HCC Board prepares for 2014-2015 academic year
Jun 25, 2014
The Houston Community College Board of Trustees opened their June meeting with a celebration of the successes of Dr. Charles Cook, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Cook has moved HCC to a higher level during his 20+ years with the district. In 1977 he began his career as an adjunct History instructor and moved to a full time position the following year. Six years later he was named the Department Chair, a position he held until 1994. In 1999 he became Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for HCC and has been a leader of many collaborative efforts that have directly contributed to student success.
"As vice chancellor, he has worked tirelessly to ensure our students have the resources and support they need to successfully complete their education goals at HCC," said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. "We thank him for his innovative approach to student success and for his leadership."
In saying farewell, Dr. Cook acknowledged that he will continue to work on collaborations that benefit students across Texas and that HCC would be included in those efforts.
"Leadership and all of the HCC community wish you the best,” said Neeta Sane, board chair.
In other business the board approved the tuition and fees for all existing and new continuing education courses to be offered during 2014-15. Of note, the hours of instruction for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Prep Course will increase from 12 to 16, resulting in a fee increase from $75 to $95. A reduction in the hours of instruction for medical related courses will result in proportional fee reductions.
As a part of the districtwide10-year Equipment Replacement Plan, the Chancellor was authorized to negotiate and purchase computers for instruction and administrative departments to replace computers that are no longer under maintenance contracts. The investment and finance reports reports were approved also as part of the consent agenda.
The board discussed four bond projects and elected to move forward at this time by awarding a contract to Teal Construction Company to perform Construction Manager-at-Risk Services at the Southeast College Felix Fraga Campus. The project at Coleman College was tabled for additional discussion and motions to approve the construction of the Northwest College Eldridge and Alief campuses were denied as additional information was requested on operational costs and facility utilization.
"I appreciate the Board’s request for more information on these projects. They must be able to respond to the community needs while maintaining the district’s ability to operate within fiscal limits. We will further review these projects and present more detailed options on the scope of building use and operational costs," said Dr. Maldonado.
Additional action items included the approval of a contract for Teri Zamora, new Vice Chancellor of Finance and Planning, the contract for full-time faculty, interlocal agreements that allow HCC to leverage buying power with participating agencies, and the approval of payment for professional services from Bracewell & Guiliani and Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP.
"This is a very exciting time at HCC. The opportunities are limitless as the greater Houston community moves together to create training and programs to meet the area’s needs. HCC is here to support employers as they look for a collaborative partner to provide training, re-training and educational opportunities for the workforce,” said Dr. Maldonado.