HELENA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

 

DATE:  January 11, 2001

TO:  Board of Regents

FROM: Rick Gray, Interim Dean/CEO, Helena College of Technology

RE:  Campus Report for the January 17-18, 2002 Board of Regents' Meeting

         HCT has received a surplus "Huey" helicopter through the National Guard for a processing fee of $500. It is listed at $922,704. This helicopter will enhance the learning experience for the Aviation Maintenance students in turbine engines and rotor maintenance. HCT's partnership with the National Guard has been valuable to the educational programs.

         Over 140 people participated in the Two-Year College Conference at HCT last week. Tony Zeiss was an inspirational speaker and gave motivation to our efforts to make two-year colleges in Montana key players in workforce development and economic development. Regent Semmens and Dave Gibson talked about what is happening and what can happen with two-year colleges.

         The Deans Search Committee has narrowed the search for a new dean to five finalists. The candidates were chosen from a pool of 85 applicants. The committee is chaired by Bob Frazier, and is made up of 11 employees and students of HCT, and one community representative. The interviews started January 7 and will continue through February 6. Each candidate will visit all of The University of Montana campuses, including spending one day at HCT. Members of the community will also have the opportunity to become acquainted with the five finalists during an open forum/reception. The committee is expected to make its final recommendations on the top three candidates to The University of Montana President George Dennison who will make the final pick.

         Advertising has started for recruitment of a Director of Admissions to replace Annette Walstad. Mrs. Walstad has served the College well in this position for eight years and is moving on to Human Services Consultation with CMS. We wish her well. The position will include marketing and public relations responsibilities.

         Tony Williams has been assigned to the Workforce Development Academies committee with the Helena Chamber of Commerce. The United States Chamber of Commerce awarded $40,000 to a consortium of the Helena and Bozeman Chambers of Commerce, to be used for a series of local workforce forums. The Helena Area Chamber was selected as one of four sites nationally to address workforce development issues under this project. These forums give business, workforce investment boards, service providers, and community leaders an opportunity to address a range of workforce development challenges, including recruitment, hiring, training, retention and advancement strategies. As a part of this project, the Helena and Bozeman Chambers of Commerce will work with the Montana Chamber of Commerce to develop and advocate supportive state workforce policies and systems as a result of the input gained from local business through these Workforce Academies.

         DT Architecture has spent a week on the HCT campus talking to many groups about floor space needs and projected program directions. They will be reviewing their conclusions with the staff and faculty this month and will be talking to community members for their ideas about the college's directions.