Regents dicuss construction completion, education bill

by Jason Hartline, staff writer

 

The renewal of the president’s contract, a tour of the new additions and the enacted House Bill 1 were among the topics of discussion at the November meeting of the South Plains College Board of Regents.

The third special session called of the 79^th Texas Legislature enacted HB1. This bill is in partnership between the Texas Education Agency and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

These two entities have been charged with adopting a plan that will increase the college readiness of graduating high school seniors.

HB1 has the intent of establishing a set of skills in graduating students that will adequately prepare them to be successful in entry-level college course work.

“We’re spending too much time teaching remedial classes,” said Mike Box, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Most high schools aren’t doing what is needed to prepare students for college classes.”

Jim Montgomery, a member of the Board of Regents, then asked if there is a tracking program established within our developmental program.

“Our developmental program is one of the best in the state,” said Darrell Grimes, vice president for academic affairs. “They track the students to check progress in their future studies. That’s how we get feedback on how to make the program better.”

The standards are written to remove gaps between the end of a high school career and the start of a collegiate one. Each institution was asked to appoint a special advisor that will be given the task of informing students and parents of the changes that will take place. The changes will affect the graduating class of 2012-2013.

SPC has appointed Yancy Nunez, dean of arts and sciences, to be the special advisor. The campaign to get the public informed will kick off in the spring.

John Sparks, chairperson of the Communications Department, professor of journalism and advisor for SPC-TV, and Billy Alonzo, assistant professor of radio, television and film, have written and produced a DVD titled “Getting Ready for College.”

“This DVD is very well done,” said Grimes. “It shows the right courses to take. This is great advice, because that’s the hardest part.”

The DVD features Magaly Silva, a current student at SPC. Silva plays the role of a student advising prospective college students to take their academic careers seriously and not shy away from the rewarding challenges a college career can offer.

“It shows from the student’s point of view what to do to be successful,” said Grimes. “Very nice job by this young woman. It’s better to be done by her than an old vice president.”

SPC faculty members have volunteered to prepare workshops intended to begin a dialogue with secondary teachers with regard to the college readiness standards.

Stephen John, vice president for institutional advancement, reported that the Office of College Relations staff received three awards from the annual National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District IV Medallion Awards.

The Office of College Relations received a silver medallion award for Outdoor Advertising for the 50th Anniversary billboard designed by Holly LeRoy, visual communications specialist.

 They also received a silver medallion award for Promotional Item for the t-shirt design for the Texans 2008 National Basketball Championship. Stephen Esquivel, visual communications specialist, designed the t-shirt.

The Office of College Relations also received a medallion award for the 2007-08 Texan and Lady Texan Media Guide.

“At this time we have not received word from the contest director as to whether the award is a gold, silver or bronze,” said John. “We are trying to confirm that as soon as possible.”

Community college marketing and PR professionals from a six-state region submit entries for the annual contest that recognizes the best in community college marketing and PR projects.  The states include Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

“These awards really show the level of professionalism and skill the Office of College Relations staff possesses,” said John. “We’re all very proud and glad to have them.”

David Jones, vice president for student services, reported on the fall 2009 calendar.

“This calendar is tentative,” said Jones. “It will be for adoption in the Executive Council in a week or two.”

The calendar was reviewed in advance to avoid problems in the future.

“I’ve always thought it was great to plan ahead,” said Montgomery. “This gives us a chance to coordinate holidays with other colleges and high schools.”

In other action, the Board toured the new additions to the Art Gallery within the Christine DeVitt Fine Arts Center.

“I remember when these paintings were given to the college when I went to school here,” said Linda Patton, a member of the Board of Regents. “To see them all here at eye level is just amazing.”

The Board continued to tour the new additions and moved on to the Communications Building.

The tour, which was led by Sparks, started with the two rooms that are dedicated to print and broadcast journalism.

“The rooms came out just as we designed it,” said Sparks. “These rooms will really give the students a chance to grow in a more specialized environment.”

Also included in the new addition is an audio production lab, where students learn how to produce everything for radio, and a general-purpose classroom for lectures.

Four new faculty offices have been added, as well as an Avid editing room.

While touring additions to the Texan Dome, the Board voted unanimously to accept the new additions.

 In other business, the contract of Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of SPC, was renewed with an additional $500-a-month bonus.

“As far as I’m concerned, he earns his pay,” said William Clements, a member of the Board of Regents. “I don’t think we can pay him enough for what he’s done and what he does for this college.”

Dr. Sharp is held in very high regard among the Regents.

“Dr. Sharp was graded on a five-point scale and scored a 4.94,” said Box, smiling. “He’s getting closer to the top.”

A humble Dr. Sharp received the compliments with praise about SPC.

“A comment that often is made is that SPC works hard for the students,” said Dr. Sharp. “This is a wonderful place with wonderful people.”

Dr. Sharp went on to say how great of an achievement it is to be recognized as a college working for the students, and not the other way around. He added that SPC is a great place to lead. He then thanked each member of the Board of Regents.

“Our whole crew is remarkable,” said Pete Pettiet, a member of the Board of Regents. “I believe you are one of the reasons why this place is so wonderful, and for that I would like to thank you.”