Minutes No. 264
Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 1
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The regular bimonthly meeting (No. 264) of the Virginia Highlands Community
College Board was held on Thursday, March 10, 2011, beginning with lunch
at 12:00noon, in NEB 920, followed by the meeting in the Boardroom.
Members Present
Bill Chaffin, Washington County
Virgil Wimmer, Washington County
Dr. Mike Rush, Washington County
Tom Counts, Washington County
Ronald Morgan, City of Bristol
Jamey Rector, City of Bristol
Susan Long, City of Bristol
Members Absent
Gordon Tuell, Smyth County
Kimberly Clark, Smyth County
Staff Present
Dr. Ron Proffitt, President and Secretary to the Board
Melinda Leland, Dean, Workforce Training and Continuing Education
David Matlock, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Mary Snead, Accountant
Deb Hale, Human Resource Manager
Joyce Brooks, Director of Operations, Higher Education Center
Robert May, Dean, Science & Engineering Technologies
Amber Johnson, Administrative Assistant to the President
Staff Absent
Debbi Clear, Vice President Instruction and Student Services
Call to Order
In the absence of Mrs. Clark, Ms. Long acted as Chair, at 12:50pm,
Ms. Long called the meeting to order.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Rector, the Board
unanimously approved the minutes of Thursday, January 27, (No. 263).
Public Comments
Mr. Morgan suggested that the Board send a get well card to Mr. Rector’s
mother who has suffered a back injury.
Minutes No. 264
Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Rush, Chair of the DSA Committee explained the credentials of their
recommendation for this year’s award recipient.
By recommendation of the Distinguished Service Award Committee,
seconded by Mr. Morgan, the Board unanimously approved Dr. Jim
Geiger as this year’s DSA recipient.
Upcoming Presidential Review Process
Dr. Proffitt gave brief information that the Presidential Review process
will begin in the near future. The Executive Committee (Clark, Long, Rush)
will be called to meet near the end of May for Dr. Proffitt’s review.
Programs for Elimination
Robert May, Dean of Science and Engineering was on hand to explain the
request for eliminating the following programs:

Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science-Specialization in Computer Science

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Horticulture-Specialization in Turf grass
Management
Due to lack of graduates and enrollment, upon motion of Mr. Morgan,
seconded by Mr. Rector, the Board unanimously approved the
elimination of the above stated programs.
Legislative Update
Dr. Proffitt gave highlights of the current Legislative session and also
mentioned the college’s second trip to Richmond with students visiting
with Legislators on February 9.
In The Spotlight
Sharing positive news with the Board, Dr. Proffitt pointed to the following recent
survey featured In the Spotlight section of the college website, highlighting
student satisfaction.
A recent poll of VHCC students indicates an overwhelming majority are satisfied with their decision
to enroll and feel the college is highly committed to new students.
In fact, 78 percent of VHCC students believe the college has a high or very high level of commitment
to new students and 77 percent are highly or very highly satisfied with their decision to enroll. A similar
survey in 2005 found 67 percent recognized VHCC’s commitment to first-year students and 73 percent
were highly satisfied with their decision to attend.
The results are good news for VHCC faculty and staff involved in the Foundations of Excellence, a
national effort designed to improve the college experience for first-year students. VHCC was one of
10 two-year colleges nationwide to participate in the process in 2005 and help develop a model for use
on two-year campuses.
Minutes No. 264
Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 3
As a result of what was learned then, VHCC revised its advising process, revamped the orientation
course required for all new students, and began offering more student activities. The Quality
Enhancement Plan, a major component in the accreditation process, also focused on the first-year
experience.
The latest survey indicates the new programs have been successful and also helped identify areas
where additional improvements are needed, said QEP Director Kim Morton.
“The feedback we got from students indicates that the new programs have improved the first-year
experience for students,” she said. “The only areas that didn’t do so well were issues related to
transferring and exposure to diversity, so we’re going to take a look and see what we can do to
improve in these areas.”
Comments gathered from students indicate they have received tremendous help establishing goals,
receiving academic help, and becoming part of the campus community.
Parking Fee Increase Request
Dr. Proffitt distributed a brief comparison of all fees for community colleges;
VHCC currently does not have a parking fee. The suggested increase would
generate approximately $27,000/year and go toward paving behind LRC, which
would allow for the motorcycle course (moved from the HEC parking lot).
If approved, the fee would not go into effect until approved by the State Board.
Upon motion of Mr. Morgan, seconded by Dr. Rush, the Board
unanimously approved the $.50 parking fee increase.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Summary of Admissions for Spring 2011
Dr. Proffitt summarized the current enrollment as in comparison to Spring
2010, for an increase of 2.61%. Enrollment continues to constantly change.
Workforce Training and Continuing Education
Melinda Leland provided the January/February 2011 activity report for
Workforce Training and Continuing Education; the complete report is
made available. Ms. Leland highlighted the most recent announcement
that the General Assembly approved the Governor’s recommendation to
provide an additional $3 million for occupational, non-credit workforce
training. This is the first significant funds for workforce training programs
since the late 1990’s.
Institutional Advancement
Educational Foundation
David Matlock highlighted the Institutional Advancement report, which is
made available. He mentioned the continued work on the alumni publication,
creation of the marketing video, banners for the campus entrance, and
WEAVEonline review. Mr. Matlock also reminded the Board of upcoming
events: Dancing with SW Virginia Stars, May 14 and 4th Annual VHCC
Educational Foundation Golf Tournament, April 25. Private donations have
reached just above $225,000 for this year.
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 4
Later in the meeting Mr. Matlock informed the Board of a donor who has
reached the benchmark for naming facilities, particularly the Greenhouse.
The Foundation Board has approved the building name.
Upon motion of Dr. Rush, seconded by Mr. Morgan, the Board unanimously
approved naming the VHCC Greenhouse, Treadwell-Jones Greenhouse.
Finance and Administrative Services
Personnel Report
Deb Hale, Human Resource Manager, reviewed the following
Personnel Report and answered brief questions of the Board.
New Hires:
o Pamela Hartgrove, Nursing Simulation lab Facilitator, February 15, 2011
o Chelsa Taylor, Purchasing Officer, February 25, 2011
o Tony Fuller, Career Services/Service Learning Coordinator, March 10, 2011
Promotion:
o Brianne Green, Acting Talent Search Advisor to Talent Search Advisor, February 25, 2011
Retirement:
o Elizabeth Smith, Assistant professor of Music, June 1, 2011
o Lynn Moretz, Associate Professor of Nursing, June 1, 2011
Current Recruitments:
o Workforce Development Coordinator
o Project EXCEL Counselor
o Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services
o Administrative Assistant to VP Administration (applications closed March 7)
o Speech Communication faculty (advertised March 9)
o Energy Technology faculty (advertised March 9)
Finance and Administrative Services
Status of 2010-11 Operating Budgets
The complete 2010-2011 budget status report, as of February 28, 2011,
was included in the package and is available. Mary Snead briefly stated that
the budget is on target and looks favorable for the next fiscal year.
Finance and Administrative Services
Status of Localities Appropriation
Funds Budget for 2010-11
Ms. Snead updated on the Status of Localities Appropriation Funds Budget
for 2010-11. All localities are paid up to date with their portion of funding,
fourth quarter invoices will soon be sent to each locality. This complete report
is made available.
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 5
Ms. Long reminded the Board members of their role in gaining support
from each of their localities and that a new budget year was soon approaching.
Finance and Administrative Services
Construction Projects
Dr. Proffitt summarized the construction and facilities improvement/planning
report. The Greenhouse expansion is complete with the Certificate of
Occupancy. The Nursing Simulation lab renovation is near completion,
should be open near the summer semester. Bid process is under way
for the OTC roof replacement. Burwill Construction came in as the low
bidder for the ISC/ADM window replacement project to begin spring 2011.
Dr. Proffitt presented the most recent proposal from Heartwood representatives
for their sign at the entrance to the college.
Upon motion of Mr. Wimmer, seconded by Mr. Morgan, the Board
unanimously recommends the Heartwood sign be positioned
under the electronic portion of the marquee at the entrance of
the college.
Dr. Proffitt highlighted other upcoming projects such as alternate energy
technology, Americans with Disabilities Act-Phase I, parking rewiring
complete in lot 2, LRC Coffee Shop, campus Beautification Committee,
and the exterior door lock system.
Further clarification on the Washington County Skill Center programs were
submitted in writing to SACS and we are waiting on a response.
OLD BUSINESS
Graduation Speakers
Dr. Proffitt gave the name of the graduation speaker chosen on behalf of
the students, Ms. Michelle Sampson. Ms. Sampson will graduate with a
degree in nursing. The alumni speaker has yet to be chosen.
BOARD DISCUSSION
The Board agreed that meeting minutes would be emailed to them once
they are complete, in draft form. Also, that approved minutes will be
posted on the VHCC website.
Three terms expiring June 30, 2011 are Ron Morgan, Kim Clark, and
Mike Rush. All are eligible for another four year term. Correspondence
to their locality will express their wishes to serve another term.
Dr. Proffitt informed the Board of his planned Inauguration on September 9.
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Thursday, March 10, 2011 - Page 6
Dr. Proffitt reviewed the facilities section of the Strategic Plan approved by
the Board in May 2010. This section outlines plans for future construction.
Item 1 is on the VCCS list of projects and item 4 is in the planning stage,
items 2 and 3 will most likely take local funding. Progress reports of these
plans are forth coming.
These include:
1. Renovate the LRC
2. Construction or lease of a nursing/allied health/physical
Education/wellness center facility to house health related programs
3. Construction/lease of a workforce training center facility by 2012 for
Workforce development
4. Provide motorcycle riding course
Executive Session
Pursuant to the provision of Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A (5), a motion
was made by Mr. Wimmer, seconded by Dr. Rush, and approved that the
Board enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing prospective
business as in relation to the College Board.
The Board returned from executive session. For the purpose of complying
with the Virginia Code Section 2.2-3700, each member of this Board certified
by responding yes that only items were discussed in executive session as
allowed by Virginia Code Section 2.2-3711A (5) prospective business as in
relation to the College Board.
NEXT MEETING REMINDER
The next College Board meeting is Thursday, May 5, 2011. Graduation
ceremony Friday, May 13, 2011, dinner will be provided before graduation
at approximately 5:00pm at the HEC.
ADJOURN
Upon motion of Mr. Wimmer, seconded by Mr. Rector, the Board
adjourned the meeting at approximately 2:25pm.
Submitted by: ________________________________
Ron Proffitt, President
Approved by: _________________________________
Susan Long, Vice Chair
_________________
Date