budget approval timelines.
Meeting Date Selection: Chair Weinberg entertained a motion to approve February 12th and April 30th as board meeting dates subject to revision, if needed. Chuck Davidson made the motion to approve. Gary Smith seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Officer Elections Process: Bill Weinberg announced their intention to step down as chairman after seven years. Chair Weinberg entertained a motion to go into executive session to elect new officers. Dew Gorman made the motion. Charlene Fugate seconded. The motion to enter executive session was approved.
Non-voting members Jackie Hall and Deronda Mobelini at the board meeting and those who were present to provide additional information or support were asked to leave the meeting.
Prompting nominations for new officers; Dew nominated Bart Francis for chairman, and the board entered executive session to discuss and vote on the new leadership.
Chair entertained a motion to adjourn. Gary Smith made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Davidson seconded the motion. Adjournment unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned.
