Skagit Valley College Board of trustee member Debra straightening appointed as trustee of the year

MOUNT VERNON, Washington - member of the Board of Trustees Skagit Valley College (SVC) Debra straightening (of Conway) has been the trustee of the year of the Trustees Association of Community and technical colleges (TACTC). The presentation was made during the convention of spring of the organization which is held in anacortes, on 16 May. The annual award to honor companies and supporters who have made a significant difference in the overall mission of the community and the network of technical colleges, on the different campuses and students.

"Still students first, Debra straightening is a strong supporter of higher education," said Council President Margaret Rojas. "It is constant in its belief that every student should have the opportunity to succeed and that opportunity begins it with our work as Trustees. As a respected leader with TACTC, as president in 2009-2010, Debra work was appreciated locally and in the State, building relationships and to advance the common good of all community colleges."

"Debra straightening illustrates best committed leadership," said SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan. "His dedication, passion and enthusiasm have helped steer our College exceptionally well for ten years and will serve as a model for other administrators for years to come."

During the two mandates of Ms. straightening to the Governing Council, the College completed a number of initiatives and major projects: funding campaign McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center; George Hall Hodson and Phillip Tarro Theater renovations; Northwest career and technical Academy, a partnership with six SVC and school districts; Laura Angst Hall, the first public higher education, building in Washington to receive the LEED ® certification Platinum. Under construction, student services of construction, a 70,000-square-foot academic and a new Charles Lewis Hall.

In addition to the improvements under his leadership, Debra straightening served as president of the Council during the 2011 College presidential search and selection of the Commission of Dr. Tom Keegan as sixth President. In addition, SVC has started initiatives to increase academic achievement and completion: the dream, a subsidy dedicated to helping students from Community College - particularly low-income students and students of color - gain a college certificate or diploma; Gear-up (gaining early awareness and readiness), a grant from the Ministry of education to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education; and AVID, a system for preparing elementary College through higher education which aims to reinforce the learning and performance. In addition, she was a believer initially in the Institute of governance on student success (GISS).

TACTC Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the pursuit of the mission of the community and technical colleges. Eligibility was open to all employees of the community and technical college system, elected officials/legislators, members of the Council of State and supporters of the community and technical colleges. Administration submitted College applications identified for contribution to individual college, the system of the State or college for two years at the national level; impact in advancing community, district, State or national issues; their role in the construction of public support for community and technical colleges in the State; and leadership in the promotion of innovative practices in the two-year college system.

In addition to the trustee of the year, three other awards were presented during the Conference TACTC of this spring. Partner of the Year: Frank Blethen, Editor, The Seattle Times; Equity and success of NSERC: Dani Chang, Director of the student affairs service, Leadership and participation, Green River Community College; and price TACTC: Dr. James Walton, President, Centralia College.