The Flare
Friday, January 29, 2016 Vol. 79 No. 12 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
Welcome President Kays First female president to focus on student success MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor
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rom behind the executive desk in Dr. Brenda Kays’ office in the Stewart H. McLaurin Administration Building, the new president watches students pass by walking to classes; however, her main focus is on their success.
Before Kays stepped foot on campus, she found things she loved about it. “Number one: the long historical tradition that exists at Kilgore College. You’re looking at the Oil Museum, the Rangerettes and the Shakespeare Festival,” Kay said. “The other thing that really attracted me was that once I had the opportunity to get on the website and really start exploring the meat of Kilgore College in its data.” Kays said she was able to see that KC definitely had an established tradition of student success and it was extremely important to her because students are the whole reason that any of us exist. “Without students there wouldn’t be a need for Kilgore College,” Kays said. “One of the things that we always have to keep our eyes on as faculty and staff in our institution is how do we help students in meeting their educational goals and dreams.” Kays said faculty should be asking questions like: How do we help them [students] in being successful? What tools can we provide? What can we actually serve our student in a holistic manner? As new president, Kays has many plans for trying to get to know students and figure out what they need. “I want to hear from you, I want your perspective,” she said referring to the KC student body. “It’s not just one group of students that I want to hear from. I want to hear from a wide variety of students so that I can understand the needs of the students at Kilgore College.” Based on her resume´, Kays is able and qualified to be KC’s new president. She has been a community college educator for more than 30 years and has deep experience on both the student services side of the house as well as the instructional services side. Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE
See KAYS, Page 3
Dr. Brenda Kays officially begins her job as the college’s ninth president on Monday, Feb. 1.
‘I want to hear from a wide variety of students so that I can understand the needs of the students at Kilgore College.’
Public service department reorganizes from within JAMES SHREWSBURY Staff Writer Merriam-Webster defines public service as the business of supplying a commodity or service to any or all members of a community. At KC, our Public Service department includes the East Texas Police Academy (ETPA), KC Fire Academy and the Criminal Justice AAS. Prior to this year, there was no department chair for the Public Services department. Each academic section reported directly to Randy Lewellen, dean of business, technology and public services. The retirement of Brian Ruthven, director of the police academy, who gave 29 years of service to
KC, opened the door to reorganizing the department and assigning a chair. As of Feb. 1, Michael V. Ferguson will become the new department chair of KC’s Public Service department. He graduated from ETPA and has been employed there since September 1998. Joseph Cassin, deputy director of the police academy will be replacing Ruthven as the new director of ETPA. Cassin said he would not be making any new “whole sale changes” with the academy, but instead will try to build upon the previous relationships that the academy has with local police departments.
Farewell to Dr. Bill Holda
See DEPARTMENT, Page 3
Tiffany Johnson/THE FLARE
East Texas Police Academy Cadet Syndy Howell (front center) goes through muscle memory training drills with her classmates. The program’s leadership was recently restructured, but remains in the hands of veteran staff.
Richard Nguyen /THE FLARE
Dr. Bill Holda and Cecilia Sanders, KC board member, embrace at his retirement party January 24. Story on Page 6.
ISC raises funds with hot chocolate, cookies
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he International Student Club kicked winter off with a cocoa and cookies sale in the recently opened Mike Miller Plaza. The group was raising money to purchase t-shirts and support future activities. To get involved, call Estonia Graves at 903-983-8200. Right: Han Nguyen helps sell baked goods. Far right: International students, from left, Marie Charbel Mevo, Cornelius Carab, Juan Silva and Han Nguyen, man the table to sell to cold passersby. Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
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February 2 is the 130th anniversary of Groundhog Day. Today, thousands gather to see Punxsatawney Phil’s weather prediction. n
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Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 DreamWorks Studios’ 32nd feature film, King Fu Panda 3, is in theaters today. The movie has already made $6.5 million in China. n
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The 34th Annual East Texas Boat & RV Show will take place at Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview January 29 to 31. n
Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar of activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates
Bible studies at BSM aim to enlighten NICK SHELLEY Staff Writer The Baptist Student Ministry will hold Bible studies Mondays and Fridays, with free lunches provided for attendees at each meeting. The men’s Bible study will be every Monday at 1 p.m. The study is focused on the idea that people are called into different seasons during their lives. The men will be studying the book “All the Places You’ll Go…How Will You Know?” by John Ortberg. It is about the countless open doors that are before people every day. The book teaches and guides people to recognize the doors and gives them wisdom to step out and embrace the opportunities that occur as a result. The women’s Bible study will be held Mondays at 1:30 p.m. They will be studying the book “Brave Girl” by Jen Hatmaker. It is about how women can be brave during all of life’s events. Women will be taught through comedy and other stories of bravery based on the Bible. The series is divided into five parts, and more may be added. The co-ed Bible study will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Fridays. Attendees will study the four part video series “Unstuck: Moving from Mundane to Meaningful.” It features teachers Francis Chan, Lisa Harper and others, who will use examples from the short film “Journey to Jamaa.” The series will teach attendees how to break out of everyday habits and get on a path to a better life.
FACE IN THE CROWD
Tiffani Branch / THE FLARE
Catherine Camp How many hours have you taken at KC so far? I took six hours last semester because of money, but now I’ve upped it to nine this semester. How old were you when you began traveling? When I began traveling I was 19. Which countries have you been to outside of the United States? Ireland, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland. How is the culture different in Europe from the U.S.? In Europe, people are more closed off. They don’t really smile at strangers or chat freely with them as I’ve seen in the U.S. They prefer to keep to their own, and not stick their nose in others’ business. I do like how Europeans dress sharp all the time. No one wears workout clothes unless they’re truly working out or going for a run. Here in the U. S., people dress in gym wear and yoga pants and they’ll go shopping in them, work, sleep and drive. Which country was your favorite to visit? To be honest, I can’t really say which country is my favorite. Each has its own beauty and memories that I treasure. Ireland is just gorgeous. And Slovenia mountain tops are breath-taking. The history and architecture is almost too much to take in.
Hometown: Judson Age: 22 Classification: Sophomore What different kinds of food did you eat overseas? I’ve had goat cheese, which I found I didn’t like too much, and German and Hungarian sausage, Swiss chocolate, Belgium waffles, Italian pizza and pasta. I can never drink American tea ever again. Fresh tea leaves from the United Kingdom have won my heart and taste buds. Did you visit all of the countries you wanted to during one trip? I’ve been blessed to have traveled out of the States three times in the past four years. I’ll admit, I keep having dreams about those far-off places. I do miss them. How long were your trips? My first trip was a month long; my second was two weeks; and the last was a week and a half. What are some benefits of traveling to other countries? The first two times I’ve traveled it was just me, and I had to quickly learn to look out for myself. Not having family and friends around, you’re kind of placed in a situation where it’s up to you to think clearly and be wise with the elements that you’ve been given, like money, time and energy.
PTK springs into convention biz this semester AJANI MCCOY Staff Writer To start off the spring semester Phi Theta Kappa submitted some names for their annual convention. Nominated for Distinguished Officer Award - PTK officer Daniel Horn. Naina Kishore was submitted for the Most Valuable Member award. Former KC president Dr. Bill Holda was submitted for the Michael Bennett Award for outgoing president and Judy DeRouen was submitted for the Tejas Award. The next meeting dates for PTK will be Mondays Feb. 8 and Feb. 22. In other news, winners of the parking spots in front of the Porter Business Building and the Student Support Center are Kip Frazier and Josh Shuptrine. They will be able to park in specifically marked parking spots. If other students are to park in those spots, they will risk getting a ticket from the KC Police Department.
Lady Rangers raise funds to cure cancer MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor The Lady Ranger Basketball team dunks into philanthropy by selling t-shirts to support the cure and bring awareness to different types of cancer. Each t-shirt will cost $12 and half of the earnings will be donated to help fund cancer research. There are ten different colors to choose from, each representing a different type of cancer. Causes include: colon, breast, Leukemia, skin, Sarcoma, Lymphoma, brain, prostate, children’s cancer and pancreatic. For more information or to order a shirt, contact Anna Nimz at ANimz@kilgore.edu.
NEWS
THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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Tiffany Johnson/ THE FLARE
Instructor Mike Augustine demonstrates a defensive move with Stephen Cagle holding the protective mat.
DEPARTMENT: Changes taking place at East Texas Police Academy, Criminal Justice AAS FROM PAGE 1 Cassin also said that due to new updates and requirements from the Texas commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the class which is currently 18 weeks long may be increased to 19 weeks. KC’s Fire Academy, which has been recognized by the state as an exemplary program, has no new changes, and will continue to be run by Rhonda Forsythe,
KC Fire Academy manager, and Ronnie Gothard, KC Fire Academy director. The fire academy is currently a 12 to 13 week course offering both online and onsite classes. Those who take the online course must complete a 2 week onsite skillset test upon completion. KC’s Fire Academy is one of the few in the nation that has been approved by the Canadian government to train their firemen.
‘Our Town’ production set to open on KC stage MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor
Tiffany Johnson/ THE FLARE
Cadet Lucrecia Allen performs a defensive move while Syndy Howell holds strong for the blow.
Art Symposium welcomes area students’ exhibitions MEAGHAN MORTON Managing Editor The annual Secondary Art Symposium featuring college student artwork will be held 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. The art symposium gives students a chance to immerse themselves in local art and become familiar with other local artists. It also gives artists the chance to receive feedback on their work or maybe a refreshing new look toward the subject, according to Carolyn Fox-Hearne. Across the bridge in the Devall Student Center Ballroom, high school students will get the chance to enter portfolios and artwork for a chance to win scholarships. The entry
fee is $10 per work. Portfolios will need to be submitted between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 in the DSC Ballroom. All high school seniors within the counties of Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood are able to submit work, but they must attend the symposium to be counted in the portfolio competition. If any college or high school student would like to submit work or receive more information on the Secondary Art Symposium and the high school portfolio competition contact Carolyn Fox-Hearne at (903) 9838128, or email: cfoxhearne@kilgore.edu
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The KC theatre department is setting the scene with the play “Our Town” for their first show this Spring semester.. “Our Town” is written by playwright Thornton Wilder. It follows the lives of people in a small town called Grover’s Corner. The main storyline to follow would be the intertwining story of George and Emily. “He [George] is a hometown hero baseball star who falls in love with the typical girl next door, Emily,” Colton Askew, the actor playing George, said. “The show is about all the people in this town, and about George and Emily’s relationship as they grow up through the show.” Cast: Brenna Toole - Mrs. Webb; Brett Lee - Howie Newsome; Janay Peloquin Mrs. Soames; Taylor Ferrell - Mr. Webb; Trevor Newlin - Stage Manager; Jedo Helpenstill - Joe Crowell; Simon Stimson, Colton Askew - George; Leisa Jenkins Rebecca; Kami Pack - Emily; Jacob Johnson - Professor Willard and other roles; Madison Gable - Si Crowell and other roles; Wyatt
Roberts - Sam Craig and others; Brandon Dupre’- Dr. Gibbs; Michael Murray - Wally; Annalise Wisdom - Mrs. Gibbs; Travis Noriega - Joe Stoddard; Hollie Berry Lady in the Box and other roles; Alyssa McClain - Woman and other roles; Morgan Kidwell - Constable Warren; Christina Lloyd - Baseball player and other roles. Production staff and crew: Micah Goodding - Director/Production Manager, Kaitlin de Graffenried - Assistant Director/ Dramaturg, Michael Atkins - Technical Director/Designer, Judah Armour Stage Manager/Properties/Stagehand, Brittney Crane - Assistant Stage Manager/ Properties/Wardrobe Crew, Victoria Smith - Lighting Technician, Taylor Freeman - Sound Technician, Brianna Copeland Wardrobe Head, Hannah Sanders - Box Office Manager/Publicist/Wardrobe Crew, Travis Noriega - Box Office/Publicist/Props Master, Miriam Newman - Usher/Publicist, Andrew Williamson - Usher/Publicist. The show is at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18-20 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. Adult tickets are $10, student tickets are $7 and KC student tickets are $5 with a student I.D.
KAYS: New president eager to meet students FROM PAGE 1 “I have worked in economic development, have a strong background with regards to external fund generation and I am also a licensed professional counselor,” Kays said. She plans on connecting with students and working with them, because at one point, she was also a student. “While it might have been a few years ago, I remember that. I think that students are looking for somebody who will sit down beside them, who will genuinely and honestly want to hear from them about their experience
at the institution,” she said. “I’m hoping that any of the interaction that we have will take away any of the mystique that surrounds the college president and instead will actually embed the knowledge that this is an individual who cares about us, that wants us to be successful whether we are pursuing training for an upcoming career opportunity or we’re transferring to a 4-year institution, whether we are working on brushing up our skills in reading, writing and mathematics. It doesn’t matter. She wants to make sure that we have the
resources we need at this institution to be successful.” Kays plans on becoming a part of KC by going to student and athletic events and serving the students as much as she can. “I don’t necessarily look at it in terms that I am any different than any college president who has sat at this desk before me,” Kays said. “I am an educator; I am a community college educator; I am interested in our students and I am interested in economic development and all the things that Kilgore College plays a vital role in our communities we serve.”
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
SPORTS
Rangers introduce new softball signees KC added eight new players to their roster in their latest signing class TAREA WESTBROOK Staff Writer The KC Ranger softball team has announced the signing of eight new recruits who will be added to their fourth season. “I am confident that we will continue the KC tradition,” said Jimmy Rieves, KC Athletic Director. The eight signees who will join the Rangers in Fall 2016 are high school seniors Hannah Carpenter, Liz Davis, Shelby Edwards, Laci Hambalek, Avery Hooks, Hailey Ribaub, Kaitlyn Stebelton and Katy Worrell. Carpenter was a three-time alldistrict shortstop from Bridge City High School. She plays for the Orange Crush Gold Select Team and has been selected MVP while hitting .413 from behind the plate. Davis is a two-time all-district outfielder for Hallsville High School. She earned all-state honors last year when she hit a .424 with 16 stolen bases and 35 RBIs, giving her top five of East Texas honors. Edwards is a three-time alldistrict catcher and third baseman out of East View High School in Georgetown. In her final two seasons with the Patriots she had a batting average over .500 along with 10 homeruns. Edwards was also a part of the Texas Blaze Gold Select Team. Hooks is an all-district shortstop from Port Neches-Grove High School in Port Neches. Coach Messina plans to utilize Hooks at both third base and shortstop. She has a .393 batting average and 21 RBIs. Stebelton will add a spark to the top of the line up for the Lady Rangers. Serving as an outfielder Stebelton earned all-district honors three years in a row at Crosby High School. In Stebelton’s previous season she stole 21 bases from her leadoff position. KC added two reliable pitchers in Ribaud and Worrell. In Ribuad’s last season at Pearland High School she averaged just over one strikeout per inning to go along with her eight wins. Worrell is an all-in-one type of pitcher. Worrell earned district MVP, pitcher of the year, and defensive MVP at Redwater High
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
Athletic Director Jimmy Rieves and head coach Leslie Messina look on as seven of the eight players sign their official letters of intent to play for the Rangers in the fall.
KC Rangers Softball Schedule Jan. 29-30 - Galveston College Tournament -Kilgore Wednesday, Feb. 3- Grayson County CollegeDenison -1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5- Crowder- Kilgore 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5- Cisco College- Kilgore- 6 p.m. Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE
A new signee’s mother snaps a picture of the new recruits sitting along with the current Ranger softball team. School. In Worrell’s first two seasons she held opposing batters to a .166 batting average, striking out 391 batters. Worrell’s saved her best for her junior season she won 23 games and struck out 195 batters while walking just 19.
KC opens its season with a double header at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. today, in Galveston against Rose State College and Louisiana State University at Eunice in the Galveston College Tournament.
Saturday, Feb. 6- Murray State - Kilgore - 2 p.m. and McLennan C.C. - Kilgore - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10 - Weatherford College - Kilgore - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 - McLennan C.C. - Waco - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
SPORTS
THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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Lady Rangers stay in playoff race
Head coach Anna Nimz instructs sophomore guard Adrianna Edwards during a time out in their 74-60 loss to Trinity valley Community College
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
KC looks to improve conference record in back end of schedule ELIJAH BANKS Sports Writer
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
Freshman forward, Lyrik Williams looks for an open teammate as she splits Lady Cardinals defenders.
Head basketball coach Anna Nimz didn’t expect an afternoon at the bowling alley to be the spark to a much needed Lady Rangers victory. Before winning Saturday’s game against Panola College 74-69, the Lady Rangers were finding it difficult to win, losing their previous five games – the last two by a combined 152-118. “I believe we had lost five in a row and that’s a lot of the times when teams will call it quits,” Nimz said. Nimz did what most coaches do during a losing streak and went back to the drawing board. “On Thursday we went bowling and did something completely different,” she said. “We talked about trying to find that passion, and I thought we were more passionate the first half of the year, and I saw that again, so that was one of the most important things” Anna said. The Lady Rangers went back and forth with the Panola Fillies with 13 ties and 12 lead changes.
Finally after tying the game once more at the end of the fourth, the Lady Rangers would pull away ending the game with a 7-2 run. Despite the Rangers having lower free-throw, three-point, and field goal percentage than the Lady Fillies, they out rebounded Panola 55-44, which ended up being the difference down the stretch. Dominique Thomas, Tyler freshman, led all scorers with 21 points, and Adrianna Edwards, Houston sophomore, wasn’t far behind her with 16 points the Lady Rangers spread the ball around to get the 5 point victory. Eight of the nine Lady Rangers scored more 2 points in the game, but the most important factor to the win was the fact that the ladies had fun. “We got to play a little harder, have a little more fun, and I thought the girls had fun today,” Nimz said. The Lady Rangers dropped their latest game 81-69 at San Jacinto Community College. KC will face Tyler Junior College at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Wagstaff Gymnasium.
Rangers shooting for more momentum KC aims to gain position in conference standing while facing tough schedule ahead AJANI MCCOY Sports Writer The Rangers were coming off a much needed road victory against Paris Junior College, ending their losing streak, when they took on Panola College. However, victory eluded them at home when they fell to the Ponies, 70-57. At the start of the first half the Rangers were dominating on the defensive and offensive ends. The Rangers had some big points, thanks to Ndene Gueye, Senegal, Africa, freshman who dominated the post procession with his back to the basket. Gueye was also a key defensive player this game with two blocks, contesting every shot. At the end of the first half things was looking good for the Rangers defensively and offensively. Alassane Kah, Columbus, Ohio, sophomore came off the bench with 12 points. The score at halftime was 33-31 and the Rangers had control of the game. At the start of the second half, things did not seem the same for the Rangers. The Rangers had an overall low shooting percentage, shooting 3-17 on 3-pointers. In the second half the Rangers struggled to get a shot to fall. Rebounding was also uncharacteristically low at 20 rebounds to Panola 32 rebounds.
Trinity Valley:
Last week, the Rangers Basketball team went up against number one ranked Trinity Valley. They started the conference game with a 13-5 record and 3-5 in conference. The Rangers were coming off a big win against Bossier Parish Community College that ended their three-game losing streak, however it wasn’t enough to hold on, losing 5846 Rangers guard Jaleel Wheeler, Newark, New Jersey, sophomore, is one the top scorers in junior college basketball right now, averaging 23 points per game and is ranked ninth in the nation. Other leading scorer on the team is Alassane Kah averaging 13 points per game. The Rangers started off with great confidence putting in the defensive effort, and Rangers showed no signs of letting up the entire first half. However the team didn’t have much of an offensive presence the first half, shooting a low percentage. The Rangers ended the first half Trailing TVCC 28-24. The second half started slowly, and it seem the Rangers’ confidence was not enough as they couldn’t hold the Cardinals offensively. Wheeler struggled, hitting 3 for 13 field goals. The Rangers had an overall shooting percentage of 25 percent. KC will face Tyler Junior College on the road at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE
Head coach Brian Hoberecht points out a missed assignment to sophomore guard Antonio Moore.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
F E AT U R E
End of the Holda Era
From instructor to President — after 40 years at KC, Dr. Bill Holda leaves lasting legacy of service
KATHRYN AGEE Executive Editor
Holda poses in old family photo.
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Photos Special to The Flare
Holda instructs music in 1986.
he final interview,” Dr. Bill Holda says with a chuckle. He relaxes in a chair, ready to reminisce. Dr. Bill Holda is leaving KC as president after serving for 41 years. Serving is what he considers his main job at the college. “It’s not about power, prestige, or any of that at all,” he says. “It’s about wanting to serve. Most of the people who work here are servants and so to be the servant of the servants is really the goal. “ “I stayed here 40 years and worked my way down to president,” Holda jokes with a smile after being asked if he ever expected to become president. “I was happy in the classroom.” “When I first came to KC, I was living in a little garage apartment a block cross from where Stark Hall is, so I could walk to work,” he says, recalling the beginning of his KC career in 1975 as a voice instructor. “To all the students. I was Bill. The Spring of my first year here, I did the musical The Mikado. It was a great, fun thing to do.” The mood sombers as he recalls an unfortunate event related to the show. “We had the last performance on a Saturday night, and Lori Lehr was the accompanist. She was driving home and a drunk driver came by, hit her head on and Lori was killed.” He shakes his head. “It was just really something to have one of your students get killed in a car wreck like that.” Holda quickly worked his way up at KC. “You know, in the spring of my first year, being called in by the president and telling me that he’s going to make me the interim director of the Fine Arts Division was really quite an experience,” he happily states, getting enthused talking about his passion for music. “Directing the musicals Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot and You’ re A Good Man Charlie Brown took a huge amount of time, energy, and stress but in retrospect they’re really good memories.” His years teaching philosophy and ethics classes were “really intellectually stimulating and fascinating. In the ethics classes, we’d study the ethical system. We’d take certain subjects like abortion, capital punishment and euthanasia and we’d divide in teams - those who’d argue for it and against it. They’d bring in experts from outside. It was a really rich experience.” Holda was asked to leave his teaching position and become dean of Admissions and Registrar in 1990. “[KC president] Burt Woodruff asked me, “Why didn’t you apply for the registrar’s job?” I said, “How many reasons do you need?” He said, “The college needs you at this time.”” Being registrar “was the hardest job I had,” Holda recalls. “It’s a detailed and complicated job. But having worked in the classroom and in student development, you get a sense of the two different areas” In 1993, Holda was urged to apply for the president’s position, even though he was still working on receiving his doctorate’s degree. “The chairman of the Board of Trustees, O.G. Johnston, said to me, “I want you to apply for the president’s job.” He said, “You’re not going to get an interview, because you don’t have your doctorate yet and you’ve only been in the registrar’s office for three years. But it will get your name out in front of them and you need to be considered.” So I did because I was basically told to. I didn’t get an interview, and life went on.” Presidential fate, however, was calling to Holda. “The person who was then president had a tumultuous presidency. When he was non-renewed, the chairman came to me again and said, “We want you to apply again,” and the board selected me. It was not something I conceived of or aspired to be. Part of it was, I thought, “I’ve been here along time. I know the institution, The institution needed someone that knew the place and I thought I could do a good job. I told the faculty and staff that back in 1996.” That year would mark the beginning of his 20 year career as president of KC. He credits holding varied positions at the college for part of his success as president. “I really understood and appreciated the diversity that is there in the different arenas at the college,” he says. “One element is the consistent element, or the element that
endures year after year, which is the faculty. They give the college its character and culture. The fresh, variety element is the students who come and go.” Holda is excited to see what the future has in store for KC, and isn’t wary of what changes his exit will bring, but rather, is looking forward to them. “When I became president, I was the fourth president in seven years. This institution needed stability and continuity. It needed for things to calm down and I provided that, but it’s time for the institution to have a jolt, to have some good, healthy, electroshock therapy. Having a new leader provides an opportunity for people to look at and do things differently.” Holda scoots up on the front of his chair, emotionally charged with enthusiasm for the college. “Let’s get back on the edge of chairs and be eager and not comfortable. Everybody’s pretty comfortable here. That’s good, but what are the ways in which we can suddenly get our motors going again, amp it up and be excited?” Holda’s love for KC is clear as he talks about how he has seen the college “provide a bridge to help many students get from where they are to where they want to go. The college is designed in a manner that is exactly what certain students need. “This is exactly what I needed at this time in my life.” I’ve heard that from many students. Students get opportunities here they would never get otherwise.” He recalls the story of a student “who was a lost soul. He had no family support whatsoever. Had to buy his own stuff, no money, poor, no hope. I encouraged him to take some dual credit classes. He said, “Well, my parents really said I’m not college material.” I told him, “You can do it.” He ended up earning 18 to 20 hours of college credit before he graduating. He got into process technology had loved it. He’s finishing up, and Eastman has a job waiting for him. He now has hope and a future.” When asked what his plans are after leaving KC, Holda gets a bit somber. “My wife is a licensed professional counselor. She says, “If you’re emotionally healthy, you will go through a grieving process. After 40 years of being in the middle of all this, you can’t just suddenly quit and not feel something. So her recommendation is,“Go that route, be useless, do what you want to do, and figure out where you are. When you come out on the other side, do what you want to do.” Quite a few exciting prospects linger in Holda’s future. “At this point, I have a presentation to do in Branson, Missouri in March for a leadership conference,” he says. “I’ve been asked to serve on a National Advisory Board of an organization. I’ve been offered a VP job already at a community college in Texas, but I’m not going to take it,” he mentions casually, in no rush to jump back into college administration. He plans to continue following his heart’s desire performing music, and already has “a full hour long vocal recital” planned. “It will take about six months of practice two to three hours every day to memorize it and get my voice in shape. I’m thinking I want to do a nice, full length recital.” Even with busy times ahead, Holda wants to cherish extra time with his family. “My first grandson was born November 17. I’ve offered to go be the nanny for a month in May, which I think would be really neat.” Rolling his eyes and sighing, he remembers what happened when January 24 was officially declared “Bill Holda Day.” “Sunday night after they did all of these proclamations from the state Senate , state House of Representatives and Louie Gohmert, my wife says to me, “Well, it may be Bill Holda Day all over the world, but we’re still going to watch ‘Downton Abbey ‘ and you still have to take out the trash!” That was a reality check that no matter what someone says, you still gotta take out the trash. Life goes on.” Holda wants people to remember that “in the president’s job, the job is not me. When someone was mad or didn’t like what I was doing, I didn’t take it personally, because that’s what I do, but not who I am,” he says. He pauses, and then ends his impressive career on this note: “I hope that who I have been is what has been more important for Kilgore College than what I have done.”
‘I hope that who I have been is what has been more important for Kilgore College than what I have done.’
Holda makes a speech at graduation in 1998. Holda plays piano and sings at the 2015 KC Scholarship Luncheon.
Holda holds his newborn grandson in November 2015.
Holda stands in front of the McLaurin Adminstration Building in 1996.
Holda poses for his first KC staff yearbook photo in 1976.
OPINION
THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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Diversity lets talent shine
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“We don’t need all-white casts to sell tickets or acquire high ratings.”
Cultural Misrepresentation Oscars controversy reflects serious problems with Hollywood as a whole
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ollege campuses are a melting pot of people from different cultures and backgrounds. Even though college students may take different classes, live in different cities and are any age, they all have one thing in common - watching movies. According to Study Breaks College Media magazine, 57 percent of college students surveyed spent their money on some kind of media, whether on Netflix or in a theater. If society has many different cultures, why does it not seem to be reflected in our entertainment? The backlash toward the 2016 Academy Award acting nominees all being white shows minorities are not represented as equals in cinema. Hollywood was founded in an era of extreme racism. Instead of studios giving roles to minority actors, they would get white actors to put on makeup and play exaggerated versions of different races. White English actor Laurence Olivier was nominated for an Oscar in 1965 for playing Shakespeare’s African title character in “Othello.” White cinema icon John Wayne played Mongol general Genghis Khan in a 1958 film. White American Mickey Rooney notoriously played an Asian stereotype in the beloved “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Although outright racism in films is now seen as ignorant and shameful, Hollywood still does not accurately reflect or
value the importance of having a diverse audience. According to the 2015 Hollywood Diversity Report, film studio heads were 94 percent white, and all male. These people have the most say in whether a film gets financed and distributed through a major studio. They are a huge reason why, although minorities make up 40 percent of the US population, only 17 percent are cast in lead roles. Minorities are better represented in independently produced films, as those filmmakers generally have more control over their projects. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino consistently casts and writes leading roles for minorities and women. Unfortunately, many independent films are not distributed to theaters as widely as major blockbusters. With the huge success of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” studio heads should realize that having a diverse cast in a film does not equal less ticket sales. Audiences should care about whether or not a film is entertaining, regardless of the cast’s race or gender. Every person on this planet has a story to tell, and all of those stories deserve to be told with respect. Part of that respect is studios trusting that our diverse culture wants - and deserves - to be represented in films.
YOUR VIEW How should Hollywood better represent the diversity of people’s varied backgrounds and cultures?
“There should be less stereotypes represented, and less colorism in Hollywood.”
“By choosing a more diverse voting group.”
“Make more films featuring diverse cultures, and having more actors and actresses who represent them.
“Hire more diverse actors.”
Gloria Becerra Henderson freshman
Roderick Stephens Longview sophomore
Hayden Wolf Big Sandy freshman
Luis Hernandez Longview freshman
Photographs by Lacey Bunn / THE FLARE
his year, several movie stars have stated they are boycotting the Oscars due to lack of diversity in the nominations. To some, it may seem like people are making a big deal. But this is not about throwing a tantrum for not LUCY LOPEZ being nominated Staff Writer for a shiny award. It goes much deeper than that. The Oscars have been around for almost 100 years, with only 12 African-Americans receiving awards. This prompts us to question the ones who decide on who is nominated and the people who make the movies happen. Look at the trailers coming out this year and count the number of people with significant roles who are not white. “Film and Race” also mentions that Hispanics account for 25 percent of movie ticket sales in the U.S. If they decided to boycott movies, the industry would lose an entire quarter of profit. Should minorities not be represented in the movies we watch? There are movies and shows that boast nonwhite actors and actresses, but rarely are they portrayed in a way that is not stereotypical. I grew up watching authentic Mexican films and shows, not movies parodying or appropriating my culture. When I was younger I was not quite aware of this issue. As kids, we watch things because they are entertaining, and don’t see anything wrong. Now, I have seen things that are not OK. There are very few non-Hispanic made films that celebrate or capture the true essence of our culture. Take “Casa de mi Padre.” This American-made, “Spanishlanguage” film stars Will Ferrell as a Mexican, born and raised in Mexico. Sure, he is funny and famous, but last time I checked, he does not fit the role. It feels disrespectful, like someone of my race can’t be good enough to play someone of their own culture. Recently, there is controversy around white, British actor Charlie Hunnam being cast as Mexican drug lord Edgar Valdez. Hunnam is a fantastic actor and is plenty attractive, but that doesn’t merit him to play the role of a Mexican if the movie does not require it. I have faith Hollywood can work to better minorities in the entertainment industry. Works like “Jane the Virgin” embrace the Hispanic culture. The show has allowed actors like Jaime Camil to demonstrate his talent to American audiences while staying true to his culture. It has also been successful, which proves we don’t need all-white casts to sell tickets or acquire high ratings. Come on, Hollywood. It’s time to repair the Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
Letter to the Editor: KC student bank accounts at risk Student financial information easily discoverable, bad passwords the culprit The current passwords students have for KC’s systems make it extremely easy for someone to compromise other account. Everyone knows that to log in, the password is Student and the student’s birthday information. Someone asks you for your e-mail address to get study notes and then you hear them say “Today is my birthday,” BOOM, they have access to your college account information. Someone can be looking over your shoulder when you log into a computers in the library. They casually ask what your birthday is and BOOM, they can steal their password.
The Flare
When I called KC’s IT Department, the guy on the phone asked me, “What are you afraid someone can access?” I assumed before talking to the IT help desk student worker that it is common sense why I would be afraid someone could access my information. A person could change direct deposit information and have the money sent to themselves, then withdraw the money before the student even realizes it. They could also get that student’s checking account information if they already had the information inputted into the system.
Someone could find an ex or a guy/girl they find attractive and find out their address and phone number and stalk and harass them. A person could decide to be a bully, get grades off blackboard or a transcript off of myKC and show them to others to humiliate the student. This is a MAJOR privacy risk for all KC students concerning financial information. KC’s IT and security departments should have thought of these concerns. I demand the myKC and blackboard passwords be changed. Students were allowed to change it last semester, but now
VOL. 79, NO.12 n Friday, January 29, 2016 Copyright 2016, The Flare. All rights reserved.
2014 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • 2015 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Kathryn Agee MANAGING EDITOR Meaghan Morton SPORTS EDITOR Richard Nguyen CARTOONIST Sarah Hooten
PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett ADVISER Rachel Stallard CONSULTANT Jamie Maldonado
ADVERTISING MANAGER Kayla Terrazas STAFF WRITERS Elijah Banks, Lucy Lopez, Ajani McCoy, Nick Shelley, James Shrewsbury, Taylor Stewart, Tarea Westbrook PHOTOGRAPHERS Tiffani Branch, Lacy Bunn, Rain Cohn, Victoria Gilchrist, Tiffany Johnson, Richard Nguyen, Tina Marie Reed, Baylor Roberson
the IT Department is saying students can’t. This is a security and privacy concern for me. All of KC should be made aware of their risks. Students, let’s start using our heads for more than a hat rack. Issues like this are important for the protection of students. I demand immediate change. My information is at risk, as well as yours. Kristopher Hale is a KC sophomore from White Oak.
LETTERS
THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo.com
DISCLAIMER
THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.
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THE FLARE FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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NEWS
Mike Miller Plaza new center of KC
Baylor Roberson / THE FLARE
Victoria Gilchrist / THE FLARE
Mike Miller Plaza is no longer blocked off by the protective metal gates. Students can now walk straight through campus without having to navigate around the maze. With new sidewalks in place, it makes walking to class easier, while the grassy area makes for a great hangout spot. Rain Cohn / THE FLARE