President's Message, Nov. 2009
Hello students, faculty and staff. Thank you all for a successful first half of Fall 2009. Your effort, hard work, and patience are very much appreciated, particularly given record enrollments and the large amount of construction on and around campus. I have had an opportunity to attend many student activities, academic events, cultural activities and athletic events this fall. This confirmed my knowledge that MCC has highly talented students, faculty, and staff.
Last month, I provided information regarding the MCC Strategic Planning process. This month’s President’s Message will update the planning process as well as provide you with information regarding happenings on and off campus. Of note:
- Dr. John Bartley, Instructor of Geology, has graciously agreed to Co-Chair the Strategic Planning process with Diana Osborn. The full committee and subcommittees are being organized to begin the important work to come.
- I will ask the Committee to hold some of its meetings and activities at locations in the community to assure that external stakeholders have input regarding the future of the college.
- Finally, the MCC Board of Trustees is evaluating architectural firms to develop a new Master Plan for the College. The Board is expected to settle on a firm during the next several weeks.
On the legislative front, you will be pleased to learn that the Michigan State Legislature fully funded the Community College budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Every other major state agency received reductions for 2009-10. This is particularly important as it signals an understanding in Lansing that community colleges play a pivotal role in the future of the state.
On the home front, I have had an opportunity to meet the talented MCC family. I have also met one-on-one with many community members with a direct interest in MCC. This includes 14 school system superintendents, other educators, our Lansing legislative delegation, many municipal leaders, businessmen and women, nonprofit agencies, students of all ages, and many others. I do this to meet my commitment to serve all of you more effectively. If you have a group or persons whom you believe I should contact, please let me know. Additionally, to enhance transparency in my office, I am posting my calendar online on the President’s Welcome page.
Finally, during a ceremony on Friday, October 23, Executive Vice President Diana Osborn, Vice President of Student Affairs Janie Brooks, and Vice President for Academic Affairs Teresa Sturrus were honored by the MCC community. Importantly, this year marks the first time in MCC’s history that women held all three vice presidential positions. It was noted that they have served the College with distinction for a combined 80-plus years. It is my observation that these women are smart, tough, and capable as well as consummate professionals. It is a pleasure to work with them.