The San Jacinto College Board of Trustees recognized Dr. Brenda Hellyer at a recent Board meeting, celebrating her first year as Chancellor. Pictured prior to the meeting are: John Moon Jr.; Larry Wilson, Assistant Secretary; Dan Mims, Vice Chair; Marie Flickinger, Chair; Dr. Ruede Wheeler, Member; Ben Meador, Secretary; Wayne Slovacek; (seated): Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor.

 Amanda L. Booren, July 29, 2010

Board recognizes Hellyer’s first year as San Jacinto College Chancellor

A year in review

PASADENA, Texas – The San Jacinto College (SJC) Board of Trustees recognized Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer at a recent meeting celebrating her first-year tenure as Chancellor.

“We are so pleased to have Brenda Hellyer as the Chancellor of San Jacinto College,” said SJC Board Chair Marie Flickinger. “She works diligently each and every day to ensure that the citizens in our district receive an affordable and quality education, and her focus on student success is what makes San Jacinto College a leader in education.”

 The first year in review

• Hired 63 new full-time faculty to manage enrollment growth and commitment to excellence.
• Reached record enrollment in Fall 2009, college-wide and individually at each of the three campuses.
• Developed College vision and mission statements focusing on student success.
• Broke ground on two projects included in the $295 million bond referendum passed by voters in the San Jacinto College District in May 2008.
• Developed and implemented a strategic plan and annual priorities for the College. The plan is guided by the College’s eight core values and four strategic goals (student success, P-16 pipeline, work force and economic development, and our people).
• Held the first College Community Day – A one-day planning and input retreat for all full-time employees to create a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities, and to develop strategies for moving forward.
• Recognized as the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce “Industry of the Year.”Worked to connect with local communities, independent school districts, universities, industry partners, and elected officials.
• Built a greater awareness of San Jacinto College at the regional, state, and national levels.
• Partnered with the Houston Symphony for a private showing of “The Planets – An HD Odyssey” in Feb., raising more than $110,000 towards arts and sciences scholarships.
• Worked with the San Jacinto College Foundation Board of Directors to formulate strategies and focus efforts on fundraising goals.
• Raised more than $20 million in new grant funding since Sept. 2009 across a broad spectrum of disciplines to train local workers – half of which is a collaborative effort with community, industry, and education partners.
• Completed the implementation of a performance management program for faculty, staff, and administrators.

 Moving forward

Dr. Hellyer began her tenure as Chancellor in May 2009. As with other state agencies and schools, she moves into her second year as Chancellor facing a difficult economy. San Jacinto College is particularly challenged due to record enrollment, along with state appropriation reductions and declining property tax assessments, all of which lead to an increased need for resources while dealing with an overall decline in resources.

“The recently announced reduction in state revenues will amount to a $3,824,364 budget reduction for the current biennium for the College, with greater cuts anticipated for the next biennium,” commented Chancellor Hellyer. “Our focus in moving forward will be on how to continue to meet the needs of our increasing number of students, while ensuring student success during these difficult times. We want our students to finish what they start – no matter what that may be, a class or a semester – but ultimately we know that certifications and degrees change lives.”

Although the College faces a budget reduction from the state, a tax increase is not anticipated. Rather, the College leadership under Dr. Hellyer’s guidance, has taken a very conservative approach to budgeting and have been preparing for this potential scenario.

“We have been looking at ways to streamline our operations, repurposing operations dollars and positions if necessary, to make sure that we are properly resourcing all areas of the College,” noted Hellyer. “This means taking a hard look at how we are doing business and making sure we are optimizing every dollar spent.”

As the state legislature continues to look at the budget, the College leadership is preparing for even deeper cuts from the state appropriations. San Jacinto College will continue to look for ways to streamline and manage what looks to be a few difficult years ahead.

During the 2010-2011 academic year, San Jacinto College will also begin planning its 50^th anniversary. The College first opened its doors in Fall 1961, welcoming 876 students to its first classes, after voters in the Channelview, Deer Park, Galena Park, La Porte, and Pasadena school districts approved the creation of the College in May 1960. Fiftieth anniversary activities will take place throughout the year, beginning in Fall 2011, in commemoration of this milestone event.

“I’m excited about the direction that San Jacinto College is headed,” added Hellyer. “Our greatest success is our people, and that success is based on teamwork, collaboration, and focus. It takes all of us focusing on our students and the communities that we serve, and that is what makes this College so special.”

San Jacinto College serves a diverse population of more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, call 281-998-6150.