A Message from the President: Students Involved in Recent Tragedy and Announcement of Vice President for Student Affairs

February 1, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

I know you join me in thought and prayer for our former and current students who were involved in the recent tragedy on I-75. The Santa Fe flag will fly at half-staff through Saturday on the Northwest Campus and at all Centers in memory of our current student Christie Nguyen who lost her life.

Also, the Vice President for Student Affairs position is being reopened and will be advertised again. I would like to thank co-chairs Dr. Lisa Armour and Mr. Mike Hutley, and members of an excellent screening committee, for their comprehensive, principled and dedicated service. Because of their professionalism and the quality of their work, I am asking the chairs and members of the committee to serve on the next screening committee as well.

Dr. Portia Taylor will continue to serve in her official capacity through March 12, and Ms. Lynn Sullivan will overlap her as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs until the new vice president is appointed. Effective February 6 and through the interim period the Office of Financial Aid will report to Vice President Ginger Gibson.

Please join me and the vice presidents in actively recruiting outstanding candidates for the next pool of applicants. In nearly every area, our students succeed at the highest level in the state. Therefore, the new vice president will be working with a highly motivated and competent group of professionals. We are looking for candidates who are innovative, intelligent and collaborative, and who have demonstrated a strong work ethic.

The new position will be posted next Monday, February 6.

Jackson