Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees looks at college’s mission

 The mission of the college follows: Coastal Bend College is a comprehensive, public community college serving a diverse South Texas area. It is a student-centered institution committed to the highest integrity and to the development of an educational culture that supports creativity, encourages professional development, and promotes excellence in all areas.

The vision of the college follows: Coastal Bend College is a leader in providing quality education for life-long learning by dedicating its resources to promoting a learning-centered environment that empowers its students to reach their highest potential and become responsible members of the global community.

The annual review is a requirement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the college’s accreditation agency.

In other SACS news, Interim President Dr. Jimmy Goodson and SACS Liaison Randy Lindemann will travel to Atlanta later this month as part of the SACS reaccreditation effort. CBC Alice Campus Director Dr. Patty Candia, Dean of Administrative Services Ruth Cude and Dean of Instructional Services Dr. Bruce Exstrom are part of the team and will also travel to Atlanta.

Ruth Cude reported to the board that there was some reduction in the cost of energy due to ESCO. Changes to the infrastructure on each campus were made toward an effort to become a more energy-efficient institution based on recommendations after a 2011 energy audit by Energy Service Company. Cude also told the board that while the walking trail was completed, some finishing touches would require closing sections of it over a weekend.

The trail was rededicated last December after being closed for several months. Work done on the 1.5-mile trail began in September 2011 and included regrading, resurfacing and hydromulching the track; and installing new fitness stations.

The regular board meeting was followed by a Jan. 21 board workshop. The goal of the workshop, Dr. Goodson later explained, was to have some meaningful discussions about the search for a new college president.

More specifically, the board planned to review the existing job description to be sure that it is consistent with the board’s expectations and current best practices. “This is the best way for the board and the president to work together to make sure that expectations are met and outcomes can be achieved,” explained Dr. Goodson.

Both items are being done before the selection process is begun so that the board can have concise conversations with candidates about what is expected and what the measures of accomplishment are, according to the interim president.

Goodson, former president of Victoria College (Victoria) and Southwest Texas Junior College (Uvalde), was selected by the board to lead the college at the departure of Dr. Thomas Baynum until a new president is hired later this year.

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