College adopts new values statement

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- The Mid-Plains Community College board of governors adopted a new values station while taking steps to ensure continued progress of the institution.

Meeting in North Platte Wednesday, the board approved a statement that:

"We value excellence in education through:

* Integrity

* Programs that enhance the quality of life for people and our region

* Accessibility and affordability

* Respect for our college, communities, and the people we serve

* Open and honest communication

* Safe, quality, and engaging environments

* Continuous collaboration among all campuses

The board also authorized President Ryan Purdy to sign a lease agreement with the Valentine Community Education Agency for the Valentine facility and a memorandum of understanding with Custer Campus Inc. for completion of the technical shop expansion at the Broken Bow Extended Campus, with a college contribution of $100,000 toward the project. That amount was included in the 2016-17 budgets but required separate approval because of the amount.

Governors also learned that the college had received a "clean" audit covering Federal Financial Aid, student enrollments and the college's financial condition, as prepared by Dana Cole Inc.

Kelly Rippen, MPCC area dean of enrollment management, reported that MPCC is in the top five among its peer institutions for first-to-second year retention of full-time students and sixth for part-time students.

Following a half-hour closed session to discuss negotiations, the board adjourned. The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in North Platte.