Advisory Council Minutes Thursday, April 11, 2024

Others Present: President Mike White, Lisa LeFevre, Camille Rose, Eddie Trenkle, Bronson Moton, Brian Lewton, Rachelle Davis, Brock White, Jesse Quinlin, Patricia Meier, Cate Trenkle, Steve Smith, Dang Diew, Jalen Foy, Seneya Martinez, Genesis Sweetwine, Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck, A’mya Winfrey, Bryan Amezcua, Bianca Bindzus, Kaleb Duncan, Rori Masterson, Leo Morales, Ruben Paris, Samuel Paris, Dante Walcott, Joep Ter Wolbeek and Callie Jones from the Sterling Journal Advocate.

1. Karla Rosas, 2023-2024 Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:35pm.
2. The group participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. The agenda for the April 11, 2024 Advisory Council Meeting was approved as presented. Felicia Rodriguez made the motion to approve the agenda and Kevin Blankenship seconded the motion. Since no quorum was present, a subsequent email vote was conducted with unanimous approval. 
4. The minutes of the February 8, 2023 Advisory Council Meeting were approved as presented. Felicia Rodriguez made the motion to approve the minutes and Kevin Blankenship seconded the motion. Since no quorum was present, a subsequent email vote was conducted with unanimous approval. 
5. NEW FACULTY/STAFF INTRODUCTIONS – Jeri Estrada, HR Director
   1. Joshua Burton (not present) – new Women’s Soccer Coach
   2. Patricia Meier – new Administrative Assistant in Math/Science Department
   3. Rick Myers (not present) – new Structural Trades II in the Physical Plant Department
6. CELEBRATING SUCCESS:
   1. STUDENT SUCCESS
      1. Rising Star Award Winners – Brant Davis
         1. NJC has two students who have been selected for the Rising Star Awards:
            1. Kellum Carnahan
               1. Kellum Carnahan is a sophomore from Julesburg, Colorado, currently studying Animal Science and Agriculture Business at Northeastern Junior College. He is also a member of the NJC Livestock Judging Team and was recently featured on the NJC episode of The College Tour TV series. Kellum enjoys looking at livestock, singing, playing and creating his own country and worship music, and raising cattle. In his free time, Kellum participates in both College Farm Bureau and NJC Aggies, and participates in the worship team for the campus ministry, The Source. After NJC, he plans to attend Kansas State University to further pursue his animal science and ag business degree as well as continue his judging career.  For his long-term career goals, Kellum plans to pursue a livestock judging coach position at the college or university level after he receives his master’s degree with a long-term goal of raising registered Angus cattle in hopes of making the beef industry more efficient and profitable for the commercial rancher. When asked what he is most passionate about, Kellum says, “One of my biggest goals in life is to inspire the people around me to be the best version of themselves they can. I love coaching livestock judging and am passionate about spreading the love of Christ to the world.” Kellum also graciously volunteers his time as an assistant coach for the Phillips County 4H Judging Team and the NJC Freshman Judging Team.

            2. Erin Williams

               • Erin Williams is an NJC Sophomore from Fresno, California currently studying Liberal Arts at Northeastern. She is also a member of the NJC Women’s Basketball team. In her free time, Erin enjoys reading, cooking, and writing music, most of all, playing basketball.  Her career goals include becoming a music songwriter and producer. After NJC, Erin plans to attend a 4-year university to study business or marine biology. She is extremely passionate about ocean cleaning causes that manage to lessen the pollution in the ocean and care for the animals in that environment.

         2. Student Ambassadors – Camille Rose
            • Campus visits would not be possible without the Student Ambassadors, who highlighted their ability to connect with visitors and highlight the campus.   Each introduced themselves:
            • Bryan Amezcua
              • Major: Sports Medicine
              • Hometown: Denver, CO
            • Bianca Bindzus
              • Major: Engineering
              • Hometown: Rodovre, Denmark
            • Kaleb Duncan
              • Major: Fire Science
              • Hometown: Crook, CO
            • Rori Masterson
              • Major: Animal Science & Agriculture Business
              • Hometown: Torrington, WY
            • Leo Morales
              • Major: Business
              • Hometown: Aurora, CO
            • Ruben Paris
              • Major: Communications
              • Hometown: Dijon, France
            • Samuel Paris
              • Major: Communications
              • Hometown: Dijon, France
            • Dante Walcott
              • Major: Science
              • Hometown: Long, England
            • Joep Ter Wolbeek
              • Major: Business
              • Hometown: Heemsted, Netherlands
         3. Men’s & Women’s Basketball Student Athlete Honors – Eddie Trenkle/Bronson Moton
            • Men’s Basketball
              • Dang Diew – Region IX All-Conference Third Team
              • Jalen Foy – Region IX All-Conference First Team 
            • Women’s Basketball
              • Seneya Martinez – Region IX All-Conference Team & All-American Third Team
              • Genesis Sweetwine – Region IX All-Conference Team
              • Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck – Region IX All-Conference Team
              • A’mya Winfrey – Region IX All Conference Team
   2. FACULTY SUCCESS
      1. Crystal Apple Award Winner – Cate Trenkle
         • Melissa Bornhoft (not present), Monahan Learning Center Assistant Director, is instrumental in the addition of the Colorado Online courses we took on this spring and the Rural College Consortium. She also handles a lot of the backside of the payroll duties.
         • Melissa was not present, she was with her new twin granddaughters.
7. ITEMS

   1. Commencement – Steve Smith

      1. Steve included a brief summary of why we have two ceremonies dating back to 2019.

      2. Steve handed out the program for commencement.

   2. ATC Project Update – Lisa LeFevre

      1. Lisa reported the ATC Project is moving along. Lisa spoke about the welding program expansion and transformer. The metal building will be delivered in June.
      2. We received state funding for an elevator for Walker Hall.
      3. Funding for Knowles hall roof replacement – project completed.
8. PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Mike White
   1. Enrollment up 3/3% this spring to build on the 5% growth in the fall.   Summer looking strong, too early for fall predictions.
   2. Discussed progress in Paramedic and Certified Medical Aide courses in progress. Strong connection to community needs.
   3. Discussed CO Online transition and growth. Highlighted efforts of the campus to leverage our share for revenue. Over 120 courses taught to date with more coming in summer and fall.
   4. Discussed the record number of high school visits to campus and the tremendous job by Camille and her team hosting these potential students.   Highlighted the Regional FFA Competition.
   5. Grounded our values and efforts for the good of our students. Those here today highlight the quality of these students and we have many more like them!
9. REPORTS
   1. Associated Student Government (ASG) Report – Brock White
      1. Brock reported that ASG held officer elections for the next school year. The results will be released soon.
      2. ASG Officers are planning their end of the year banquet.
   2. Faculty Senate Report – Brian Lewton
      1. Brian reported that their last meeting will take place on April 19.
      2. Working on the interfacing component of the state system rollout of remaining Colorado Online courses for fall 2024.
      3. New Faculty Senate President for next year will be Dr. Deb Stump.
10. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION  
    1. Jesse Quinlin, Marketing Director, shared the upcoming events taking place across campus.
    2. April 19&20 – “Almost, Maine” Theater Production – 7pm – ESF Theater – Free of Charge
    3. April 22 – Business Awards Night – 5:30pm – TAG
    4. April 30 – Agriculture Banquet – 5:30pm – HSC Ballroom
    5. May 1 – Math & Science Awards – 5:30pm – ESF Atrium
    6. May 4 – Pack the Park Baseball Game – 5:30pm – Plainsman Park – 9 innings of Giveaways over $500 per inning!
    7. May 4 – Spring Music Ensemble Concert – 7pm – ESF Theater - $5 for Community Members
    8. May 6 – Athletic Petey’s Awards – 7pm – BCEC
    9. May 7-10 – Final Exams Day Classes
    10. May 9 - The Source Baccalaureate Ceremony – 4:30pm – TAG
    11. May 9 – Honors Banquet – 6pm – HSC Ballroom
    12. May 9 – Nursing Pinning Ceremony – 6pm – ESF Theater
    13. May 10 – Commencement Exercises 10am & 2pm
11. ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 2:22pm.

​​​​​​​Respectfully Submitted,

Shawn Rose

 Recording Secretary