The South Plains College Board of Regents held their regular meeting earlier in the month with An independent audit was provided by Jeff Graham that ultimately resulted in an unqualified opinion which is the best outcome and entity can receive through an audit. Earning a clean opinion, Graham added that everything was well done and thanked Vice President for Business Affairs Teresa Green for her diligent work in helping with the audit.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Ryan Gibbs presented the Fall 2023 Retirees which was considered a light list, however, the individuals retiring still totaled a 100 years of service. In the coming months the college would be saying their goodbyes to six individuals including Coordinator of News and Information Myrna Whitehead, who has served the college for 16 years; Jesse Moreno, longtime bus driver for SPC for 22 years; Scott Parker, HVAC technician for 21 years; Rosa Rincones, a custodian for nine years; Stephanie Deering, Assistant Professor of Child Development for 18 years; and Teresa Chavez, Administrative Assistan to the Dean of Health Sciences for 14 years.
“What I like about the list is the variety of different jobs that these individuals have done for us over the last 100 years of combined service,” said Gibbs. “It is a reminder for me that it takes everyone in all positions to make this South Plains College what it is.”
Vice President for Student Affairs Stan DeMerritt announced an exciting shift that has been occurring in enrollment. With the shifting of certain courses, such as those in nursing programs, an uptick was observed for the second 8-week term for this Fall. This year saw 108 enrolled students for this short term, as opposed to 33 last year.
For the President’s Report, Dr. Robin Satterwhite had a few items to touch on. First, the Outdoor Fitness Court has completed construction and is open for participants. Only a minor piece of construction, an awning to go over the court, is left to add, which is expected in December. Much like other entities in the area, the college had Appraisal District votes that needed dispersal at this meeting. There were 779 votes that are allocated to the college, all of which were given to Ty Gregory, who abstained from the vote.