The Next President of Vol State Community College

Lest we forget, Vol State Community College has been actively searching for a new president.

This is important to us here in Robertson County because we hope that the new president is just as active in Robertson County as his predecessor, Warren Nichols. President Nichols was an integral teammate in what eventually became Highland Crest College in Springfield, Tennessee.

Jerry Faulkner has been submitted for recommendation – here is a full article on the process and the selection.

August 'Commission Packet'

Please do not forget that Robertson County Clerk Susan Atchley posts the “Commission Packets” in the weeks leading up to the monthly “Regular Meeting” of the Robertson County Commission.

You can find the packets at the Robertson County website. Here is a direct link.

Also, here is a list of the resolutions and those commissioners who will be presenting them at the August Regular Meeting:

Different Perspective: Highland Crest College Ribbon Cutting

This was interesting to see from an “outsider’s” (someone outside of Robertson County) perspective.

Here is the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle’s coverage of Highland Crest College’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies from this past Wednesday.

I completely agree with Warren Nichols of Vol State CC:

Morgan said Highland Crest "represents the best of local government and the private sector," while Nichols said Highland Crest "is a true college that is here to stay."

Highland Crest, located off William Batson Parkway one mile south of NorthCrest Medical Center, was the result of a contentious referendum in 2009 in which voters approved the construction of the facility. Landowners Billy and Jean Batson donated the property.

Highland Crest Update // Community Colleges Growing?

Highland Crest College is still on schedule. Many folks have asked for updates. Check out the “Vol State at Highland Crest” website located at the Vol State Community College site.

The following story is from the latest Vol State press release:

Volunteer State Community College has released the class schedule for Vol State at Highland Crest classes in Springfield. Nearly 60 courses are coming up this fall in subjects ranging from accounting to philosophy. The college is encouraging people interested in taking classes to view the schedule now to plan for registration, which will start in June for new students and is open now for current students.

The “Vol State at Highland Crest” site has much more information regarding classing offerings, admissions and all the information you need regarding Highland Crest. I would definitely bookmark the page.

In light of the vision of everyone who supported this endeavor…..I thought this piece from The Daily Herald (Columbia, Maury County) was particularly timely: “State’s Community Colleges Grow.”

CHATTANOOGA — State leaders’ plans to push community colleges into a more prominent role in Tennessee higher education is working, according to a recent study released by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Read the story in its entirety. It is a breath of fresh air for our community to be one the forefront of something.

I have always said that this project galvanized the optimism I have in this community’s potential. It just shows what can be done when this community pulls together to accomplish what it sets its mind to…the collaborative effort of the City of Springfield, the County of Robertson, leadership of NorthCrest Medical Center and countless private citizens made this such a worthy endeavor.

UPDATE: Highland Crest College

It is always a pleasure to share an update on the Highland Crest College campus.

In the last two days, two stories. (Here & Here)

It looks like we, and I say “we” as in Robertson County, are on track for opening in August.

From NewsChannel5 –

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. - Higher Education in Robertson County is closer than it has ever been in the past. After debates, votes and much planning, college level classes will soon be offered in a brand new facility in Springfield.

Getting a college education has been out of reach for many people in Robertson County for years, but now Volunteer State Community College is helping to change that.

"It was a tough decision," said first year Vol State Student Paul Farmer. "I'm married, have children and I have wanted to further my education for quite a few years now."

The 42-year-old husband and father has a 45 minute commute from Greenbrier to school, which is taking a toll on his family as gas prices get closer to $4 a gallon.

That all could be a thing of the past soon. The Highland Crests campus, also know as the Robertson County College, is set to open it's doors in the fall for students at both Vol State and Austin Peay State University.

After nearly three years, the 25,000 square foot building is near completion as the building is looking more like a school.

Classrooms are getting their final touches, stairs are built and dry erase boards are hanging up.

"We have put together a very comprehensive schedule from 8 a.m. until the evening," said Highland Crest campus director. "So, we're hoping to accommodate the needs of everyone."

Martin said the new building will bring education, the gift that keeps on giving.

"I'm really excited about it." said Farmer. "Not only that I get to take advantage of it, but my daughter starts college in the fall, so both of us will take advantage of a shorter commute to class."

The school is expected to be move-in ready by July, with the first day of classes starting August 29.

CONFIRMED: The Logo for the Highland Crest College Campus

To follow-up from "My Minutes" posted earlier today.

I heard Springfield Mayor Billy Paul Carneal in a conversation on "Page 2" this morning on WDBL confirm that the Board of Mayor and Alderman voted to confirm the same logo on Tuesday evening that the RCC voted to approve on Monday evening.

Bottom line: (as many of you have asked to see) Here is the new logo for the Highland Crest College Campus.

Again, many thanks to Tom Trapp of Bear Brook (Bear Brook's website can be found here) for the donated hours in collaborating, designing and meeting to produce this logo.

(On a personal note, I know Tom from our days in Leadership Robertson County, and he has a very interesting personal story of recently
hailing from Cedar Hill, Tennessee / A tremendous asset for our community and if you see Tom please thank him for his service)

My Minutes: Regular Robertson County Commission Meeting – 2010.12.20

My re-cap (and commentary) from the Regular Meeting from Monday, December 20, 2010.

"My" Agenda –
Earlier this past week I shared with you the agenda, our Commissioners Packet. Immediately below were the matters I had my eye on for the meeting.

I was particularly interested to see the direction the RCC would take with Mass Transit project / Relax-and-Ride Program. In discussions with Commissioners before the vote, it appeared that there would be some moderate, if not significant opposition to the vote based upon the sectarian nature that still permeates the mindsets of many leaders throughout the County.

I was enthused to see to the results for, and the approval of the logo for the Robertson County-Springfield Learning Center.

I was pleased with the direction taken on the issue of the proposed part-time Maintenance Department employee. Though, I was that much more pleased by the arguments and discussion had during the consideration of this resolution.

Senator Ferrell Haille –
Senator Ferrell Haille introduced himself to Robertson County, and the RCC. He was gracious for the opportunity to serve through March, and pledged his commitment to fulfill the same standard set by Senator Black. He will retain her office number in Nashville throughout his term, and will be happy to field inquiries from Robertson County.

Election(s) Funding –
On that note, the RCC took up a resolution for funding the special elections both for the primary as well as the general election for this very seat. Interestingly enough, the elections will cost Robertson County approximately $70,000.00. Though, the State of Tennessee will be reimbursing the County for ALL these expenditures since it is a special election.

RESOLUTIONS:

Planning Commission –
Alright, if you perused the December Commission Packet, you may have even trudged through the resolutions proffered by the Planning Commission.
These resolutions passed.

The one I would like to center in on for discussion was the "small animal boarding resolution."
From what I have learned, it is my understanding that this was derivative of an issue that first arose a few years back over a project for an animal shelter. It is further my understanding that this was a very heated topic in its day, and this was confirmed by a fellow commissioner who pointed out that several of her constituents were present at the meeting in order to see firsthand the direction of the discussion, and the vote. Obviously, this was an issue of special interest.

With that said, the specifics of what we were considering had to do with an effort to prevent this from being a reality faced by citizens of the County should a neighbor decide to erect such a structure or if some third-party entity decide to relocate. What I mean by this is that the regulations would now thwart the ability of a property owner to move forward with such a project without first complying with the specifics set forth by this resolution. Owners of residential and agricultural zones are now limited in their ability to construct such "small animal boarding shelters" on their property. As it stood before Monday's meeting, owners virtually had unfettered ability to just that.
Now, this resolution would do much to thwart such an effort from occurring, and assures fellow property owners and neighbors any neighboring property owners that this would not be allowed.

Part-Time Employee in Maintenance Department -
The creation of this part-time position was sought in last year's budget. It was turned down by the previous Commission.

This position was requested shortly after the new Commission was sworn-in.

After being withdrawn last month, it was back on the agenda.

Monday, it was voted down.

I was pleased that it was voted down. And, I will quickly state that this should by no means be construed as disparaging anyone in the Maintenance Department, Joe Fort or any one person having to do with the Maintenance Department.

For me, it comes down to what means we have as a County, and adding employees is not how I would prefer to begin such a discussion. Commissioner Gregory articulated this point well in her argument (which I will paraphrase) in which she set out that hiring is not appropriate when the County cannot even adequately consider raises for County employees.

As we move into a crucial time for considering our finances, I am very encouraged that the Commission is considering matters in this way. Fiscal Responsibility was and is the most prevalent issue on the minds of the citizens of Robertson County. Going into the January 13, 2011 meeting in which we will consider the direction of our budget, this is the type of analysis that the citizens asked for back in August.

Logo –
If you had a chance to look through the December Commission packet, I am sure that you have come across the logo for the Highland Crest College

All voted YEA for the logo, and I personally like it.

Some folks that were in on the decision making process that narrowed the search down to a few for our consideration expressed that they had other logos that they preferred, but I have not heard a one say that they just do not flat out like it, they just prefer other designs.

Regardless, many, many thanks to Tom Trapp for the hours and scores of designs put forth for consideration.

Relax-and-Ride / Mass Transit –
I have probably discussed this to a greater extent over the past few weeks, so I want take up too much of your time regarding he merits.

My thoughts are fairly well-developed on this issue.

I will say that this, though, and it speaks on a higher level than just this project. In the discussions with other commissioners on this issue, it became a concern with me that this issue may end up falling on the wayside due to sectionalism of the County leadership. Meaning, that many of the Commissioners I spoke with were looking at it that "this project does not come through my district" or "why aren't the routes rolling through our area?" I am not going to be a half-full-glass on this, since the vote overwhelmingly came through for this project, but the mindset of sectionalism is still an ever-present concern.

OVERALL –
Overall, I thought this was a very productive way to end the year. There were several other issues discussed, and if I have not covered those, and you have questions, concerns or comments on those then please let me know.

UPDATE: Highland Crest College

Here is an update from my post last week on the Highland Crest College (Robertson County-Springfield Learning Center).
In the Robertson County Times, Margot Fosnes (Executive Director, Robertson County Chamber of Commerce) discusses some of the particulars from the visit, and what is in store in days, weeks and months ahead:

Volunteer State will take the lead role in operating the new learning center with an on-site director, faculty and staff. Vol State classes will include general education requirement courses that apply to most of the degree and program options at the College. Austin Peay will provide upper level courses in areas of study identified to have appeal in the community. A number of specific academic programs are under consideration for Highland Crest and course offerings will begin to take shape in the spring.

Two full-time administrative staff will be employed by Volunteer State, an on-site director and an administrative assistant. Volunteer State hopes to have both of these positions filled by late winter in order to have representatives in the community, spreading the word about the opportunities that will be available in the fall.

One more thing that Margot said that I will definitely echo:

For those who visited the construction site last week, the level of enthusiasm and excitement about the future of higher education in Robertson County was high.

Highland Crest College Campus is obviously going to be a source of pride for our community and a visible symbol of our community's investment in its future.

Robertson County-Springfield Learning Center “Walk-Thru / Construction Progress Update”

Yesterday, you may have seen my updates regarding the "Walk-Thru / Construction Update" at the Robertson County-Springfield Learning Center. If you did not have that opportunity, here are some of the photographs I was able to take yesterday afternoon. Also, I have posted these to my Facebook account.

Exterior construction will be imminently completed, and what that means is that workers will be able to concentrate on the interior. Obviously, this is particularly important since we have entered the winter months. This should keep the project on track with completion and readiness for Fall 2011.
I do not know if the pictures accurately portray, but what struck me is the magnitude of this project.
I drive by this structure each and every day on my way to and from work, and I have been steadily keeping track of the progress. From Batson Boulevard, it is impressive. I am sure many of you have observed the same, or have heard of the same. Yet, when you drive up to, and walk up to, the magnitude of the project is fully appreciated. We truly have something to be proud of here in Robertson County.