Trustee Woods Opens Up About the Board

NIC Trustee Christie Woods talked to the Sentinel about the Board of Trustees and the former president, Dr. Rick MacLennan.

Trustee Wood said, “[MacLennan’s] accomplishments during his five year tenure include: Excellent Covid Response, Effective planning for the institution, Accreditation and Mission Fulfillment, and strong leadership development.” 

Earlier this year, MacLennan contacted the Board of Trustees about a complaint of harassment towards a student, faculty, staff and administration. After this email was shared, Trustee Wood sent a long document about Chairman Todd Banducci behavior. In this document, Trustee Wood called for the resignation of Chairman Banducci, and said, “ All of those emails and documents have been provided to the media in the past and are available on the NIC website.”

With the complaint filed against Chairman Banducci by four regional Human Rights Task Forces with the Northwest Commission it was confirmed that the NIC Board must submit an Ad-Hoc Report August 1, 2022.With the evaluation of the Board may bring future monitoring of the college by the Commission. 

There has been no investigation by the Board of Trustees from the complaint written by MacLennan, and there have been no steps to ensure the behavior of the Board’ chair will not continue. 

Trustee Wood talked about how three board members continued to show no regard for State and Federal employment law, established NIC Policy Procedures, and the National Accreditation Standards.

Trustee Wood said, “They have put the institution and our taxpayers at great risk for litigation and removed any confidence citizens may have in this Board of Trustees.

When contacted for comment, Chairman Banducci has not responded to the Sentinel.