Utah System of Higher Education
Mountainland Technical College
Friday, March 25, 2022
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES

Board Members Present
Harris H. Simmons, Chair
Aaron Osmond, Vice-Chair
Nina R. Barnes, Vice-Chair
Jesselie B. Anderson
Mike Angus
Jera L. Bailey
Stacey K. Bettridge
Lisa Michele Church
Wilford Clyde
Alan Hall
Patricia Jones
Crystal Maggelet
Tanner Marcum
Arthur E. Newell
Shawn Newell
Valirie Serawop
Scott Theurer

Board Members Absent
Sanchaita Datta

Office of the Commissioner
Dave R. Woolstenhulme, Commissioner of Higher Education
Geoffrey Landward, Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel
Taylor Adams, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Initiatives
Alison Adams-Perlac, Associate General Counsel
Brynn Fronk, Executive Assistant to the Utah Board of Higher Education
Russ Galt, Senior Assistant Commissioner for Technical Education Finance
Jared Haines, Senior Advisor for Technical Education
Julie Hartley, Associate Commissioner of Academic Education
Melanie Heath, Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives
Steve Hood, Assistant Commissioner of Academic Affairs
Spencer Jenkins, Associate Commissioner for Government Relations
Genevieve Johnson, Design Chief
Lais Martinez, Assistant Commissioner for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Dave Pulsipher, Audit Director
Juliette Tennert, Chief Financial Officer
Scott Wyatt, Senior Executive Director of Online Education
Kim Ziebarth, Associate Commissioner of Technical Education

Mountainland Technical College President and Board of Trustees
Clay Christensen, President
McKay Jensen, Trustee
Vanessa Perez, Trustee
Brian Hulet, Trustee
Marlon Lindsay, Trustee
Julie King, Trustee
Eric Weeks, Trustee

Institutional Presidents Present
Mindy Benson, Southern Utah University (interim)
Paul Hacking, Tooele Technical College
Darin Brush, Davis Technical College
Kelle Stephens, Dixie Technical College
Chad Burchell, Ogden-Weber Technical College
Astrid Tuminez, Utah Valley University
Chad Campbell, Bridgerland Technical College
Aaron Weight, Uintah Basin Technical College
Noelle Cockett, Utah State University
Richard Williams, Dixie State University
Brad J. Cook, Snow College
Brennan Wood, Southwest Technical College
Clay Christensen, Mountainland Technical College

Other Guests
Rachelle Ackley, Talent Ready Utah
Kevin Allred, Regional Vice President of Human Resources, HCA Mountain Division, including MountainStar Health System
Brenda Bartholomew, Chief Administrative Officer, Gunnison Valley Hospital
Greg Bell, President/CEO, Utah Hospital Association
John C. Burkhardt, Professor Emeritus, Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, University of Michigan Founding Director, National Forum on Higher Education for the Public Good and New Leadership Academy, University of Michigan
Dave Cowley, Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services, Utah State University
John Dougall, State Auditor
Amy Fulton, New Leadership Academy Director
Vic Hockett, Talent Ready Utah Director
Ilana Israel, Program Manager, New Leadership Academy
Mark Kamimura-Jimenez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dean of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Washington University in St. Louis
Stephenie Larsen, CEO and Founder of Encircle
Tiffiny Lipscomb, Vice President, Human Resources, Intermountain Healthcare
Kirt Michaels, Mountainland Technical College
Jordan Rushton, Vice President of Instruction, Dixie Technical College
Sarah Sherer, Chief Human Resources Officer, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics
Jordan Sgro, Encircle
Allison Spangler, President & CEO, Utah Health Care Association
Jacob Wright, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

Chair Simmons called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m.

Board of Trustees Report

Board of Trustees Chair McKay Jensen provided a report from the Mountainland Technical College
Board of Trustees to the Board. He reviewed the MTech strategic plan priorities and the five pillars they
address: student safety and achievement, program development, faculty and staff support, physical
resources, and community outreach.

President’s Report

President Christensen presented the State of the College to the Board members and reviewed MTech’s
strategic plan pillars. Within community outreach, they are working hard to ensure they can reduce
barriers for all students. President Christensen is proud of their unprecedented partnerships, including
the K-16 Alliance. The relationship with UVU President Tuminez is phenomenal. They have been
working extensively with school districts within the K-12 to MTech Pathway Agreements. They have 22
MTech programs in place that students can earn a variety of UVU credits. Board member Hall asked
what keeps the president awake at night and what the Board could do to help. President Christensen
responded that student safety and waiting lists for programs are concerning. He would appreciate
facility support. He also mentioned they try to put every dollar they receive into labs, classrooms, and
students, but they need to find a better balance. Board member Hall recognized MTech’s remarkable
content and information and asked how we could become innovative and commercialize it. He noted
President Christensen has the brainpower to do it. He needs the time to think about it. Board member
Church mentioned the system could support the president’s safety concerns through resources under
shared services. Chair Simmons acknowledged that many tech students work with heavy equipment and
asked if the system office tracks safety incidents when students are injured. It was noted that the
institutions keep a record, but it is not shared with the Office of the Commissioner, but that should be
considered. The Commissioner mentioned the state legislature under the speaker has asked for an audit
focused on duplication. This audit will be released in fall 2022. Board member Angus asked about the
investment of $315 million. President Christensen has the data and will get it to Board member Angus.
Several Board members inquired about child care for students. President Christensen noted they had a
partnership for childcare the past year. The problem is not solved yet, but they are working on it. They
are asking the resourcing from the legislature to address fundamental issues such a child care. Board
member Jones strongly encouraged President Christensen to meet with legislative representatives.

Board member Shawn Newell made a motion to go into closed session for the purposes of
discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an
individual; Vice-Chair Barnes seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Closed Session

Board member Arthur Newell made a motion to end closed session; Board member
Shawn Newell seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Committee of the Whole

Chair Simmons called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 9:15 a.m.

New Leadership Academy Workshop

Chair Simmons introduced Mark Kamimura-Jimenez and John C. Burkhardt who discussed equity,
diversity and inclusion with Board members and OCHE staff. This was an information item only; no
action was taken.

SUU Faculty Workload Policy

Board member Arthur Newell reviewed the SUU Faculty Workload Policy. Vice-Chair Barnes moved
to approve the changes to SUU Policy 6.27, Faculty Workload, effective immediately.
Board member Jera Bailey seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Technical Education Scholarship Policy, Funding, and Programs

Jared Haines summarized changes to Technical Education Scholarship Policy, Funding, and Programs
to Board members.

Board member Jones moved to:

• Adopt the changes shown in the agenda to Policy R622, Technical Education
  Scholarship Program;
• Repeal Technical College Policy 208, Technical College Scholarship;
• Establish the funding levels shown in the agenda; and
• Designate as eligible for the scholarship:
  • All technical education programs leading to four- and five-star jobs, as identified by USHE Institutional Research for performance-funding goals; and
  • The other technical education programs with significant industry importance identified in the agenda.

Board member Church seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Policy R119, Board of Higher Education Qualifications

Alison Adams-Perlac introduced Policy R119, Board of Higher Education Qualifications, to the Board.
Several Board members expressed the need to include a time guideline in the policy, so candidates
understand the time commitment. Commissioner Woolstenhulme shared that he and Geoff Landward
are contacting 21 people whose names will be sent to the Governor as Board member nominees. They
will address it with those individuals upfront so they understand the time commitment.

Chair Simmons made the motion to adopt R119, Board of Higher Education
Qualifications, with the addition that they understand that it requires considerable time.
Board member Clyde seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Resolutions of Appreciation for Dave Schwanke and UHEAA

Board member Church provided highlights from the Resolutions of Appreciation for UHEAA and Dave
Schwanke. Vice-Chair Osmond moved to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for the
Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, its Executive Director David Schwanke,
former Executive Director David Feitz, and the role that the staff over there has played in
bringing us to this great 45 year history on UHEAA. Board member Shawn Newell
seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Resolution of Appreciation for Kelle Stephens

Board member Aaron Osmond highlighted the career of President Kelle Stephens and reviewed several
items on the Resolution of Appreciation. Board member Maggelet moved to accept this
resolution as an expression of our appreciation for everything she has done for our
system. Board member Church seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Resolution of Appreciation for Wilford Clyde

Chair Simmons read the Resolution of Appreciation for Wilford Clyde. He personally expressed
appreciation for his work on the Board. Chair Simmons moved to approve the Resolution of
Appreciation for Wilford Clyde. Board member Church seconded the motion and the
motion passed. Board member Clyde responded to the resolution by stating his appreciation for his
time on the Board and the relationships he built.

Dixie Tech Interim President

Chair Simmons proposed Jordan Rushton as the interim president of Dixie Technical College. Vice-Chair Barnes moved to appoint Jordan Rushton as interim president of Dixie Technical College effective May 1, 2022. Board member Jones seconded the motion and the motion passed. Jordan briefly addressed the Board.

Resolution to Affirm and Support USHE’s LGBTQ+ Community

Board member Church introduced the Resolution to Affirm and Support USHE’s LGBTQ+ Community.
She introduced Board member Marcum who shared a few key components of the resolution with the
Board. Tanner introduced Stephenie Larsen, Peter Moosman, and Lauren Hamilton-Soulé who
addressed the Board. Stephenie Larsen, Director of Encircle, discussed the difficulties of LGBTQ+
youth. Peter Moosman highlighted his work at Salt Lake Community Colleged and shared his excitement
about the resolution which will create a framework for those advocating for the students. Lauren
Hamilton-Soulé shared that being part of the LGBTQ+ community has brought her happiness. She
stated that by passing this resolution, the Board will help thousands of LGBTQ+ students and take a step
forward in creating necessary systemic change. Board member Church moved to approve the
Resolution to Affirm and Support USHE’s LGBTQ+ Community. Board member Jones
seconded the motion and the motion passed. President Cockett expressed support of the
resolution, and thanked the Board for passing it.

Consent Calendar

Board member Anderson moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Board member
Marcum seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Workforce/Talent Solutions Healthcare Sector Discussion

Commissioner Woolstenhulme welcomed the healthcare sector group and introduced Greg Bell, who
then introduced the panel guests: Sarah Sherer, Tiffiny Lipscomb, Kevin Allred, Brenda Bartholomew,
and Allison Spangler. They shared with the Board members that there is a need to increase the number
of healthcare program graduates. The supply of talent is not there. Kevin stated that one of the
challenges they have is staffing. They’re looking at expanding quick entry programs, and ways to develop
training for LPN, scrub techs, imaging, and other technical professional licensing individuals. They
would like to engage the Board with the legislators and the education committee representation on
additional infusions of healthcare. Brenda requested to try to expand the remote programs in rural Utah
beyond nursing. Allison recommended expanding relationships with high schools with HOSA and with
internships. They suggested allowing students an opportunity to shadow leaders and broaden their
horizons. Greg noted that waitlists at the institutions have caused a problem. If we can’t expand the
number of open spots, the industry will find a solution, but they would prefer to work with the Board.
Chair Simmons said the Board has limitations but asked what the Board can do to help students
understand their opportunities. The panel responded that open slots are the most significant need. The
Commissioner mentioned that we are working on aligning prerequisites within the system. Board
member Church asked the panel if they are connected with the UCAC advisors in the high schools. They
are connected with high schools which do their best to expose people to the various pathways. The best
path is to direct individuals into an entry role and use tuition reimbursement to help support them.
Board member Arthur Newell asked what other healthcare professions are most needed right now in
addition to nurses. The panel mentioned licensed clinical social workers, mental health providers,
clinical prepared social workers, surgical techs, and radiologists, to name a few. Board member Angus
asked if the USHE institutions are delivering the finished product they need and what they need that
they’re not seeing. Allison shared that graduates want to work in hospitals, not long-term care. Board
member Jera Bailey would like to see something to support scholarship since we can’t keep increasing
the wages forever or it will buckle. Members of the Board asked the OCHE staff to work on aligning the
prerequisites within the next several months, not years. Commissioner Woolstenhulme called on the
OCHE staff to meet to discuss aligning prerequisites within months. This was an information item only;
no action was taken.

Student Report

Student updates were provided by Ashley Cahoon from Mountainland Technical College and Tori
Hooper from Utah Valley University. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

Committee Reports

Vice-Chair Barnes provided an update from the Audit Committee. This was an information item only; no
action was taken.

Strategic Plan Update

The Commissioner provided the Board with a strategic plan update by reviewing the strategic plan
landing page website. He encouraged the Board members to look at the tactics often. This was an
information item only; no action was taken.

2022 Legislative Session Report

Commissioner Woolstenhulme introduced the Legislative Session Report. Spencer Jenkins reviewed the
results of the 2022 Legislative Session with the Board. There was discussion amongst the group
regarding the Snow College funding and Utah State University funding. Spencer highlighted HB333 –
Talent Ready Utah, SB226 – Utah Data Research Center, HB 355 – Streamline State Scholarships,
SB172 Utah Higher Education Assitance Authority, Prison Education, and Regional Pathway
Coordinators. This was an information item only; no action was taken.

R&R Training

Geoff Landward provided R&R training to the Board. Under the policy, there are four responsibilities of
the R&R team: regular communication between the presidents and Board members, informing the
Board about institutional issues, serving as liaisons between the Board and board of trustees, and
providing a mechanism for annual presidential performance reviews. Board member Church asked if the
R&R team should talk with the institutional cabinet and executive team. Geoff answered in the
affirmative. Now that the system has doubled the number of presidents, the R&R approach may need to
be revisited. The relationship building, communication and all that comes with it is critical and needs to
remain in some form. There is room for improvement in how we manage the performance of the
presidents. There will be a longer conversation about this at a future Board meeting. Geoff asked the
Board to take mental note of ways they can see this could be improved. Board member Jones and ViceChair Osmond shared that the R&R experience has been one of the best things about serving on the
Board. The challenge has been knowing where to focus their time and where their priorities should be.
Vice-Chair Osmond expressed that filling out the template feels like a waste of time. He suggested an
annual review instead of having two reviews a year. Board member Maggelet asked when they should
have the spring R&R ready. Geoff stated it should be done by June 1, if possible. This was an information
item only; no action was taken.

Women’s Equality in Utah

Scott Anderson commissioned Dr. Susan Madsen and her team to issue the Women’s Equality in Utah
report. Susan reviewed the 17 key indicators of women’s equality from the research, which are all
impacted by higher education. She went through the top ten recommendations from the report.
President Tuminez asked Dr. Madsen for ideas regarding childcare and eldercare. Susan indicated she
would share resources with the president. Board member Clyde mentioned that we have to get women
interested in higher-paying jobs. Chair Simmons expressed that we need to support women in their
choices but provide them with the same opportunities as men. Board members Jones and Maggelet
shared that we won’t make headway until men are engaged and understand how important it is that we
don’t blame and shame men for where we are but engage them. Help communicate the value of gender diversity and that we have complementary differences. This was an information item only; no action was
taken.

UofU/DSU Partnership

President Williams provided an update on the UofU/DSU Program Incubation Partnership, which
addresses critical workforce shortages in Physician Assistant Studies, Occupational Therapy and
Physical Therapy. He highlighted the formation and early stages of the partnership. They wanted to
memorialize this in a public meeting and would like continued support and recognition from the Board
for this to continue. Board member Theurer asked the president to speak briefly on how these programs
housed on the DSU campus remove barriers to care. President Williams stated it will improve access to
care. Commissioner Woolstenhulme expressed support and mentioned it will be greatly needed in the
future. He clarified that what the Board is saying is that they are supportive of the partnership with the
University of Utah and where this could lead in the future. When the time comes, there is a process by
policy that President Williams will go through for final approval. This was an information item only; no
action was taken.

Motion to Adjourn

Board member Clyde made a motion to adjourn; Board member Marcum seconded the
motion and the motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Date Approved: May 20, 2022