The 91˛Öżâ Foundation held its annual business meeting on Tuesday, April 16th in the Community Room on the NTCC campus. This is the one time each year that the Foundation Board gathers to address actions item and hear reports from various departments and subcommittees.
The meeting was chaired by President of the Foundation Board, Rick Nelson. After a tabletop discussion over a catered lunch members approved the minutes from last year’s meeting and changes to the Board Policy Manual. Dr. Jon McCullough, NTCC Executive Vice President for Advancement, gave an update on membership. He explained that board has recently added a number of new members since falling behind during COVID. He said the positions of Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer are currently open and he invited those who might be interested in either to volunteer.
Brandi Cave, NTCC Vice President for Administrative Services, gave an update on the Foundation’s annual audit and investments. She explained that the NTCC Foundation is audited at the same time as the college and that the auditing firm issued a clean opinion with no findings or recommendations. She said that the Foundation’s investments are doing well with an improved net position of $9,130,914 in 2023 over $8,321,481 in 2022.
McCullough gave a report on giving and scholarships. He said that donations to the Foundation continue to be strong, with 11 new endowed scholarships being added in the last two years.
“Scholarships are such an important part of what the Foundation does and recent giving really reflects the commitment of our loyal donors. From annual scholarships to fully-endowed funds that will provide scholarships to students perpetually, these scholarships are directly impacting the lives of students in this community,” McCullough said.
Mary Katherine Milam gave an update on the scholarship reading subcommittee. She said that the group each read more than 130 applications last year, but found the process to be easy and straightforward. Milam said it was enlightening to read the essays of students who wouldn’t be able to attend college without financial assistance. Maria Gonzales, Administrative Assistant to Advancement/Developmental Offices, announced that they are now looking for volunteers to read the 2024-2025 scholarship applications.
Nita May, NTCC Director of Development, gave a brief update on the Whatley Employee Enhancement and Faculty Enhancement grants. These are unique opportunities funded through the Foundation that allow faculty and staff to complete projects and participate in experiences beyond the means of their regular budget. Dr. Melissa Fulgham brought two students (pictured above) and they reported on their recent Walking Through the Past field trip to Memphis. Lawren McCowan and Khadijha Anderson are both students in Fulgham’s African American History class who attended the trip. It was funded through the Whatley Employment Enhancement grant.
“I am so thankful for the donors that helped made this trip possible. It was such an amazing opportunity to experience many of the places we learned about in our African American history class,” McCowan said.
In the final report, Shelly Elliott (pictured) updated the group on Back To School Welcome/Emergency Aid subcommittee. She said that several Foundation Board members visited NTCC on the first day of the spring semester and helped welcome students and direct them to their classes. Elliott said it was a rewarding experience and invited others to consider joining the group to welcome students for the Fall semester in August.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned. Members of the NTCC Foundation Board include:
President: Mr. Rick Nelson
Vice President: Open
Secretary/Treasurer: Open
Ms. Carolyn Adkins
Ms. Connie Allen
Dr. Jim Archer
Ms. Kelly Baker
Ms. Kaye Brison
Mr. John Bryan
Mr. Russell East
Mr. Chad Elledge
Ms. Shelly Elliott
Ms. Sondra Fowler
Mr. Chuck Johns
Mr. Tim Lambert
Ms. Jill Lowry
Mr. Marc McDaniel
Ms. Mary Katherine Milam
Ms. Mary Lou Mowery
Mr. Rick Nelson
Ms. Stacy Ratliff
Dr. Eric Reed
Mr. Robin Sharp
Ms. Stephanie Thurman
Ex Officio Members include:
Ms. Amy Adkins
Ms. Brandi Cave
Dr. Ron Clinton
Ms. Carolyn Franks
Ms. Ashlynn Gamblin
Ms. Maria Gonzales
Dr. Anna Ingram
Ms. Kim Irvin
Mr. Mason May
Ms. Nita May
Dr. Jonathan McCullough
Ms. Lacy McMillen
Ms. Jodi Pack
Dr. Kevin Rose
