Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
The new president at Mesalands Community College spent much of last week’s regular board of trustees meeting giving a detailed, 14-page report on his activities since May 18 — to the appreciation of several board members.
College President Gregory Todd Busch, who took office May 1, indicated during the June 15 meeting that such reports would be a regular occurrence because he wanted to foster “transparency.” Busch also gave a similarly detailed report during his first regular meeting with the board in May.
Later in the meeting, board member Liz Estrada said she appreciated the “very thorough” update by Busch.
Fellow board member Teresa Stephenson and Chairman Jim Streetman echoed that comment.
“It keeps us well informed,” Streetman said.
Busch briefly went over some highlights of his report, which included:
• Creating a “Return to Work” plan for college that required all employees to return to regular work hours the week of June 18, minus health or religious exemptions. In-person work at Mesalands had been scaled back since last spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Rodeo coach Matt Hughes will continue in that role but also be a contact person and athletic director “to one day explore more athletic options through Division I Collegiate Sports,” the report stated.
• Busch mentioned he wanted to develop a Hispanic cultural affairs office at the college.
• Busch said Mesalands had received a payment of federal coronavirus relief funds, but recently arrived 28 pages of fine print prompted him to be more cautious in spending the money.
n He said he would form a Cabinet that would meet twice a month. The Cabinet would include Busch’s executive staff, plus representatives from the faculty council, athletics, Mesalands Community College Foundation, student government, staff, Tucumcari Public Schools, New Mexico Workforce Solutions and the community.
In other business by the board of trustees:
• Mesalands vice president of student affairs Aaron Kennedy gave the spring 2021 enrollment and persistence report.
Kennedy’s report stated of 646 grades issued, 524 were passing grades and 122 were failing grades. Another 912 grades were not reported.
Out of 21 student referrals, seven had “successful” outcomes where they received grades of “C” or higher. Fourteen were unsuccessful, where they received a “D” or “F” grade or withdrew. One of those was a student who died. Social engagement activities were curtailed because of the pandemic.
• James Casaus, ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, sent Mesalands a letter, stating its commitment of shipping three to seven wild horses from the Carson National Forest to Tucumcari in mid-August. The horses will be used in animal-science classes while being prepared for eventual adoption.
• The board approved a series of annual, one-year land and equipment leases totaling $63,050 effective July 1.
• The board and Busch met in a 45-minute closed executive session to discuss personnel matters, litigation and real estate. The board took no action when open session resumed.