Happy New Year to all our community members. To those who ventured out of the area during this time, welcome back! My family and I enjoyed our holiday both in Colorado as well as in our native Michigan. Though it seems that the winter break is never long enough, I am energized to be back at work in service to you and our students.
Last semester, I met with many CNCC alumni, community members, business and industry partners and other friends, and all members of the CNCC college community. My leadership team and I crafted initiatives taken from our strategic plan that will advance our mission and closed out 59 years of history as a community college.
As we embark on the next 60 years, our focus will be on institutional growth, strength, innovation, engagement and student programming and services. Although I have just one semester as president under my belt, I am understanding what makes this institution and the communities we serve so special.
CNCC is proud of its signature programs but are aware that with time, change is required to stay ahead of industry needs. Our new Aviation (Flight) Program Director Nathan Hardin understands this. Hardin is a CNCC flight program graduate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in aeronautics and Master of Education in higher education leadership. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Thanks to the ingenuity of Carrie Olsen, CNCC’s agricultural business, animal science and equine program faculty member, CNCC will be growing its AG Business program in Craig. Given the number of ranches in Northwest Colorado, this move just makes sense. The College will be announcing this addition to the Craig campus at the Ranching For Profit Workshop at the Moffat County Fairgrounds on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This Dallas Mount workshop, entitled “Economic Leverage of Grazing,” will include snacks and lunch and is valued at $100 but will be free to our community members. This event promises to provide our ranchers and appropriate others with practical tools to improve profits in the business of ranching.
This month, we kick off our 60th anniversary celebration with numerous events, starting with library displays at both campuses that will take you down memory lane and our Ranching for Profit Workshop. Keep posted on other events though our website at www.cncc.edu and our Facebook page.
By DR. LISA JONES
Special to the Herald Times
