By Ryan Chalk
Article Launched: 08/16/2008
Solano Community College Superintendent/President Gerry Fisher delivers his State of the College address on Friday. (Ryan Chalk/RChalk@TheReporter.com)
With students set to return on Monday, faculty and staff gathered Friday inside Solano Community College's Theatre to celebrate the past year's accomplishments and get a look at where the campus is headed in the future.
In his annual State of the College address, Superintendent/President Gerry Fisher offered a rosy outlook and was pleased to announce the hiring of 24 faculty and staff members, advancements in technology throughout the campus, the opening of the new Vallejo Center as well as the groundbreaking of a new Vacaville Center, and updates on Measure G improvement projects.
When it comes to technology, Fisher noted that the college has made huge strides in updating phone systems from analog to digital and wireless internet access is making its way to all buildings.
"I think you all know our standard in the classroom is second to none," said Fisher. "We have had people come to our campus from other institutions, from the community. When they see what we have they are envious of what we can do in that classroom. We believe that our job is to supply you with all the tools that you need to be the best educator you can be, to be the best support staff person you can be, to be the best manager you can be, and we think we're moving in the right direction."
Another accomplishment in the past year has come with the completion of the new Vallejo center and the groundbreaking of another in Vacaville. The president was happy to announce that more than 2,000 students are enrolled at the Vallejo Center. A contract for the first phase of construction of the new Vacaville Center is also set to be awarded at the next meeting of the governing board this Wednesday, Fisher added.
Major renovations to the Fairfield campus under the Measure G bond fund include the Student Services Center and Career Technical Education Building, as well as fall completion dates for improvements to the Athletics building, Student Union and Faculty/Staff Dining Room. Also included in the renovations are improvements to the Heath Services Department.
"I don't think I'm bragging too much, but I want to say that when you walk in there you're going to think it's as good as any place you can get service in Solano County for health," said Fisher. "It's very nice. We've really stepped up in that area for our students and faculty and staff if they need to use it."
One area of the address that had everyone's attention was talk about the fiscal health of the college and talks of a state budget.
"It looks like some kind of a deal may be cooking up there," said Fisher. "There's indications there may be a vote sometime over the weekend or maybe by Monday."
According to the President, the college is still in good financial shape and fiscal services employees are exploring emergency cash flow options should the budget impasse go late into September.
Also in the near future is the process of finding a new Superintendent/President for the school as Fisher's term comes to a close, as well as governing board elections in November. A committee has met and a proposed process and timeline for the search for a president will also be discussed at next Wednesday's board meeting.
"It's time for the college to move to their presidential search to get someone in here that's going to lead this college through the next few years and beyond," added Fisher. "I'm particularly excited that this gets approved during next Wednesday night's meeting."
