April 9, 2026 Agenda and Minutes

Board Members Present: 

Catrena Bowman

Col Owens

George Taylor

John Baines 

Olivia Keller

Rachel Roberts

Tanatswa Gwenzi

Board Members Absent: 

Bethany Foxx

Jessica Boggs

Michelle Hughes

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, Vice President of Human Resources

Dr. Joe Moffett, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness

Lilly Pinhas, Development Officer - Donor Relations

Sarah Keeville, Development Coordinator

Joe Seiter, Marketing Specialist

Leslee Wermuth, Executive Assistant, President’s Office

OATH OF OFFICE FOR NEW BOARD MEMBER

Rachel Roberts

1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENCE/ROLL CALL
   Vice Chair Keller 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 introduced Jordan Huizenga, Gateway Foundation Board Chair.
   
   Jordan provided an overview of the Gateway Foundation, highlighting its role as an independent 501(c)(3) established to support the college through fundraising, investments, and strategic initiatives not otherwise available to a public institution. The Foundation remains aligned with the college’s mission, with a strong focus on student success.
   
   The Foundation Board consists of 26 members and raises approximately $500,000 annually to support scholarships, emergency student assistance, faculty/staff development, and key institutional priorities.
   
   The Foundation also supports initiatives such as dual credit expansion, summer workforce camps, and workforce/student success grants, all aligned with college priorities.
   
   
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
   
   Vice Chair Hughes called for a motion to approve the minutes from the February 12, 2026, meeting. Upon motion by George Taylor, seconded by Col Owens, a vote was taken to approve the minutes of February 12, 2026, 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, with a draft budget to be presented at the May 21 meeting, followed by a resolution for Board approval.
   2. Evaluation Committee:
      Vice Chair Keller provided an overview of the annual evaluation process for Dr. Figueroa. Updated evaluation forms were distributed, with electronic copies to follow. Completed evaluations are due prior to the May board meeting. Board members were encouraged to provide thoughtful feedback, particularly in the narrative sections, which are critical to the evaluation process. The Performance Committee will compile responses into a report for Board review and approval before submission.
      
      
5. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 
   No report was presented at this meeting.
   
   
6. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
   
   The Board received the President’s Report from Dr. Figueroa, which included key updates and upcoming events. Board members were invited to attend the Gateway to Greatness Luncheon on April 14, Commencement on May 14, and the KCTCS for Kentucky event on May 28.
   
   Dr. Figueroa also provided a legislative update, including potential state budget reductions and the impact of House Bill 619. The bill introduces changes to the KCTCS governance structure, board composition, and leadership titles, and may affect the future structure and role of local boards. Additional guidance from KCTCS is forthcoming, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
   
   Joe Moffett presented an update on the strategic planning process, noting that feedback from both internal and external stakeholders has been collected and reflects strong overall support for the draft plan. The Board will be asked to review and vote on the plan at the May meeting, with implementation scheduled to begin July 1.
   
   Dr. Vonhandorf shared enrollment updates, reporting that the College exceeded its annual headcount and credit hour goals. Spring enrollment remains strong, with credit hours continuing to exceed projections, contributing positively to overall performance.
   
   Christi Godman provided a financial update, indicating that tuition revenue and state appropriations are on track and exceeding projections due to increased enrollment and credit hours. She also noted that operational efficiencies, including energy savings, are contributing to favorable financial outcomes.
   
   
7. ADJOURNMENT

Vice Chair Keller called the meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. 

Approved: