sfcc board candidate responses

7/29/2019 SFCC Board Candidate Responses

1/10

LWVSFC Questions for 2013 SFCC Board Candidates:

Question One: Why do you want to serve on the SFCC Board and what are your

qualifications? (75 words)

Question Two: What do you see as the role and responsibilities of a SFCC Board Member?

(75 words)

Question Three: How can SFCC work with the Santa Fe Public Schools to improve student

success at the college level? (75 words)

Question Four: How can SFCC engage with the broader community on strategic planning

and bond issues? (75 words)

POSITION 3 CANDIDATES

Stephen Hochberg phone: (505) 983-1044; e-mail: [email protected]

Response to Question 1

I wish to enhance SFCCs excellent reputation by bringing my multifaceted life experiences to

the Board. In addition to my experience as a long-term member and officer of St. Josephs

College Board, a similarly sized liberal arts college, I have been a student [NYU (B.A.); Yale

Law (JD)]; a law professor (Touro Law); a part owner of several successful small businesses;

and a Board member of non-profits, including the Christus St. Vincents Hospital Foundation.


To be receptive to the needs of all those concerned with SFCC. To be open to new ideas and

initiatives in the rapidly evolving higher education environment, while preserving SFCCs fine

and distinct attributes. To keep SFCC financially secure while expanding higher education and

personal enrichment opportunities


SFCC should address the educational needs and skill levels of future students with the assistance

of public school administrators. SFCCs dual credit program lets several high schools enroll

students in a SFCC course. The student receives credit from both SFCC and their high school.

This program should be broadened. I would also like to see SFCC students more involved in our

local schools helping students understand the rewards and enjoyment of higher education.



2/10

SFCC must continue to encourage the Santa Fe arts, medical, information technology, financial

services, and technical trade business communities to support our students, by sharing their

experience, knowledge, and opportunities with them. Additional efforts to create and expand on-

line for credit courses and non-credit enrichment courses must be undertaken. A permanent

liaison with all relevant governmental agencies must be fostered, so that intelligent and

comprehensive plans for SFCCs future can be coordinated.

Bruce J. MacAllister phone: (505) 660-7800; e-mail: [email protected]



Strong believer in the community college concept allowing for wide access to highereducation for financially challenged and non-traditional students.

Worked with SFCC since 1983. SFCC Instructor and adjunct-professor at PepperdineUniversity.

Former project leader for management training and development, LANL. Former Vice-president for Finance and Administration (interim), SFCC, with deep

understanding of the College.

B.S. in Chemistry and Biology and a Juris Doctorate (law). Successful lawyer,businessman and administrator.


(75 words)

Having worked on/with many boards, I appreciate the roles and boundaries appropriate

for a governing board. My vision as an SFCC board member would be to be scrupulous

in respecting the roles of SFCCs faculty, staff, and executive management, while helping

set a strategic vision for keeping SFCC competitively placed as a higher education

institution of choice for traditional and non-traditional students in the region and also

helping maintain a close community relationship.



Listening deeply to the community and the schools about opportunities for SFCC as aresource to address many of our current community challenges, including dropout rates,student retention at SFCC, and relevant educational programming.

Enhancing job placement activities, so that graduates of the College can seamlessly enterthe workforce on graduation or receipt of a certificate.

Supporting the Higher Education Center. Supporting making education accessible and affordable regardless of life-

balance/financial limitations.


3/10



Leading a strategic vision that keeps educational programming adaptive to changingcommunity and workplace conditions, to enable credit and continuing ed. programs to

keep full classrooms and equip students with job skills that lead to sustainable incomesand meaningful career paths. Listening to the community about its sense of priorities for its College and remembering

the fundamental reasons for SFCCs existence and its niche in higher education.

Smart use of current space.Martha Gandert Romero e-mail: [email protected]



I work with community colleges all over the country to improve student course, program and

degree completion, to ensure faculty have the best resources to be outstanding instructors, to

increase diversity so that equity is achieved, and to provide administrations and boards with the

best data to analyze achievement gaps and areas for improvement. I want to help SFCC be the

best it can be by bringing these skills to the college.


(75 words)

SFCC boards role is to oversee policy development, evaluating the President and help her

achieve the goals the Board helps set. These should include student success, good managementand a supportive climate for faculty and staff. The Board also functions as a liaison between the

community and the legislature and the college. As a board member I am prepared and ready to

work with the rest of the SFCC Board members to accomplish these roles.



SFCC faculty could work with high school teachers on curriculum that helps students graduate

ready for college work and helps students who need additional preparation receive help to attain

the necessary skills for college work. Both faculties should work together to be familiar with

financial aid and prepare students for career choices that fit their interests, skills and the needs of

the community. SFCC should collaborate with public school leaders to improve our school

system.




4/10

I want the communities SFCC serves and the faculty, staff and students to have a voice in the

planning process. The college should use focus groups and other methods to engage business,

churches, neighborhoods, not for profit groups, seniors, public and private schools and veterans.

The plan should define the trends that affect our community and use these to set the goals of the

college and guide decisions for budgets, program decisions and bond elections.

Andres C. Salazar phone: (505) 988-1444; e-mail: [email protected]



I can contribute to the SFCC Board through substantial industrial experience as an engineer,

corporate executive, recruiter and over ten years either as a chaired professor, dean, associate

provost, researcher, instructor or financial administrator at three different colleges at both the

undergraduate and graduate level of instruction. I am a native New Mexican, bilingual and have

taught in both English and Spanish. Research in telecommunications, entrepreneurship, and

education of Hispanic youth complements my practical experience.


(75 words)

Three important roles are: Formulate and/or approve college policy based on facts and best

practices; Provide oversight operational and financial on meeting strategic goals in offering

superior education, training and enrichment programs for district residents; Hire, counsel and

support the college President. The most important responsibility for a Board member is to attendmeetings, contribute to agenda items, and make decisions for the aggregate benefit of students,

instructors, staff, administrators and the community being served.



Research has shown intervention, counseling and transitional programs mitigate the difficulties

experienced in college matriculation. Intervention includes having developmental programs in

English and math in the high school years. Best practices in counseling share information about

college readiness and aptitude testing with parents and students in order to set realistic college

goals. Transitional programs such as summer bridge institutes, dual credit courses,

apprenticeships smooth out problems in making the leap from high school to college.




5/10

The college is expected to be a powerful economic engine for the district by meeting relevant

education, training and service goals. Valuable input in formulating those strategic goals is best

acquired when focused issues are presented to community groups for discussion and distinct

alternatives are outlined in factually clear terms. Political leadership teams such as the county

commission, the city council, state senators and representatives can provide valuable input

especially when bond issues are involved.

Frank G. Pearce phone: (505) 820-1995


qualifications?

Extensive experience in education and training, with desire to participate in advancing the

system because education is as critical to survival as a strong military. Several major

assignments in USMC (now retired) evaluating and reorganizing educational training, resulted in

being awarded the Navy Achievement Medal from the Sec. of Navy. While employed at LANL

(now retired) developed numerous courses, and served as Adjunct Instructor at the DOE Central

Training Academy.


Understanding needs of the college and community. Researching successful programs

elsewhere for possible incorporation into our system. Critically important is serious listening to

SFCC President, staff, teachers, students and community, and working closely and continuously

with area clubs and organizations, and news media for their involvement, and certainly, ourpoliticians. Engage more big businesses for not only strong support but for their possible

involvement (finance for programs, special program instructors, etc.).

Question Three: How can SFCC work with the Santa Fe Public Schools to improve

student success at the college level?

Continue to evaluate and look for new integration methods. I believe SFCC student volunteer

involvement in giving high school presentations on values of education may be a tremendous

aide. I know of situations in the past where SFCC teachers were having trouble with providing

classes at the high schools, but when students were brought to SFCC campus, the difference in

the high school student behavior and attention was very noticeable.


and bond issues?

We must get the community (news media, businesses, civic clubs, etc.) more engaged in

assisting to educate the public, especially parents, concerning the values of SFCC, to show


6/10

benefits of financial savings by getting students started with an AA degree and even a Bachelors

degree prior to advancing. Investigate the possibility of bringing more 4-year universities into

the system.

Kim R. Martinez phone: (505) 473-1134 e-mail: [email protected]

1. I believe the needs of students and faculty need to have a voice at the Board. I stronglybelieve that retention of students is key. Providing them with support to achieve has to

be a major focus. I have been a teacher and administrator for almost 30 years. For the

last 14 years, I have worked in Santa Fe County Public Schools: twelve years in Pojoaque

and two years at Capital High School.

2. SFCC Board members are mandated to steer SFCC into the future while keeping watchover and enhancing current infrastructure and programming. With the Higher EducationCenter soon to be a reality, the Board can set the mission and vision for a four year

facility that meets the needs of the community.

3. SFCC can continue to enhance dual enrollment, GED classes, and college visits. SFCChas a strong liaison with SFPS counseling departments and through Gear Up. We can

increase visibility in the schools; we can share data to help drive remedial programs (at

SFCC and at the schools). Since I have been working in local high schools and have

relationships with key people, including the AVID program, I can be instrumental in

strengthening that bond.

4. Visibility is crucial. We can use social networking, tweeting, newspaper and emailcampaigns to share positive events, programs, plans and initiatives. We can promote our

cost effectiveness and share data on student degree completion to underscore that SFCC

is a thriving institution. Open houses, fundraisers, community events: anything that

gets the community and possible supporters in our doors will carry the message on

strategic planning and bond issues.

POSITION 5 CANDIDATES

Kathleen D. Keith phone: (505) 220-7085; e-mail: [email protected]




7/10

I believe the College is a tremendous asset that can play a strong role in growing Santa Fes

economy. The College should be a gateway for students to earn a good living and support their

families. My professional background is in economic development. I currently serve as the

executive director of a regional non-profit organization focused on building a sustainable

economy and creating new jobs. I have over 20 years experience in public policy.


(75 words)

The primary role of a Board Member is to set policy for the administration to implement. In this

role, Board Members have the opportunity to shape the vision for the College for years to come.

The Board should have a long-term vision for the College and be focused on making decisions

which give students the skills to succeed in good paying jobs or start a company of their own.



We all have a stake in creating a community in which young people have every opportunity to

finish a high school and college education. SFCC and the public schools should be working

together to strengthen their cooperation in creating a seamless system whereby students move

back and forth between the two to get the education that keeps them engaged. Classes in which a

student receives both high school and college credit should be increased.



Community involvement is vital to the Colleges ability to move forward. The College shouldbe driven by the constituents who use and need its services. For example, retirees and seniors

are one of the biggest constituencies to utilize the College. What are their needs and how can we

tailor programs to benefit them? Regular communication with these constituencies, surveys and

being accessible are ways Board members can ensure that the College is meeting needs.

Thomas Dan Whitson phone: (505) 629-5770; e-mail: [email protected]

Why do you want to serve on the SFCC Board and what are your qualifications?

My experience and interest in higher education will enable me to make a difference for SFCC by

joining Board colleagues, administrators, faculty, staff and students to continue the good work of

the College by participating in the programming, public relations, budgeting, and academic

decisions.

My career was spent in academic endeavors promoting education/learning. I have a B.S., M.S.,

and Ph.D. in agriculture. I have been faculty at Kansas State, Oregon State and University


8/10

Wyoming.

What do you see as the role and responsibility of a SFCC Board Member?

All board members should be ambassadors to the community promoting an understanding of

what the College does and how important it is to the community therefore gaining support for theCollege. Board members should be willing to work with the President, faculty, staff and students,

the NM Legislature, community and state groups, and other higher education institutions. The

Board assists in determining programming and policies.

How can SFCC work with the Santa Fe Public Schools to improve student success at the

college level?

Communication with SF Public and private schools is essential. SFCC students and faculty

should be represented at school functions providing information about higher educationprograms. Student success programs in the public/private schools and at SFCC should be sharing

information and data and discussing areas in which they can work together. Programs such as

concurrent classes and dual credit already in operation at SFCC should be supported. Promoting

SFCC regionally is also important.

How can SFCC engage with the broader community on strategic planning and bond issues?

Communication and connections are essential to insure that SFCC is represented on all city and

county planning groups. The College should continually assess community educational needs

and how we can address those needs for all age levels. The greatest support comes when the

College is involved in the community and is viewed as our college, not the college.

Bonn J. Macy phone: (505) 204-7925 e-mail: [email protected]

Did not respond to the questionnaire.

Francis J Renz phone: (505) 660-9526; e-mail:[email protected]



I want to serve on the SFCC Board because it has a critical role in establishing the future

direction of the college. I cant think of a better way to volunteer my services and expertise for

my community. My qualifications are having worked as a community college educator and


9/10

leader for over 30 years to include 15 years of community college policy development in New

Mexico and currently as a national community college leadership coach.


(75 words)

SFCC Board Member roles and responsibilities include: setting college policy; selecting and

evaluating a President; ensuring the effectiveness of SFCC by monitoring and evaluating

strategic initiatives and the financial direction of the college; and, providing guidance/leadership

to assure the college meets community needs. An emerging role which I support is to monitor

the colleges efforts to enhance student success and outcomes. Board members can also play a

role in advocating for national community college policy.



The main way that SFCC can work with area public schools to improve college student success

is to develop joint programs to enhance college readiness of students before they enter college.

This can be done in several ways to include: early testing using college readiness assessments;

dual enrollment programs; financial aid workshops; and, curriculum alignment between the high

school and community college. These strategies and others can increase student awareness of

college requirements and expectations.



A good community college strategic plan typically includes an external environmental scanwhich should be used to engage the community about new and emerging needs that the college

then considers in developing such plans. It is also important to effectively engage and inform the

community of the colleges priority needs in order to get enough voter support for passage of

bond issues. Board members should play a key role in seeking external perspectives and

support.

Jeffrey J. Case phone: (505) 231-3300; e-mail:[email protected]


qualifications?

I want to serve on the SFCC Board to continue to make SFCC available and affordable for ALL

Santa Feans. I possess the depth, knowledge, and first-hand experience working with community

colleges and the larger community as the Treasurer of SFCC Grow Foundation, a member of

SFCC Presidential Search Committee, a member of Board of Directors, Council on International


10/10

Relations, Chair Education Committee. I have a PhD. in Education, from Michigan State

University.


(75 words)

The role and responsibilities of a board member are to set policy direction, evaluate the

President, set and pass the budget which must reflect the communitys needs. Presently, these

needs are job training, especially for health care workers, teachers, and all types of green

industries. All board members need to be the eyes and ears of the college in the community so

that the college can quickly respond to changes.

Question Three: How can SFCC work with the Santa Fe Public Schools to improve

student success at the college level? (75 words)

I view the public educational investment as continuous lifelong learning possibilities. SFCC can

strengthen this process by continuing and expanding dual enrollment opportunities for high

school students that give a cost benefit, expertise, or motivation like film courses; and scheduling

enrichment programs for students at various times of the year. It should also continue to support

SFPS teacher skill building through HEC courses, the alternative licensure program, and such

programs as TESOL and ESL certification.



SFCC needs to maintain a continual dialogue with the community on problems and challenges. It

should initiate joint strategic planning sessions with the City Council, County Commission andother appropriate bodies to discuss issues like job retention and job creation, economic

development, and quality of life issues. SFCC needs to demonstrate how community colleges are

economical, aligned with accreditation agencies, and how general education courses strengthen

lifelong learning opportunities for the community.

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