February Lynx Lowdown

From the President

Alex Stoyle, owner of Revelstoke Coffee on Main St., has created one of the most successful and beloved businesses in Concord, and he believes Revelstoke’s culture is the foundation. At NHTI we are challenged by the budget, enrollment, sufficient staffing levels—and snow! But you are the caffeine in our coffee.

 

To take one example, Student Affairs and Academic & Workforce Education reduced the Spring enrollment decline by 2 percentage points in January. I love the care you give our students, guests, and each other.

 

NECHE

Top of the agenda is our NECHE accreditation visit March 1-4. Please prepare your areas to welcome guests.

 

Mission, Values, Tag Line, and Vision

Please post in your office area and memorize these foundational elements of our identity. A member of the NECHE team might ask you about them. More important, we do our best service when we understand why we’re here and where we’re headed.

 

Budget

We will finish the year in balance. The decline in enrollment is being offset primarily with savings from positions that were budgeted but are currently vacant.

 

Key variables for next year’s budget are enrollment, the tuition rate, the general fund allocation from CCSNH to each college, and whether we will have to increase set aside amounts for deferred maintenance. We should have a clearer sense of all the budget inputs by the end of March.

 

Campus Development

We have underused areas on campus. I will send through shared governance a request to review our assets in facilities and grounds and make recommendations for compatible uses so we can prioritize partnerships that mutually enhance missions.


If you have questions about this update, please contact ptompkins@ccsnh.edu.

From Student Success

Early Alerts & Midterm Grades

  • 30% response rate on Early Alerts
  • 100% response rate on midsemester grade submissions


Early College Innovation Grant

NHTI and GBCC Sustainable Agriculture and Vet Science Teacher Summit

  • How to create a Farmer’s Market
  • Growing things for program fundraisers
  • Career pathways and opportunities in New Hampshire
  • Apprenticeships and Internships for students
  • Visiting Local Farms
  • Happening at NHTI in August
  • Developed collaboratively by Mark Bograd and Tracey Lesser


119 students texted Leroy songs they are listening to, and we put together a playlist of the recommendations. You can view the playlist here. Some highlights are below:


High Energy

  • Sad But True - Metallica
  • Blue on Black - Five Finger Death Punch
  • Angel With a Shotgun - The Cab
  • 2122 - Geese


Indie/Alternative Mood

  • Should I Stay or Should I Go (Remastered) - The Clash
  • Stop Calling His Phone - Parker Ryan
  • Soul Kitchen - The Doors


Feel-Good/Bright

  • Take on Me - a-ha
  • Counting Stars - OneRepublic
  • Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwowole
  • Wildflower - Billie Eilish


Nostalgic Classics

  • Fool in the Rain (Remaster) - Led Zeppelin
  • ... Baby One More Time - Britney Spears

If you have questions about this update, please contact rdean@ccsnh.edu.

From Academic Affairs and Workforce Education

Academic and workforce education is collaborating with student success to develop a course for all students that focuses on career development and student success. The course is part of an initiative to strengthen student onboarding.


If you have questions about this update, please contact hiweka@ccsnh.edu.

From Business Operations

Spring 2026 credit activity is currently down approximately 5–6% compared to the same time last year, which will impact tuition revenue. As a result, the college is taking a proactive and collaborative approach to financial stewardship. Departments are being asked to remain mindful of discretionary spending, actively manage expenses, and leverage vacancy savings where possible. The FY27 budget development process is underway, with fee proposals due in March and system-level review and approval expected later this spring.


Facilities planning remains a major focus area. The college previously developed a three-year facilities framework designed to prioritize existing conditions, reduce the physical footprint where appropriate, and align investments with the 2025–2028 Strategic Vision. Several projects have already been completed or are in progress this year, including improvements across ACE/Library, Grappone Hall, Little Hall, MacRury Hall, the Student Center, and upcoming Athletics & Wellness Center locker room renovations.


Campus Safety updates included progress regarding a federal security grant award that will support approximately $146,000 in enhanced cameras, card access systems, MSG, childcare center safety improvements, (ballistic window film). The department welcomed new first-shift officer Matthew LaClair and continues recruitment for several open positions while utilizing supplemental security coverage during the transition.


Overall, this update emphasized collaboration, transparency, and responsible planning as the college navigates enrollment pressures while continuing to invest in student success and campus improvements.

Campus Moves

Campus Safety is moving to Little Hall! They will be using space that was previously occupied by HR. Their move will be complete within the next couple of weeks.


Business office staff are similarly moving out of the white building. They will be located within the Maintenance Office. This move is also in process right now.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Parking

Last Tuesday a reminder was sent asking for everyone’s cooperation in not parking in the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center lot, except for Dental Clinic patients with valid placards.


Unfortunately, as of Tuesday morning, before the Discovery Center even opened, the lot was already filled with vehicles not authorized to park there. This continued misuse directly impacts our community partner’s operations and patient access.


Effective now:

  • Tickets will be issued to unauthorized vehicles parked in the Discovery Center lot.
  • The Discovery Center has the authority to tow vehicles parked without authorization.


Please plan accordingly and use designated NHTI parking areas only. Choosing to park in the Discovery Center lot without authorization may result in fines and towing at the owner’s expense.



We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in respecting our shared spaces and community partnerships.

If you have questions about this update, please contact mbourdon@ccsnh.edu.

From Human Resources

What Happens Behind the Scenes in HR (and Why It Matters to You)

When most people think of Human Resources, they often think of hiring paperwork, benefits enrollment, or even view HR in a negative light. In reality, HR plays a much broader role in supporting both employees and the institution as a whole.


Behind the scenes, HR works closely with leadership to ensure hiring processes are fair, consistent, and aligned with institutional goals. This includes creating more efficient recruitment practices, such as building talent pools for adjunct faculty, so departments can quickly find qualified candidates when positions open.


HR also focuses on employee development and support. From onboarding new staff and managers to providing access to training resources, these efforts help everyone succeed in their roles. HR ensures employees understand policies and have guidance when navigating workplace questions or challenges.


Compliance and risk management are also key functions. Whether it’s tracking leave, maintaining accurate records, or responding to audit findings, HR works to ensure policies are applied consistently and in line with state and federal requirements.


While HR is sometimes associated with difficult conversations, much of the work is proactive—helping prevent problems, providing guidance, and supporting a fair and organized workplace. HR is a resource for everyone on campus, and understanding its broader role can help employees see that there’s more to our team than forms and policies—it’s about supporting people and the institution every day. Please feel free to visit us anytime or email us at nhtihr@ccsnh.edu.

New Hires:

We are pleased to welcome our newest team members to the organization. We look forward to the skills, perspectives, and energy they bring and wish them much success as they begin their roles with us.


Stephanie Brumfield – Lab/Instructional Technician

Matthew LaClair – Safety & Security Officer

Pam Vesey – Registrar Specialist


Departures:

We also acknowledge colleagues who have recently departed or will be departing shortly. We thank them for their contributions and service and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.


Tara Whiting – Registrar Specialist

Debra Smith – College Manager, Student Life

Valerie LaVoice - Faculty

If you have questions about this update, please contact khart@ccsnh.edu.

From Faculty Council

Faculty Council met February 24 but the inspiring meeting was cut short due to the enthralling Chancellor’s visit.

 

Important items were discussed as usual. We talked about nominating a faculty member to speak at commencement. We learned about upcoming curriculum committee items, including an exciting new program in Healthcare Management.

 

Exhilarating standing items were discussed including:

  • Sue Diener’s engrossing meeting with Patrick including that Patrick loved meeting with faculty and will look over the notes and get back to faculty.
  • Academic Leadership Council canceled the Wednesday, February 25 meeting. They are currently captivated with their tantalizing working groups including 8-week semesters, bachelor’s degrees, scheduling efficiencies, general electives, and the AF grade.
  • CFAAC toiled and completed lively work on the bylaws
  • Commencement is on May 15 at 10 a.m., with no rain date but perhaps snazzy ponchos if it does rain.
  • Student Success team is looking to require high school transcripts. They are fascinating reading.

 

Faculty were also made aware of the Title II requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the April 24, 2026 deadline. This was important but not exactly electrifying.

 

The date for the riveting NECHE open forum with faculty is Tuesday, March 3 from 1-1:50 p.m. in Grappone 106.


If you have questions about this update, please contact sdiener@ccsnh.edu.

From Staff Council

Staff Council met on February 25 and covered several key agenda items. The group began by reviewing discussions from the recent Town Hall and Chancellor’s forum. Staff reiterated the importance of reevaluating the system’s funding formula and emphasized the need for meaningful staff and faculty representation on the Chancellor’s hiring committee.


An update was provided regarding the upcoming visit from NECHE, including a reminder for staff to attend the open forum on Tuesday, March 2 at 3 p.m. in Grappone 106.


Morgan Martin from Admissions presented on the potential reinstatement of the high school transcript requirement, a topic raised by the Student Success Council. The discussion highlighted a noted increase in fraudulent applications and financial aid misuse, as well as the importance of transcripts in supporting accurate advising and prerequisite verification. In regard to “system-ness” questions were also raised about admissions requirements across colleges, noting that MCC and GBCC currently require transcripts.


A lot of discussion was had around the significance of compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. With an April 24 deadline approaching, members acknowledged that substantial work remains to ensure institutional compliance with updated accessibility standards.


The meeting concluded with a discussion of NHTI Cares emergency funding. Staff were encouraged to refer students in need to apply through the NHTI Cares webpage. Emergency funding provides up to $750 per academic year for students in good academic standing who meet eligibility criteria.

If you have questions about this update, please contact kmoody@ccsnh.edu.

From Marketing

Do you have a story you think should be shared with our community? An outstanding student you want to brag about? Something unique happening in your department or class? A fellow staff member that you want to give a shout-out to?


The Communications & Marketing department wants to hear from you about what makes our campus and students incredible!


Our Share NHTI Success Stories form is simple and quick to use. There are only three questions, along with a place to upload relevant photos. You can find the form by going to lynx.nhti.edu and hovering over the "Faculty/Staff" button in the upper right.


If you have questions about this update, please contact eemarsh@ccsnh.edu.

Reminders from the Registrar's Office

  • Signed registration forms and drop forms are required if you are registering or dropping courses on behalf of the student and they are not doing it themselves on SIS. This is due to the associated financial obligations.
  • Please provide student IDs, and CRNs when you communicate with us. This helps us help you more quickly! Requests without IDs or CRNs are generally handled last, as we need to look them up.
  • Students pursuing a second associate degree require 15 unique credits in order to graduate from the second degree. (This does not apply to certificates.)
  • The “100%” for estimated credits in Degree Works does not mean they are ready to graduate! It just means they achieved minimum credit requirements for the program, and they may still have degree requirements that need to be met.
  • Spring commencement rule: Summer completers with 2 courses (or fewer) remaining to complete graduation requirements will be invited to participate in the current May commencement.

If you have questions about this update, please contact sprice@ccsnh.edu.

Mission, Values, Tagline and Vision

Our Mission

NHTI cultivates potential in every learner.


Our Values

  • We love who we are and who we serve.
  • We are responsible for ourselves, our college, and our community.


Our Tagline

Community focused, career driven.


Our Strategic Vision

  • We serve New Hampshire’s best interest.
  • We deliver a comprehensive college experience.
  • We relentlessly pursue excellence.

One Cool Thing

We’re excited to celebrate an incredible student! Sarah Lewis was honored as EMT of the Year by the Loudon Fire Department. She earned this award while balancing coursework in our NHTI Paramedic Emergency Medicine associate degree program.

March Event Calendar

Monday, March 2

  • Meet Us Monday - 12-1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3

  • Restorative Yoga - 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4

  • Cardio & Core (Pilates and More!) - 12:15-1 p.m.

Thursday, March 5

  • NHTI Futsal Open Gym Sessions - 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 6, 2026

  • Restorative Yoga - 12:15-1 p.m.

Saturday, March 7

  • Here Comes the Sun 5k - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, March 9

  • UNH Manchester Admissions Counselor Table Visit - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Meet Us Monday - 12-1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10

  • Restorative Yoga - 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11

  • Last Dash to Class Registration Rally - 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Cardio & Core (Pilates and More!) - 12:15-1 p.m.

Thursday, March 12

  • NHTI Futsal Open Gym Sessions - 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 13

  • Restorative Yoga -12:15-1 p.m.

Monday, March 16, 2026

  • Meet Us Monday - 12-1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

  • Restorative Yoga - 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18

  • Cardio & Core (Pilates and More!) - 12:15-1 p.m.

Thursday, March 19

  • NHTI Futsal Open Gym Sessions - 7:-8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 20

  • Restorative Yoga - 12:15-1 p.m.

Monday, March 23

  • UNH Manchester Admissions Counselor Table Visit - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Meet Us Monday - 12-1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24

  • Restorative Yoga - 4-5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25

  • Cardio & Core (Pilates and More!) - 12:15-1 p.m.

Thursday, March 26

  • NHTI Futsal Open Gym Sessions - 7-8:30 p.m.

Friday, March 27

  • Restorative Yoga - 12:15-1 p.m.

Saturday, March 28

  • My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow - 2-8:00 p.m.

Monday, March 30

  • Meet Us Monday — 12-1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 31

  • College Transfer Fair - 12-2 p.m.
  • College Transfer Fair - 4-6 p.m.
  • Restorative Yoga - 4-5 p.m.
  • Campus Reads with The Eye - 5-7 p.m.


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