Regents discuss new training program, freeport exemption
by Courtney Bullard, co-news editor
A new program to improve
intercommunications within South Plains College was
introduced at the October meeting of the SPC Board of
Regents.
After reviewing the bi-annual faculty
survey, it was determined that SPC employees feel that there
is not enough communication between departments. To correct
this barrier, LeadSPC was created. This is a new
supervisor-training program, which is being developed by the
Institutional Committee.
The primary objective is to connect the
supervisory personnel for the purposes of improving
organizational communications, creating opportunities for
shared decision-making, and to foster employee awareness,
understanding and involvement in planning and assessment.
The directors of LeadSPC are the members of a subcommittee
of the Institutional Effectiveness Committee. Members
include: Jeri Ann Dewbre, chairperson and director of human
resources; Fran Cotton, director of libraries; Ginger Mulloy,
director of the computer center; Rafael Aguilera, associate
dean of workforce development; Lee Cox, associate dean of
student services; Barbara Walker, secretary of the
controller.
The training course will include three
development workshops that will be scheduled once a month
during the fall and spring semesters. Each class will
include 20 to 25 supervisors from all campus locations.
Participants will also tour all four SPC campuses. The
LeadSPC team has invited 17 supervisors to participate in an
abbreviated version of the program and will later be the
core leadership group.
“It’s to better what they do so they
can better the students,” said Stephen John, vice president
for institutional advancement.
In other action, the Board discussed a
resolution enacted by the Texas Legislature that allows
certain applicants to be exempt from tax on certain items,
excluding oil, natural gas, and petroleum, that is being
temporarily held at a location. The Board has decided to
continue to uphold the tax for goods-in-transit on SPC
property . The resolution passed by a 4-1 vote, with Regent
Jim Montgomery opposing.
Dee Macha from Macha Insurance appeared
before the Board to present a resolution to adopt the
agreement to enter an inter-local agreement. Normally, SPC
would have to hear bids from insurance companies every year,
but with this agreement they would not have to for five
years. This is not a binding document, so if the Board
decided to hear bids for a better rate that they could do
so.
Darrell Grimes, vice president for
academic affairs, presented an update on the Plainview
campus. Enrollment has increased, Grimes said, especially in
the area of workforce development. The facilities have been
expanded to include more offices, a small testing room, a
workroom, eight classrooms , one future ITV room, two
computer labs, two science labs for biology and chemistry, a
library, a Learning/Career Center and a Student Center.
They are in the process of supplying security for the new
additions.
David Jones, vice president of student
affairs, presented state enrollment comparisons of community
colleges. SPC currently ranks 13th behind
colleges mostly near large cities and metropolitan areas.
There are still six schools that have not reported their
numbers including, Tyler Community College.
Also, SPC President Dr. Kelvin Sharp
provided an update on the health insurance situation for the
college’s faculty, which unfortunately is still unclear. He
assured the Board that he would continue to keep everyone
updated.
“I still look forward to getting that
resolved,” said Dr. Sharp.
Dr. Sharp’s report also included an
update for the construction on the Fine Arts Building, which
he said was continuing to make good progress
“We still think completion will be
early spring,” said Dr. Sharp.
Plans for construction on the
Communications Building is still in the works, as they are
still drawing the design and bids will be received in
February. Without Dr. Dick Walsh, who retired last month,
Dr. Sharp presented an update for Lubbock. He also reminded
the Board of upcoming events, including the Scholarship
Banquet, when donors and recipients will be recognized.
Other events include Meet the Texans on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.,
when the athletic teams will be introduced, and the 50th
Anniversary All Class Reunion on Nov. 9-Nov. 10, which is
expected to have a good turn out.
