Board of Trustees Elect New Chair, Vice-Chair for 2021 Year
[Garden City, KS] January 12, 2021 -- During a regularly scheduled meeting on January 12, the Board of Trustees for Garden City Community College elected a new chair and vice-chair during the annual officer elections.
Dr. Merilyn Douglass, who previously served as vice-chair, was elected as the 2021 chairman of the board. This position was formerly held by Dr. Blake Wasinger, who will offer guidance as needed to the new chair.
Beth Tedrow was selected as the vice-chair and was also re-elected as the KACCT representative. David Rupp will continue his role as the Economic Development Corporation representative.
Following officer elections, Dr. Ruda highlighted the educational achievements of 20 Upward Academy students who celebrated their graduation in December. This adult-learning education partnership program with Tyson Foods allows Tyson employees to take classes through GCCC's Mobile Lab classroom at Tyson's plant. The classes are taught by Garden City Career Connections Academy (GCCCA) staff and courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), General Educational Development (GED), citizenship and other essential life and workplace skills.
"Tyson does a tremendous job of promoting and incentivizing this program for their employees." College President, Dr. Ryan Ruda said. "These students come out to the classroom immediately following their shifts at the plant. They are very dedicated students and we are very excited about their educational achievements."
Dr. Ruda also presented campus updates to the trustees during his president's report. Several projects were completed by the maintenance, IT, and facilities staff over the holiday break, including the remodeling of the Business Office, a criminal justice classroom, and a classroom in the JCVT Building. Another completed project was the creation of an E-Sports classroom which will be used during the spring competitive season.
Finally, the Board voted to go into executive session where no action was taken.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at 6 p.m. in the President's Conference room.
Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.