Board of Trustees Notes May 7, 2008

5/08/08

SCC President and Board Working for Cairo Revitalization

President Peterson began his report to the Board of Trustees by informing them of his efforts to revitalize the city of Cairo. Working with the Delta Regional Authority and the Delta Regional Caucus, Dr. Peterson has been discussing possible uses for the Cairo Airport and how Shawnee can facilitate a plan that keeps the airport open and allows the college to open a training facility on the premises.

Dr. Peterson is also lobbying to have the Route 66 highway run through the district, which he hopes will strengthen the economy of the region. "By increasing the traffic through our district and the awareness of the region, we hope it will draw more jobs and families to the southernmost part of the state."

Though this is a long-term plan, Dr. Peterson expressed to the Board his thoughts on the importance of Cairo and was joined by Trustee Don Patton, a resident of Cairo.

"Cairo is at a crossroads and there appears to be a great deal of interest in the community from people outside of Cairo. I agree that Shawnee College needs to be involved. Shawnee can offer expertise and it's imperative that we be involved in all our communities. In order for things to change, we have to be part of the change."

A forum to discuss the future of Cairo will take place Thursday May 8 at the Cairo Junior/Senior High Gymnasium.

Announcements:

Students Film for History Channel
Several SCC students filmed scenes on the Rustic Campus recently to submit to the History Channel's series, Monsterquest. Monsterquest is a successful original History Channel series targeting the truth of legendary monster sightings around the world. Using the latest hi-tech equipment, each episode scientifically examines the evidence, from pictures and video, to hair and bones, and eyewitness accounts.

Nursing Faculty Honored
All members of the nursing faculty were honored at the board meeting. Board of Trustees Chairman Wesley Wright presented the faculty with a plaque and a stipend as part of the Advancing Shawnee program Dr. Peterson set into place this spring. Advancing Shawnee is a recognition program for employees who excel with innovative ideas that move the college forward and acknowledges employees who achieve educational growth.

Foundation Update
The student housing, Saints Place, is under construction. The roofing is being installed this week, and the interior work will begin soon. Proceeds from the annual Dinner Auction held in April raised more than $15,000. The foundation is now focused on the annual Golf Classic, planned for June 13 at the Gambit Golf Club in Vienna.

Action Items Approved by the Board of Trustees:

• Approved the bid for industrial cleaning services.
• Approved the change to college policies #4220 and #4230.
• Approved the spring 2008 graduation list.
• Approved the request to subsidize S.M.A.R.T. ridership.

Personnel Items Approved by the Board of Trustees:

• Approved the ratification of employment of part-time faculty/staff for spring semester 2008.
• Approved the resignation of full-time management-level employee Steve Johnson.
• Approved the employment of Heather Biggerstaff of Grand Chain as Comptroller. Heather earned a BS in Accounting from Southeast Missouri State University and is currently working as the Economic Development Coordinator for the Southern Five Regional Planning District.
• Approved the resignation of tenured faculty member Carolyn Holm.