The two hundredth meeting of the Central Virginia Community College Board was held at 4:30 p.m. on January 19, 2011, in the Appomattox Hall Conference Room, Room 1114. 

 

 

 

Mr. Robert Bailey                                   (City of Lynchburg)

Ms. Vivian Brown                                    (City of Lynchburg)

Mr. Richard Carter, Sr.                             (Appomattox County)

Mr. Martin Giudice                                 (Bedford County)

Ms. Beverly Jones                                   (Amherst County)

Mr. Skip Lamb                                        (City of Lynchburg)

Mr. Keith Maxey                                       (Campbell County)

Ms. Lou Tweedy                                      (Campbell County)

Mr. Ben Witt                                              (City of Bedford)

 

 

Dr. James Mundy                                       (City of Lynchburg)

Mr. Nathaniel X. Marshall                        (State Representative)

 

Liz Barry                                                    News and Advance

Brian Little                                                 Job Corps

Dominique Broadnax                                 Student

Justin Mottley                                               Student

 

 

Dr. Cynthia Bambara, Interim President

Dr. Geoff Hicks, VP for Academic Affairs & Student Services

Mr. David Lightfoot, VP for Information Technology

Mr. John Poole, VP of Finance

Mr. George Sherman, Interim VP for Workforce Development

Mr. Don Sutton, VP of Institutional Advancement

Ms. Dianne Sykes, Administrative Staff Assistant

 

 

Mr. Giudice, Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

On a motion by Mr. Lamb, duly seconded, Minutes No. 199 from the regular meeting of November 3, 2010, were approved as written.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

Mr. Giudice introduced a new Board member, Mr. Ben Witt, of Smythe Company representing the city of Bedford. Mr. Witt stated he is a Bedford native and has worked for the Smythe Company for about 20 years. He stated one of his dreams was to see a college in Bedford, and he was very happy when the Bedford Center opened. Mr. Witt stated his company has worked with the Bedford Center to provide training. He stated a printing program which has been very successful was created for their purposes. He stated he was very happy to be part of the Board for CVCC.

On a motion by the Curriculum Committee, modifications to the General Education Certificate were approved.

The motion carried unanimously.

 

The Local Fund Quarterly Financial Report and Financial Statements were reviewed. On a motion by the Facilities and Finance Committee, the Local Fund Quarterly Financial Report and Financial Statements were approved. A copy of the Local Fund Quarterly Financial Report and Financial Statements are attached and made a part of these minutes.

The motion carried unanimously.

 

 A copy of the State Spending Plan for 2010-2011 was provided for information. A copy of this document is attached and made a part of these minutes.

Mr. Poole reported on the Culinary Arts Facility as it is the major building under construction at this time but stated it is coming along very slowly. He stated there have been issues of items needing to be reordered as they were ordered to the wrong specifications. However, Mr. Poole stated it is going to be a beautiful building when completed. Mr. Lamb questioned who the contractors were. Mr. Poole stated Coleman Glass is the contractors but most of the problems were with some of their sub-contractors and between the architects and the steel fabricators on steel sizes. Mr. Lamb questioned what the projected completion date is. Mr. Poole stated the completion date is now April 8 but was January initially. Mr. Giudice stated he will be glad to support him in any way concerning the construction of the building.

Mr. Poole stated July 20 has been chosen as the date of the ribbon cutting ceremony. He stated that it will be held prior to the Board meeting, and hopefully, the culinary students can prepare the meal for the Board members after the meeting.

Mr. Poole stated the bookstore building is another project which has been redesigned to fall within the College’s budget. He stated the drawings are currently at the Bureau of Capital Outlay Management (BCOM) for their review. Mr. Poole stated he anticipated their initial comments soon.

Mr. Poole stated another project is the Wellness Center, and he hopes to go to bid soon. He stated the project has been reviewed once by BCOM with the second submission sent addressing all the comments. He stated it looks like this project could be completed prior to the new bookstore. Mr. Poole stated one advantage to the Wellness Center is that students will no longer have to go to off-campus for their P.E. credits.  

 

 

Mr. Sherman presented a PowerPoint on Region 2000 Machine Industry Program (R2MIP) and stated this program began with a need. He stated Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) needed local, skilled talent. B&W is a company who employs 250 machinists and 300 quality technicians employed at their Mt. Athos facility. The company publically stated it anticipates hiring 20 individuals per year for the foreseeable future with a starting pay of $21.53 per hour with full benefits. Mr. Sherman stated B&W historically addressed this need by hiring qualified CVCC graduates; however, there were far too few graduates. Mr. Sherman stated he spoke with Mr. Nash, president of B&W, who reported hiring complete graduating classes from other community colleges because CVCC produced too few graduates. Mr. Sherman stated this was not optimal for B&W because students from other regions or states sometime become homesick and return home. He stated this is not ideal for Region 2000 either because B&W is sending money to other places but at that time there was no other option. Mr. Sherman stated for B&W’s quality positions, they have hired a variety of individuals who have completed CVCC’s Machine Tool Diploma or students straight out of high school. He stated the training burden on B&W is significant as sometimes six-eight months are spent training workers only to discover they lack aptitude for the position. Mr. Sherman stated this is very costly to B&W because security clearance investment for their workers is very expensive to bring someone in to work and then find they cannot do the job.

Mr. Sherman stated that CVCC has historically provided a Machine Tool Diploma (a two-year program) which enrolled 25-30 students annually and but usually only 5-10 graduated students. He stated a lot of them drop out after the first year to gain employment with what training they have received and never reaching their full potential. He stated the goal of CVCC is to help B&W and other employers’ ongoing need for skilled, local machinists, and quality inspectors. He stated a partnership was formed between B&W, CVCC, and the Department of Labor United States Job Corps. The three worked together to meet this need by increasing enrollment, improving training curriculum (new diploma), and increasing retention with smart recruiting, sufficient funding, cadre support, and visible jobs.

Mr. Sherman stated CVCC provides the Machine Tool Diploma which has a modern lab with CNC equipment, and a new Machine Tool and Quality Diploma with a new quality lab. The College also provides support to recruiting, retention efforts, personnel, space, and some start-up funding.

Mr. Sherman introduced his guest, Mr. Brian Little, who is with Job Corps. Mr. Little stated his job is to get the right students in the right program and to successfully complete the programs. He stated the job training program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and is a residential program serving 350 students primarily from Virginia, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. He stated at this time there are 49 local Lynchburg students. He stated Job Corps has 12 trade programs (health care and construction are the two main focuses) with 14 college programs through Miller-Motte Technical College and CVCC. Mr. Little stated one difference in Job Corps’ training and other training programs is the 21 month follow-up with the students after graduation. He stated there are 9 months follow-up of initial job placement and then 12 months afterwards. He stated the students also receive a transitional allowance of approximately $1,200 after graduation. Mr. Little stated he works very closely with the Career Coaches in the high schools and even travel to the schools for recruitment. He stated this is one area that has been lacking in the past until this program began. Mr. Little stated students were very interested in the program.

Mr. Little stated they screen applicants with a criminal background check and drug testing. He stated they also check for financial eligibility. He stated the Department of Labor will provide support to students with tuition, books, stipends, meal money, travel expense, medical, dental, optical, and housing if needed. Mr. Little stated one focus is to provide academic and career counseling services with a counselor on site at CVCC who tutors and provides teamwork activities to the students.

Mr. Sherman stated B&W provided great guidance on the new quality diploma, support for the new quality lab, and recruiting support by sending young machinists and quality experts to the high schools. They provide personnel, funding, classroom visits, internships, and most importantly, the great need for skilled workers.

Mr. Sherman stated here in Lynchburg 3 out of 10 help wanted ads found in the News and Advance are for machine tool and quality positions. He stated this is a need for the Lynchburg area.

Mr. Sherman stated the status for fall semester is with 37 students beginning and 33 remaining. He stated two students are here today to give their perspective on the program, Mr. Dominique Broadnax and Mr. Justin Mottley.

Mr. Dominique Broadnax stated this program has changed his life. He stated before this he thought the military was his only option. He stated his life was hard with working two part-time jobs and he was looking for a way out when he learned about this program. Mr. Broadnax stated everyone connected with Job Corps was very helpful. He signed up for classes at CVCC and realized how happy he was to be back in school. He stated he completed his first semester with a GPA of 3.7 because he pushed himself to the limit as completion of this program was very important to him. Mr. Broadnax stated he lives alone, paying his own bills which is difficult but he knows perseverance will pay off in the end. He thanked CVCC, B&W, and Job Corps as this program has certainly been a blessing to him.

Mr. Justin Mottley thanked everyone for the program and stated it was a blessing to him also. He stated he was very interested in nuclear technology and looks forward to working at B&W. He stated the financial support was very important to him as he would not be able to afford this program otherwise. He also stated CVCC offered him a work study job which helps also. He stated he drives from the Farmville area everyday to CVCC. While at CVCC he stated he is learning tolerances and blue prints which he really enjoys. Mr. Mottley stated this program was definitely an answer for him.

Mr. Sherman thanked each student for attending today and also to Mr. Little. He stated in conclusion, this partnership was a win-win situation for the student, CVCC, and B&W.

Dr. Bambara thanked him for his presentation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Bambara began by saying “Happy New Year” to everyone! She stated the new year brings many new opportunities for CVCC and as Dana Hamel, Chancellor Emeritus of the Virginia Community College System, said on May 24, 1996, “It is a great day to be alive in the Commonwealth.” Even in these most challenging of economic times, Dr. Bambara stated there is so much to celebrate.

 

Dr. Bambara reported on the presidential search and stated the process was successfully completed and on March 1, 2011, Dr. John Capps will be here to lead CVCC. She thanked all of the Board members for their participation in the selection process with special thanks to Mr. Giudice, Mr. Lamb, and Ms. Brown who stayed with the selection process from beginning to end. She also thanked the other board members who participated in the campus process for all four candidates from beginning to end. Dr. Bambara stated for the Board members who were unable to participate in all of the interviews, their efforts to attend the receptions and open forums throughout the week were appreciated. She also stated special thanks go to Dr. Tom Sparhawk and the members of the College Search Committee as well as Dr. Joey Fronheiser who prepared the data from the online evaluation process for the Board Search Committee’s review.

 

Dr. Bambara stated she is very excited for the College as she has worked with Dr. Capps since 2004 in various VCCS roles within the Academic and Student Services Council. She stated she also served as part of the executive leadership team during the time when Dr. Capps was interim president at Lord Fairfax Community College. Dr. Bambara stated she has the highest regard for Dr. Capps and based on her experience, CVCC has selected the crown jewel of community college leaders to be its next president. CVCC and Region 2000 are in great hands. She stated she and Dr. Capps will begin transition planning next week when he will visit here at CVCC. Until Dr. Capps arrives, Dr. Bambara stated she will continue to not only keep the ship afloat but keep CVCC thriving until its next captain arrives. She thanked all for the opportunity to serve CVCC as this has been an extraordinary experience.

 

Dr. Bambara stated through an earlier email just before the holidays, she shared with everyone what is in store for her when she leaves CVCC on March 1. She stated she is thrilled at the opportunity to serve Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) as their fifth president. She stated ACM has a student population of about 4,000, with a full service campus in Cumberland, Maryland, and two auxiliary campuses in the Pennsylvania counties of Somerset and Bedford. Dr. Bambara stated her husband, Michael, and she visited with ACM’s board chair over the holidays and had a tour of the area. She stated she feels this college and community are a great fit for the both of them. She stated she looks forward to joining ACM, the local community, and to providing leadership to this very special community college.

 

Dr. Bambara reported on the enrollment and the annualized student enrollment for 2010 (Summer 09, Fall 09, Spring 10) was 2,915 FTES, an increase of 9.9% over the previous year. She stated CVCC has seen an increase in growth over a three-year period of more than 25%. She stated in the summer of 2010, growth began to slow when a 3.58% increase was experienced and this past fall a 2% increase and served a record 5,500 students was seen. Dr. Bambara stated this spring the College is trending even with last year. CVCC’s academic and student services teams are looking at strategies to enhance the spring enrollment through additional classes during the second eight weeks. She stated the Off-Campus Centers’ enrollments combined have remained steady with just over 700 students again this spring, and 1,125 students are enrolled in online courses. Dr. Bambara stated new programs such as Culinary Arts, Campbell County Early College, and the expansion of machine industry and welding programs contribute to steady growth in enrollment. She stated the staff and she will continue to examine enrollment trends and implement strategies to ensure that CVCC continues to meet its mission of serving students in Region 2000. Dr. Bambara reminded everyone that CVCC is now serving 25% more students than in 2008 with fewer resources.

Dr. Bambara reported on the budget and stated she shared during the last Board meeting in November, all VCCS colleges were asked to submit a 2, 4, and 6% scenario for potential budget cuts. She stated CVCC was able to submit a proposal without impact to its valued human resources. However, the College continues to hold vacant 10 positions to help keep the budget balanced. She stated over the past two months, she attended several VCCS conference calls to discuss Governor McDonnell’s budget proposal for the next year. She stated the Governor has made a call for 100,000 additional undergraduate degrees (including associate degrees) for Virginians over the next fifteen years, and Virginia’s community colleges will play a major role in achieving this goal. Dr. Bambara stated the good news is that community colleges may be spared further budget cuts and if the Governor’s proposal holds and CVCC will not have to implement the 2, 4 or 6% plan. She stated the bad news is there is no provision to reinstate the funding that the College has lost over the past three years. Dr. Bambara stated there is more good news in the Governor’s proposal which includes a pool of $50 million in general funds in FY ‘12 for higher education innovation and for performance. This includes:

 

·         Specific proposals for incentive funding to enhance student enrollment, retention, and graduation with a focus on students majoring in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

·         Undergraduate student financial assistance

·         Online course availability/enhancements

·         Academic transformation through the use of technology

·         The VCCS has completed phase one of the Re-engineering Task Force aimed to “ReThink” all aspects of its operations. Evidence of the success of the Re‐engineering Task Force efforts has been seen in the recent endorsement of its recommendations by the Governor’s Higher Education Commission. (She stated Re-engineering Task Force II is underway to implement the 10 recommendations from the Re-engineering Task Force I. The recommendations are listed on the VCCS’ website.)

 

Dr. Bambara reported on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ (SACS) accreditation process and stated the College’s follow-up to its fifth-year report was submitted in September, and she is pleased to relay that at the annual SACS meeting in December, Dr. Fronheiser and she were informed that no further follow-up is required by CVCC. Dr. Bambara reported the College has one remaining follow-up in April to its substantive change report for three of the off-campus centers (Altavista, Bedford, and Appomattox).  Dr. Bambara stated the College’s next SACS project is the Reaffirmation of Accreditation which is due in 2014.

 

Dr. Bambara reported just before the holidays, approval for the Culinary Arts’ Program was received which allowed the College to obtain the Department of Education’s approval to provide financial aid for this program. She stated the funds approved by the Board at the November meeting to provide aid to the students if the approval was not obtained prior to spring semester would not be necessary. She thanked the members for their willingness to provide the funding.

 

Dr. Bambara discussed the following successes to celebrate:

 

·         The Business and Allied Health Division developed a $250,000 grant proposal that was approved by the Tobacco Commission for funding a Simulation Center to be used by CVCC, Lynchburg College, and Centra Health

·         Secured a grant from the Dominion Foundation for half the cost of a Robotic Welding unit ($25,000.00)

·         Received approximately $100,000 from the Tobacco Commission to purchase Biology equipment at the Appomattox Off-Campus Center

·         CVCC achieved a 100% pass rate on the national boards for Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and Medical Laboratory Technology, Professional Human Resources (PHR), and Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR)

·         Received additional Perkins money for career coach salaries

·         Participated in the VCCS Student Leadership Conference and received first place for the Team/Innovation Award, a service project submitted by Dental Hygiene students, “March for Hannah” a fundraiser to help with one family’s financial burden whose daughter was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. 

·         New Program exploration and expansion:

o   Initiated the planning process for new programs in Veterinary Technology, Funeral Services Director, and a Medical Office Specialization in Administrative Support Technology

o   Finalized articulation agreements with Old Dominion University for Administration of Justice, Accounting, Management, and Marketing

o   Doubled the machine program enrollment

·         The Amherst, Altavista, Appomattox, and Bedford Centers are all doing very well and Dr. Bambara stated she has visited each on a number of occasions since August.

·         CVCC is very excited about the fourth location of its Early College program for Campbell County Schools. The first cohort of students enrolled in the General Studies program is doing well.

·         Continued Early College offerings with Appomattox, Amherst, and Bedford County high schools

 

Dr. Bambara reported on the Off-Campus Centers and stated the College continues to experience challenges with the Early College program in Bedford and Amherst County Schools. Both systems decided not to fund the program this year, leaving its future up to CVCC and the parents who will have to fund the full tuition for the program. Both school systems will support student transportation for this year, and the College is hopeful that this support will continue in future years. New signage has been installed in Amherst and Bedford is now equipped to deliver compressed video courses.

 

Dr. Bambara stated in conclusion:

 

·         Back to, “It is a great day to be alive in the Commonwealth." CVCC is so focused on being in the right place at the right time.

·         CVCC has a record-breaking increase in the number of students served this year.

·         New construction is well underway.

·         In spite of another difficult budget year, a lot is going on at the College and in the VCCS to better serve the community.

 

Dr. Bambara thanked everyone for this tremendous opportunity to serve CVCC and for their support. Without it, it would be impossible to serve the students and provide for them the promise that CVCC is “Where Your Future Begins.”

 

Dr. Bambara reported there will be visits to the local delegation in Richmond on three occasions this year. (An invitation for the Legislative Reception was provided to each Board Meeting.)

1.      February 9-Legislative Reception, with Mr. Sutton, and Dr. Bambara planning to attend

2.      February 16-Two student leaders, Dr. Bambara, and Dr. Hicks planning to attend

3.      February 23-Mr. Lightfoot,  two student leaders, Mr. Poole, Mr. Lamb, and Dr. Bambara planning to attend

Dr. Bambara thanked all members that plan to attend the events stating she really appreciated them taking their time to assist the College in the important endeavor. Dr. Bambara stated on February 16 and February 23, the group will leave the College at 6:30 a.m. and return by 4:30 p.m. She stated the day will begin with a meeting with the Chancellor, Dr. DuBois, and the System Office Staff. She stated afterwards the group will go to the House or Senate in the Capitol Building, sit in the balcony, and be recognized by one of the delegation members. She stated that lunch would be next and then travel home.

Dr. Bambara stated the Legislative Reception this year will be held in the Empire Room at the Jefferson Hotel on February 9. Mr. Sutton will be driving the van which will leave about 3:00 p.m. and return at 10 p.m.

Dr. Bambara requested anyone interested in attending any of these events to please call Ms. Sykes to let her know.

Mr. Giudice stated these legislative meetings were very informative as he had attended several in the past. He strongly recommended for the members to attend.

Dr. Bambara stated she had distributed to each Board member the talking points from the VCCS for the Legislative meetings.

Dr. Bambara also stated she had distributed to each Board member a copy of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). She stated it contained important information about requesting public records and conducting public meetings. She stated she would be glad to answer any questions concerning this.

 

Mr. Marshall was absent.

 

None

 

Mr. Giudice discussed the Presidential Search that began during the last week of July 2010. The VCCS received approximately 100 applications with 78 being reviewed. He stated 10 applicants were interviewed in Richmond over a two-day period. He stated that search committee of ten consisted of presidents and vice presidents from community colleges, Mr. Lamb, Ms. Brown and himself.  Mr. Giudice stated four of those applicants were selected and traveled to CVCC for interviews. He stated the process that took place here entailed a lot of planning and was established and executed by the administrative team which was led by Dr. Bambara. He stated it was a pleasure as the Board Chair to be supported by that kind of team who did just a suburb job. 

Mr. Giudice thanked Mr. Lamb and Ms. Brown for all the time they dedicated into reviewing the resumes, traveling to Richmond, and interviewing here at CVCC. He stated the process would not have been a success without their dedication and support. He also thanked Mr. Bailey, Mr. Maxey, Mr. Carter, and Ms. Jones for their commitment to the entire interview process at CVCC. Mr. Giudice stated the VCCS wanted the interview sessions to be consistent with the same people attending all interviews and the Board members did just that.

Mr. Giudice thanked Ms. Tweedy for attending all the open forums and receptions.

Mr. Giudice stated this is Dr. Bambara’s last Board meeting and the College could not have had anyone more effective and pleasant person to work with as an interim president.

Mr. Giudice reviewed The Chairman’s Award program and criteria. He requested the members review the Board’s criteria and also the VCCS criteria. He stated that if anyone would like to nominate a member for this award within 30 days of this meeting to let Ms. Sykes know, and she will contact the Executive Committee.

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 
5:45 p.m.