President’s Update – January 8, 2009
Happy New Year!
It’s the new year and I wanted to begin this year with a blog posting since it’s been quite some time since the last one, probably prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Hopefully, I can be more diligent with some regular postings. It’s not as if there aren’t many subjects to share information with you.
The term break and holiday season were quite different with the snowfall and college closings. Fortunately, these all occurred after the end of the quarter. We were not able to make our typical seasonal trip back to the mid-west because of the weather and travel conditions. In fact, we were barely able to travel to and from the house because of the roads. No mail, no garbage and spending most of the time during the holiday break with only each other is certainly different for us. Tom didn’t get home until closer to the new year, so we didn’t see family until his arrival. Fortunately, the airline provided a window to reschedule our trip with no additional fees.
Of course, one of the major topics of concern and discussion is the economy, both nationally and the state of Washington. We read and hear what events are occurring and the impact on us individually, and as an educational organization. During fall term there were a number of campus-wide meetings that focused on the 2009-2011 biennium budget forecasts and the anticipated impact on community colleges in terms of reductions. We’ve shared information through these meetings and the different announcements. Vice-Presidents have been working with their respective departments in developing potential budgets based on different levels of projected reductions. We’ve implemented a WEB page that shares updated information about the budget issues and provides a forum for college employees to share thoughts and ideas.
In a recent email sent to the campus the first day of the quarter I provided more information about the Governor’s biennium budget for this legislative session and her recommendations with respect to the community college system. She made a point of recognizing the role of the community colleges in economic recovery and determined that the system needed to retain a reasonable level of financial resources to address worker retraining and other educational needs of the state’s residents.
In that email I also outlined some of the actions that will be taken to implement our budget planning process for this year that will increase transparency and opportunities for participation. Vice-Presidents will be leading this effort and Jennifer Howard will assume the responsibilities for managing and developing next year’s budget for Board action. So, hopefully, you will have the opportunity to remain informed and to be involved with discussions of the College’s priorities as we develop the 2009-2010 budget.
Everett Community College continues to be a thriving and productive organization with growing numbers of students and new initiatives that will help shape the future well-being of this organization. In particular, the continued transformation of our facilities creates great excitement and unlimited potential for continued quality learning, teaching, and building partnership with our communities and higher education colleagues.
Most notable, at this point in time, is the completion of Grey Wolf Hall. Having completed a recent tour of that facility I am both extremely pleased for employees who will be moving into this incredible facility as their “home away from home” and for the students who will enroll in EVCC classes and in those courses offered by our four-year partners at this college facility. They will find a very comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that will contribute to their work and learning. And they will engage with one another in a “state of the art” learning community that fosters the innovation and the success they will diligently pursue. I encourage all of you to tour Grey Wolf at the first opportunity.
But that’s not all! We continue with the planning of our new and “first class” athletic and fitness center to be located off of Broadway Avenue. There have been preliminary plans shared, and upon seeing these I know both the College and communities will view EVCC differently with the construction of this building. Groundbreaking will be this summer, with anticipated occupancy winter quarter 2011.
We are also developing plans for remodel efforts in the Rainer, Parks and Jackson buildings that should be completed in the next several years. These renovation efforts will create new working and learning environments that most definitely bring about much needed improvements for employees currently in these facilities. And the proposed health sciences (Index Replacement) building stands in a very good position to be funded by the Legislature this session for construction beginning in 2011.
Yes, there are many challenges before us and, yes, there will be some very significant changes on the EVCC campus in the next few years. I continue to look forward to this bright and prosperous future.
This next Monday will bring the convening of the state’s 2009 legislative session. As you might suspect, there are a number of us who will be spending considerable time in Olympia. It’s not necessarily something to look forward to but there are many issues we need to advocate for in addition to the funding issues.
One activity that I look forward to but have not done much of recently, is visiting classes. I am very interested in such visits on a regular basis, with an invitation. The experience is a very worthwhile learning experience for me, and introduces me to students. I would look forward to any invitations.
The annual students of color conference will take place a week from this Friday. The conference is extremely important for the College but, more importantly, benefits the record number of high school students who participate. We are very fortunate to have this activity occur at EVCC and I encourage you to visit some of the activities and meet both high school students and guest panelists.
Finally, a recent milestone for me is greater appreciation of the number 60. I appreciate the contributions of my family and friends to this personal achievement, and good wishes from people on campus. Thank you.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:16 am
The fitness center is such a positive direction for our college! I am glad that even in these times of budget “concerns,” as an institution, we continue to be forward thinking and pursue our mission. Community colleges need to serve their communities in multiple ways. What better way than to help facilitate the health and well-being of the citizens of Everett and our college?
mdw
February 16th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Marvel Beyer (the president’s mother) has this to say: I was impressed that despite your snowstorms and flooding, the college president was able to keep his 100 year old aspargus fern alive and well on the outdoor deck of his home. If David makes up his mind to do something, to carry on or whatever, he does it and is successful.