RELEASE: Immediate
CONTACT:
Public
Affairs
DATE: October 21, 2005 PHONE: (919) 807-6963
State Board of Community Colleges calls back
funds to cover shortfall
Two new members sworn in, two community college presidents
approved
PINEHURST
– The State Board of Community Colleges held
its annual retreat and regular monthly meeting at Sandhills
Community College this week. After welcoming two new
members, the Board dealt with several financial and personnel
issues.
State Senator Harris Blake of Pinehurst administered the oath of
office to Jimmie Ford, former legislator and county commissioner
from Goldsboro and to John Q. Shaw, Jr. of Dunn, the President,
CEO, and Director of New Century Bancorp. Also taking the
oath were two members reappointed by Governor Easley: Chet
Middlesworth of Statesville and Herb Watkins of Charlotte.
The State Board authorized a reversion of one percent (1%) of
college budgets by the end of October. The action is
needed because of a shortfall of more than $3.6 million between
budgeted and collected receipts for the Community College
System. The colleges had been directed to hold back one
and one-half percent (1.5%) of their budgets for this
possibility. Kennon Briggs, System Vice President for Budget and
Finance, told the Board that if collections do not improve, the
remaining one-half percent (0.5%) will be requested early next
year.
In order to provide more accessibility for community college
students, 13 of the 58 community colleges operate 23
multi-campus college locations where students can complete
certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees without going to
the main campus. Additionally, most of the colleges also
operate off-campus centers where only certificates and diplomas
may be obtained.
The Board approved a report that will be sent to the General
Assembly on funding for these Multi-Campus and Off-Campus
facilities. The report shows that expenditures for this
student accessibility and convenience far outweighs the support
provided for them.
“Funds are spent appropriately,” said Kennon Briggs. “We just
don’t get enough to support enrollment growth on these campuses
and centers and the colleges have to adjust their budgets to
meet the need.”
Legislative funding in fiscal year 2004-05 for multi-campuses
totaled $8.8 million, but the colleges spent $71.6 million to
support these campuses. Most of the money comes from local
or institutional funding that was diverted from other areas.
The story is much the same for off-campus centers. Lawmakers
allocated only $1.4 million for these centers, but the colleges
spent $43 million to support them by adjusting their budgets.
The Board approved two new presidents:
* Dr. Ralph Soney is the new Roanoke-Chowan Community College
President, effective November 1. Soney is presently the
Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pitt Community College.
* Dr. Suzanne Owens will succeed Dr. Thomas Williams as Mayland
Community College President. Dr. Owens, who has been at Mayland
for 18 years, is presently the Vice President for Student
Development there.
The Board also approved Willa Dickens as Associate Vice
President for Economic and Workforce Development at the System
Office, effective November 1. Dickens is currently the
Small Business Center Director at the System Office, a position
she has held since January. Prior to coming to the System
Office she was at Halifax Community College for 18 years where
she ran the Small Business Center.
Dr. Linwood Powell reported that the Board conducted its annual
evaluation of System President Martin Lancaster during the
retreat and that he received an outstanding appraisal.
“Martin Lancaster is head and shoulders above his
contemporaries,” said Powell. “He has an unquenchable
thirst and is always out there searching to improve the learning
process.”
Dr. Powell also reported to the Board on the organization and
procedure of the Investigatory Committee on which he serves that
is looking into allegations against Dr. Ted Gasper, the Halifax
Community College president now on administrative leave with pay
until the issue is resolved. The committee continues to meet and
receive information from individuals. The Halifax Board of
Trustees is due to report its findings to the State Board no
later than November 7.
-NCCCS-
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