2007 Highlights

As the year comes to a close, I want to share with you a few highlights from 2007.

The College has experienced great change and growth over the past year. Enrollment in credit courses increased eleven percent over last fall and enrollment in Chester increased twenty percent, thanks to the additional space at the transition facility. Our financial health is the strongest in history. We were able to provide significant pay enhancements for our faculty and staff.

We embarked on an exciting journey this fall, learning the hopes and dreams of our internal and external stakeholders. I had the pleasure of meeting with nearly 300 faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders over the past few months.

We were involved in several major facility projects, such as the building renovation for the Building and Construction Trades Program on Wilson Street, B-building roof replacement, and the dedication of 3D University. And today a building is being built on Hwy 9 in Chester that marks a new era of how we will meet the education and training needs of our region.

The Radiologic Technology Program and Dental Hygiene Associate Degree and Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Programs were reaccredited. The Early Care and Education Associate Degree Program received accreditation through the Division of Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation at the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Building and Construction Trades Program was credentialed by the Home Builders' Institute. Most recently, the Automotive Program received Master ASE Certification (Automotive Service Excellence) through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. Congratulations Jamey, Chuck, and others who worked very hard to make this happen.

Congratulations and thank you for a wonderful year! I wish for you a restful and wonderful holiday break. You deserve the time off and unless security calls to say something is on fire, forget about work and come back January 7 with the energy and enthusiasm to make 2008 our best year ever.

Entrepreneur Network

On November 27, York Technical College launched the new Entrepreneur Network at the Baxter M. Hood Continuing Education Center. Sixty entrepreneurs attended to gain practical advice on how to obtain financing for their small businesses. Bill Payne, an entrepreneur and investment expert, presented “Let’s Make a Deal – Financing Options for Entrepreneurs.”

The Entrepreneur Network is designed to give small business owners and entrepreneurs an opportunity to network with each other and to learn about best practices from regionally and nationally successful entrepreneurs. We hope to offer quarterly Entrepreneur Network sessions with the next one tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, February 26. Special thanks to Edie Dille, Katie Dykhuis, Susan Brackett, Ginger Moore, and Kimberly Herndon for all their hard work in making the program a success!

Bridge Program with USC

You may have read an article in Friday’s newspaper regarding the statewide Bridge Program with the University of South Carolina and the SC Technical College System and wondered why you had not heard news of this program. We were asked not to discuss the program widely prior to the announcement.

On November 30, the University of South Carolina and the SC Technical College System signed an agreement that will provide first-time college attendees who are recent high-school graduates a smoother transition from SC technical colleges to the University of South Carolina. Students must complete 30 hours of general studies or earn an associate degree, and meet the university's admissions criteria to be eligible for transfer.

We are very excited about this new partnership and the opportunities for similar bridge programs with other higher education institutions.




SC Technical College System News Release

Recognition for Excellence in Teaching

Congratulations to Michele Wells, Radiologic Technology Department Manager, on being selected as one of four finalists for the South Carolina Governor’s Professor of the Year Award in the two-year college category. As the recipient of the York Technical College President’s Award for Instructional Excellence, Ms. Wells and approximately 40 faculty from other SC institutions were nominated for the Governor’s Professor of the Year Award. On November 1, Ms. Wells was recognized at a luncheon in Columbia for her excellence in teaching. Congratulations, Michele!

Dr. Layton McCurdy, Chairman of the SC Commission on Higher Education

and Michele Wells, Radiologic Technology Department Manager

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

At various times in my life I have been prone to complain. I am getting better, I think. Sometime back my uncle and mentor impressed on me the importance of being grateful. Now I am constantly reminded to be grateful even when I am exasperated. I have also recently seen the value of the hard times I have had in my life and am now grateful for those.

Some of you might think, “Yeah, it’s easy for you to be grateful.” Well, you may be correct, but it’s a funny thing about life, no matter where you are, you have the same base human tendencies that you have to constantly hold in check and one of those is ingratitude. Plus, I truly wish now, looking back at harder times in my life, that I had been more grateful then.

So, I hope you don’t mind but I want to express my gratitude.

I am thankful:

For forgiveness
For my family, immediate and extended, living and departed.
For a country that is built on meaningful ideals.
For a community that wants to improve and excel.
That I can add value to others’ lives.
For people who volunteer, giving more than they have to.
For people who have invested in me, even when I seemed a risky investment.
That I have been blessed with the conviction to be grateful.

I wish for each of you a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with . . . well . . . thanks.


"This is the true joy in life...being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one...being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy...I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can."
--George Bernard Shaw

New Commission Member

Dr. Doug Marion recently joined our College’s governing board as the first representative from Chester County. Dr. Marion is a native of Chester and is an Ophthalmologist with Eye Associates of Chester. He is a member of many professional and civic organizations including the Chester Regional Medical Center Advisory Board and Chester County Medical Society.

Our Commission members volunteer their time to serve on the College’s governing board and deeply believe in our mission to “contribute to the economic growth and development of Chester, Lancaster, and York counties and of the State.” We are grateful for their time and support!

Enrollment Increase

I'm thrilled to announce that College enrollment increased 11 percent from last fall. Chester Center enrollment increased 20 percent thanks to the additional space at the temporary facility. The top three program areas are:

College Transfer: 1,075
General Technology*: 767
Career Development**: 720
Total: 2,562 (61% of total credit enrollment in these three areas)
*General technology includes students in health science holding programs.
**Career development includes dual enrollment high school students.

Programs with significant growth over the past year include:

Dual Enrollment: 39%
Welding: 36%
General Business: 36%
Engineering Graphics Technology: 29%
Computer Technology: 27%
Early Care and Education: 20%
Office Systems Technology: 20%

According to preliminary data from the South Carolina Technical College System Office, York Tech had the second highest enrollment increase among the SC technical colleges. We can not attribute this huge accomplishment to just one person or one group but rather true total teamwork is responsible for this fantastic achievement!
I encourage you to keep up the great work!

Chester Center Becoming Reality

I'm pleased to announce that a general contractor has been selected to build the new Chester Center. Farley Associates, Inc. will begin construction immediately on the two-story, 31, 211 square-foot facility located off S.C. 9, east of Chester. The new facility will have two distance learning classrooms, three traditional classrooms, one computer lab, and four shop areas that will include Mechatronics, Welding, and HVAC. We are hopeful for a ribbon cutting and opening celebration before the end of 2008. We look forward to classes in the new facility beginning spring 2009.

York Technical College’s current operations in Chester are based in the former Duke Energy Office located at 127 Saluda Street, next to the post office, in downtown Chester.

This is truly an exciting time for the College. I appreciate all the hard work of so many on several fronts, in moving us forward!

Accreditation

Congratulations to the Early Childhood Development, Dental Health Professions, and Radiologic Technology Departments for their hard work and dedication through their recent accreditation processes. Granting and reaffirming accreditation validates that we are providing quality instruction and fostering an environment that enhances student learning. Most importantly, accreditation supports the College’s continuous improvement efforts by striving for a level of performance that will challenge us to move beyond the status quo. The work involved in these accreditations is enormous and glory short-lived. Please make sure you say thanks to all of these departments.

The Radiologic Technology Program was reaccredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). They were awarded an eight year accreditation which is the highest they can receive.



The American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) reaccredited the Dental Hygiene Associate Degree and Expanded Duty Dental Assistant programs through 2013.



The Early Care and Education Associate Degree Program received accreditation through the Division of Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Only 34 associate degree programs nationwide have been recognized with this prestigious accreditation.

Stafford Loans Are Back

I recently realized that we had not formally announced that the College Commission had approved our participation in the Federal Stafford Loan Program. I apologize for not announcing this sooner. Other sources of aid have not increased sufficiently to offset the rising costs of tuition, books, gas, and other expenses. Therefore, a Student Financing Options Task Force was organized and they recommended the College re-establish participation in the Federal Stafford Loan Program as an additional means to help students finance their education. The College last participated in the student loan program more than 15 years ago and chose to stop certifying loans due to the risks associated with high default rates. Due to changes in calculations for default rates and several other factors, the Committee felt the Federal Stafford Loan Program would be a good option for our students and the College. It will provide the most affordable and flexible financing available to qualified students.

Procedures are currently being developed to administer the Stafford Loan Program. It is anticipated the Financial Resources Office will begin certifying Stafford Loans in early November. Interested students should stop by the Financial Resources Office in the Student Services Building to check for initial eligibility and complete a Stafford Loan Request form. Further instructions will be given at that time. Completion of an online financial literacy course is required and students must attend a mandatory entrance loan counseling session. For more information, you may call the Financial Resources Office at 327-8005.

Planning Update

I’m delighted that eighty-four employees have participated in the first five planning sessions this fall. Eight planning sessions remain and they are filling up fast. Engaging both internal and external stakeholders is vitally important to the College’s planning process. Our planning timeline for 2007-2008 includes sessions with faculty, staff, students, business and industry, Legislative Delegation, York County Council, public school officials, and the College’s Commission and Foundation. A compiled list of suggestions from the planning sessions will be available at the end of the year. We don’t want to influence outcomes of remaining sessions until everyone has had an opportunity to participate.

The next step in the planning process will be to develop a set of values and a Strategic Plan that will be powerful, meaningful, and inspiring. The input from these planning sessions will help us develop 3 to 5 long range goals. Each division, department, and individual will have tactical goals that will apply towards the long range goals. The one critical factor for us to be successful is execution! We are currently researching various mechanisms to help ensure that we execute properly. Together, with all stakeholders, we will build a foundation for a better future! Thank you all for your participation!

Student Success Story

In a recent letter to The Herald, Patricia Gaston describes how her life has changed since losing her job. Her story is another wonderful example of the role we play in transforming lives for the better.

Building and Construction Trades

The Building Construction Trades facility opened for classes this semester. After months of hard work from our dedicated faculty, staff, and students, the BCT program has moved to the building behind our truck driving facility on Wilson Street. Classes held at the facility include: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and building construction management. Since the program began in fall 2006, enrollment has increased from 63 to 133 students . If you get a chance, go by while classes are in session and take a look. Congratulations and thanks to all involved in this project!

BeforeAfter

New Commission Members

I'm delighted to introduce three new representatives to the College's governing board.


Robert B. (Bobby) Meek, Jr.
York County Representative
Owner, Century 21 Palmetto Realty
Replaced Hank Owen

James C. (Jim) Hardin, III
York County Representative

Attorney, James C. Hardin Office

Replaced Jim Wilkerson

G. Thompson (Tommy) Myers

Lancaster County Representative

Members Account Executive, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce

Retired from Spring Industries

The other five seats on the Commission are held by:

Bruce A. Vaughan, Chairman, Retiree
Carolyn B. Carpenter, Vice Chairman, Retiree

Edwin L. Barnes, Comporium Communications

Charles Z. Robinson, Consultant

Geri H. Rucker, Founders Federal Credit Union

Jeffrey C. Sigmon, JEFCO Communications

We greatly appreciate all the work they do to support the College!

New Signage

The campus will soon have new pedestrian signage! The worn, wooden signs around campus will be replaced with low cost ($30-$50 each) sign plates and the poles will be repainted. This is an interim step towards improving signage on campus. As part of our planning process, the College's Campus Master Plan will be updated. This update will include an evaluation of campus signage, traffic flow patterns, walkways, and building needs and will help determine how to improve directional signage across campus. In the meantime, these new signs will be more visible and attractive. Thanks to all those involved in making this happen.

Planning for the Future

Our first planning focus group session was Friday! We learned some interesting information about our co-workers, including their taste in music. One of the first concerts Don Michael attended was Earth, Wind, and Fire and Teresa Smith jams to Sammy Hagar and Lynyrd Skynyrd on her way to work.

Don Michael, BCAS Teresa Smith, HHS

After having some good laughs, we got down to business and reviewed the values that were compiled at the beginning of the year meeting. Jim McDermott commented that he was surprised that diversity was not higher on the list. As we go through these sessions, the list of values may change depending on your feedback. We also discussed ideas for the future of the Institution ranging from case management of students to outdoor seating areas that would provide opportunities for engagement between faculty, staff, and students. It was good to hear a free flow of ideas. These along with yours will be the basis for our Institutional goals. I hope to capture the spirit and many of the specifics of what is shared to form the three to five big goals for the College. Thanks to this first group for kicking things off in a great way!

Recognition of CDC

As we all know, teaching is one of the most significant and powerful jobs in the world because teachers have the opportunity to change lives for the better. It may not immediately occur to you but there is one group of teachers that influences lives from the very beginning - the wonderful teachers and staff at the Child Development Center. It is with great pleasure that I share with you a recognition letter I recently received from a parent. It demonstrates the powerful impact they make in the lives of many. I add my thanks to that of this parent - well done CDC teachers and staff!

Values Tally

Thanks to all who have viewed the blog and thanks to those who have left comments. I will be making attempts to address your thoughts but in the meantime, keep checking in or sign up to receive notification.

I enjoyed our time together Wednesday and I am impressed with the values that came out of the exercise. Although there is no perfect science to the tally, this helps us gauge where we are in the process. The list will change as we hear from others that have not participated. In addition, there may be broad categories that we combine to help facilitate a more concise value. While all our expressed values are relevant and important, it would be nice to narrow our "corporate" list to a number that was manageable. What I am shooting for is a list that is representative and memorable such that we can easily refer to them on a frequent basis, hopefully from memory.

I look forward to your feedback!

Welcome

Welcome to the YTC Blog! The purpose of this blog is to share with you what's on my mind and important College information. My goal is to post a new comment each week, although there may be more than one a day. The blog will be available through spring, when we hope to culminate the planning process. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to share your thoughts by commenting on the posts. Also, if you want to receive email notifications of new posts, just signup by clicking the subscription button on the sidebar on the right.

Please remember to sign up for a planning session. I hope you have a wonderful fall semester!