ARCHBOLD, OHIO – The Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees met in regular session today. The board approved a new academic degree program in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.
Industries in the region are struggling to find trained workers that meet the demands of today’s manufacturing facilities. Knowledge in both electrical and mechanical engineering along with critical thinking skills are in high demand. “Employers are in need of engineers with a broad base of knowledge and this new program will allow students to build the knowledge and skills in both mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines,” according to Dr. Dan Burklo. “The next step for this program is final approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.”
Northwest State has been working in partnership with Miami University for several years on what is called the “Miami Plan.” This is a program that allows students from the Electrical Engineering program and Mechanical Engineering program to continue on to a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Electro-Mechanical Engineering without ever leaving the NSCC campus. This new program will offer a clearer and shorter pathway to Miami, University of Toledo and others with classes transferring seamlessly to a bachelor’s degree program in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.
In further business, Kathy Soards, chief fiscal and administrative officer updated the board on progress of construction and renovation to the C Building. The renovated and expanded space will house all student services to improve ease and accessibility to admissions, student resources and student business services. The renovations were made possible through capital funds received from the State of Ohio. Construction is due to be completed in December, 2016.
In other Board action:
•Approved the resignations and non-renewal of employee contracts.
•Approved the employment of Kathryn McKelvey, full-time Director of Human Resources and Leadership Development.
•Approved the transfer of full-time graded employee Martha Dennison to full-time Human Resources Assistant.
•Approved the transfer of a full-time graded employee Lynda Cramer, executive administrative assistant, to part-time status.
•Approved the promotion of Cassie Rickenberg and Megan Batt to executive administrative assistant.
•Approved miscellaneous supplemental and part-time employment contracts.
•Approved Financial Report.
•Approved the 2015-2016 revised budget.
•Approved the 2016-2017 operating budget.
•Approved Salary Increases for adjunct faculty.
•Approved salary increases for graded personnel and the president.
•Approved the 2014 NSCC Completion Plan Report and the 2016-2018 Completion Plan.
•Approved the NSCC 2016 Affordability and Efficiency Report.
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