CHANUTE, Kan. — The Neosho County Community College (NCCC) Board of Trustees held its November 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in the Student Union Boardroom on the Chanute Campus. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at approximately 10:30 a.m.
FY 24-25 Audit
Trustees heard a review of the college’s annual audit for fiscal year 2024-25 presented by Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA. NCCC received an unmodified opinion — often referred to as a “clean opinion” — meaning no significant issues were found during the auditing process.
“This audit marks 23-straight years with no findings on the financial side,” said Dr. Brian Inbody, NCCC President. “Congratulations to everyone for this achievement, especially to Sandi Solander and her team!
Considering the amount of work, required manual processes, and complexity it takes to complete a successful year in Financial Aid and Registration, this is a good year for them as well.”
Project Updates
Dr. Inbody also provided updates to several college operations projects.
The Strahm Family Strength Center, set to open with a ribbon cutting Friday, Nov. 14, received the final concrete pours on the exterior and wall graphics for the interior. Wall mirrors are expected to be installed next week.
The Mih Family Fine Arts Center project continues along the demolition and pre-construction process. Outside, the area for the building’s gallery and reception area is being prepared to install footings before the cold weather sets in. Inside, electrical work has begun in the auditorium, and a new fire alarm system is expected to be installed across the entire Sanders Hall.
Due to mechanical and logistical issues with the college’s 36-passenger minibus, the college has begun seeking bids for a 57-passenger bus. The bus will provide a more comfortable ride for students and student-athletes, with storage space below the cab and air-ride suspension.
Dr. Inbody also provided an update on the progress of the 2025-26 Strategic Plan, as well as the development process of the 2026-27 Strategic Plan.
Faculty Senate Report
Eric Row, Biological Science Instructor and Faculty Senate President, presented a report to trustees.
Dr. Haley Kepley and the Mary Grimes Student Nursing Association (MGSNA) raised $1,062 to adopt two children from the Angel Tree Program and purchase a char in the Mih Family Fine Arts Center. MGSNA is currently running a Diaper Drive to support local families through Dec. 1.
Professor Mindy Herron, Education Program Director, held a Halloween party for the History Club. The group also plans to visit the Martin and Osa Johnson Museum in the coming weeks.
The #Adulting Club is working on dignity bibs for the local assisted living facilities. Sewing and breadmaking classes are the next activities planned for the club.
NCCC hosted a Regional Kansas Collegiate Quiz Bowl tournament in October. A Faculty versus Student matchup was held earlier this week as a practice for upcoming winter tournaments.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program students visited Advent Health Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, an outpatient clinic offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy in Ottawa.
Students engaged in advanced hands-on modalities such as Ultrasound, E-stimulation, Fluidotherapy, and H-wave.
October Service Award
Dr. Haley Kepley, Nursing Instructor, was selected as the October 2025 Service Award Winner.
“I would like to nominate Dr. Kepley for her exceptional dedication and unwavering support for her students,” one anonymous nomination read. “She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we understand the material and feel confident in our learning. When challenges arise, she is always willing to help find a solution.”
“Recently, I experienced issues with my home internet while trying to study for an exam and complete assignments. I went to the college library to work, only to find that my key card wasn’t working. After emailing Dr. Kepley for guidance, she personally drove to campus on a Sunday to let me in so I could finish my work,” another nomination read. “This is just one example of how she truly cares about her students’ success.”
“Dr. Kepley is always there to cheer us on when we need encouragement or give us the honest talk when we need motivation,” a third nomination read. “Her dedication, compassion, and leadership make her an outstanding instructor and a true asset to the nursing program. I wholeheartedly believe she deserves this award.”
Dr. Kepley will be recognized with social media posts, a framed certificate, and a $500 prize.
In other business, trustees:
— Approved the minutes from the October 8 meeting.
— Heard a Treasurer’s report from Chief Financial Officer Sandi Solander and approved claims for disbursement for the month of October.
— Approved updates to the following policies: Use of College Facilities, Installment Payment and Deferment Plan, Health Insurance, and NCCC Healthy Lifestyle.
— Held a first reading for an update to the Required Notification of Pending Criminal Charges or Serious Driving Infractions Policy.
— Approved an updated job description for the Director of Outreach and Workforce Development – Northern Service Area.
— Approved the resignation of Robin Goodreau-Meyer as the Admissions Specialist and subsequent hiring of as the Director of Outreach and Workforce Development – Northern Service Area with a start date of November 13.
—Heard no public comment.
The next NCCC Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, at 9 a.m. in the Student Union Boardroom on the Chanute Campus.
