Acceptance Speech For Community College

Thank you for your attention this morning as we have discussed and informed you of many various topics. My goal today, in my short time with you, is to be as positive, clear, and concise with you as I present a few overarching opportunities and challenges. I have no problem being positive because I believe greatly in our mission and I am fortunate to still truly enjoy what I do. I will work hard to be as clear and concise as possible.

• A few specific updates before I get into the heart of my comments: o The legislative session starts tomorrow. They seem to be holding strong to the expectations that all agencies will start with a 4% reduction. TACC, CCATT, and TCCTA have all worked hard the last year to convince key legislators that this

Our challenge is that each of us fully understand that this is society’s expectation of us. Read any issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Community College Journal, or the Community College Times. Pay attention to federal and state discussions of higher education and policies directed to higher education. It was not always this way. I am not saying which way is right or wrong. What I am saying is that it is what it is. Our challenge is to meet these expectations not to debate them. My personal challenge is to provide leadership, direction, and influence to assure the Vernon College meets these expectations. I appreciate each of you for the role you have played and will play as we accomplish this daunting task.

I believe we are making great steps forward in these efforts. All of this falls under the umbrella topic of student success. o Task forces focusing on advising and registration o Title III grant activities and personnel focused on Student Success Pathways o New ERP/SIS to streamline workflows and provide extensive data o Continuous effort to enhance developmental

Just as I believe that retention is everyone’s job. I have often stated that a nice pat on the back is sometimes just the retention act that some students may need. An often asked question is—Which is more effective and efficient---intense retention efforts or intense marketing and recruiting. I say we all support all of these efforts... o As tax base funds continue to be flat and as state funding continues to be flat or decreasing, the primary source of new funds will be tuition and fee revenue increased enrollment. o It is not the goal to continue to raise tuition and fee rates so additional revenue will need to come from additional