Timothy R. Johnson

The Board reviewed and approved the final terms for issuing bonds totaling $4,720,730.40 to finance the construction of Howard Hall.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key items, such as the appointment of a nominating committee, the legislative audit for fiscal year 2023/2024, the physical plant budget for 2025/2026, the residence hall fee structure, and the approval of the President's Goals Report. Additionally, the board reviewed its process and performance, ADHE Letters of Notification, the financial services report, and the El Dorado Conference Center's Q3 & Q4 report. The President reported a 9.6% increase in enrollment from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025.

The Board reviewed the Bond Issue Resolution to set parameters under which the Board approves to move forward with the Bond Issue, and will allow the college to reimburse expenses using proceeds from the Bonds. Increased PN fees are due to a new vendor which has been classified as a pass-through fee instead of an inclusive access fee. Increased fee costs in the RN courses are simply due to increased costs for the services used under the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium.

The meeting included recognition of SouthArk employees for their years of service and awards. The board discussed and approved the renewal of the President's contract for 36 months and approved seeking bonds for the construction of Howard Hall, the college's first on-campus student housing. The operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 was reviewed and approved. Updates were provided on board process and performance, curriculum changes, financial services, and athletics, including the baseball team's regional tournament win.

The meeting included discussions and reports on various topics such as the assessment report highlighting strategic plan outcomes, personnel updates including new employees and promotions, and committee reports from Real Estate/Facilities, Personnel/Planning, and Budget/Finance. The board approved the Resolution Lease and an amendment to the performance contract with Johnson Controls, as well as addressed audit review findings. Updates were provided on the ACCT and ACC annual conferences, financial services, the president's report covering administrative activities, the HLC visit preparations, and upcoming lecture series events.