ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS: BSCTC KICKS OFF SCHOOL YEAR WITH FALL CONVOCATION

What are the elements of success? asked Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) President Dr. Devin Stephenson during the colleges fall convocation on Wednesday, August 3 at the Mountain Arts Center.

Its you, he told employees. Its the passion you have for your field of study and your craft. Its the passion you have to make a difference in the lives of your students.

This years convocation theme was Elements of Success. National Sportscaster and WKYT Senior Account Executive Dave Buzz Baker and Craig Chanoff, general manager for Blackboard Student Services, served as keynote speakers.

The event featured performances by the Big Sandy Singers and Band, videos highlighting student success and celebrations such as faculty promotions.

Dr. Kathryn Miller, Dr. David Profitt, Tina Ousley and Rebecca Mullins were promoted to professor effective August 1. Collista Allen, Cindy Dickerson, Irma Kay Harless, Dianna Lawson, Charlotte Ramey, Joshua Thacker and C.W. Vanhoose were named associate professors. Stephania Conn, Jessica Gambill, Heath Keathley and Garrison Turner were recognized as assistant professors.

The following new employees were announced: Chesi Spriggs, assistant fine arts director; Anna Sanders, work and learn case manager; Danny Tonkin, director of business and industry; Connie Estep, director of grants development; Christopher Hicks, information technology specialist; Exon Menjivar, success coach; and Dwayne Kinner, adjunct faculty for collision repair program.

Dr. Stephenson spoke to employees about his priorities for 2016-17.

We will continue to aggressively pursue grants to bring millions of dollars to the college for the purpose of serving our region and expanding capacity, he said. I will continue to change the internal culture at the college, including raising personnel expectations as to what is necessary to create an exemplary community and technical college, and leading the development of a college culture that is flexible, adaptable and willing to change.

BSCTCs fall classes start August 15.