February 12, 2026 Agenda and Minutes

Board of Directors Meeting
Convening Center, Room B123
500 Technology Way, Florence, KY 41042
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6:30 p.m. 

Board Members Present: 

John Baines 
Jessica Boggs
Bethany Foxx
Tanatswa Gwenzi
Michelle Hughes
Olivia Keller
Col Owens
George Taylor

Board Members Absent: 

Catrena Bowman
Rachel Roberts

Gateway and KCTCS Faculty and Staff Present:

Tess Burns, Vice President of Advancement
Phil Dischar, Media & Marketing Specialist
Dr. Fernando Figueroa, President/CEO
Christi Godman, Vice President of Operations
Paul Tontillo, Associate Vice President, Finance
Dr. Teri Vonhandorf, Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs
Amy Hatfield, VP of Human Resources
Dr. Joe Moffett, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness
Lilly Pinhas, Development Officer - Donor Relations
Monica Green, Student Records Assistant
Angela Brinkman, Accessibility Services Specialist
Anita D’Souza, Case Manager - Health Professions
Destiny Wippel, Administrative Assistant - Advising
Leslee Wermuth, Executive Assistant, President’s Office

Guests: 

Debbie Cannatella

OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW BOARD MEMBER

George Taylor

minutes

1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENCE/ROLL CALL
   Chair Hughes called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence. Roll call was taken. The record will reflect that a quorum was present.

2. MISSION MOMENT 
   Dr. Figueroa introduces Destiny Wippel.

   Destiny serves as the Administrative Assistant in Academic Advising at Gateway Community & Technical College. She began her journey at Gateway as a part-time employee while completing her Associate in Arts degree through the Gateway2NKU program. With the support of Gateway’s tuition benefits, she completed her bachelor’s degree and is now finishing her Master’s degree in Business Leadership and Innovation. She will be walking in the upcoming winter commencement ceremony.

   Now in her fifth year at Gateway, Destiny is a proud alumna and employee who credits the college’s supportive community for inspiring her continued growth. She remains actively involved in professional development, including Gateway’s LEAD cohort, and is enthusiastic about supporting students on their own academic journeys. In addition, she serves as Gateway’s mascot, Pathfinder.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   Chair Hughes called for a motion to approve the minutes from the December 11, 2025, meeting. Upon motion by Col Owens, seconded by Olivia Keller, a vote was taken to approve the minutes of December 11, 2025, as presented. The vote was unanimous to approve.

4. COMMITTEE REPORTS  

   1. Finance and Facilities Committee:
      The Board received an update from Finance and Facilities Committee Chair Owens. The budget development process is currently underway and will continue over the coming months, with a draft budget anticipated in May, followed by a resolution for Board approval.

   2. Evaluation Committee:
      The evaluation update will be deferred until all new board members are present at the April 9 meeting.

5. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT  
   Chair Hughes introduced new board members, George Taylor, Catrena Bowman, and Rachel Roberts.

6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
   Dr. Figueroa announced that the Get to Know Gateway series will be sunset. He then invited members of the Gateway leadership team to provide updates.

   Dr. Teri Vonhandorf shared the latest enrollment data, highlighting continued positive momentum. Gateway remains on track to meet its spring headcount goals and has already exceeded credit hour targets. Spring enrollment is up just over 1% compared to last year, marking another record-setting term.

   At the request of Dr. Figueroa, Christi Godman shared financial updates stating Tuition revenue is exceeding projections due to both increased credit hours and the approved tuition rate adjustment. Expenses are tracking within expectations. Tuition waivers are increasing proportionally with enrollment. Utilities costs are favorable due to continued energy-efficiency investments across campuses.

   Dr. Figueroa introduced Dr. Joe Moffett to provide an update on the development of the new strategic plan, which will build upon the current Gateway Forward framework. Internal and stakeholder surveys were conducted among students, employees, and board members. Overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for the college’s mission, goals, and values. Key themes included flexibility in programming, strong advising, academic rigor, workforce alignment, partnerships, fiscal responsibility, employee support, and clear pathways to student success. External stakeholder feedback is forthcoming, and the final plan will be presented for board approval in May, with implementation beginning July 1.

   Dr. Figueroa provided legislative updates regarding House Bill 619

   Dr. Figueroa also shared details about the upcoming KCTCS for Kentucky event, noting that it will offer an important opportunity for continued dialogue and feedback with system leadership.

7. ADJOURNMENT
   Chair Hughes called the meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.