Well, here’s a “no brainer.” The F35-B Joint Strike Fighter is essential for our area and our local economy. Our region is fortunate to have a military presence. From the economic perspective, estimates suggest that we benefit each year by $1.2 billion through our military’s investment in our community. Beyond the economic impact, I’m personally impressed by the unique talents of all military personnel. It begins with the leadership of Col. Snyder at the MCAS and Brigadier General Padilla at Parris Island. These individuals are highly skilled and they care about the community where they live. They are personally involved in local activities and want nothing but the best surroundings and opportunities for their troops.
The F-35 B project includes three new operational squadrons in Beaufort. It is a vital infusion of opportunity that reaches far into every individual and community agency. We need to support the F35-B.
Through our military, freedom is preserved. We can all play an important part in preserving freedom by telling the Navy how committed we are to keeping the Air Station active through new squadrons and new investment. On June 22, between 4 and 7 p.m., we need to show up at the Beaufort Holiday Inn to record our support. Additionally, between now and July 12, your comments can be expressed through a website: www.usmcjsfeast.com.
Our military personnel are heroes. They deserve our local support. I urge you to support economic development and future growth opportunity through the public meeting on June 22. Let freedom ring clear over the skies of Beaufort. Support the F35B Joint Strike Fighter squadrons at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Let’s read.
The Memorial Day holiday is a reference point for the start of the summer season. Conversely, Labor Day signals the onset of fall. In my professional life, I have a wonderful opportunity to be bombarded by information from all sources. Although the information barrage gets overwhelming and difficult to manage, the summer season is a traditional time for catch up on one’s reading.
I once lived in a community where the local newspaper had an annual column asking local leaders to list their choices for summer reading. It was interesting to see the responses. Some responses were surprising. One might proffer what we read tells a lot about us. Does it? The newspaper column always had me thinking -- What would I say if I were asked the question to list my summer reading choices?
I’ll admit, I don’t read much fiction. My disciplined-based colleagues in the humanities shake their heads at this, but when given time, I am not a “pleasure” reader; although, reading is pure pleasure. For me, holding a book – a physical book – is my preference. I can highlight and write in the margins. I’m not good at looking at a screen, let alone a portable electronic device – at least for now.
When I have the time to read I select topics that relate to the job I perform with the hope of gaining a new insight. I maintain a constant reading list. So, if asked, I can easily answer the reading list question. I always take several books with me when I travel because being without something to read when delayed in an airport could be catastrophic. I can’t stand to be idle.
Okay, after all of this, I better share a partial summer reading list with you. Although I could easily list a dozen, I’ll give you three:
Love Leadership, by John Bryant
Rework, by Jason Fried & David H. Hansson
Switch, by Chip & Dan Heath
What’s on YOUR summer reading list? Feel free to share your ideas by sending me an email: tcl@tcl.edu.
Reading stimulates. It’s exciting. It’s powerful.
Enjoy summer. Happy reading.
I once lived in a community where the local newspaper had an annual column asking local leaders to list their choices for summer reading. It was interesting to see the responses. Some responses were surprising. One might proffer what we read tells a lot about us. Does it? The newspaper column always had me thinking -- What would I say if I were asked the question to list my summer reading choices?
I’ll admit, I don’t read much fiction. My disciplined-based colleagues in the humanities shake their heads at this, but when given time, I am not a “pleasure” reader; although, reading is pure pleasure. For me, holding a book – a physical book – is my preference. I can highlight and write in the margins. I’m not good at looking at a screen, let alone a portable electronic device – at least for now.
When I have the time to read I select topics that relate to the job I perform with the hope of gaining a new insight. I maintain a constant reading list. So, if asked, I can easily answer the reading list question. I always take several books with me when I travel because being without something to read when delayed in an airport could be catastrophic. I can’t stand to be idle.
Okay, after all of this, I better share a partial summer reading list with you. Although I could easily list a dozen, I’ll give you three:
Love Leadership, by John Bryant
Rework, by Jason Fried & David H. Hansson
Switch, by Chip & Dan Heath
What’s on YOUR summer reading list? Feel free to share your ideas by sending me an email: tcl@tcl.edu.
Reading stimulates. It’s exciting. It’s powerful.
Enjoy summer. Happy reading.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Hold it high
At the close of her Commencement address, Dr. W. Joye Hardiman encouraged graduates to take responsibility and hold up their piece of the sky. This message was accompanied by everyone in the audience raising their arms with open palms, pushing them skyward. Symbolically, it was an emotional moment to see everyone holding up the sky. When the students exited the ceremony through the reception line, many of them gestured to Dr. Hardiman with their arms raised, suggesting they continue to hold up the sky. The illustration conveyed a positive message that we can take with us in the true spirit of new beginnings or the essence of commencement.
When graduates met family and friends on the lawn outside of the arena, I noticed them holding high their diplomas for another photo opportunity. The celebration was joyful. In their hearts, they will indeed hold high their learning experience just as we hold them in high esteem for their academic accomplishment.
Dr. Hardiman also spoke about truth. Let’s all try to visualize a world where truth prevails and where we seek to keep our commitments to promoting goodwill. Take time to hold up your portion of the sky. Extend yourself to help a stranger, or volunteer in a community service agency. Be the one to stand up and take on a noble project or better yet to lead the change effort. Congratulations to our graduates. We will always hold you high in gratitude for allowing us to share wisdom through the college experience.
When graduates met family and friends on the lawn outside of the arena, I noticed them holding high their diplomas for another photo opportunity. The celebration was joyful. In their hearts, they will indeed hold high their learning experience just as we hold them in high esteem for their academic accomplishment.
Dr. Hardiman also spoke about truth. Let’s all try to visualize a world where truth prevails and where we seek to keep our commitments to promoting goodwill. Take time to hold up your portion of the sky. Extend yourself to help a stranger, or volunteer in a community service agency. Be the one to stand up and take on a noble project or better yet to lead the change effort. Congratulations to our graduates. We will always hold you high in gratitude for allowing us to share wisdom through the college experience.
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Beginnings
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, I’m not quoting Andy Williams and one of his popular holiday tunes. The end of the spring semester and all of the celebrations make this a unique and wonderfully exciting time. Commencement represents the ultimate culmination of efforts. It’s the pinnacle moment in the life of an academic enterprise.
Our students bring life to our institution. As employees organized to serve them, commencement becomes a very sacred time, and we relive precious moments as we reflect fondly on our own graduation events. We also intentionally preserve culture and honor tradition through planned celebrations of accomplishment. Students and guests alike who participate in the formal commencement exercises will see symbols, and those symbols have deep meaning. For example, symbolism occurs in the colors of the faculty’s commencement hoods, which convey academic programs and disciplines. Symbolism shows in the bands that surround our college mace, which represent the four counties we serve. Tradition is proudly reflected in our own college seal as we honor our founding dating back to 1868.
For me there is a feeling of relief and contentment following the commencement ceremony. It’s something I can’t explain. It may be similar to the empty nest time when children leave the home. Perhaps it’s a time to let go and a time to bid our graduates Godspeed. There is a feeling of joy and excitement for we know the journey begins, and new frontiers await our graduates as they are now equipped with a new set of skills that they worked hard to acquire. We ask them to become a respectful owner of their new academic credential and treasure the moments they spent at TCL with their faculty and fellow learners. Further, we believe it’s time to begin establishing their own traditions, and among them, we carefully challenge our graduates to never stop learning and to share their knowledge with others and commit to making a difference in the world. We salute our graduates for their accomplishment and we wish them endless success as they create a new beginning for themselves and our community.
Our students bring life to our institution. As employees organized to serve them, commencement becomes a very sacred time, and we relive precious moments as we reflect fondly on our own graduation events. We also intentionally preserve culture and honor tradition through planned celebrations of accomplishment. Students and guests alike who participate in the formal commencement exercises will see symbols, and those symbols have deep meaning. For example, symbolism occurs in the colors of the faculty’s commencement hoods, which convey academic programs and disciplines. Symbolism shows in the bands that surround our college mace, which represent the four counties we serve. Tradition is proudly reflected in our own college seal as we honor our founding dating back to 1868.
For me there is a feeling of relief and contentment following the commencement ceremony. It’s something I can’t explain. It may be similar to the empty nest time when children leave the home. Perhaps it’s a time to let go and a time to bid our graduates Godspeed. There is a feeling of joy and excitement for we know the journey begins, and new frontiers await our graduates as they are now equipped with a new set of skills that they worked hard to acquire. We ask them to become a respectful owner of their new academic credential and treasure the moments they spent at TCL with their faculty and fellow learners. Further, we believe it’s time to begin establishing their own traditions, and among them, we carefully challenge our graduates to never stop learning and to share their knowledge with others and commit to making a difference in the world. We salute our graduates for their accomplishment and we wish them endless success as they create a new beginning for themselves and our community.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Enterprise Campus Designation
As a representative of TCL, I have a wonderful opportunity to meet many creative individuals who come to the coast to live and some who relocate their businesses here. They want to get involved with higher education, and many times, these folk have novel ideas that are worth pursuing. However, their timeframes are different. They want it now and they want to see what we can do to help them accomplish their initiatives in a partnership framework.
The Enterprise Campus concept/designation allows that to happen. It is an incentive that will allow TCL to combine efforts with campus based functions of applied research and instruction along with the implementation options designed to bring a product to the marketplace with vigorous excitement. An Enterprise Campus will prompt growth in human and investment capital ---- in the name of economic development, which translates directly with an investment in human capital for job growth.
The concept is right for our area. It suggests that TCL is open to and for business. The Enterprise Campus designation will allow TCL to move forward with less cumbersome bureaucracy thus aligning with the way the corporate world does business.
On March 26, Governor Sanford exercised executive privilege and vetoed the Enterprise Campus bill that was properly prepared, uncontested in both the SC House and Senate, and ratified through our Lt. Governor. An override is in the works.
I’m personally grateful to our Lowcountry legislative delegation for supporting TCL’s Enterprise Campus bill override. I’m proud to know bold leaders who are committed to education and opportunity. On the Senate side, I value the leadership of Senators Pinckney and Davis. On the House side, I value the leadership of Representatives Erickson, Chalk, Herbkersman, Bowers, Brantley, Hodges, and Littlejohn.
I have faith in the override process. Watch what can happen when we get creative. The Enterprise Campus designation will open doors to new avenues of economic development. The process works, and so will the people in the Lowcountry with the passing of this bill.
The Enterprise Campus concept/designation allows that to happen. It is an incentive that will allow TCL to combine efforts with campus based functions of applied research and instruction along with the implementation options designed to bring a product to the marketplace with vigorous excitement. An Enterprise Campus will prompt growth in human and investment capital ---- in the name of economic development, which translates directly with an investment in human capital for job growth.
The concept is right for our area. It suggests that TCL is open to and for business. The Enterprise Campus designation will allow TCL to move forward with less cumbersome bureaucracy thus aligning with the way the corporate world does business.
On March 26, Governor Sanford exercised executive privilege and vetoed the Enterprise Campus bill that was properly prepared, uncontested in both the SC House and Senate, and ratified through our Lt. Governor. An override is in the works.
I’m personally grateful to our Lowcountry legislative delegation for supporting TCL’s Enterprise Campus bill override. I’m proud to know bold leaders who are committed to education and opportunity. On the Senate side, I value the leadership of Senators Pinckney and Davis. On the House side, I value the leadership of Representatives Erickson, Chalk, Herbkersman, Bowers, Brantley, Hodges, and Littlejohn.
I have faith in the override process. Watch what can happen when we get creative. The Enterprise Campus designation will open doors to new avenues of economic development. The process works, and so will the people in the Lowcountry with the passing of this bill.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Good teams respond.
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.
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.
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.
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