Dear Friends: 

With the media coverage of state legislators' initial proposal for the next biennial budget, I know many of you are very concerned. As part of that proposal, it was written to significantly reduce funding to community colleges. Those reductions would eliminate state funding for four community colleges in the state, including our neighbor Brazosport College. In addition, funding for employee healthcare benefits would be significantly affected and we would also have to deal with another reduction to general funding.

Please remember this was only an initial proposal. It will be debated for months. We certainly need to be concerned and proactive, but not emotionally reactionary. It will be necessary to be logical and strong, but also understanding. Everyone affected by state funding is facing difficulties and we should respect their situation.

We are definitely approaching more difficult times. Texas has been spared economically for a longer period than the rest of the country. During this difficult budgeting year, I would remind everyone that there have always been difficult periods of time people have had to go through.  It is going to be more important than ever to work together and keep a positive outlook. That is how people make it out of difficult times.

The Texas Association of Community Colleges is an organization that works with legislators to express the benefits our institutions bring to Texans. Throughout this process, they will help us by being our advocate and keeping us up-to-date on the latest developments. Their site can be found at www.tacc.org/. Their blog is very helpful. You can certainly make a difference, as well. Educators and students are encouraged to contact their state representatives and express the importance of community colleges. 

Thank you for everything you do for the students, the college and the community. Because of our reputation and record growth, we were acknowledged by the state and not considered for elimination of funding. That means efforts you all have made throughout the years matter. Better times are ahead and we need to focus there, do our best to get through these current circumstances, and provide the best higher education for our students. I will keep you informed throughout this process. 

Sincerely,

Rodney Allbright

ACC Dean of Academic Programs Dr. Drew Nelson provided an update regarding the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reaffirmation of accreditation process to regents during the first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 27. Colleges accredited through SACS undergo an extensive review every 10 years to ensure standards meet the needs of students. ACC's reaffirmation of accreditation was due last March; however, the college was given a year extension to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and will submit its report next month. Following an on-site visit at ACC in the fall, the SACS Commission on Colleges will review the reports and then make a final decision regarding the accreditation in June 2012.

In other matters, regents approved the annual audit following a presentation by Mir·Fox & Rodriguez Principal and Certified Public Accountant Elissa Posway. During the meeting, regents also approved several personnel matters, TSCM education benefits for four personnel for spring 2011, financial report ending December 2010 and the check register. The next regular ACC Board of Regents meeting will be Feb. 24.

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ACC Culinary Arts Department Chair Leslie Bartosh, CEC, FMP, was recently named a semi-finalist for the American Culinary Federation Chef Educator of the Year Award. Finalists will be announced in April.

Having worked in the food service industry for over 20 years, Bartosh is dedicated to providing quality and up-to-date training so students can easily transition into fulfilling careers - or just enjoy cooking at home more.