Tower & Times Sprint 2009 - University of Rio Grande

Rio Grande
Rio Boards commit to shared vision and governance
The boards of the University
of Rio Grande and Rio
Grande Community College
participated in a joint board retreat
to collectively discuss key issues
facing the state, the region and each
institution. Board members began
with a commitment to move toward
a shared vision, coupled with open
communications and a focus on the
key stakeholder – Rio’s learners.
The highlight of the retreat was a
resolution, approved by both boards,
to “determine a way to further the
concept of a permanent shared
oversight entity.” In addition the
resolution supported “the presidential
search from this time forward as a
combined search for one president
with appropriate experience in public
two-year education and private higher
education.”
Barbara Gellman-Danley, Ph.D.,
Coordinating Officer observed, “The
joint board retreat exemplifies the
spirit of “One Rio,” an institution that
stands ready to work collaboratively
to serve learners in southeastern Ohio
and beyond. This great passion for
Rio and genuine excitement about
creating a shared vision will ensure
a financially healthy and sustainable
future.”
This collaboration has already had
an impact as the boards have signed a
new two-year operating contract. The
renewal of this contract is significant
in the fact that this new contract
was signed well before the current
contract was set to expire and is an
example of how the two Boards are
collaborating in order to benefit Rio
Grande students and the community.
“The relationship between the two
Boards is very encouraging,” said
Don Wood, interim president of the
University of Rio Grande. “We are
all community citizens, and we are
cooperating and working together
in order to serve the needs of our
students.”
Mike Swisher, Chairman of
the Community College Board of
Trustees, said, “We are extremely
pleased to have extended our valued
partnership with the University of Rio
Grande for another two years. This
agreement demonstrates our joint
commitment to continue providing
outstanding educational services to
the students of the district.”
Gellman-Danley, who has played
a key role in strengthening the
relationship between the two
Boards, said, “The renewal of the
Memorandum of Understanding
(the contract) is the greatest
single example of the outstanding
collaboration at Rio,”
Jeff Smith, a member of the
University of Board of Trustees, said
that the fact that the new contract
was signed so early shows the joint
spirit of cooperation between the two
Boards.
“I think this sends a very positive
message to the community that
both institutions are dedicated to a
long-term cooperative educational
relationship,” Smith said. “Faculty,
staff and students should be very
encouraged at this positive step
forward.” ◆
Tower & Times • Spring 2009
2
Alumni Directory
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Research, Inc. for the production
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For questions please contact
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Interim President Named continued from page 1
times and improve our organization,”
Roach said. “He is passionate about
Rio, which is evident by his past work
on the Coordinating Committee and as
Chairman of the Board. The success of
Rio is Don’s goal, and he sees this as a
challenge to be met by all of us.”
Elizabeth Brown, Ph.D., chair of
the Rio Grande Faculty Association,
said she has met several times with
Wood in his role as the chair of the
Board of Trustees and now as interim
president.
“He’s very accessible and open to
the exchange of ideas,” Brown said.
She added that Wood is also very committed
to serving Rio Grande and helping
the institution continue to grow.
Jason Kellison, president of the
Student Senate, said he is impressed
with the work Wood is already doing.
“I met with him last week and he
has very good insight,” Kellison said.
Wood wants to work closely with the
Student Senate, while also talking with
students from all across the campus.
“We’re actually going to walk
through the residence halls this week
and look over the buildings,” Kellison
added.
Wood is thankful for the support of
the administration, faculty, staff and
students, and is also appreciative of all
of the work that former presidents Dr.
Barry Dorsey and Dr. Greg Sojka did
during their tenures at Rio Grande. ◆