New president leads first trustees' meeting at Wayne Community College
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on July 25, 2007 1:45 PM
Dr. Kay Albertson conducted her first board of trustees meeting since becoming president of Wayne Community College Tuesday night.
"It's nice to have the floor," she said simply when it was her turn to speak.
After recognizing a few recent retirees, most boasting more than three decades of service, she helped introduced new employees whom, she said, will follow in some great footsteps.
In fact, she said, several changes are on the horizon.
The college's counseling area will expand to include personal mental health for students and staff, she said, reflective of the 21st century and the need for such resources.
Her former position will also be split in two. Until she took the reins July 1, Dr. Albertson's title had been vice president of academic affairs/student services. Come fall, two candidates will divide the duties.
"We're looking at a vice president for student services. (We) will be interviewing this week. Next week, we'll start interviewing for a vice president for academic services," she announced.
The need for the change was determined by the office's burgeoning needs.
"It's growing, and it's an appropriate thing to do as we want to concentrate on some new activities and initiatives in each area," she said.
Still in the honeymoon phase of the job, Dr. Albertson said she is enjoying herself.
"I have had three weeks and two days of wonderful transition, thanks to wonderful staff members. Everybody has rallied," she said.
Board Chairman Tommy Cox said it is an exciting time at the college, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
"We have had a very busy year ... and it's really been a pleasure to know we have such leadership at this college," he said. "There's never been a question about getting this information with which to make our decisions."
He said he visited Dr. Albertson on her first day as president, offering the board's support.
"We're very proud of you. We look forward to working with you and have the utmost confidence in your leading this college," he told her.
Cox was re-elected to lead the board for another year, along with Keith Stewart, vice chairman; Dr. Albertson, secretary to the board; and Joy Ginn, assistant secretary.
Board member Tommy Jarrett thanked those who had helped in the search to replace Dr. Ed Wilson, who retired as president on June 30.
"There was hardly a bump in the road," Jarrett said. "We had five excellent candidates and of those I think we selected the best. I think that's a tribute to our chair and vice chair."
Stewart, who served as chairman of the search committee, also thanked the staff and employees at the college.
"I think it's been an incredibly smooth transition. I don't know of many institutions who would have gone through what we went through last year and the ease we went through it," he said.