A Message from the Board of Trustees

Dear Hocking College Campus Community,

In light of the recent newspaper articles about the leadership situation here at Hocking College, I thought as Chairman of the Board of Trustees that it was important to clarify some matters that may be the subject of speculation.

Under state law, the highest duty of the Board of Trustees of this institution is the board's (and each individual board member's) fiduciary duty. The law requires the board must demand that the books balance. The leadership must be accountable and responsive to the board and the community. The board sets the mission of the college and the president, and those around him or her must, carry out the day-to-day activities to achieve the mission and ensure the college is in good order.

In the months leading up to October of 2014, the board was undertaking an extensive annual performance review of the president, which took his performance and performance of the institution into account over the previous year. In the midst of this performance review, which was already identifying some concerns, the board received a report of another significant enrollment shortfall for autumn. This was coupled with additional news of an over-commitment of funds beyond the original annual budget, which projected a flat enrollment, so the board was discovering even more critical financial problems.

It became apparent to the board that the college was in serious financial trouble, and the board needed to make very difficult and painful decisions to put in place leadership that could close a nearly 12 percent budget deficit with only one-half year to correct it. The decisions the board made about the changes in leadership were all business decisions that were necessary actions in time of turmoil. There were serious disagreements on how the college should be managed during this time, and ultimately it was up to the board and the president to decide what their relationship needed be during this crisis.

Dr. Young and her leadership team have presented the board with regular reports on the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the institution. Through some admittedly painful measures, they have balanced the 2014-15 budget and began work on the 2015-16 budget. Enrollment has stabilized, and we are focused on efforts that will grow the school in the future. The board, through a search committee comprised of professionals from both inside the institution and from the surrounding community, is actively searching for the next permanent president of the college.

In the meantime, the board has full, unanimous and complete confidence in the interim leadership of Dr. Young and the current executive leadership.

Finally, I think it is extremely important to thank the faculty and staff of the school during a time of significant austerity. You are consummate professionals, and you have stoically suffered these painful budget cuts, all the while focusing on the most important thing: the Hocking College student. It is because of our faculty and staff that our students, barely noticing the controversy surrounding them, haven't missed a beat on their way to a world-class education.

The media noise and controversies will likely continue for a time - that is the nature of things. But Hocking College has weathered the storm and is positioned to move forward. The Board of Trustees is unified and focused on the future. Hocking is a great public institution, so critical to the success of our region. We thank the citizens of our Athens, Hocking, and Perry communities for their ongoing support, and we promise to continue to uphold our duty of oversight and governance of this great Ohio institution.

Andrew B. Stone
Chairman, Hocking College Board of Trustees

Epicurean Club Coffee Fundraiser

The Epicurean Club will be selling coffee starting this week as a fundraiser, supporting future Epicurean Club activities including a planned trip to Chicago for the National Restaurant Association Show.

The student members of the club are selling the coffee and it will also be featured at Starbrick Bistro starting next week. Interested parties can also put in their order at the Starbrick Bistro Cashier Desk.  

The coffee is by Two Roasting Joes, with many types available such as Bourbon Pecan Torte, Buckeye, Cookie Doodle and Javanilla. They will also be selling blends, single origin and fair trade organic coffees. Beans can be purchased in 12 ounce bags and customers have their choice of whole bean or ground. 

Coffee lovers are asked to pre-order and pre-pay for their coffee. Orders will be accepted February 9 - March 9, and orders should be ready to be picked up within two weeks of the final order date. This is small-batch roasting, which is why the longer lead-time is necessary. 

Cash and checks (made payable to Hocking College, with Epicurean Club in the memo) are accepted. The coffee is selling for $12 per 12 ounce bag.

Two Roasting Joes is an Ohio company out of Chillicothe. Their Facebook page can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Roasting-Joes-LLC/326076670836324. 

Free Fitness Fridays at WellWorks

Come into WellWorks every Friday in February and workout for free, including group fitness classes.

WellWorks is celebrating heart health and encouraging everyone to exercise for their heart's sake.

WellWorks is located in Grover Center on Ohio University's campus and their Friday hours are 5:45 a.m.-8 p.m. Free Fitness Fridays are open to the community but visitors must be at least 13 years old.

February Foundation Events Include Third Annual Smile-A-Thon

On February 12, the Foundation will host an "I Love Hocking College" event from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dining Hall. During this event, students and employees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hocking College T-shirt, hat or other clothing item and participate in the "I Love HC" photo booth. Participants will also be able to enjoy a free chocolate fountain dessert and can pick up a flower to give to someone special.

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Hocking College provides a unique, innovative, and quality education in a supportive experience- based learning environment, preparing students for employment and transfer education opportunities, while teaching the value of lifelong learning, promoting diversity and developing citizens who are engaged in their local and global communities.