ANC Board of Trustees Held Meeting December 13, 2023

 

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met Wednesday, December 13, 2023, for their last meeting of the year. Director for Human Resources Tabatha Hampton addressed the board regarding a new wellness program for employees. The Board approved the voluntary WellYou Program for full-time employees. The goal of WellYou is to increase the health and well-being of all ANC employees through a comprehensive program designed to promote mental and physical health. Through the program, employees will be granted a two-hour time waiver per week to participate in wellness activities, and eight hours of Wellness Leave per calendar year for a wellness exam. In addition to the employee benefits of a healthier lifestyle, ANC could benefit through better performance and lessened medical claims.

Hampton also presented a change to the College’s Catastrophic Leave Policy that was recommended by the Catastrophic Leave Committee and The Administrative Affairs Committee. The College maintains a bank of unused leave by employees that can then be utilized by employees needing leave for catastrophic illnesses or events. ANC’s current policy does not include maternity leave. Act 182 of 2017 established paid maternity leave through the catastrophic leave bank program. The Act allowed eligible employees four (4) weeks of paid leave after the birth of the employee’s child or placement of an adoptive child in the employee’s home without having to exhaust leave. The Board approved adding the Maternity Leave Act to the Catastrophic Leave Policy as well as changing the current waiting period from two (2) years to one (1) year to align with FMLA Guidelines.

In other news, new Vice President for Instruction/Chief Academic Officer Ryan Perkins presented a change for faculty hours. As the search for qualified faculty becomes more challenging, the staff considered opportunities to make the College’s instructional positions more competitive. As a part of this process, the policy regarding faculty workload was reviewed. The current policy 4.39 requires 15 credit hours of instruction per week and 15 hours of office time per week. This is equivalent to a thirty (30) hour work week for fulltime faculty. A survey was conducted with two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the state, and it was determined that Arkansas Northeastern College currently requires more office hours than the majority of other institutions. Additionally, a number of institutions allow for a number of the office hours to be virtual. After consideration of similar policies and practices in higher education, the staff recommended a change to the Faculty Office Hour Policy. The following changes were reviewed and approved by both the Academic Affairs Committee and the Administrative Affairs Committee. The Board approved reducing the number of office hours per week from (15) to ten (10) and that, of the ten (10) office hours, two (2) could be virtual. This would define the fulltime faculty work week as twenty-five (25) hours. Faculty are still expected to be available and participate in departmental, division, and college-wide meetings and/or activities that may exceed the twenty-five (25) hours per week. As per the current policy, faculty would continue to be required to have office hours, either live or virtual, Monday through Friday to meet contract obligations and to offer afternoon and/or evening hours.

In his President’s Report, Dr. Christopher Heigle discussed the College’s need for a new roof for the John P. Sullins Building. The advanced age of the roof is making it more difficult to manage all the needed repairs. This will be a significant cost, and Dr. Heigle wanted the Board to know that he and staff were developing a plan to not only provide for a new roof but to also tend to other deferred maintenance issues at the College.

In closing, Dr. Christopher Heigle thanked everyone for a wonderful year. He invited everyone to the ANC Choir concert being held in the A Concourse of the John P. Sullins Building on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:30 pm and shared that there would be an opportunity for pictures with Santa beforehand, starting at 4:30.

ANC Board of Trustees Meeting Held August 16, 2023

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, marking the first official board meeting under to tutelage of new ANC President Dr. Christopher Heigle.

ANC Vice President for Administration Don Ray presented the financial report for the College with the Board approving the financial statements for the fiscal year ending June, 2023. 

In other news, the Board was given a personnel update. Three faculty members earned rank. They are Dustin Kemper Professor/History Instructor, Dianne Miller Assistant Professor/Practical Nursing Instructor, Gloria Stromire Assistant Professor/Practical Nursing Instructor. Additionally the Board approved the following new hires: 

• Jonathan Carmack, English Instructor 

• Courtney Kueter, Associate Degree Nursing Instructor 

• Jessica Smith, Computer Information Systems Instructor 

• Sonia Smith, Admissions Counselor/Recruiter 

• Kelsey Stallings, Career Coach 

The Board also approved acceptance of four grant continuations. The Career Pathways Initiative (TANF) Grant 2023-2024; Educational Talent Search (ETS) Grant Award Notification 2023-24; Arkansas Career Coach Grant Award Notification 2023-24; and Adult Education Grant Award 2023-24, were all presented.

The Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) is an employability program that provides residents in Arkansas with assistance in obtaining the education and training necessary for gainful employment. The CPI program operates under a case management approach to provide individualized academic and career advising, as well as financial support for tuition/fees, books, childcare, and transportation. In 2022-23, the program served 323 students with 131 completing at least one credential and 96 percent going to work. Based on this successful performance, the College was notified that the Career Pathways Initiative Grant Award has been awarded $642,756 for the 2023-24 fiscal academic year.

The Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program is an access program designed to assist school-aged children in grades 6-12 in programs and activities that guide them to college and careers. The program requires the advisors to serve 1,068 participants in 14 public schools in 3 counties throughout Arkansas and Missouri. Services include ACT preparation, financial literacy, FAFSA assistance, college tours, study skills enhancement, and more. All services are offered at no cost to the students. ANC was notified that its Educational Talent Search program has been awarded $616,172 for the FY2023-24 fiscal year which is a 4% increase from 2022-23. The Board approved acceptance of the grant award in the amount of $616,172.

Arkansas Northeastern College has been awarded program continuation for the Career Coach grant from the Arkansas Department of Elementary & Secretary Education (DESE) - Career & Technical Education in the amount of $245,744.00 for the 2023-24 academic years. This grant is designated for the purpose of ensuring that area students in grades 8-12 have the opportunity and support needed to increase their knowledge, skills, and educational attainment by providing them with college and career guidance. This grant from DESE will provide 50% of the funds needed to support full-time career coaches at Armorel, Gosnell, Blytheville, Osceola, and Rivercrest. The remaining costs for the program will be divided between the school district partners and the college. Activities supported by the grant will include career exploration, college visits/enrollment assistance, and workplace readiness experiences.

Notification was also received by the College of grant continuation from the Arkansas Department of Career Education for the Adult Education program in the 2023-2024 academic years. This award includes funding of four grants to be used solely for Mississippi County. These funds total $374,443.45.

Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp Created to Answer Need for Future Growth

 

Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp Created to Answer Need for Future Growth

A $1.2 million grant from the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) to the Arkansas Northeast College (ANC) is helping create the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp. The boot camp, a job skills initiative projected to train over 1,000 Arkansans in its first year, is designed to meet the need for skilled workers in this growing industry.

Over the past few years, Mississippi County in Northeast Arkansas has become a significant steelmaking hub. Companies like Big River Steel/U.S. Steel, Nucor-Yamato Steel, Nucor Steel Arkansas, Highbar Steel, Tenaris, Majestic Steel USA, Lexicon, Atlas Tube, Arkansas Steel Processing, Ratner Steel, SMS Milcraft, Primetals, and others are either expanding current operations or constructing new plants. The area boasts a variety of transportation options and a motivated workforce that are attractive to manufacturers.

“The mission of OSD is to strategically invest in all levels of the Arkansas workforce. This grant represents the state’s support of the expansion of the steel industry in Northeast Arkansas and the need for a strong workforce in the area. Creating a condensed training benefits the companies who have chosen to invest here and individuals looking for an in-demand, high-wage career.” Said Cody Waits, OSD Director.

Bootcamp provides entry-level knowledge for those entering the steelmaking industry. Graduates of the two-week, 80-hour boot camp receive an OSHA-10 General Industry Certification, First Aid/CPR Certification, and a Certificate of Program Completion. Each boot camp can accommodate 25 participants in a cycle. The first-year ANC will offer 20 cohorts and partner with other colleges like Black River Technical College, East Arkansas Community College, Arkansas State University-Newport, & Arkansas State University-Midsouth to offer another 22.

Arkansas Northeastern College President Dr. Christopher Heigle is excited about this new initiative and proud of the partnerships forged to meet the needs of his service area. “This tremendous opportunity afforded to us through the Arkansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Skills Development, has made it possible for Arkansas Northeastern College to greatly expand what we do to help meet the needs of our steel industry and its anticipated growth over the next few years,” said Heigle, adding, “We have wonderful relationships with our sister institutions, and their support in joining in this effort will allow us all to apply our skills and abilities to offer the Steelmaking Bootcamp throughout all of Northeast Arkansas. This initiative will provide our steel industry with a far-greater pool of prepared job applicants, illustrating a truly regional approach to workforce and economic development. This is the most exciting project I've ever worked on, and I am honored to be at the helm of such an innovative and workforce-focused institution.”

“Like any other industry, steelmaking has a specific skill set. While much of those skills are taught on the job, knowledge of safety procedures, hydraulics and pneumatics, technical math, blueprint reading, and basic safety with heavy equipment creates a strong foundation for those seeking a career in steelmaking.” According to Waits, “Our investment covers training fees, materials, and salaries, so students can take advantage of the boot camp at no cost.”

This new collaboration brings together community colleges from across the Northeast region of the state to proactively work toward meeting future needs of the growing steel industry in Mississippi County.

"Black River Technical College is excited to partner with ANC, the premier trainer in steelmaking, to offer this incredible opportunity to more residents of North East Arkansas. This partnership will undoubtedly transform hundreds of lives and greatly enhance our communities,” said BRTC President Dr. Martin Eggensperger.

Dr. Cathie Cline of East Arkansas Community College shared in the excitement of being a part of the Steelmaking Bootcamp initiative. “Workforce development is the key component of economic development, and East Arkansas Community College is proud to partner with an outstanding group of peer colleges in doing what we do best: training workers for jobs. We are honored to be included in this opportunity to contribute to the state’s economic development goals and to connect the participants we serve with jobs that sustain families and change lives.”

Bringing in the community colleges outside of Arkansas Northeastern College’s service area allows surrounding counties the opportunity to train their residents for high wage, high demand careers in the steel industry while bolstering the workforce for Mississippi County.

“Arkansas State University Mid-South is excited to partner with Arkansas Northeastern College to bring the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp to Crittenden County. Through shared resources and expertise, we will be able to provide short-term technical training for those seeking employment in the rapidly growing steel industry in Northeast Arkansas. It’s truly a win-win. Industry partners will benefit by knowing potential employees have the basic knowledge needed to be successful, and program completers will have a competitive advantage when seeking employment. And the best part for program participants is that, thanks to a grant from the Office of Skills Development, the only thing it costs them is time,” Dr. Debra West, Chancellor, ASU MidSouth.

“This partnership illustrates how well Arkansas two-year colleges collaborate with each other and with industry in order to quickly and nimbly meet their training needs. I am proud that our state and our communities are benefiting from our ability to unify as one powerful force for economic and workforce development,” added Cline.

Dr. Johnny Moore, Chancellor for ASU Newport also touts the partnership for creating more opportunities for more people. “Partnering is key to filling anticipated jobs in the steel industry. By emphasizing partnerships, we are defining this new era of higher education as one of growth through cooperation rather than retrenchment.”

Arkansas Northeastern College has been providing training for the steel industry for more than 25 years, including offering a two-year degree in Steel Industry Technology. The sharing of this experience and expertise coupled with the financial support of the Office of Skills Development, gives the Steelmaking Bootcamp less hurdles to overcome in bringing qualified workers to area industry.

“Great things happen when people work together and put positive energy into the greater good. The Steelmaking Bootcamp initiative is an example of just that. This is a win-win for everyone, but mostly for the communities we serve. I am proud to be a part of something so big that will benefit so many. Our industrial partners are very important to the viability of our communities, and we will always work to provide them the training they need,” said Heigle.

More Info: https://www.anc.edu/thesolutionsgroup/steelmakingbootcamp/index.htm 

ANC Board of Trustees Meeting Held June 21, 2023

ANC Board of Trustee Members with Dr. Shemwell (Pictured L to R): Mr. Randy Scott, Mr. Curtis Walker, Dr. Anes Abraham, Dr. James Shemwell, Mr. Dan Ritchey, and Mr. Gordon Miller.
Not pictured: Mr. Clif Chitwood and Mr. Lowery Robinson

*** 

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met Wednesday, June 21, 2023, for their regularly scheduled meeting, marking the last board meeting for retiring President Dr. James Shemwell who officially ends his service on June 30, 2023.   

ANC Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Heigle, who will become the College’s fifth president on July 1, presented the Board with a report of summer enrollment. The enrollment remained somewhat steady with a slight decrease in headcount of 411 compared to 434 in 2022, and with 2,050 credit hours being taken this summer compared to 2,050 in the summer of 1825. Students still have time to enroll for the fall term.  

Dr. Heigle provided information pertaining to requests for several new positions. On March 1, Arkansas Department of Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald, along with the department directors for the Office of Skills Development and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission met at the ANC campus with local leaders representing the major steel-related employers in Mississippi County, including Nucor-Yamato Steel, Nucor Steel Arkansas, U.S. Steel/Big River Steel, HiBar Steel, Tenaris, Majestic Steel, and Lexicon Steel, as well as ANC personnel. The meeting was arranged and hosted by the Great River Economic Development Foundation. 

During this discussion, local employers expressed a desire for basic steel-related training for over 1,000 anticipated new hires in the foreseeable future. Secretary McDonald invited ANC to submit a proposal for training dollars to fund the needed training expressed by the local employers. ANC brought forth the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp which is a job skills initiative designed to prepare people for the urgent labor demand in the steel manufacturing industry in Mississippi County. The Bootcamp is comprised of 80 hours of workforce education and training that provides participants with entry level knowledge for entering a career in steelmaking. The Bootcamp proposal intends to train 1,050 participants during the first year. The 80-hour Bootcamp will be offered over a two-week period (M-F) with open entry, meaning that participants will not have to wait until the next cycle begins to start training. Participants may enter in the midst of a two-week cycle and finish the training during the following cycle. The Bootcamp will accommodate up to 25 participants per cycle. During the first year, the Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) will offer 20 cohorts for a total of 40 training weeks during the year in Mississippi County. 

ANC’s partner colleges (Black River Technical College, East Arkansas Community College, Arkansas State University Newport, & Arkansas State University-MidSouth) will offer another 22 cohorts (collectively) across Northeast Arkansas. Participants will enter the Bootcamp via two methods; 1) direct company placement and 2) Bootcamp application pool. Company partners may enter new hires directly into the Bootcamp without going through the Bootcamp application process. Other participants from the general public will be recruited by ANC and its partner colleges via local and regional job fairs by way of direct mail, outdoor advertising, newspaper, cable advertising, and social media as initiated by the Bootcamp Coordinator. General public participants will complete a Bootcamp application which will allow for the administration of basic blind screens, such as minimum work experience, high school diploma, etc. as established by company partners’ minimum standards. Final selections will be made by mutual agreement of company partners and participants. The Board approved the Bootcamp proposal which includes funding for a full-time Bootcamp Coordinator as well as training dollars to add three full-time trainers. These additional positions will afford the College more flexibility, timeliness, and nimbleness in meeting training/staffing needs of local steel industry employers as part of the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp project. Currently, the Office of Skills Development/Arkansas Department of Commerce has indicated that an MOU for full funding of the project is forthcoming. The total amount requested is $1,213,800 with ANC’s portion being $602,000. The anticipated cost of salaries and fringe for the proposed personnel would be approximately $350,000. The Board’s approval is subject to OSD fulfilling the commitment to fund the initiative.

In other news, Dr. Heigle reported that in June 2012, ANC leased from the ANC Foundation the former Mo-Ark Communications property located immediately south of and adjacent to the College for the purpose of leasing the property to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services. The ADWS office has been a part of the ANC campus since that time. ADWS announced on May 30, 2023, the closure of nine local offices including the office in Blytheville. The termination of the lease by ADWS effective June 30, 2023, allows the facility to be leased back to the College from the foundation for anticipated growth related to the Solutions Group and the Arkansas Steelmaking Bootcamp project that could put pressure on the College in terms of needed office space. Executive staff plan to pursue an independent appraisal of a fair market rental that could be paid by ANC to the ANC Foundation for use of the existing building and parking lot. The Board approved, subject to the establishment of a fair market rental value and approval of the ANC Foundation, a new Memorandum of Understanding between ANC and the ANC Foundation whereby ANC rents the soon-to-be-former ADWS property from the ANC Foundation for use as office and/or teaching space.    

ANC Interim Vice President for Instruction June Walters presented the Board with the College’s annual Minority Report, stating Arkansas Northeastern College’s commitment to the recruitment and retention of minorities represented in its faculty, staff, and students. Ms. Walters reported various programs and activities that have been instituted to accomplish this goal. 

A personnel report was given and the Board welcomed new employee Chelsey Ellis as an Early College Specialist. Additionally, they approved three employees for new positions as Dr. Heigle will become President on July 1. At that same time, Ms. Mindy Walker will become the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Ms. KeTierra Jones will take over as the Director for Financial Aid. 

In other business, the Board approved acceptance of a Student Support Services Grant.    Student Support Services (SSS) is a long-standing program at ANC as part of the TRIO initiative designed to assist first-generation college students with basic college requirements and academic development, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The program requires 175 participants to be served during each grant year. The College was notified that its Student Support Services program received a 4% increase, bringing the award total from $335,111 to $348,515 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.   

Before conclusion of the meeting, the ANC Board of Trustees approved Resolution 79, to be spread upon the permanent minutes, expressing the appreciation of the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College and its College community to Dr. James R. Shemwell, for his 29 years of service to the College.

***

At the close of the meeting, ANC Board of Trustee members presented retiring ANC President Dr. James Shemwell with a certificate whereby they have established a scholarship through the ANC Foundation in his honor.  Anyone wishing to donate toward the Dr. James R. Shemwell Honorary Scholarship Fund can contact Rachel Gifford at 870-838-2902 or by donating directly online at https://www.anc.edu/donate and enter "SHEMWELL" in the description box.  All donations made to the ANC Foundation are tax deductible.

ANC Holds Board of Trustees Meeting

 

New ANC Board of Trustees Chairman Randy Scott (LEFT) presents outgoing Chairman Curtis Walker with a plaque of appreciation for Mr. Walker's services as Chairman of the Board from February 2020 through February 2023.

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Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees gathered for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, where members the College’s operating budget for the 2023-2024 year.

Based on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Board passed the College’s Operating Budget for 2023-24. The budget reflects the College’s budget development process, which considered department funding requests in support of personnel operations, services, and equipment. There will be a $1 tuition increase for the year with in-county resident tuition to be $75 per credit hour for the first 18 credit hours only, $85 per credit hour for out-of-county residents including Missouri Bootheel, and $135 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. Despite increases in technology usage, the College will not raise its technology fee from its current amount of $15 per credit hour. ANC’s annual tuition/mandatory fee rate will remain the lowest among Arkansas’ colleges for 2023-24. 

The Board also approved the Academic Calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year. Registration for both the Summer and Fall Semesters is currently underway. The new calendar shows that registration for the Fall 2023 semester will end on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, with classes for the Fall 2023 Semester beginning on Monday, August 14.

In other business, the Board approved several new employees including: Michea' Caruthers as Administrative Specialist I, Educational Talent Search (Grant-Funded), Anthony Mula as Electricity & Electronics Instructor, Terrie Kennett as Adult Education Instructor (Grant Funded), Allen Holmquist as Steel Technology Instructor (Grant-Funded), and Robert Davis as Construction Technology Instructor (Grant-Funded).

ANC President Dr. James Shemwell announced that on April 28, ANC will host the 10th Annual Best Practices Symposium on its Main Campus in Blytheville. American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Senior Vice President for Academic and Workforce Development Jennifer Worth will be the College’s special guest for this year’s event. The Symposium event is designed to celebrate various best practices across the organization, including a broad menu of presentations by faculty and staff members. Organizations typically spend considerable time and effort analyzing and correcting things that produce less than desired results (things that go wrong) but do not spend enough time celebrating and consolidating gains from best practices (things that go right). The Symposium provides a calendared date and structure to celebrate and learn from all the many things going right, as well as how best practices in one area might be leveraged in other areas. AACC Senior VP Worth is attending the event to glean knowledge about best practices at ANC, as well as learning about the Symposium event itself, to share information across the country. 

Heigle Named 5th President of Arkansas Northeastern College

 

HEIGLE NAMED 5th PRESIDENT OF ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE

Arkansas Northeastern College has named Dr. Christopher Heigle as the new president for the
institution, making him the fifth President in the College’s 48 year history. This announcement
comes five months after the announcement of current president Dr. James Shemwell’s plans to retire June 30, 2023.

Heigle, who is a native of Heber Springs, has been with Arkansas Northeastern College since
2020, and first came to the College as the Director of Federal Grant Development and Special
Projects where he was successful in gaining designation for Arkansas Northeastern College as an eligible institution for the federal cost-share waiver. This allowed ANC to pursue further funding opportunities which resulted in an additional $350,000 in federal support for the College. During that time he earned his doctorate from the University of Memphis in higher and adult education then was promoted to the Vice President for Student Affairs, a position he has held since July 2021 to the present. Heigle came to Arkansas Northeastern College after serving more than eight years at East Arkansas Community College where he last served as Associate Vice President for Student Success. In addition to his experience in education, he also served as a staff member for former Congressman Marion Berry until Berry’s retirement in 2011.

Dr. Heigle has a passion for public service and brings a wealth of community service and civic engagement experience to the College as well as an understanding of and appreciation for workforce development. He has served on the boards of both the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Forrest City Chamber of Commerce, having served as the president of the latter. He is also a current member of the Blytheville Lions Club.

Dr. Heigle is a graduate of the Blytheville Leadership Institute, the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute, and the Crittenden County Leadership Institute. Additionally, he has completed the Midsouth Basic Economic Developers Course offered through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

“Dr. Heigle is a highly qualified and experienced leader in higher education, government relations, and economic development, making him an excellent fit as the next leader at Arkansas Northeastern College. He and his family have made Mississippi County their home and we are very happy to have his vision and leadership as we plan to move Arkansas Northeastern College forward,” said Randy Scott, Chairman of the ANC Board of Trustees.

Heigle and his wife Amber reside in Osceola with their daughter Hollyn.

The Steel Tech Academy Among Topics Discussed at the Latest ANC Board of Trustees Meeting

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of trustees met for its regularly scheduled meeting where members approved the use of $250,000 gift (over two years) through the ANC Foundation from U.S. Steel and Entergy Arkansas to fund a Steel Tech Academy. The U. S. Steel Corporation, through Big River Steel, and Entergy Arkansas have entered into this partnership with the Arkansas Northeastern College to support efforts to train students through, what will be, the country’s only Steel Tech Academy for high school students. ANC is already home to the Arkansas Steelmaking Academy (ASA), an international training hub that began as a partnership between ANC and the SMS group in 2018 and focuses upon advancing economic development by training a skilled steelmaking workforce. This new partnership expands the goal and has been formed to help build a sustainable pipeline of workforce talent from local high schools within the context of ASA.

This partnership includes an investment, through the ANC Foundation, of $75,000 from Entergy
Arkansas and $175,000 from U.S. Steel over a two-year period. U. S. Steel also has committed to invest $50,000 up front to fund training equipment and software purchases. The Steel Tech Academy is envisioned as a two-year program, with the first year taking place during students’ senior year in high school and the second year continuing after high school graduation. ANC will begin recruiting students for the Steel Tech Academy with an “Internship Week” held this summer to allow U. S. Steel/Big River Steel Works and other partners to make presentations, interview interested candidates for internship and make internship offers to specific students.

The proposed structure currently allows for 25 students entering each year. Students participating in the Academy will be immersed in steelmaking processes, industrial technology and manufacturing principles to prepare them for making immediate contributions in the industry upon completion of the program. A major appeal to potential Academy participants will be the opportunity for paid internships. Internships will immerse students in steelmaking operations under the supervision of company personnel. Internships will occur around class schedules in coordination with U.S. Steel and other steel partners. Upon program completion, participants will earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in Steel Industry Technology, as well as various Certificates of Proficiency depending upon electives taught/taken during the program’s delivery. Counting the student’s senior year in high school, the program will take two years and three months to complete.

Board members present were given an enrollment report by ANC Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Christopher Heigle. ANC saw a slight increase for this Spring Semester with a total headcount of 1,287 as compared to last Spring’s number of 1,179. The total number of credit hours this Spring is 9,926 as compared to 9,385 last Spring. ANC faculty have continued to work very hard to provide their students with instruction utilizing a variety of methods.

Reported personnel changes included the hiring of Karen Allmon as Administrative Specialist I for the Student Support Services Program(Grant-Funded), Justin Branch as Administrative Specialist I for the Student Affairs Department, and Jernal Woods as Advisor for the Educational Talent Search Program (Grant-Funded).

Additionally the Board approved authorization to add one 3/4th-time Adult Education Instructor faculty position. The 3/4 th time instructor will deliver Adult Education instruction through distance education and on site at ANC Leachville Center. This position will be paid for by Adult Education grant funds.

In other news, the Board approved acceptance of additional Career Pathways Initiative funding with Ed Pays ($29,500) and Work-Based Learning ($2,175) grant awards for the current fiscal year 2022-23. The Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) is an employability program that provides Arkansas residents with assistance in obtaining the education and training necessary for gainful employment. CPI is funded annually by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant that is administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) as a fiscal agent for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, the direct recipient of the Federal funding for CPI.

For 16 years, the CPI program has operated under a case management approach to provide individualized academic and career advising, as well as direct student support to cover costs such as tuition/fees, books, childcare, and transportation. The outcomes for ANC’s CPI program have led the State for 16 of the 17 years, often by wide margins. For the FY2022-23 year, ADHE launched the Ed Pays program where qualifying students can earn financial incentives as follows:

 Credit Enrollment = $100
 Mid-Term Successful Progress (GPA of 2.0 or higher) = $300
 Successful Semester Completion (GPA of 2.0 or higher = $300
 Program Completion/Employment = $500
 Non-Credit (such as the WORK program) Program Completion/Employment = $500

ADHE has issued an additional $29,500 (Ed Pays) and $2,175 (Work-Based Learning). Work-Based Learning is designed to provide real-life work experience for CPI students, allowing them to receive technical training to further develop employability skills and build a resume for future job opportunities.

Before closing, the board elected its officers for the 2023 year:
Chairman, Mr. Randy Scott of Blytheville
Vice Chairman, Gordon Miller of Leachville
Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Anes Abraham of Blytheville