This is one way to give the president a load of crap!
NWC Campus Security Coordinator Lee Blackmore loading "fertlizer" for President Hicswa's garden
After commencement last weekend, I finally took time to get my garden spot ready and plant. With the move last summer the only thing I planted was a small tomato plant in a pot. I am looking forward to having lots of fresh produce this summer! A big thank you to Susan and Rex for a start from their rhubarb.
The following is a copy of my May report to the board:
President’s Report
National: According to a
recent article in the Community College Daily,
community college students who transfer to a four-year college with an
associate’s degree are more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than similar
students who transfer without one. A new study from the Community College
Research Center at Columbia University states that “nearly two-thirds of
community college students who transfer to bachelor degree granting
institutions do so without first earning an associate degree.” Furthermore, the
authors state that students who transfer with an associate’s degree were “49%
more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree within four years” and “22% more
likely to earn one within six years.”
I
traveled to Meeteetse on May 7th to get to know community members
better and hear their ideas for ways we can improve our service to that part of
NWC’s tax district. It was a great day. I appreciate Trustee Nada Larsen making
the arrangements.
Campus: Through the
budgeting process and in discussions with the Budget Committee and Vice
Presidents, I have asked Interim Vice President for Administrative Services Sheldon
Flom to decentralize the vehicle fleet budget so that budget directors can
maintain more control over their travel budgets.
The custom multi-sport court surface had already been ordered and
completed before you tabled the decision regarding building a multi-sport court
on campus to replace the tennis courts displaced by the Yellowstone Building. I investigated options regarding our
financial obligations to Snap Sports and was unable to negotiate any sort of
discount. Therefore, we are obligated to pay the remainder of the invoiced
amount of $35,000.
My
husband and I hosted a reception for NWC retirees and soon-to-be retirees at
our home the evening of April 16th. I had the opportunity to attend
the PTK induction ceremony on April 17th and the Honored Faculty
ceremony and lecture April 24th. My children and I attended the Wild
West Players production of The Pale Pink
Dragon on April 25th, where I witnessed the amazing talents of
our students and community members, as well as heard Division Chair Duane Fish
sing.
I
had the opportunity to report on campus developments at our Alumni Association Board
of Directors meeting April 26th. I attended the Ag Program Advisory Board
meeting on April 29th. On May 1st I attended the Student Academic
Award Reception followed by a dinner with WEA representatives. Our Employee Recognition
Banquet was held at the Park County Fairgrounds on May 2nd. I
continue to be impressed by the accomplishments of our faculty and staff.
Although I did not golf in the Trapper Bonanza Golf Tournament on May 10th,
I did attend the steak dinner and Calcutta the night before.
I continue my
training with Fox Lawson regarding the Decision Band Method employee classification
system. The system is complicated, but I am gaining a better understanding of
the methodology. Since the end of the academic year is approaching, I called a
meeting of the Institutional Effectiveness Committee this month to evaluate the
progress on our Strategic Plan metrics. As always, I met with constituent group
presidents and held an all-employee meeting prior to the Trustees meeting. I
have also met with a variety of students, faculty, and staff regarding
end-of-year activities, events, and concerns.
Foundation: I attended the NWC
Foundation Board of Directors meeting April 23rd as well as the
second Foundation Resource Collaboration Group meeting April 30th. I am very pleased with the engagement of our
Foundation Board with the college. Foundation Executive Director Shelby Wetzel
and I continue to discuss ways we can leverage Foundation dollars with college
needs as well as match college needs with donor preferences.
Enjoy the rest of the week.