Carpool video clip

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 21, 2003) - On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Phoenix College faculty and staff were welcomed back for the Fall semester with a full report on the progress made over the summer. The campus community was also updated on plans for the future.

After acknowledging the new college branding campaign and logo, Phoenix College President, Dr. Corina Gardea encouraged everyone to focus on service excellence and communication as the college continues to move forward with strategic, facility and accreditation planning.

All departments were encouraged to review and discuss the seven strategic initiatives and plan responsible goals for the upcoming academic year. Dr. Gardea elaborated on the progress made on the facilities planning project and addressed three themes that surfaced after months of facilities planning. They included parking, enhancing student services and finding additional class space. In addition, all attendees were also encouraged to be active and assertive in preparing for the upcoming accreditation process, in which Dean Marian Tadano and Brent Jameson were selected to lead the accreditation steering committee.

In addition, three new deans were hired over the summer. They include: Dean of Administrative Services, Dr. Jim Moore; Associate Dean of Instruction, Wilbert Nelson; and Interim Senior Associate Dean of Student Services, Raul Sandoval.

"We all must be good stewards of the college in order for us to reach our potential and be a success," Gardea added. "We are all Phoenix College ambassadors, whether we are on our campus or out in the community. I challenge each of you to remember this as we move forward with these planning processes."

Also, the college will create a service excellence model where Cheryl Axtell, Director of Advisement, will lead the effort to develop a model for the college. As the campus continues to move forward with these endeavors, the college will continue on with its regular business. The Marketing and Public Relations Department will also shift some time and resources from external to internal marketing to strengthen communication and community building.

The college plans to conduct three major hiring searches this Fall. Positions include Director of Technology, Associate Dean of Instruction and Senior Associate Dean of Student Services.

For those unable to attend the Aug. 19 meeting, the college will hold two additional all-campus meetings on Sept. 64 and Nov. 6. Each meeting will get underway at 7 a.m. with details on subject matter to follow.

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