College of the Redwoods - Board of Directors

By Richard T. "Dick" Twiddy

It is time to bring new thoughts into management of the college administration and open lines of communication incorporating all community members.

Accreditation is essential to any Educational Institution. Regardless of the specifics for the accreditation loss, the results are the same. A student attempting to proceed to higher learning will find it difficult to transfer their earned credits. Further, anyone working towards a 2-year degree or technical certificate will not be able to secure educational funding assistance. Most grants or student assistance programs (public or private) require the student attend an accredited institution.

Some people claim the accreditation process is resolved. I am not certain if this is true. However, it is essential the Board immediately develop goals and methods to independently determine the accreditation status, and maintain that overview in the future.

I think the marked decrease in enrollment at CR has been the result of reducing classes, services and cutting qualified staff. The High School Academy has helped the enrollment numbers stay within reach. Adding more technical classes in cooperation with local business will also assist with increased enrollment and help control cost by using the facilities fully. In order to increase the enrollment on a continuous basis I would push to initiate and aggressively pursue an ongoing outreach and advertising program within our community as well as communities outside the state.

I do not have sufficient information on measure Q or the facility master plan. I am aware of the facilities earthquake safety problems. But I have not heard of any design review or community scoping meetings regarding the new buildings. I just recently became aware there is a problem with faculty concerns regarding fast tracking resolutions. Without particulars, regarding the plans or the concerns, I find it difficult to comment at this time. However, with that said, I would be more inclined to secure input from everyone, well in advance of any changes.

My interpretation of the role of the Board may be very different than the incumbent trustees. I agree that the Board should not micro-manage operation of CR. I believe strongly, however, that the Board is responsible to see that the CR Mission and Priorities should be clearly understood by the administration. Further, it is most important that there are measurable goals and objectives that are clearly communicated and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Last, the lines of communication must be open in all directions -- all the time.

It is easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize actions of others, particularly when all the details are not known. We have to acknowledge there have been some successes. A good example is the recently developed High School Academy. This program has been successful, resulting in increased enrollment, encouragement to continue academic study, addressing more advanced study cost effectively at home, plus improved utilization of facilities. I would like to see this program enhanced and expanded.

It is true that CR has the largest geographic district in the state, with two other counties and various sites involved. This can be used to our advantage. We have the ability to expand our outreach and have a greater influence with state agencies for enhanced funding with the other communities assistance. It may be possible to encourage the nurse program expansion beyond our local hospital. A real disadvantage, however, has been the separate sites around our community. For example, the Eureka campus must be utilized more fully to justify the increased cost. The "farm" in Southern Humboldt should be expanded to help defray the costs involved. This is an agricultural community...why not use our resources and cooperate with the local farmers.

There are many priorities for CR right now. Some of the most obvious are: Hiring the right person for President, assuring accreditation, and securing sufficient funding for future needs. I would add; looking at the mix of academic to technical studies, the need to encourage more student participation, opening enrollment to a broader cross-section of the community, and increased communication and coordination with local industry and community leaders. Three specific priorities I would support to improve the college are: 1. Begin an immediate dialog with local industries to determine where and how the college can assist with their specific training and recruitment needs. Examples include: apprentice training with plumbers, electricians, machinists, expanded police training, as well as development of fire sciences training. We should expand the existing carpentry, woodworking and historic preservation training as well as opening the nurses training beyond our local hospitals. 2. Make the enrollment and class scheduling process more efficient as well as offer more classes for seniors. 3. Coordinate with local leaders to find funding and assistance with student fees as well as lobby state elected officials to recognize the larger CR responsibility.

I am a Korean era Vet (USAF) honorably discharged in 1959. My family and I have owned property and lived in Eureka since 1975. I have attended a number of classes at CR over the years. I am 69 years old, with 43 years working in various construction and engineering industries. I retired after 32 years with PG&E. During my time there I was responsible for many complex, large budgeted, projects. I did my graduate work in Organizational Development at the University of San Francisco. I am a Licensed Engineer in the State of California (retired) as well as hold a General Contractors License. Over the years I have been involved in several local community activities.

I feel I am qualified for the Area 4 Trustee position based on my prior experience in leading many extensive and expensive projects. Almost every endeavor requires a clear measure of performance, as well as adherence to schedule and budget. Working with the Board I can get the job done by mentoring, monitoring, and coaching.

I am running for the Area 4 Board of Trustee position because I have been concerned about the direction CR has been going over the recent years. CR, at one time, had an outstanding reputation for excellence throughout the state. I would like to help return CR to that outstanding category and be the community's college again once again.

I would work with local business and community leaders to build a more balanced approach to academic and technical training.

To me the College of the Redwoods role in the community has always been constant; assist the community to develop and train workers with a reasonable curriculum to proceed onto a 4 year education, or move directly into industry. Community outreach is essential to development of mission and objectives.

I would like to comment on the hiring of an appropriate President in the near future. I would suggest we find a way to break out of the academia mold and expand the search to include industry leaders who have a proven track record of success and accomplishments. The College District is similar to any well run business. You have a staff (instructors) providing a product (learning) and customers (students) at a fair price (fees). Successful business, industry, or military leaders usually have the skills to mentor and guide any organization of similar size.