| An online magazine dedicated to sharing best practices and providing in-depth coverage of issues and trends affecting the Washington State community and technical college system. |
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| July 2005 Edition 2 |
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All in the Family |
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Main Story |
Community Colleges of Spokane achievementsKaren Driscoll, assistant dean of student services for financial aid at Spokane Falls Community College, was honored by the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for going beyond normal expectations in support of her staff’s military commitments. She was nominated by Sean Pelfrey, SFCC veterans coordinator, who wrote in his nomination letter that Driscoll “knew about my Reserve obligations [even before hiring me] and let me know that she would support me in my activities. Since then, we have discussed what we would do if my unit is called up, and Karen is always quick to assure me there will be no issues when I return.” Peninsula College Foundation Appoints Rhonda LoPresti as its new executive director The Peninsula College Foundation announced that Rhonda LoPresti has been named as its new executive director. LoPresti comes to the Peninsula College Foundation from her position as public relations and marketing director of Olympic Medical Center, a post she has held since 2000. Beth Arman, dean of trade and industry/apprenticeship at Renton Technical College, was awarded the International Exemplary Leader Award at The Chair Academy Annual International Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The award was based on Beth’s style of leadership, which lends significantly to the atmosphere of a learning community. She promotes and encourages independence and self-improvement among her staff, while at the same time, effectively utilizes a team approach within her department. She is involved in local and regional advisory committees as well as national and community organizations such as The American Council for Construction Education and the Municipal League of King County. Beth has been at Renton Technical College as dean for the past nine years.
Earl Hale, executive director of the state’s two-year college system announced he will retire on Dec.31. Hale’s career spans 35 years, serving 19 years in his current position and as deputy director of the State Board prior to that. Hale heads a staff of 88 people who work with the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The State Board manages annual operating and capital budgets that exceed $1.7 billion. During his tenure as executive director of the State Board, Hale helped the two-year college system expand to include technical colleges in its mission, and create Cascadia Community College and Pierce College Puyallup. Over the past 16 years, college enrollment has gone from 153,000 to 250,000 students at two-year colleges across the state. Under Hale’s leadership, the State Board is developing policies to implement new laws passed by the Legislature last month. To meet the increasing demand on colleges in its system, the State Board asked and received legislative authorization to launch four pilot baccalaureate programs, offering classes that lead to a four-year degree. In addition, the State Board received the Legislature’s approval to encourage more universities to offer programs on two-year college campuses, which enable students to study for four-year degrees while working and living at home. Throughout this time, the State Board will also launch a search for a new executive director, according to its chairman, Tom Koenninger. He said a national search will be conducted, with professional help. Qualified regional candidates will be sought as well. While Hale is retiring as system director, he said he likely will do some consulting work, and pursue personal interests that include the outdoors and music.
Chris Reykdal was named the new director of administrative services for the SBCTC in Olympia. Reykdal fills the vacancy left by Sandy Wall after her retirement in May 2005. As division director, Reykdal will lend support to the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) as well as oversee the administration of the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC), and the SBCTC student services, communications, and human resources departments. Reykdal was hired by the State Board in 2002, where he served the system as Operating Budget Director. Prior to his work at the State Board, he worked for the Washington State Senate as staff support to the Transportation Committee. Reykdal assumed his new duties on July 1. Deborah Frazier has been hired as Operating Budget Director for the SBCTC in Olympia. Frazier takes the place of Chris Reykdal, who vacated the position to lead the SBCTC Administrative Services division. Frazier was most recently on staff at the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. Prior to her new assignment, Frazier worked as nonpartisan staff for the House of Representatives, including serving as staff support to the Appropriations Committee in the social services area. She has an extensive background in budgeting in a large social services agency in Texas and brings substantial policy-level experience to her new position. Deborah comes highly recommended for her excellent analytical skills as well as for working very effectively with legislators. Deborah’s first day was July 18. EvCC hires new vice president of instruction Everett Community College has hired a new vice president of instruction from a technical college in Minnesota. The new vice president, Hamid Eydgahi, has worked in higher education for 16 years, as well as in the private sector. For the last four years, he was vice president of academic affairs at Pine Technical College near Minneapolis. Eydgahi has a doctorate in business administration from Aston University, United Kingdom. He begins his new job Aug. 15. Highline’s Lisa Skari named alum of the year Highline Community College’s executive director for institutional advancement, Lisa Skari, was named the alum of the year for the Federal Way Chamber Advancing Leadership program. Advancing Leadership is a local tuition-based leadership development program designed to build a resource of community leaders. Modeled after successful leadership programs across the country, the Federal Way Chamber joins in partnership with other community-spirited businesses and organizations to offer the year-long educational opportunity. Skari has made great contributions to the Federal Way community both in its Chamber and Rotary and will serve as Rotary president-elect next year. Do you have an item for the next "All in the Family?" Email the Creating Opportunities staff at: ezine@sbctc.ctc.edu
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Beth Arman receives International Exemplary Leader Award 
Hale announces retirement from State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
Chris Reykdal to lead State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Administrative Services Division
Deborah Frazier named Operating Budget Director for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges