Lynn Cornett, Chair
Shaw Blackmon, Vice Chair
Pepper Bullock
Doug Carter
Chris Clark
Ben Copeland
Tommy David
Mary Flanders
James Gingrey
Chunk Newman
J. Richard Porter / Otis Raybon, Jr.
Sylvia Russell
Trey Sheppard
Shirley Smith
Michael Sullivan
Carl Swearingen
Ben Tarbutton
Dinah Wayne
Tim Williams
Jack Winter
Joe Yarbrough
MINUTES
Absent: Chris Clark, James Gingrey, Otis Raybon, Jr.
I. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER Dr. Lynn Cornett, Chair
Dr. Lynn Cornett, Chair, called the June 6, 2013, State Board meeting of the Technical College System of Georgia to order at 1:00 p.m. at the system office. She opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and officially welcomed Mr. Dick Porter, the newest Member of the Board. She also welcomed Mr. Stephen Crew, president of the Technical College Directors’ Association and Mr. Doug Myer, a member of the Association. Dr. Cornett thanked them for the important work they do to support the local boards at the technical colleges and the State Board. She also thanked the presidents and staff attending the meeting. Dr. Cornett remarked that this is an especially busy time of the year for the presidents with graduations, closing the academic term, preparing for the summer term and closing the fiscal year, and stated how much she appreciates their efforts to attend the Board meetings.
Dr. Cornett’s first order of business was to ask for a motion to approve the May 2, 2013, minutes. The motion was made by Mr. Joe Yarbrough, and a second was made by Mrs. Sylvia Russell. The motion was unanimously passed.
II. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS Dr. Lynn Cornett
Dr. Cornett began her comments by discussing the Board activities that occurred during the month of May, noting that the month of May had been very busy for the Members. Mr. Jim Gingrey, Mr. Tim Williams, Mr. Jack Winter, and Mr. Joe Yarbrough visited the Kia Georgia training center and manufacturing plant. Mr. Yarbrough briefly discussed the Kia visit. He stated that it was a pleasure to see firsthand how Quick Start enhances opportunities for new and existing industries. Mr. Yarbrough stated that he appreciated the opportunity to visit the facilities. He congratulated Quick Start on the great things they have accomplished. Mr. Jack Winter agreed with Mr. Yarbrough’s comments.
She complimented Member Dinah Wayne for her involvement with the colleges and the Adult Education program. In May, Mrs. Wayne participated in the two-day evaluation of the Stephens County CLCP and she attended the annual awards luncheon by the Historic Savannah Foundation. Mrs. Wayne provided comments on both events.
Mrs. Wayne began her comments by discussing the Stephens County Education Literacy Foundation (SELF) that helps support the literacy program at North Georgia Technical College and President Gail Thaxton. She explained that it is ultimately the Board’s responsibility to approve the communities’ CLCP efforts. Mrs. Wayne stated that the communities’ efforts to become certified are extensive. She explained that this was an 18-year commitment involving the communities’ leadership, local businesses, the technical colleges and volunteers. Mrs. Wayne stated that participating in the evaluation has given her a better understanding and respect for the process. She commended Mrs. Billie Izard, executive director, Certified Literate Community Program, and her continued work to help make the program successful. Mrs. Wayne encouraged the Members to try to participate in one of the CLCP events. She drew attention to the fact that today the Board will vote to approve the 38th Certified Literate Community.
She then pointed out that Savannah Technical College has the only historic preservation program in the TCSG system, and Dr. Kathy Love, president at Savannah Tech, has kept her apprised of the many artisan events in Savannah. Dr. Love invited Mrs. Mary Flanders and Mrs. Wayne to the annual awards luncheon by the Historic Savannah Foundation, however, Mrs. Flanders was out of town and unable to attend the luncheon. Mrs. Wayne noted that the Savannah Technical College Preservation Department, led by Mr. Steve Hartley, recently restored a sign belonging to Leopold's Ice Cream Store, and received a preservation award for this successful project. She explained that Mr. Stratton Leopold, son of the original owner of Leopold's Ice Cream Store was there to receive the award along with those who took part in the project at Savannah Technical College. Mrs. Wayne explained that Mr. Leopold is very involved in the preservation efforts in Savannah and is a great supporter of Savannah Technical College.
Mrs. Wayne expressed her hope that while the Board is in Savannah in November for the TCSG Leadership Conference, that everyone will find time to visit Leopold’s Ice Cream Store and see the restored sign and unique store. Mrs. Wayne thanked Dr. Love for including her in this unique experience and for her vision to strengthen the Historic Preservation Program at Savannah Technical College.
Mrs. Wayne closed her remarks by stating that it was an honor to have been a part of these events.
Dr. Cornett thanked Mrs. Wayne for her comments and then reported that on May 31 and June 1, Governor Deal hosted the annual Valedictorian Receptions at the Mansion. She thanked the Members who were able to attend the event, and stated that this is a great opportunity to speak with graduating high school students.
Before asking Commissioner Jackson for his comments, she drew the Members’ attention to the article from the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Gainesville Hall County Market Report, “Lanier doubles in education, econ development”, which highlighted Lanier Technical College. Dr. Ray Perren, president at the college, and State Board Member Doug Carter, were interviewed by the reporter, Nicole Bradford. Both Doug Carter and Dr. Perren had great things to say about the college and technical education in Georgia.
Mr. Tommy David noted that State Board Member Chris Clark recently spoke at the graduation ceremony at Ogeechee Technical College and did an outstanding job as the keynote speaker. He also mentioned that Commissioner Jackson recently spoke at the Statesboro Rotary Club and did an outstanding job also. Dr. Cornett thanked Mr. David for his comments, and then asked Commissioner Jackson for his comments.
III. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS Ron Jackson, Commissioner
Commissioner Jackson began his comments by discussing some personnel matters. He stated that he met with Columbus Technical College’s local search committee on May 7. The finalists were interviewed at the system office on June 3. Commissioner Jackson indicated that later during the meeting, he would ask that the Board move into an Executive Session to discuss his recommendation for the permanent president at the college.
He also stated that he had met with the local board of directors at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College regarding their vacant president’s position. In an unusual request, they asked that a direct appointment be made instead of conducting a search process. Commissioner Jackson indicated that he will further discuss the candidate recommended to fill the vacancy during the Executive Session as well.
On May 8 during the Employee Appreciation Week, the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon was held here at the system office. Through the generosity of the assistant commissioners and executive staff members, we were able to give away a number of tickets for Gwinnett Braves games, restaurant coupons, and almost $500. Everyone had a great time.
Commissioner Jackson announced that the Executive Leadership Academy class that started in July 2012 graduated on May 14, 2013. This is TCSG’s in-house leadership training program for mid-level and upper-level administrators to improve their leadership and management skills. He stated that he has already received numerous nominations for the next Executive Leadership Academy that begins in July, 2013.
Commissioner Jackson stated that on May 9 he attended the swearing-in ceremonies for Mr. Jack Winter and Mr. Tim Williams at the Governor’s Office. It was a great event. Commissioner Jackson mentioned that he was able to witness former State Board Member Sandra Reed being sworn in as a new member of the State Board of the Georgia Department of Education. He also saw former TCSG Board Members Alan Rice and Dan Israel.
He thanked Mr. Tommy David for the invitation to speak at the Statesboro Rotary Club. While there, Dr. Dawn Cartee, president at Ogeechee Technical College, took him on a tour of their new building.
Commissioner Jackson mentioned that as chair of the Alliance of Education Agency Heads (AEAH), he was able to hold the May 13 meeting at the Kia Training Center and arranged a tour of the facility and the manufacturing plant. He stated that all of the members of the AEAH were thoroughly impressed with the facilities. For many it was an eye-opening experience of what today’s advance manufacturing looks like and the training demands that are required for the skilled workforce in this environment.
He announced that he attended the Georgia Chamber Board’s spring meeting on May 21. He commended State Board Member Chris Clark’s leadership. Commissioner Jackson mentioned how pleased he is that Mr. Clark was appointed to the TCSG Board.
Continuing his report, Commissioner Jackson stated that the TCSG Foundation Board met on May 22. He noted that Dr. Freida Hill, assistant commissioner, Development, is doing a tremendous job moving the foundation forward. He mentioned that we now have 11 trustees on the Foundation, and spoke briefly of the tremendous job they are doing.
Commissioner Jackson also discussed his attendance at the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) on May 23. He announced that Mr. Blake Ashby, formerly the attorney for the SWIB, has replaced Mrs. Tricia Pridemore, who has resigned as director of the SWIB to run for Congress. Commissioner Jackson stated that Mr. Ashby is doing a fine job and is working closely with the Georgia Department of Labor and the TCSG on several initiatives.
In closing his report, he stated that he was able to attend the Saturday session of the Governor’s Valedictorian event. He was happy to report there were three or four of the valedictorians who planned to attend a Georgia technical college as their college of choice.
Before closing his comments, Commissioner Jackson reiterated that he would request an Executive Session before the close of the meeting. Dr. Cornett thanked the Commissioner for his report and then asked for the committee reports.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS Committee Chairs
· ACADEMIC AFFAIRS pepper Bullock
Mr. Pepper Bullock gave the Committee report and presented the following motions for the Board’s consideration.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROGRAMS
A. Approval of AS Degrees
Upon recommendation by the Committee, with a second made by Mr. Jack Winter, the State Board unanimously approved the college requests listed below to offer associate of science degree programs effective the semester specified for each request. Any fiscal requirements to begin the programs must be approved through the standard budget approval process.
Southwest Georgia Technical College
(Main Campus)
Associate of Science Degree program in Criminal Justice, effective August 2013.
Associate of Science Degree program in Social Work, effective August 2013.
(Grady County Campus)
Associate of Science Degree program in Criminal Justice, effective August 2013.
Associate of Science Degree program in Social Work, effective August 2013.
B. Approval of Diplomas and AAS Degrees
Upon recommendation by the Committee with a second made by Mr. Shaw Blackmon, the State Board unanimously approved the college requests listed below to offer diploma and associate of applied science degree programs effective the semester specified for each request. Any fiscal requirements to begin these programs must be approved through the standard budget approval process.
Atlanta Technical College
(Main Campus)
AAS program in Industrial Systems Technology, effective August 2013.
Bainbridge State College
(Main Campus)
AAS program in Agribusiness, effective August 2013.
Diploma program in Agribusiness, effective August 2013.
Gwinnett Technical College
(Main Campus)
Diploma program in Barbering, effective August 2013.
North Georgia Technical College
(Clarkesville Campus)
ASN program in Nursing effective August 2013.
C. Approval of Technical Certificates of Credit
Upon recommendation by the Committee, with a second made by Mr. Michael Sullivan, the State Board unanimously approved the college requests listed below to offer the Technical Certificate of Credit level programs effective the semester specified for each request. Any fiscal requirements to begin the programs must be approved through the standard budget approval process.
Altamaha Technical College
(Golden Isles Campus)
TCC program in Technical Specialist, effective January 2014.
(Hazlehurst Annex)
TCC program in Technical Specialist, effective January 2014.
(Main Campus)
TCC program in Technical Specialist, effective January 2014.
(Camden County Campus)
TCC program in Technical Specialist, effective January 2014.
(Baxley Campus)
TCC program in Technical Specialist, effective January 2014.
Athens Technical College
(Main Campus)
TCC program in Engineering Technology Basics, effective August 2013.
TCC program in Mechatronics Technician, effective June 2013.
Bainbridge State College
(Main Campus)
TCC program in Agribusiness Policy Specialist, effective August 2013.
TCC program in Precision Agriculture Specialist, effective August 2013.
Gwinnett Technical College
(Main Campus)
TCC program in Logistics Management Specialist, effective August 2013.
West Georgia Technical College
(Coweta Campus)
TCC program in Manufacturing Technician, effective August 2013.
(Greenville Instructional Site)
TCC program in Manufacturing Technician, effective August 2013.
(LaGrange Campus)
TCC program in Manufacturing Technician, effective August 2013.
(Carroll Campus)
TCC program in Manufacturing Technician, effective August 2013.
PROGRAM TERMINATIONS
A. Diplomas and AAS Degrees
Upon recommendation by the Committee, with a second made by Mr. Carl Swearingen, the State Board unanimously approved the college requests listed below to terminate the diploma and associate of applied science degree programs effective the semester specified for each request.
Gwinnett Technical College
(Main Campus)
Diploma program in Dental Lab, effective May 2013.
Lanier Technical College
(Forsyth Campus)
Diploma program in Practical Nursing, effective May 2014.
(Main Campus)
Diploma program in Practical Nursing, effective May 2014.
Southeastern Technical College
(Glennville Campus)
Degree program in Early Childhood Care/Education, effective May 2013.
Diploma program in Medical Assisting, effective May 2013.
Diploma program in Practical Nursing, effective May 2013.
Diploma program in Early Childhood Care/Education, effective May 2013.
Degree program in Criminal Justice Technology, effective May 2013.
Diploma program in Cosmetology, effective May 2013.
Diploma program in Criminal Justice Technology, effective May 2013.