The Northeast Texas Community College Board of Trustees held a public tax hearing and its regular August meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25. There was no public comment on the proposed tax rate of 11 cents per $100 of property valuation, and the hearing was adjourned.
The regular meeting began with a Program Spotlight featuring the Carroll Shelby Automotive Institute (CSAI). Dr. Jon McCullough, executive vice president for advancement, introduced Austin Maness (pictured), the program's new director. Maness reported that CSAI had a busy summer attending recruiting events and preparing for the fall semester. Preliminary fall enrollment for the program is 79 students.
“We are happy with enrollment, but we hope to see it grow even more. My main priority is to ensure that the program is nationally recognized and to maintain the high standards and expectations that come with the Shelby name,” Maness said.
In his president’s report, Dr. Kevin Rose said August graduation was a success, with 133 students receiving degrees and certificates. He also highlighted several projects completed over the summer, including the new athletics complex pavilion, resurfacing of the tennis and pickleball courts, and updated campus signage.
In student news, Rose reported that three NTCC students — Abylene Alexander, Elena Roach and Benjamin Villenauve — were recently named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise by Phi Theta Kappa. Emma Mendoza and Josalynn Patterson also received the Dr. Mary Hood Texas Region Scholarship.
“We are very proud of these students for their accomplishments. It speaks volumes that we are already receiving this kind of news when the new academic year has just begun,” Rose said.
In Foundation news, Rose reported that $58,748.17 was raised in June and $743,919.57 in July. He said the large increase was primarily due to the first installment of a $1.354 million Moody Foundation grant awarded to NTCC to strengthen and expand the Work4College Program.
Rose then called on McCullough to provide an update on the $40 for 40 Years Campaign. McCullough said the Foundation has received about 500 donations toward the campaign, with gifts continuing to come in ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline. All donors who contribute at least $40 during the campaign will have their names included on a commemorative wall at the Whatley Center. Those wishing to participate can give at www.ntcc.edu/give40.
Kim Irvin, vice president for student services, gave a preliminary fall enrollment report. At the time of the meeting, 3,628 students were enrolled, putting NTCC on track for a record fall enrollment. Current figures show a 5.3% increase in headcount and a 6.2% increase in credit hours compared with fall 2025. Irvin said dual credit enrollment continues to grow and student housing is nearing full capacity.
In action items, the board unanimously approved:
- The consent agenda;
- Titus County Tax Resale Deed 40,483;
- A 2025-26 budget amendment;
- The 2026-27 operating budget; and
- A 2026-27 tax rate of 11 cents per $100 of property valuation, the same rate adopted for 2025-26.
In personnel action, the board approved:
- Alyssa Clinton as director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program;
- Ebony Rockwell as a nursing faculty member;
- John Russo as a government/history faculty member;
- Andres Ruiz as an industrial technology faculty member;
- Kari Ickes as a funeral service faculty member;
- Veronica Welling as a funeral service faculty member;
- Anna Butcher as a funeral service faculty member;
- Lynn McDermott as HR specialist;
- Natalia Watkins as assistant softball coach/assistant housing director;
- Release of a college navigator from an employment contract; and
- Release of the coordinator of employee resources from an employment contract.
The meeting was adjourned following the approval of action items. No executive session was held.
