Dear Faculty and Staff:

This week we come together as a college community to celebrate Commencement. For many of our students, this will be the most important milestone in their educational journey. For faculty and staff, Commencement is an opportunity to bear witness to the difference you have made in the life of each student. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning, May 14th, at the Family Arena. As a reminder, our keynote speaker this year is Dr. Frances Levine of the Missouri Historic Society. I very much look forward to Dr. Levine’s remarks.

Last Thursday I joined Dr. Martin, Provost Koehler and Vice President Galbierz for the annual faculty celebration and awards ceremony. At the event I was able to recognize all the faculty who received continuous appointment and sabbaticals. Faculty receiving promotions were also recognized. Please allow me to share with you the faculty members who received a Faculty of the Year award:

• Fixed Term – Michelle Trantham, English
• Part-time Faculty of the Year – Liam Cassidy, English
• Part-time Faculty of the Year – Theresa McKell, Math
• Full-time Faculty of the Year – Bryonie Carter, English

Congratulations to all our outstanding faculty!

The 101st Legislative Session ended on May 6 with lawmakers finishing the $49 billion state budget. Although I have yet to receive an official update from MCCA, here are a few details related to higher education funding:

• The budget includes the same core increase that the Governor placed in his budget
• All capital improvement projects (including $10 million for our Regional Workforce Center) were included.
• Community Colleges and Universities will receive a one-time allocation of funds. How the funds will be allocated has yet to be determined.

As we move into the summer months, I encourage you all to take the time to refresh your minds and spirits in whatever ways are meaningful to you. At last, we have a little more breathing room during the summertime, but there is still much to accomplish. We will be moving forward in advancing our work on the bond program and building renovation/improvement projects. A couple of the projects will be the implementation of new signage across our campuses, as well as the building of the new greenhouse over at the Dardenne Creek Campus. So, while it is a quieter time in some respects, there is still much to be achieved. This will be my last Touch Base Tuesday for the academic year. During the summer, Vice President Galbierz will provide weekly operational updates.

Thank you for the extraordinary service you provide our students. Your efforts are appreciated.

Have a safe and wonderful summer.

Barbara