Board Minutes - November 10, 2025 - Western Iowa Tech Community College

Date: November 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: WITCC Sioux City Campus, Board Room A507
Agenda

WITCC Mission

We elevate our diverse learners and strengthen our communities through inclusive and innovative education.

Board Members

Absent: Micah Lang

Brenda Wright, Board Secretary

Administration

Terry Murrell, College President | Troy Jasman, VP of Finance and Administrative Services | Erin Volk, Vice President of Learning | Frank Arpan, Vice President of Student Success | Darin Moeller, Executive Dean of Instruction | Jackie Plendl, Dean of Human Resources | Tawnya Beermann, Dean of Students | Christina Brandon, Dean of Outreach and Information Technology | Revathi Vongsiprasom, Dean of Opportunity and Engagement

Presenters

Carmen Wilson, Associate Dean - Corporate College | Mark Munger, General Manager for KWIT | Skip Perley, President, Innovate Siouxland and retired CEO, Thompson Solutions Group | Ben Knoepfler, Vice President, Innovate Siouxland Inc. and Owner of Knoepfler Chevrolet & Board Member Siouxland Public Media | Renae Billings, Treasurer, Innovate Siouxland Inc. and Vice-Chair Iowa's West Coast Initiative and Economic Development Manager for the City of Sioux City | Michelle Bostinelos, Secretary, Innovate Siouxland Inc. and Chair Iowa's West Coast Initiative and Executive Director SIMPCO

Items

Meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Linnea Fletcher.

Brenda Wright took a roll call of Directors.

Linnea asked for any Oral Communications to be brought forward. No oral communications were brought forward.

Linnea mentioned the Thank You note from South Sioux City Community Schools.

Linnea asked for a motion for the Consent Items. Jeremy made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Tricia Sutherland. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Revathi Vongsiprasom introduced the Innovation Center Project team. Each explained a portion of the project and how it will help our community.

Troy Jasman and Revathi Vongsiprasom presented an Innovate Siouxland, Inc. Fiscal Management Service Agreement. We would be the fiscal agent for Innovate Siouxland. This agreement has been reviewed by Ahler's Law. Jeremy made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Erin Muck. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Troy Jasman proposed the Building B Chiller Project. We can no longer get parts for the current chiller. It is over 30 years old. The bids came in lower than the architect's estimate. Tricia Sutherland made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Russell Wray. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Jackie Plendl presented the Staff Development Program Annual Report. Jackie highlighted staff development activities provided to staff.

Jackie also presented the proposed Education Association Negotiating Team. Russell Wray made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Brad Griffin. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Frank Arpan and Revathi Vongsiprasom presented the Federal Grants Update. They talked about some of our different federal programs and how beneficial they are to our students.

Darin Moeller introduced Carmen Wilson to explain the SBDC Sub Contract with Iowa State University. This contract had some minor changes since the previous contract. Brad Griffin made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Jeremy Ogle. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Darin and Carmen also presented the SBDC Amendment No. 2 Agreement with Iowa State University. This amendment changes the project leadership from Carmen to our new SBDC coordinator, Nick Demke. Jeremy made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Russell Wray. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Darin and Carmen then presented the 260G ACE Nursing Program with Cherokee Regional Medical Center. This is the same as their last agreement. They agree to sponsor ten seats. Brad Griffin made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Hanna Reinders.

Darin Moeller presented a proposal to purchase a Police Science Simulator. This is a crucial skills simulator that will replace old, outdated equipment. This will be used by our police science students as well as in the Police Academy. This would also be made available for local law enforcement. This also has the capability for real-life scenarios for our EMS program. Tricia Sutherland made a motion to approve and it was seconded by Brad Griffin. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Several board members attended the ACCT conference in New Orleans last month. Russ spoke about some of the sessions he attended in New Orleans last month. Great sessions. Tricia encouraged everyone to attend next year. It's a great conference. Hanna wished there was a new board member track but added her input. Loved the conference and learned a lot. Linnea attended a session on how to facilitate a CEO search. Learned how to incorporate the community.

Terry gave his President Report

Holiday Reception - changed to morning - 9-11 am on December 23. All board members are invited to attend.
Congrats on Russ, Hanna, Tricia, and Brad for winning elections. Justin Daaie will be our new District I member.
IASB Board Training - We will send an email to get training time set up.

Tricia Sutherland gave an update on her meeting with CCFI. They acknowledged Terry Murrell on all he's done. They also talked about Bachelor degrees in community colleges. Next year will mark the 60 th anniversary for community colleges in Iowa. Looking for suggestions on how to celebrate.

Absent: Micah Lang

Also Present: Brenda Wright, Board Secretary and Terry Murrell, College President.

After a brief discussion, Jeremy Ogle made a motion to leave the executive session. Tricia Sutherland seconded the motion. Roll call was taken.

Absent: Micah Lang

Also Present: Brenda Wright, Board Secretary and Terry Murrell, College President.

In open session, Terry Murrell made an administrative recommendation to a settlement agreement for 21 students from a former J1 Visa program for $2.5 million. Jeremy Ogle made a motion and it was seconded by Brad Griffin. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Hanna asked if there was any further discussion on getting an electronic board meeting system. Terry is reaching out to three companies for quotes and a demonstration. Demos would be at our February retreat.

Tricia Sutherland made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Jeremy Ogle. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned.

The next regular scheduled board meeting will be Monday, December 8, 2025, at 4:00 pm on the Sioux City campus in the Boardroom.