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Contact: Office of the President -208/792-2216

President Welcomes Employees, Identifies Priorities
for Coming Year

Lewis-Clark State College President Dene Kay Thomas welcomed faculty and staff back to campus for the fall 2001 semester at an all-campus meeting Thursday, August 16. The Williams Conference Center was filled to capacity with employees waiting to hear the new president's first address. The meeting was first in a day designed to inform and provide opportunities for employees to make and renew acquaintances.

The new president has stressed openness and accessibility, and the day was geared to fostering conversation and exchanges of ideas. In her opening address, Thomas identified increasing student enrollment and endowments to support the college's activities as priorities for the coming year: "This is an excellent college, with great programs and great staff, but funding is an issue. How do we deal with that problem? We need to increase student numbers and look for ways to support LCSC functions in addition to our state funding."

Thomas recounted her activities since assuming the role of president in July. Voicing appreciation for everyone involved in the transition to her new position, she specifically thanked employees who participated in the tours to outreach centers, and recognized the efforts of all involved in building the college's strategic plan.

Following presentations by the vice presidents for Academic Affairs, Administrative Services and Student Affairs, Thomas returned to the podium and attendees were given an assignment: As part of her commitment to "listening," Thomas asked everyone to consider the two priority areas-enrollment and endowment-and discuss among themselves accomplishments to date and suggestions for the future. The "homework" assignment was undertaken in round-table discussions throughout the room, with Thomas requesting that individuals return the forms to her office that day or the following week. She said she looked forward to reading everyone's suggestions.

After the meeting, employees were treated to a luncheon in the Student Union Building. The culminating event was an open house at the President's Home. Under the shade of walnut trees, employees and partners enjoyed food, beverages and music provided by a band composed of faculty members, Dr. Betsy VanClief, and Dr. Bill Johnson, and Clarkston veterinarian, Dr. David Roen.