CCC board takes care of graduation list

CLOVIS — Clovis Community College’s trustees took care of the most important business before the college’s first in-person graduation in two years — the graduation list — in its Wednesday meeting.

The commencement, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the Curry County Events Center, will honor 2020 and 2021 graduates, as no 2020 ceremony was held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Charles Nwankwo said the college was moving ahead with the in-person graduation based on state public health orders for turquoise counties.

“The graduation committee has been working very hard to maintain COVID-safe protocols,” Nwankwo told the board, “and of course this all depends on state protocols.”

A few hours after the meeting the Department of Public Health confirmed Curry County would remain in the turquoise designation until at least June 2. Based on that criteria, Nwankwo said, the graduates would each be allowed four guest tickets for the event.

The graduation list included a total of 331 graduates — 161 associate’s degrees, 73 certificates of completion and 93 certificates of achievement.

“It's delightful we can have a graduation in person again,” Board Chair Lora Harlan said, “and recognize our graduates in this way.”

In other business at the Wednesday meeting:

• Nwankwo informed commissioners on the April 19 death of Pauline Hudson, who was part of the group that helped establish the Eastern New Mexico University Clovis branch in 1965. The branch later separated from the ENMU system to become CCC.

In his remarks, Nwankwo said it was important to recognize those who helped CCC on its journey.

• The board approved a $424,000 renovation of three science rooms at the college. Renovation would start in January, and the six months of work would be phased so instructional space remained in place for rooms 201, 210 and 212. The work will largely upgrade electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, but also provide new instructor and student lab tables.

The project funding is provided by a U.S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions Title V grant.

“Move forth and conquer,” Harlan said following unanimous approval.

• Kellyann Weber provided an update on CCC’s Upward Bound program, which serves low-income and first-generation college students.

Weber said the program grant covers services for 55 students, and the program is serving 52 currently. The program helps students complete application forms including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, while providing tutoring, academic assessments and campus visits. Students in the program have been accepted to CCC and Eastern New Mexico University, with one accepted to the University of Southern California while he serves in the military.

• Three instructors were recognized as 2020-21 National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development award recipients.

Paul Blair, an instructor in automotive technology; Brandon Finney, an instructor in mathematics; and Melanie Lotz, an instructor in cosmetology, were nominated for the awards by fellow CCC faculty.

• Three CCC employees were recognized for “Duggie” awards recognizing an outstanding faculty member, professional employee and support employee. The award was crested in 2017.

Recipients were communications instructor Simon Chavez, education systems technologist Bob Dart and senior custodian Bill Cheville.

• The board approved an update to its policy manual.

Kameron Barnett, the college’s attorney, said the policy includes updates on what constitutes meetings, how meetings are called and handled and specific duties of the board. The trustees discussed the policy during a study session last month.

• The next meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 2.