National Park College to rename math, science building

National Park College will host a ceremony in October to formally rename the current Mathematics and Science Building.

President John Hogan announced the decision during the monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees in the Gerald Fisher Campus Center. The ceremony has been planned for 4 p.m. on Oct. 13.

"Our feeling is that we have a rich history between the mergers of the campuses, trying to preserve that, and also we have a couple of trustees who are going to be retiring from the board at the end of the year," Hogan said. "We thought it was timely to make sure that not just their legacy, but the legacy of your service was preserved."

Hogan said the college plans to recognize multiple trustees, as well as members of the faculty and staff. The two retiring trustees are the board's two longest-serving members.

Board chairman Gene Parker and vice chairman Ray Donathan have combined to serve on the board for almost 83 years. Parker has served on the board since the college was founded in 1973. Donathan joined the board three years later. The terms for their seats on the board will expire at the end of the calendar year.

Officials said they are optimistic about the college's enrollment numbers for the fall semester. Steve Trusty, vice president for finance and administration, said the college remains in good shape financially.

Trusty said the college conservatively budgeted for a 4 percent decrease in revenue. He said early enrollment numbers suggest revenue may not drop at all.

Jerry Thomas, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said he is also optimistic about the fall count. The college will report official enrollment on Aug. 31, the 11th day of class in the semester.

"This summer was a little atypical because we continued our recruitment efforts in June and July," Thomas said.

Much of the college's recruitment services are focused during the school year from September through May. Thomas said he believes the college will see positive dividends from the additional outreach.

External Affairs helped contact more than 400 students who have worked with the Adult Education department. Students who earn an Arkansas High School Diploma through NPC's Adult Ed services receive a 50 percent scholarship, but the scholarship expires after one year.

Thomas said recruitment staff is working to reach out to strategic partners. He said meetings have already been held with organizations such as Best Buy and LifeNet.

The Student Support Services Talent Search grant was recently renewed for nearly $1.4 million and an additional five years. Talent Search received a perfect score on its application.

The board welcomed new faculty and staff during the first meeting of the 2016-17 academic year. Mike Wiles was recognized by the board in his new role as director of National Park Technology Center. Wiles succeeded Jason Hudnell, who is now dean of enrollment services.

Hudnell reported more than 500 students registered for freshman orientation. The college has previously hosted about 30-40 freshmen at a time for multiple orientation sessions.

Only four sessions were held this year with 150-165 students in each session. Orientation was held in the gym and included games and activities.

Kelli Albrecht, vice president for workforce and strategic initiatives, said Community and Corporate Training increased its fall offering from about 60 courses to more than 100 throughout the semester. The team trained more than 250 individuals during the summer for local business and industry.

Albrecht reported the college's new Pharmacy Technician training program graduated 19 students this year. Four are currently employed, eight have completed or will soon complete externships, 14 obtained state licensures and four have passed national certification exams.

The grant awarded to the college applies to training programs throughout the state. The college is collaborating with Northwest Arkansas Community College and Pulaski Technical College to offer courses in Rogers and Little Rock.

Albrecht said renovations will begin next week in the Innovative Technologies Center facility on Albert Pike Road. Fall classes for drones and Arduino software will take place on campus this fall.

The grant for Child Care Aware of West Central Arkansas at National Park College was increased by $100,000 annually to include three additional counties. Lisa Couch served on a state Child Care Aware committee.

Local on 08/26/2016

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