NTCC board votes on Bryan's resignation

The Northeast Texas Community College Board of Trustees met in their regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 27.

Following the call to order, the board heard from Journalism instructor Mandy Smith, who introduced some of the college’s journalism students. Outgoing Editor Teresa Flores, current Editor Daniel Yanez, and Kathy Edwards were all present to discuss the college’s literary magazine, Lagniappe. According to Flores, “Lagniappe” means “a little something extra.” “I have considered Northeast my home, and this is my final hurrah, my “little something extra”,” for the college,” said Flores. The magazine, which is created yearly by NTCC journalism students, highlights works of NTCC students and faculty. According to Flores, all the works, from the artwork to the articles, are works submitted by students and faculty. Smith added “The magazine gives our students the opportunity to branch out of just journalism, and into the arts,” adding they have received many compliments on the magazine, including “This looks like it came from Dallas.”

The monthly ”Focus on Faculty” agenda item introduced Board Certified Pathologists Kathy Eubanks to the Board. Eubanks has served as adjunct faculty since 2014, and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Biology. Dr. Johnson stated, “With her areas of expertise, she will be beneficial to us in many fields, including some of our new degree plans, as well as our biology department.”

As the Board moved into the portion of the agenda where action could be taken, the consideration of a registration fee increase was brought before the board was brought before the board. Dr. Clinton proposed increasing the registration fee from the current $18 to $26 dollars. “We hesitate to ever ask to increase fees. However, this is a required change to meet standards imposed on our online program,” explained Clinton. The college has already instituted a biometric signature process to its online program, which ensures the person logging on is, in fact, the student enrolled in the class. Clinton reiterated that this is a requirement, and the registration fee would help offset the cost of the needed programs.

Board Chairman Dan McCauley sought out a motion to accept the resignation of Trustee John Bryan, with regrets. Bryn, who had served on the Board for 20 years, tendered his resignation at the August Board meeting. Member Sid Greer made the motion, which was accepted unanimously. Dr. Johnson stated there would be a reception for Bryan on Oct. 26.

Following the acceptance of Bryan’s resignation, the Board entered into closed session before taking a tour of the renovations on campus.