2022-2023 President's Annual Report

The National Parks Service funded select renovations of the D.R. Glass Library in the amount of $500,000. The funding was for exclusive enhancements that included roofing replacement; re - wiring the Library; renovation of all Library restrooms to become ADA compliant; and replacement of HVAC units. In addition to the aforementioned, the administration added funding to the Library for aesthetic improvements of the infrastructure and improvement of services. The total updates exceeded $2.1 million. The Library now has state - of - the - art improvements that make it a focal point of the campus. The Library has also expanded data bases for the use of teaching - learning. The recent addition of virtual technologies creates a seamless process for access “anytime and anywhere.” The faculty and administration recognize that the inclusion of new services also enhances reliable internet and computer access that may not be available to students and others adapting to distance learning. Students and faculty are utilizing the databases provided through the College’s learning management system i.e., JICS. Using emails and links through JICS, students have been able to remain engaged with the Texas College community.

The administration has received a number of emails from faculty and students expressing their appreciation for enhancing teaching - learning supports. Further, faculty members and students participate in library training at least twice a semester. The benefit of the training has proven to be most beneficial in building the confidence in utilizing library resources through the available kiosks. The recent student evaluations have indicated that navigating academic resources, and the library for that matter, can have a bit of a learning curve. Many students have participated in the Zoom interactive training with the librarian in an introductory English course, the training is expanded to how to research information utilizing our subscription databases. Faculty members engage to learn professional searching techniques, how to use specific databases, which surveys indicate help immensely with forthcoming projects. The training is designed to inform students and faculty how information is organized, how a database operated, which will participants to feel more comfortable using the databases regularly as a part of learning activities.

Gඋൺඇඍඌආൺඇඌඁංඉ/Sർඁඈඅൺඋඌඁංඉ NITA: Texas College has received a grant from the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NITA) Program. The $2.1 million/multi - year grant allows the College to address “Communities Connected!” through the use of technology innovations that are both campus - based and community focused. To this end, the institution will serve select high schools, select businesses healthcare entities and other partners who can assist with providing needed supports to students and community. Greater Texas Services Grant: The College received funding to assist with scholarship awards for deserving students. The grant award was for a 3 - year period in the total amount of $170,000 to offset student awardees’ educational cost. For the first year, 17 students were awarded scholarships that ranged from $1,000 to $4,000; to total award amount to $35,000.

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