RELEASE DATE: May 16, 2008
CONTACT: Audrey Bailey, (919) 807-6963
State Board welcomes new system president
Approves reorganization of System Office
RALEIGH -- “I knew I would have high points and low points, but I never anticipated I would feel those extremes so acutely during my first couple of weeks on the job,” said System President Scott Ralls in his first report to the State Board of Community Colleges today (May 16, 2008).
The highs include participating in several graduation ceremonies, the “ultimate celebration of student success.” Ralls has given commencement addresses at seven community colleges across the state.
He said a low point was the death of his mother-in-law last week. Eileen Rowe was a community college nursing instructor. Ralls credited her passion for community colleges as one of the influences on his passion for the system.
Another low point was the “challenges we have faced in addressing this extremely difficult issue of the admission of undocumented immigrants.” Ralls told the Board the situation has highlighted “dual objectives of wanting to always remain within the law…and to also follow the principles of the open door philosophy.”
In his report Ralls also shared his ten areas of strategic emphasis for the System Office:
§ Foster “system simplification” and facilitate colleges to be nimble, effective, efficient, and accountable.
§ Enhance completion rates and bridges between programs
§ Foster opportunities and clearer pathways for low-income students
§ Expand health care programs
§ Reenergize technical education
§ Develop stronger training infrastructure and focused partnerships to enhance economic development
§ Support drop-out prevention efforts, and increase outreach, awareness and college-readiness of middle and high school students.
§ Enhance 2+2 partnerships through distance education and provide focus to the strategic workforce areas of teachers, nurses, and engineers.
§ Focus on the utility of technology to enhance student learning and customer service and promote economies of scale with our educational partners, and
§ Foster community college champions throughout North Carolina and increase awareness of the value of our North Carolina Community College System
The complete report is attached.
The Board approved a reorganization of the System Office that Ralls proposed. That change included the approval of several new or expanded positions as follows:
· Linda Weiner, Assistant to the President for Engagement and Economic Development, effective May 16
· Glynda Lawrence, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development – East Region, effective June 1
· Maureen Little, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development – West Region, effective June 1
· Dr. Saundra W. Williams, Senior Vice President for Information Technology and Workforce Development, effective June 1
· Richard Sullins, Executive Director of the State Board and Education Liaison, effective June 1
· Pia H. McKenzie, Special Assistant to the President, effective June 1.
The Board also authorized President Ralls to hire a Governmental Relations assistant at an hourly rate.
In other action, the Board approved Dr. Jarrett Chandler as Acting President of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, effective June 1. Chandler, who is presently the Vice President of Administration, Human Resources, and Advancement at Rowan-Cabarrus, replaces the retiring president, Dr. Richard Brownell.
Board Chair Hilda Pinnix-Ragland appointed a committee to rewrite the standards the Board will use for its yearly evaluation of the System President. Board Vice Chair Dr. Linwood Powell, who also chairs the Personnel Committee, will lead the committee comprised of Mrs. Joanne Steiner, Mr. Herbert Watkins, and Mrs. Norma Turnage.
The North Carolina Community College System enrolls more than 800,000 students in 58 comprehensive community colleges. Internationally recognized for the scope and quality of its programs, the system is North Carolina's primary provider of workforce preparation and adult education.
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Friday, May 16, 2008 01:58:27 PM
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