Montage The
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St. Louis Community College–Meramec
March 31, 2011 Vol. 46 Issue 11
STLCC appoints new Meramec president
Board of trustees votes in George Wasson for 2012 academic year Shane Rice - News Editor -
For one and a half years, STLCC-Meramec has functioned without a permanent president. On March 24, that changed. During the March board of trustees meeting, George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs, was unanimously voted in as the new campus president for Meramec. Wasson will take his position on July 1. After the announcement from Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D., Wasson said he would like to thank the board for their vote of support. “This is a turning point in many ways; not just for me but for the college and for the campus,” Wasson said. The recommendation for Wasson as campus president came from Harris, who said her decision was based on Wasson’s experience as a senior-level administrator within the district.
“George truly understands the needs not only of the college, but also of the diverse populations the Meramec campus serves,” Harris said. Wasson said he intends to work closely with faculty; staff and students to address college curricula, instructional strategies and assessment of student learning to ensure programs and services address the needs and advancement of the college’s mission. “This is an opportunity not just for me but for the campus to move forward,” Wasson said. “We do not have to start in a situation where someone comes in and needs to learn the college, learn the people, and learn the responsibilities.” Wasson said he has a good understanding of where Meramec is in the spectrum of things and has good working relationships with people throughout the district. “This will give Meramec a chance to start, not with a standing start but a running
start,” Wasson said. Wasson is currently working toward a doctorate in management, community college policy and administration at the University of Maryland’s University College. He holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in economics from Indiana University. The absence of a doctorate degree, according to Wasson, is a concern for many people, but he said he has the advantage of learning the most up-to-date research and curricula. “My doctorate is going to be current. I believe what people are seeing is what I’m learning is the best spectrum for the community college and the type of educational institution that we are,” Wasson said. “I think this is a lot more applicable when you look at what this college needs and what would serve us the best.” Wasson said through his learning, he has looked
PHOTO BY: KELLY GLUECK
George Wasson, STLCC-Meramec’s vice president of academic affairs, attends the March 24 board of trustees meeting. Chancellor Zelema Harris announced Wasson as Meramec’s new president, effective July 1.
through senate bills, summaries from across the country and research that depicts how state policy can impact the success of students. Wasson joined the Meramec staff in 1985 as an economics instructor, and became the business
administration/economics department chair in 1994. After the resignation of former Meramec President Paul Pai, Ed.D, in April 2010,
‘‘President Wasson’’ See Page 3
Meramec Magic takes its talents to the national level
Men’s, women’s basketball play at junior college March Madness Spencer Gleason - Sports Editor -
PHOTO BY: SPENCER GLEASON
The women’s basketball team huddles at the end of a time-out against the Delta Pioneers. The men’s and women’s basketball teams competed with other finalist teams in the junior college March Madness tournament during STLCC’s spring break.
Montage Reader Poll How often do you use social media in class?
A. Never. It’s a distraction. B. Up to three times per week. C. Are you kidding? None of the above.
Apr. 21 Poll Question
Was Wasson the best choice for campus president?
To vote, visit: www.meramecmontage.com
A 37%
C 37% B 26%
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There are moments in life when someone might reach down deep inside him or herself to find true character. Sometimes, without being aware of it, human instinct takes over and these moments come and go in a blink of an eye, without notice. A person’s tenacity becomes a virtue and the will to reach for the unbelievable can instantly make a heartbreaking moment magical. Sports can have this effect, showing student athletes and fans of the game a way to overcome obstacles and make
Students could lose new ‘year-round’ Pell Grant President Obama’s 2012 budget may affect student funding
the best of the moment at hand. Setting aside issues that have been brought under the limelight off the court involving athletic offices across STLCC, the men’s and women’s STLCC-Meramec basketball teams gave new meaning to the name Magic over spring break. From March 15 to March 19, they played in the NJCAA National Tournament, a goal set in August 2010 when the teams began practices. “I think that the student athletes and the coaches deserve a great amount of credit for staying focused on the task at hand,” Bob Bottger,
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Student aspires to make art into a business Kelly O’Keefe aspires to defy expectations doing what she loves
manager of physical education and athletics at Meramec, said after both teams won in the semifinals. “It’s no secret that there are many changes that are in the future in intercollegiate athletics, so I really commend them for doing a great job.” However, the opportunity to play in the NJCAA Tournament was earned. The recipe for a recordmaking season started at the beginning. The Lady Magic began hitting historic milestones
‘Basketball Seasons’ See Page 12
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Nick Rousseau’s still at it Meramec student presses to change name of Eighth Street in downtown St. Louis