Good morning everyone,
On a recent trip to Sleeping Giant to go
snowboarding with my sons, we had the opportunity to see several bighorn sheep.
I know that those of you who have lived here for several years are used to it
but I still feel like a kid on vacation in Yellowstone sometimes. Have I
mentioned lately how much we like it here? J
The following is a copy of the March report to the Board of Trustees. The numbers in parentheses relate to our strategic plan.
President’s
Report
March
2014
Trustees
Westerhold and Fees attended the National Legislative Summit (NLS) in
Washington, D.C. February 10-13. NLS is sponsored by the Association of Community College Trustees. In addition to information and
workshops on policy issues, Wyoming community college trustees and presidents
met with our congressional delegation.
State: Mark Kitchen and I traveled to Cheyenne
February 17-21 to represent the community colleges during the legislative
session. I emailed a lengthy legislative update to employees on March 3. In
addition to spending time with legislators, I also had the opportunity to get
to know UW personnel, including President Richard McGinity, Vice President for
Governmental and Community Affairs Chris Boswell and Special Assistant to the President for External
Affairs Mike Massie; elected officials; WEA representatives; and lobbyists. (SP
2.1, 2.2)
On
February 20th, WACCT held professional development sessions for
trustees and college administrators. That evening, WACCT’s annual Awards
Ceremony was held followed by the Legislative Reception. During the Awards
Ceremony we were honored by the attendance of Governor Mead. Many of our Big
Horn Basin Legislators attended the reception.
On February 6th, Associate Professor of Agriculture and
Coordinator of Agriculture Dr. Vern Dooley and I met with UW Dean of the
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Frank Galey, Associate Dean
and Director of Agricultural Experiment Station Dr. Bret Hess, Associate
Dean/Professor of Academic and Student Programs Dr. Donna Brown,
Professor/Associate Dean/Director of UW Extension Dr. Glen Whipple, and
Professor/Director of the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center Dr. Pete
Stahl to discuss the potential for partnerships between NWC and the UW in
agriculture. (SP 1.2)
As
the state PTK liaison for the community college presidents, I have been tasked
with coordinating the PTK all-state awards ceremony. The event honoring
exceptional students from each college will be held May 2nd in
Casper.
Local: This month I had the opportunity meet with
several community leaders including Mayor Don Hillman and City Manager Zane
Logan, District 1Superintendent Kevin Mitchell, Powell Valley Hospital CEO Bill
Patten, Homesteader Museum Director Rowene Weems, Powell Economic Partnership
(PEP) Director Christine Bekes, and Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt. As well,
on Monday, February 3rd, I joined the Pepe’s coffee group for
breakfast. I attended the Powell Medical Foundation Mardi Gras on March 4 and a
reception in Cody for visiting writer Valerie Hemingway on March 5th.
(SP 3.1, 3.2)
Campus: As you know, we have contracted with A&E
Architects to develop our Facilities
Master Plan. The consultants were on campus February 4th and 5th
to continue gathering input from stakeholders. In addition to meeting at length
with the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee, they also met with College
Council and Student Senate. They held a three-hour open meeting with faculty
and staff the afternoon of February 4th and presented to members of
the community that evening. On February 25, the consultants returned to campus
to meet with the Steering Committee to finalize their proposal before
presenting to the campus and trustees.
The implementation of our emergency
planning processes continues. Lee Blackmore has implemented training and
monthly tests of our notification system to prepare for our upcoming emergency
drill.
On
February 5th, the Enactus Team asked me to speak at the kickoff of
their monthly student empowerment group meeting. On February 6th, I
had the opportunity to speak to two freshman seminar classes about my
background and career path. Following my presentations, students asked
questions and gave me suggestions for improving NWC. (SP 1.1, 1.2) On February 14th, I visited the
Mickelson Field Station. I had the opportunity to spend time with Becky and
Scott Christensen and get an update on Field Station activities and plans for
the future. (SP 2.1, 2.2)
In
addition, I have met with several faculty, staff and students this month to
discuss various opportunities and areas of concern. (SP 1.1, 2.1, 2.2)
Foundation: Foundation Executive Director Shelby
Wetzel and I traveled to New York the last week of January to meet with
potential donors and NWC alumni. We continue to talk to benefactors regarding
donations for the Yellowstone Building including naming opportunities and the
brick project. As well, we are discussing legacy opportunities for retired
faculty and staff. I attended the Foundation Board meeting on February 5th.
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