It’s great to work in challenging times. Dr. Greg Rutherford, President of York Technical College, recently made that statement when he opened a meeting of the President’s Council of the South Carolina Technical College System. Dr. Rutherford serves the Council as this year’s chairman. The comment is simple; the implications are so very complex. These are indeed challenging times in all sectors of our communities, state and nation.
There is another statement I hear when I’m watching an intense sporting event. It is usually voiced after one team scores and there is a huge momentum shift mounting. Soon after an impressive drive leading to a score, in a surprise turnaround fashion, the other team responds quickly with a convincing play or series of plays in a short timeframe to counteract the previous score by the opposition. Typically, you’ll hear the announcer proclaim – good teams respond.
It’s true. Good teams respond to adversity. At TCL we have a good team that is on its way to greatness. During these times of mounting opposition, we have to remain committed to our calling and respond vigorously with creative initiatives that show the public our spunk and determination to keep the momentum going even when there are obstacles.
It’s difficult to remain positive when financial difficulties confront us, but determination allows us to succeed. That manifests in many ways. It’s evident in the way we encourage students to think, it’s evident when we prepare facilities for the next day of classes, it’s evident when we make one more student appointment when the available office hours have long past, it’s evident when we offer a helpful smile and greeting that conveys we’re here to help, and it’s evident when we accept one more student into a full class because he or she needs it to graduate. Yes, it’s also evident when we go out of our way to show kindness to someone who is having a bad day or to offer an encouraging word of praise when one is performing tasks that exceed our typical expectations. Yes, good teams indeed respond to challenges. They not only survive the challenge, they are better for not caving or giving in to adversity. Great leaders lead with positive demeanor. Yes, it is truly great to work in challenging times.
Spring is a wonderful time and we all sense the freshness and liveliness due to the season. I feel energized and refreshed, and at TCL we’re making some plans for extraordinary times. There is never a time when we will get complacent. We are so fortunate to work at a time that needs our services and our product, which is the curriculum.
I challenge all teammates at TCL to respond to challenges, knowing that it may get more difficult and demanding in the next year as our financial resources dwindle even farther.
The best reward is coming. It’s Commencement. It’s that time of year when we get to celebrate the conferring of an academic credential. It’s a big deal for our students. It will remind all of us why we keep responding and keep pushing harder.
It’s great to have a responsive team of committed individuals who believe in human potential. There is hope out there. I remain committed to the fact that our community and technical colleges are our nation’s great hope to lead and the major force behind the innovation driven economy.
The major news of the year so far is the passing of the Healthcare Initiative. Imbedded in that initiative are funds for advancing two year colleges. This marks the first time the federal government has awarded funds to community and technical colleges.
We will continue to seek alternative sources of revenue to fund our operations so we can continue to respond to the needs in our community. Believe in our process, our resolve to serve and our commitment to leading the region to economic prosperity. I challenge our TCL team to lead the community with responsive solutions that reflect pride in the trust that others have given us, for the survival of this great nation rests solidly on an educated polity. Our job is defined for us. Let’s get it done.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Funding Dilemma.
More budget cuts are coming, get prepared. That’s the word from Columbia. I appreciate the advanced notice, and I realize the funding issues will continue to hamper operations for all state agencies in the coming fiscal year. We’re bracing for at least another 15% cut in funding from the State when we begin the new fiscal year on July 1.
Across the nation, recent student demonstrations called attention to decreased funding and tuition increases. Students amassed to use their collective voice to communicate their concern. For me, it's good to see engaged students voicing their opinion; however, the sobering truth is institutions of higher learning, even those with state affiliation, can no longer rely on tax-based revenue to fund college operating budgets.
Although base funding from the State of South Carolina is decreasing, we have been careful to examine the tuition structure so that we are not placing students at a disadvantage. Our tuition increases have been modest. The technical college tuition structure is less than what the other SC higher education sectors charge. In no way are we making up for declining state support through the tuition we charge. We do encourage all students to apply for available grants through our Office of Financial Aid, providing they qualify and follow all the requisite steps. There are dedicated financial aid staff available to assist.
TCL employees are curious about the impact of state budget declines. From what I know now, providing that our enrollment continues to grow while we retain current students, we should be able to survive and hopefully maintain full employment. Survival is one thing. We are surviving. Are we advancing as we should? Not to the extent we should. At TCL we know that since 2008 we have approximately $1.2 million less in state appropriations. Imagine where we could be with those dollars. As a consequence, there are some items on hold, including new programs, expansion plans, and deferred maintenance items. This is all part of the dilemma.
A dilemma is defined as choice between equally undesirable outcomes. Those choices are to remain operational and continue to serve more students with fewer funds or to outright restrict enrollment and operate within our funding structure.
At present, my position is to maintain our commitment to open access. Students are enrolling at the two-year colleges in record numbers all across the nation, TCL not withstanding. The dilemma we face, as we admit record numbers of students, is how many more students do we admit before our service to them is impacted?
In the current fiscal year, TCL received some financial assistance from the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These non-recurring funds helped us renovate facilities, purchase new furniture and repair campus HVAC systems that otherwise would have been deferred. The funds provided a temporary boost to our financial position, but they will not last beyond next fiscal year. The funding picture will look substantially different in fiscal year 2012 when these funds are no longer available.
There is no question that TCL employees are working harder at all levels to serve more students. Yes, they are stretched. For the record, there has been no increase in compensation in the last few years. Due to the enrollment increase, there have been some temporary part-time employees hired to help with the increased workload. Rather than continue to add more work to existing employees, we attempted to add temporary help. The greatest advantage we have is the collective intellectual capital of TCL employees.
Let me be unequivocal. At TCL, we will continue to do our best to serve students. The same is true for our State lawmakers. They are not destined to spitefully hurt higher education or any other state agencies for that matter. Public service is a high calling, both locally and in Columbia. The individuals who serve in the General Assembly have noble intentions. They are simply having to deal with a lousy dose of economic decline, and it is widespread, far beyond South Carolina.
The purpose of this note is to communicate. I want to create the open agenda to know that as an institution, we are very sensitive to concerns of everyone, including our constituents, our students and our employees. We will continue to make careful decisions about how we handle the financial resources we are given. We are mindful stewards of the public trust, and above all, I pledge to operate in an honorable fashion where we remain committed to service to our community, our students, and our staff.
Across the nation, recent student demonstrations called attention to decreased funding and tuition increases. Students amassed to use their collective voice to communicate their concern. For me, it's good to see engaged students voicing their opinion; however, the sobering truth is institutions of higher learning, even those with state affiliation, can no longer rely on tax-based revenue to fund college operating budgets.
Although base funding from the State of South Carolina is decreasing, we have been careful to examine the tuition structure so that we are not placing students at a disadvantage. Our tuition increases have been modest. The technical college tuition structure is less than what the other SC higher education sectors charge. In no way are we making up for declining state support through the tuition we charge. We do encourage all students to apply for available grants through our Office of Financial Aid, providing they qualify and follow all the requisite steps. There are dedicated financial aid staff available to assist.
TCL employees are curious about the impact of state budget declines. From what I know now, providing that our enrollment continues to grow while we retain current students, we should be able to survive and hopefully maintain full employment. Survival is one thing. We are surviving. Are we advancing as we should? Not to the extent we should. At TCL we know that since 2008 we have approximately $1.2 million less in state appropriations. Imagine where we could be with those dollars. As a consequence, there are some items on hold, including new programs, expansion plans, and deferred maintenance items. This is all part of the dilemma.
A dilemma is defined as choice between equally undesirable outcomes. Those choices are to remain operational and continue to serve more students with fewer funds or to outright restrict enrollment and operate within our funding structure.
At present, my position is to maintain our commitment to open access. Students are enrolling at the two-year colleges in record numbers all across the nation, TCL not withstanding. The dilemma we face, as we admit record numbers of students, is how many more students do we admit before our service to them is impacted?
In the current fiscal year, TCL received some financial assistance from the federal government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These non-recurring funds helped us renovate facilities, purchase new furniture and repair campus HVAC systems that otherwise would have been deferred. The funds provided a temporary boost to our financial position, but they will not last beyond next fiscal year. The funding picture will look substantially different in fiscal year 2012 when these funds are no longer available.
There is no question that TCL employees are working harder at all levels to serve more students. Yes, they are stretched. For the record, there has been no increase in compensation in the last few years. Due to the enrollment increase, there have been some temporary part-time employees hired to help with the increased workload. Rather than continue to add more work to existing employees, we attempted to add temporary help. The greatest advantage we have is the collective intellectual capital of TCL employees.
Let me be unequivocal. At TCL, we will continue to do our best to serve students. The same is true for our State lawmakers. They are not destined to spitefully hurt higher education or any other state agencies for that matter. Public service is a high calling, both locally and in Columbia. The individuals who serve in the General Assembly have noble intentions. They are simply having to deal with a lousy dose of economic decline, and it is widespread, far beyond South Carolina.
The purpose of this note is to communicate. I want to create the open agenda to know that as an institution, we are very sensitive to concerns of everyone, including our constituents, our students and our employees. We will continue to make careful decisions about how we handle the financial resources we are given. We are mindful stewards of the public trust, and above all, I pledge to operate in an honorable fashion where we remain committed to service to our community, our students, and our staff.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Preserving a Legacy
Families are so important. At TCL our family roots go back to our Matriarch, Rachel Crane Mather. We credit Mrs. Mather as our founder dating back to 1868. Each February, we celebrate Founder’s Day, a day when we remember the legacy of a woman with a vision who inspired others by giving them hope and by making a difference in their lives through education.
I’m reading a book by Barbara Mackoff and Gary Wenet called the Inner work of Leaders: Leadership as a Habit of Mind. In it, the authors mention how psychologist James Hillman describes the “net of nurturance” that shapes our lives. Clearly, Mrs. Mather is part of a net that binds us together. The authors also talk about the importance of mentors. They claim the action of leaders is shaped by mentors, and we need to remain open to opportunities for mentoring relationships.
I have many treasured mentors. Most of them are educators, some are community leaders. Some of my special mentors helped shape my faith. Take a moment and think about your mentors. Who are they? How did they impact you life? Some may have had a dramatic impact on your life, so much so that you place them in a unique category. These individuals, like super mentors, are termed exemplars, or people along your path of leadership who served as true role models -- who inspired in you the leadership concept as a habit of mind. An exemplar is a person who serves as a model of behavior, guiding the growth of inner resources in leaders-to-be.
Frankly, I like the term and the meaning of exemplar. Rachael Crane Mather was an exemplar, a woman with a deeper passion who made a difference in countless lives. Mrs. Mather’s passion for education led her to reach out to daughters of freed slaves and encouraged them to begin a regimented program of studies, eventually leading some of them to become teachers. Is there any higher calling?
We are fortunate at TCL to celebrate the Mather legacy during Founders Day (February 26) and every day. May her legacy continue to live through the lives of our current and future students.
I’m reading a book by Barbara Mackoff and Gary Wenet called the Inner work of Leaders: Leadership as a Habit of Mind. In it, the authors mention how psychologist James Hillman describes the “net of nurturance” that shapes our lives. Clearly, Mrs. Mather is part of a net that binds us together. The authors also talk about the importance of mentors. They claim the action of leaders is shaped by mentors, and we need to remain open to opportunities for mentoring relationships.
I have many treasured mentors. Most of them are educators, some are community leaders. Some of my special mentors helped shape my faith. Take a moment and think about your mentors. Who are they? How did they impact you life? Some may have had a dramatic impact on your life, so much so that you place them in a unique category. These individuals, like super mentors, are termed exemplars, or people along your path of leadership who served as true role models -- who inspired in you the leadership concept as a habit of mind. An exemplar is a person who serves as a model of behavior, guiding the growth of inner resources in leaders-to-be.
Frankly, I like the term and the meaning of exemplar. Rachael Crane Mather was an exemplar, a woman with a deeper passion who made a difference in countless lives. Mrs. Mather’s passion for education led her to reach out to daughters of freed slaves and encouraged them to begin a regimented program of studies, eventually leading some of them to become teachers. Is there any higher calling?
We are fortunate at TCL to celebrate the Mather legacy during Founders Day (February 26) and every day. May her legacy continue to live through the lives of our current and future students.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Energized.
TCL is energized and positioned to advance the latest technology in alternative energy. Truly, with the help of key partners, the College will champion causes that put our region in a position to embrace future job creation with smart decisions that are good for the environment and economically viable for consumers. The best part is the jobs that result from innovative solutions.
It is truly exciting to see community members and partnerships working to solve energy-related issues. It makes sense to examine problems, but it is far more exciting to be leading the discussion and helping create the responsive solution. There are many examples, but for one, consider the work occurring in TCL’s Industrial and Engineering Technology Division. Grant funds help us reach new levels and challenge our students to think differently about the energy-related conditions we face. The future demands creativity. New LEED-certified options stressing solar, wind and tidal power generation has gained substantial momentum of late. I invite you to watch what happens when creative minds get involved.
The dedication of the new “solar array” at TCL’s New River Campus gives us a claim that we mean business in the arena of smart energy decisions. On behalf of our students and the broader community, I offer by sincere thanks to Santee Cooper and Palmetto Electric for working with TCL. We pledge our continued support to advancing technology and creating jobs with a green tint.
(To watch the real time generation of power at TCL’s New River Campus, click on http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=422219)
It is truly exciting to see community members and partnerships working to solve energy-related issues. It makes sense to examine problems, but it is far more exciting to be leading the discussion and helping create the responsive solution. There are many examples, but for one, consider the work occurring in TCL’s Industrial and Engineering Technology Division. Grant funds help us reach new levels and challenge our students to think differently about the energy-related conditions we face. The future demands creativity. New LEED-certified options stressing solar, wind and tidal power generation has gained substantial momentum of late. I invite you to watch what happens when creative minds get involved.
The dedication of the new “solar array” at TCL’s New River Campus gives us a claim that we mean business in the arena of smart energy decisions. On behalf of our students and the broader community, I offer by sincere thanks to Santee Cooper and Palmetto Electric for working with TCL. We pledge our continued support to advancing technology and creating jobs with a green tint.
(To watch the real time generation of power at TCL’s New River Campus, click on http://siteapp.fatspaniel.net/siteapp/simpleView.jsf?eid=422219)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Preserving Culture.
The spring semester started and enrollment is strong. It’s very good to have students want to participate in the educational process and consume the product we offer. That product, of course, is our curriculum.
The curriculum is a unique product. From a philosophical stand, I deem the curriculum is essential to preserve culture. The content of the curriculum is the specific and intentional elements that are planned, delivered and assessed by our faculty.
The curriculum is where major events are studied and analyzed. In history, for example, students can look at the lives of change agents to see results. Too often history is passive. Too often we do not relate to history; yet, each year I’m glad we take time to reflect on the impact of a visionary leader who believed in a life that was free from conflict. The relentless work of Martin Luther King is now recognized as transformational.
“Let us rise up with a greater readiness – with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, in these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.” Those words were spoken in Memphis, TN on April 3, 1968, by Martin Luther King, in his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. He was murdered the very next day.
I know this through the curriculum. Many others will know this through the curriculum that preserves culture and inspires us to remember heroes. The lesson is not just in remembering our history but learning from it.
We’re all about learning. Join us.
The curriculum is a unique product. From a philosophical stand, I deem the curriculum is essential to preserve culture. The content of the curriculum is the specific and intentional elements that are planned, delivered and assessed by our faculty.
The curriculum is where major events are studied and analyzed. In history, for example, students can look at the lives of change agents to see results. Too often history is passive. Too often we do not relate to history; yet, each year I’m glad we take time to reflect on the impact of a visionary leader who believed in a life that was free from conflict. The relentless work of Martin Luther King is now recognized as transformational.
“Let us rise up with a greater readiness – with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, in these days of challenge, to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.” Those words were spoken in Memphis, TN on April 3, 1968, by Martin Luther King, in his famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. He was murdered the very next day.
I know this through the curriculum. Many others will know this through the curriculum that preserves culture and inspires us to remember heroes. The lesson is not just in remembering our history but learning from it.
We’re all about learning. Join us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Dacade.
It’s 2010 and the beginning of a new decade. What will happen in the next 10 years? That’s a question that sparks excitement and all sorts of creative thinking. Looking ahead, setting goals, and asking what will we look like in 2019 is clearly an exercise we will undertake at the College. Some things won’t change. I pledge to all members of our community: TCL will remain responsive and focused on providing innovative workforce solutions now and long into the future. Conversely, some things will change. How we respond to challenge will be different.
Arnold Toynbee, the famous British historian and prolific writer, once described the rise and fall of nations in terms of challenge and response. A young nation, he said, is confronted with a challenge for which it finds a successful response. It then grows and prospers. But as time passes, the nature of the challenge changes, and if a nation continues to make the same, once-successful response to the new challenge, it inevitably suffers a decline and eventual failure.
Herein lies my New Year’s resolution: to innovatively and creatively face opportunities with a mindset to respond differently for the hope of long term prosperity. Clearly, that is what gives me hope.
I’m approaching the New Year and New Decade with expanded optimism as now is the time to step up and provide creative and innovative opportunities to changing the economic and social landscape for our region.
We are TCL. It’s our job to lead change. Let’s get started.
Arnold Toynbee, the famous British historian and prolific writer, once described the rise and fall of nations in terms of challenge and response. A young nation, he said, is confronted with a challenge for which it finds a successful response. It then grows and prospers. But as time passes, the nature of the challenge changes, and if a nation continues to make the same, once-successful response to the new challenge, it inevitably suffers a decline and eventual failure.
Herein lies my New Year’s resolution: to innovatively and creatively face opportunities with a mindset to respond differently for the hope of long term prosperity. Clearly, that is what gives me hope.
I’m approaching the New Year and New Decade with expanded optimism as now is the time to step up and provide creative and innovative opportunities to changing the economic and social landscape for our region.
We are TCL. It’s our job to lead change. Let’s get started.
Friday, December 11, 2009
It's the Holiday Season.
I love it. There’s that special magic in the air. Stop by my office and the odds are favorable that you’ll hear holiday music. It’s a special time when both Joan and I play the same tunes. The music and seasonal continuity put me in a good holiday type of mood.
The holiday season yields a special opportunity to reflect on special events and special people. I believe the season is also a time when members of our campus community reflect on their obligation to serve our students through creative and responsive initiatives that inspire learning. The season also involves all types of end-of-semester activities. My seasonal reflection takes on a humble tone as I am honored to work with a committed group of talented individuals every day of the year.
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing dwindling financial support from traditional means. This condition has not caused us to retreat; conversely, it has inspired all of us to work harder to accomplish what we’re obligated to do. What we realize is that the economic conditions impact everyone in difficult ways, and while we work longer and harder, we keep a considerate mind on those who struggle and seek meaningful work.
For us at TCL, hard work has benefits with larger numbers of students attending TCL. In fact, those numbers have sustained us so far this year, and we have been able to survive additional state budget cuts without impacting staff reductions or service curtailment to students. It’s probable that more financial cuts are in the works, but the strength of the student enrollment looks very positive as we look toward the New Year and the start of a new academic semester. From a revenue perspective, we’re good, and we are not planning on scaling back by eliminating jobs or our continued commitment to customer service.
So, to employees, I say thank you for your hard work. We will continue to work hard in the coming year creating the magic that we all do so well. To our students, we are honored you selected TCL, and we pledge our continuing support. This is such a special place and I am honored to serve our community, internal and external, through the inspired leadership of the TCL Area Commission.
May the magic and majesty of this beautiful season fill your hearts with goodwill and peace.
The holiday season yields a special opportunity to reflect on special events and special people. I believe the season is also a time when members of our campus community reflect on their obligation to serve our students through creative and responsive initiatives that inspire learning. The season also involves all types of end-of-semester activities. My seasonal reflection takes on a humble tone as I am honored to work with a committed group of talented individuals every day of the year.
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing dwindling financial support from traditional means. This condition has not caused us to retreat; conversely, it has inspired all of us to work harder to accomplish what we’re obligated to do. What we realize is that the economic conditions impact everyone in difficult ways, and while we work longer and harder, we keep a considerate mind on those who struggle and seek meaningful work.
For us at TCL, hard work has benefits with larger numbers of students attending TCL. In fact, those numbers have sustained us so far this year, and we have been able to survive additional state budget cuts without impacting staff reductions or service curtailment to students. It’s probable that more financial cuts are in the works, but the strength of the student enrollment looks very positive as we look toward the New Year and the start of a new academic semester. From a revenue perspective, we’re good, and we are not planning on scaling back by eliminating jobs or our continued commitment to customer service.
So, to employees, I say thank you for your hard work. We will continue to work hard in the coming year creating the magic that we all do so well. To our students, we are honored you selected TCL, and we pledge our continuing support. This is such a special place and I am honored to serve our community, internal and external, through the inspired leadership of the TCL Area Commission.
May the magic and majesty of this beautiful season fill your hearts with goodwill and peace.
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