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Advisory Council

Advisory Council Minutes Thursday, April 10, 2025

The regular meeting of the NJC Advisory Council was held Thursday, April 10, 2025, on the NJC main campus in the Hays Student Center Tennant Art Gallery.

 

Members Present: 
Jamie Jo Axtell
Mike Brownell
Jayce Maker
Felicia Rodriguez
Karla Rosas
 Members Absent:
Shawn Randel
Jeff Long

Others Present: President Mike White, Shawn Rose, Jesse Quinlin, Jeri Estrada, Brant Davis, Jeri Garrett, Cindy Piper, Jason Ha, Kade Roelle, Shelli Krager, Celeste Pelton, Rachelle Davis, Deb Stump, Brian Lewton, Cole Haley, Gracie Clark, Breccen Morelli, Ethan Glenn, Elyce Sisseck, Sarah Liepold, David Farrow, Henry Oh, Eric Iseli, Christina Gesford, Veronica Koehn, and Callie Jones from the Sterling Journal Advocate. 

  1. Felicia Rodriguez, 2024-2025 Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:47 pm.
  2. The group participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  3. The agenda for the April 10, 2025 Advisory Council Meeting. Karla Rosas made the motion to approve the agenda and Mike Brownell seconded the motion. The motion passed. 
  4. The minutes of the February 13, 2025 Advisory Council Meeting. Jayce Maker made the motion to approve the minutes and Jamie Jo Axtell seconded the motion. The motion passed.
  5. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER
    1. Jamie Jo Axell will be term-limited out this June 30. Jamie Jo has served eight years on the Advisory Council, serving from 2017-2025. She served as the Chair 2022-2024 and Vice Chair 2020-2022. President White expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Jamie Jo for her service to the Advisory Council and presented her with a glass plaque. 
  6. INTRODUCTION OF NEW ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER
    1. Mike Brownell has joined the Advisory Council. Mike Brownell is a serving Logan County Commissioner and NJC Alumni. Mike is widely known across for county and neighboring communities as a problem solver and collaborator with exceptional experience across the agriculture industry. He taught in the AG Department at NJC for 22 years, and worked with farmers and ranchers around the community driving trucks to help with planting, harvest and calving. We are excited to bring his agricultural background to our advisory council, as well as his knowledge and insight on opportunities and initiatives in Logan County that he considers as a commissioner. 
  7. NEW FACULTY/STAFF INTRODUCTIONS – Jeri Estrada, HR Director
    1. Jeri Estrada, HR Director, introduced Christina Gesford as the new Financial Aid Director.
    2. President White introduced David Farrow as the Dean of Applied Technology. 
    3. President White introduced Henry Oh as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs. 
    4. David Farrow, Dean of Applied Technology, introduced Eric Iseli as a new Diesel Tech Faculty.
    5. Jeri Estrada introduced Gerry Whipple as the new Career Navigator for Career and Tech. 
    6. Veronica Koehn, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences, introduced Jamie Soliman (not present) as the new Online Course Specialist.
    7. Jeri Estrada introduced Matthew Wheeler (not present) as a new Structural Trades II position in the Physical Plant. 
  8. CELEBRATING SUCCESS
    1. STUDENT SUCCESS
      1. Rising Star Award Winners – Brant Davis
        1. Rising Star

          1. Gracie Clark is from Karval, Colorado, where she graduated alongside three other students. She is pursuing a double major in Soil and Crop Science and Agricultural Education. Passionate about both learning and teaching, she strives to deepen her knowledge and share it with others. On most weekends, she works on her father's ranch, where they raise cattle and grow sorghum and triticale. 

            Gracie is actively involved in school organizations, serving as an officer in Farm Bureau, Math and Science, and Phi Theta Kappa, while also participating in Aggies and the Source. She values community service through these clubs and enjoys building connections with fellow students across campus. Her future plans include transferring to the University of Wyoming and eventually becoming a soil science professor at a small college like NJC.

          2. Breccen Morelli grew up in Mancos, Colorado, and is currently serving as the Associated Student Government President at Northeastern Junior College. He is pursuing a degree in Fire Science Technology, with the goal of joining a career fire department after graduation. 

            Passionate about leadership and student engagement, Breccen is dedicated to fostering a strong campus community. He enjoys attending NJC sports events and encouraging student involvement. Outside of his academic and leadership roles, he stays active through running and working out. His faith is an essential part of his life, and he finds fulfillment in reading the Bible and attending church. 

            With a commitment to service and a drive for excellence, Breccen is preparing for a future dedicated to protecting and serving others in the fire service.

      2. Inclusive Excellence Champion

        1. Ethan Glenn, a native of Otis, Colorado, is currently pursuing his education at Northeastern Junior College with the goal of becoming a science teacher. Passionate about learning and education, he is dedicated to helping others develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. His academic journey is driven by a commitment to fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students, aiming to inspire a lifelong appreciation for science and discovery.

          Beyond his studies, Ethan enjoys long-distance running, reading, writing, and engaging in thoughtful reflection. He also has a strong interest in biblical studies, which influence his values and approach to life. His personal and professional aspirations are centered on making a meaningful impact in his community, both as an educator and as a mentor to future generations.

          With a vision of becoming an influential and dedicated teacher, Ethan strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for his students. After completing his education at NJC, he hopes to establish a fulfilling career in teaching and build a family of his own, all while continuing to inspire and uplift those around him.

      3. Rollie Heath Award
        1. Elyce Sisseck is an 18-year-old freshman at Northeastern Junior College, where she is actively pursuing a degree in biology. Originally from Holyoke, Colorado, she takes great pride in being a member of NJC’s softball team, demonstrating her dedication both on the field and in the classroom. Balancing the demands of collegiate athletics and academics, Elyce is committed to her studies with the ultimate goal of attending dental school. She aspires to earn a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) and build a career in dentistry, where she can make a meaningful impact in the field of oral health. Passionate about both science and sports, Elyce is driven by a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed in all aspects of her college experience.
      4. Phi-Theta Kappa All-Colorado Scholars – Jeri Garrett
        1. Sarah Liepold is a sophomore at Northeastern Junior College, double majoring in Agriculture Business and Animal Science. Sarah grew up in Arvada, a Denver suburb, and discovered her love of agriculture and beef cattle with her very first 4-H project - a beef steer she won in an essay contest. She’s very active on campus with leadership roles in Collegiate Farm Bureau, Aggies Club, the Math, Science & Outdoors Club and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). She’s also a continuous member of the President’s List Honor Roll. After graduation, Sarah will be transferring to the University of Wyoming to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business with a Livestock Operations concentration and a minor in Animal/Veterinary Science. She plans to pursue a career working directly with beef cattle producers in the United States and internationally.
        2. Gracie Clark (see above)
    2. FACULTY/STAFF SUCCESS
      1. Classified Staff of the Year – Cindy Piper

        1. Cindy Piper is the Accounting Tech II Cashier at Northeastern Junior College, where she brings warmth and enthusiasm to her role, ensuring students feel welcomed and supported. With a passion for customer service, Cindy has dedicated the past seven years to NJC—spending five years as Cafeteria Supervisor before transitioning into her current position.

          During her time at NJC, Cindy not only honed her exceptional customer service skills but also pursued her own academic growth, earning her Accounting Tech Certificate in May 2024. Her dedication to both the college and its students continues to drive her professional growth and impact on campus.

          Outside of work, Cindy and her husband, David, enjoy traveling, fishing, and camping with their son, Trystin (27). In her free time, she expresses her creativity through crocheting and painting, making the most of every moment.

      2. Professional/Technical Employee of the Year – Jason Ha
        1. Jason Ha is the Academic Technology Coordinator at Northeastern Junior College. Born in California, he moved to Sterling, Colorado, at just six months old. His parents opened a Chinese restaurant in Sterling, and the town has been home to his family ever since. Jason graduated from NJC in 2018 with an Associate of Business degree and later earned a Bachelor of Information Systems from CCU Online in 2021. He has been employed at NJC since 2018, beginning as a part-time employee in the IT department and working his way up to his current role. Jason never imagined receiving this award, but he is deeply grateful to everyone at NJC for their support.
      3. Adjunct Instructor of the Year – Shelli Krager
        1. With over 32 years of experience in early childhood education, Shelli Krager is a dedicated leader and educator passionate about shaping young minds. She currently serves as the Preschool Director and Lead Teacher at Prairie Preschool, where she has been inspiring and nurturing students for 26 years. In addition to her work in the classroom, Shelli has been an adjunct instructor at Northeastern Junior College since 2019, sharing her expertise with future educators in early childhood education. Her commitment to fostering a love of learning extends beyond her students, as she continues to mentor and guide the next generation of teachers.
      4. Faculty of the Year – Debora Stump

        1. Dr. Debora Stump, a dedicated educator and researcher, has built a career blending scientific discovery with a passion for teaching. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2002, she contributed five years of groundbreaking work in virus research as part of the esteemed Sue VandeWoude Research Group.

          In pursuit of her love for education, Dr. Stump transitioned to academia, joining her husband, Kevin Stump, as a faculty member at Northeastern Junior College. Beginning as an adjunct professor, she advanced to a full-time role in August 2015. For the past nine years, she has inspired students in biology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, fostering the next generation of scientific minds.

          Dr. Stump and her husband raised their two children in Loveland, Colorado, where they continue to share their commitment to education and lifelong learning.

      5. Crystal Apple Award Winner – Brian Lewton
        1. Brian has been a key member of the business department. He has developed an excellent rapport with students, and they enjoy having him as a professor. Students frequently request Brian's classes and enjoy the projects and discussions he uses to engage them in class. His dedication and service to students, the department and NJC make him a worthy recipient of the Crystal Apple Award!
  9. ITEMS
    1. Honor’s Capstone Presentation – Cole Haley
      1. Cole Haley, a student in the Honors Program, gave his capstone presentation to the Advisory Council called, “Electric Trucks with Diesel Generators”.
  10. PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Mike White
    1. ATC Building
      1. The ATC Building construction is moving right along. The general contractor has said the building should be turned over to NJC in June. Then we must get an Occupancy Certification which David Farrow is working on already.
      2. NJC will start an Electricians Program this fall. The program will be an in-person program for students with courses likely in the evenings to support working learners.
      3. We will provide a tour of the ATC Building this fall to the Advisory Council.
    2. Concurrent Enrollment
      1. $970,000 tuition was saved for families of concurrent enrollment students across our region. 
      2. Concurrent enrollment continues to grow and we are pleased that NE Colorado students can take advantage of this program. 
    3. Enrollment
      1. This spring we are up about 6% in enrollment from the same time last year. We are excited about this trend. 
      2. NJC is really focusing on the customer service experience for potential students and new students. We want students to feel as welcome as possible as they enter higher education. 
    4. Xeriscaping Project
      1. There will be some new xeriscaping being completed this summer in front of the Bank of Colorado Event Center and other locations. We are trying to do more of these projects around campus to improve the look of the grounds and cut down on water usage. 
    5. Partnerships
      1. NJC is working on many partnerships with four-year universities including the T-Prep (Teacher Prep) Program. We will have three students graduate from this program this May. The goal of this program is to keep these newly qualified teachers in our area. 
      2. We have an Agriculture Education Degree partnership with CSU on campus. We have two students in this program who will be starting their senior year with CSU this fall. 
      3. An additional partnership with CSU is the Behavioral Health Program leading to a master’s degree in Addiction Counseling. It will begin this fall. .
      4. Our newest partnership is with CSU Pueblo for business degrees.
      5. We still have partnerships with the University of Phoenix and Colorado Christian University. 
      6. The goal of each of these programs is to allow students to earn a higher degree than we can offer at NJC without leaving the area. 
    6. Commencement
      1. Our two commencement ceremonies will be held this year on Friday, May 16th at 10:00am and 2:00pm. This year marks our 75th commencement exercise. The college has been around longer than that, but Breccen Morelli did research and found that some early commencement exercises were not held because the graduating class sizes were either too small or the country was engaged in World War II. 
  11. REPORTS
    1. Associated Student Government (ASG) Report – Breccen Morelli
      1. ASG elected new officers for the 2025-2026 school year. Next year’s officers will be:
        1. President – Lane Stevens
        2. 1st Vice President – Mason Bornhoft
        3. 2nd Vice President – Cash Weber
      2. ASG hosted a hypnotist on campus the evening of April 8. About 140 students attended the event.
      3. The Ag Department Banquet will be held April 29th at the Logan County Fairgrounds. ASG will host a formal dance directly after that event. 
      4. A Northeastern’s Got Talent will be held at 7:00pm on April 15th in the ESF Theater. 
      5. The Baccalaureate Ceremony will be held Thursday, May 15th at 4:30pm in the Ballroom. 
      6. President White thanked Breccen Morelli and the other ASG officers for a job well done this year and complimented them on the many events they held on campus for students. 
    2. Faculty Senate Report – Deb Stump
      1. The Business Department was busy running the local Tax Help Program. Over 150 tax returns were completed for local low-income people.
      2. The Math & Science Contests for middle schoolers and high school students were held on April 1-2. 
      3. The annual Math & Science Awards will be held April 30th at 5:30pm in the ESF Atrium. Faculty member, Kevin Stump, will be preparing chili for everyone. 
      4. Over 900 FFA members were on campus on March 26 for the annual judging competition events.
      5. On April 11-12, NJC’s Theater Department will hold a theater production called "Surely Absurd: An Evening of Ives and Durang"– 7:00pm @ night – ES French Theater. 
  12. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION   
    1. Jesse Quinlin, Marketing Director, mentioned the other upcoming campus happenings that were not mentioned above:
      1. April 26 – Collegiate Farm Bureau Spring BBQ Cook Off & Auction – 1:00pm – Logan County Fairgrounds
      2. April 28 – Business Awards Night – 6:00pm – Hays Student Center TAG
      3. May 2 – Sterling Journal Advocate Crystal Apple Awards Banquet – 5:30pm – ESF Atrium
      4. May 3 – Baseball Pack the Park Event. The event will include a free kids camp before the games and fireworks after the game. 
      5. May 5 – Athletic Petey’s Awards – 5:00pm – Ballroom
      6. May 6 – ASG Banquet – 6:30pm – Ballroom
      7. May 10 – Spring Ensemble Concert – 7:00pm – ESF Theater
      8. May 15 – Nursing Pinning Ceremony – 5:00pm – ESF Theater 
      9. May 15 – Honor’s Banquet – 6:00pm – Location TBD
      10. May 16 – Commencement Ceremonies – 10:00am & 2:00pm
    2. Jamie Jo thanked the college for allowing her to serve on the Advisory Council for eight years. She commented that if there is any other way she can help the college or serve in some other capacity, to let her know.
    3. Felicia Rodriguez commented that she attended and helped with the Mock Interviews that NJC held in Yuma for high school students. She said she enjoyed the event and was very impressed by the students. 
  13. ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 1:46 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Shawn Rose

Recording Secretary