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ranger Serving San Antonio College and the Alamo Colleges
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Volume 91 Issue 9 • Feb. 6, 2017
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Transfer fair Learn about four-year colleges and universities and what you need to transfer. Page 3
zwright9@student.alamo.edu
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges will visit Northeast Lakeview College by for an initial accreditation site visit today through Wednesday.
Tangila Dove, vice president of college services and SACSCOC liaison at Northeast Lakeview, said SACSCOC will visit the college Feb. 6. Tammy Perez, coordinator of academic success and student success services for this college at Northeast Lakeview, said the
Planetarium Director Bob Kelley retires to Alaska. Page 3
online now
NLC accreditation site visit Tuesday-Thursday By Zachary-Taylor Wright
39 years as a star
accrediting agency will be in San Antonio Feb. 6-9 and at Northeast Lakeview Feb. 6-8. Perez said Feb. 6-9 will be allocated to debriefing Northeast Lakeview employees about the SACSCOC site visit and next steps in the accreditation process.
Adjunct Faculty council discusses survey results Open forum for new dean of student success Picasso meets Pythagoras
See NLC, Page 7
Leadership coach hired for Follins Follins is working as a consultant to universities, according to Linkedin. By Zachary-Taylor Wright zwright9@student.alamo.edu
Chancellor Bruce Leslie and the Alamo Colleges District spent approximately $11,000 assigning Dr. Craig Follins, former president of Northeast Lakeview College, a coach to educate Follins on “leadership coaching and team building.” Gary O’Bar, district director for purchasing, said Dr. Preston Pulliam, member of the Gold Hills Associates president search team, was responsible for coaching Follins. O’Bar said Pulliam received two payments of $5,900 and $5,100, respectively, for coaching Follins. O’Bar said Gold Hills Associates was selected as administrative search provider over six other competitors because of their accolades. Physical therapy sophomore Christina Bolish does an alternating leg left abdominal workout with a medicine ball in kinesiology Professor
Martha Stephenson’s Core Training 1 and 2 Jan. 30 in Candler. Photo by Aly Miranda
See FOLLINS, Page 8
Lowe’s threatens Bexar New position for student County with higher taxes safety, risk management Retailer may try to cut its property value in half. By Wally Perez
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Lowe’s Home Improvement is attempting to get the Bexar County Appraisal District to lower the value of Lowe’s stores around Bexar County to that of vacant stores. Big box stores, or physical, large retail buildings, have attempted to sue counties using the dark-store strategy. The strategy is a way for the company to pay less on their property taxes by claiming they should be valued as if the buildings were empty, a dark-store, but are not. Big box retailers such as Lowe’s argue that buildings over 100,000 square feet would be difficult to sell if the business left in addition to any deed restrictions. Lowe’s has been successful with this strategy in Michigan and Indiana, where major retailers have driven down property values and tax revenue. A victory for Lowe’s could cost area taxpayers $272 million over five years. Lowe’s is suing Bexar County to cut property values in half for 10 stores. The decision by the panel only applies to four local stores. During a board meeting Jan. 17, District 7 trustee and board Chair Yvonne Katz said Northside Independent School District, Alamo
Colleges and taxing entities around the city attended a meeting to discuss potential effects. Katz said property values for the store would drop to $20-25 per square foot, rather than the current $85-90 per square foot. Katz said Bexar County would suffer a loss of $64.3 billion in commercial property value over a five-year period for Lowe’s and other retailers such as Home Depot Inc., Target or Walmart, assuming they would implement the same strategy. “We met to look at what we needed to do as the taxing entities of San Antonio,” Katz said. “The property taxes need to be made up by someone — the local homeowner and taxpayers.” District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery said if Lowe’s is successful in its bid to reduce its property tax burden, then other big box stores will follow this trend. “It could be catastrophic to the tax pool, which pays a large portion of the operating costs for ACCD,” Kingsbery said in an email to The Ranger Jan. 31. Diane Snyder, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said the Alamo Colleges’ role is to work with the Bexar County tax assessor and other local public agencies to increase visibility of the issue. Snyder said she briefed the board of trustees in November so they would be prepared if the situation progressed.
See LOWE’S, Page 7
Director says the main idea is student success. By Michelle Delgado
mdelgado200@student.alamo.edu
This semester, a new occupation has appeared at this college. Janae Johnson is one of the first ever coordinators of risk management at this college. This is the first time any of the colleges has had this position, though it is a longtime position at district. “My job is to think of worst possible scenarios and how we can avoid them,” Johnson said. Her previous job was working with the American Red Cross doing disaster cycle services. Disaster cycle services can involve showing up when someone’s house is on fire, in a reflective vest, to discuss the best way to recover from the incident, she said. Johnson has a Bachelor of Arts in human relations and a master’s degree in public administration with concentrations in higher education administration and emergency management. During her younger years,
she was always the kid who came prepared, she said. “I was always that person who carried BandAids and Neosporin so it was sort of like a sort of natural decision career-wise,” she said. While attending undergraduate courses in Oklahoma where tornados are frequent occurrences, she would Johnson always think about the “what if” factor. “It really ended up organically happening as a career path; it’s something that I really enjoy,” she said. Her job is to worry about the worst-case scenarios and how to prevent them, Johnson said. “You guys have enough to worry about with school,” she said referring to students at this college. “If you’re going to be scared on campus, it should be because you didn’t study like you knew you should. That should be the only reason you’re scared.” Another factor the job focuses on is access to evacuation options for mobility-impaired students, faculty and staff in the
event of an emergency. Johnson is also a part of a building action team. This team is made up of faculty and staff who take the lead during drills to prepare for an emergency. “They’re basically my eyes and ears,” she said of the teams who may report a problem to her regarding evacuation during drills. Making sure that the campus and parking lots have enough lighting for evening classes is another consideration of Johnson’s, she said. Another is being aware of the different statutes such as the Jeanne Clery Act. The act is a federal law that requires colleges to report crimes, safety policies and sexual violence that occur on campus. “I was really excited when SAC created this position because it’s exactly in mind,” Johnson said. “I really enjoy working in higher education with students.” Before Johnson’s position, there were only two people
See RISK, Page 8
People
2 • Feb. 6, 2017
Tryouts Melanie Ybarra, American Sign Language
www.theranger.org/multimedia
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sophomore, tries to hit the ball while pre-nursing freshman Klarissa Vela and Karla Killion, American Sign Language sophomore, block during practice drills at the second round of volleyball tryouts Jan. 27 in Candler. The team practiced serving, hitting and defense drills. Deandra Gonzalez
Education freshman Adam Villanueva extends over UIW guard Richard Hardy for the go-ahead layup as final seconds run off the clock Feb. 1 in Gym 1 of Candler. The Rangers won a thriller in double overtime topping the Cardinals 111-110 behind Adam Villanueva’s game high 31 points. Brandon A. Edwards
Poked Nursing sophomore Stephanie Costa looks over biology sophomore Analysa Farias to find out what her blood type is. The Anatomy 2 students poked a finger with a lancet and squeezed their blood out onto a clear palette then mixed it with an anasyrian liquid. Costa’s blood type was A negative and Farias was O positive. Brianna Rodrigue
Info session
Awarded
Certified adviser Bonita Deleon gives liberal arts freshman Miranda Martinez information about advising Feb. 2. Martinez said she is thinking about switching majors into nursing and Deleon was giving her information. Advisers from different departments out in the mall helped students find their advisers, transferring and major information. Brianna Rodrigue
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SAC Service: Advocacy Center 8 a.m.-7 p.m. in Room 323 of Chance. Continues 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Call 210-486-1003.
NLC Event: Blood drive 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. in the parking lot north of career technology. Call 210486-5404.
NVC Event: Involvement Fair Week 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the cafeteria and lounge area. Continues through Thursday. Sign up on OrgSync. Call 210-486-4010
SAC Event: Paths of Circles & Roots yarn painting exhibition by April Sullivan fouth floor of Moody. Call 210-486-1346.
Deadline: Census date for Start 2 semester.
SAC Event: Free testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and syphilis 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the mall. Continues Tuesday and periodically throughout the semester. Call 210-486-0127. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon-1 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Lecture: Study Abroad Workshop 5-7 p.m. Room 108/109 in Building E at 201 W. Sheridan. Call 210-485-0084. Event: Veterans and Graduate Student Networking Mixer for veterans, spouses, and transitioning military personnel 6-8 p.m. at Omni Hotel at the Colonnade, 9821 Colonnade. Professional/ Military dress is required. RSVP at joinhandshake.com/career_ fairs/1283. PAC Event: Nursing Program Advising Session 2-5 p.m. in Room 114 of Palomino. Sign up in Room 114 of Palomino. Call 210-4863664.
SAC Event: National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the mall. Call 210-4860125. Event: Common Read Speaker Series, “A Conversation on Social Justice and The Butterfly Effect” by Dr. Stephen Quaye 10:3011:30 a.m. in the ceremony room of Patriots’ Casa at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Call 210784-1000. PAC Event: Black History Month kick-off 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the central courtyard. Call 210-486-3016. SAC Meeting: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship prayer meeting 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the mall. Continues with Bible study 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 103 of McCreless. Call 210-204-6842. SAC Lecture: “Building The Wall” by Marshall B. Lloyd 12:15 p.m. in Methodist Student Center, 102 Belknap. Call 210-733-1441. NLC Lecture: Leadership and Success guest speaker Barbara Corcoran 6 p.m. Room 201 of student commons. Call 210-4850200. Event: Race Card Project 7-10 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University. Call 210-999-8843.
NVC Event: Phi Theta Kappa fundraiser 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on live oak lawn. Call 210-486-4009. SAC Meeting: SAC Social Justice League noon-12:30 p.m. in Room 150 of Loftin. Call 210486-0137. PAC Meeting: Phi Theta Kappa noon-1 p.m. Room 117 in performing arts center. Call 210-4863207. PAC Event: Readings and Q&A with author Tino Villanueva 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. in Room 100 of Ozuna. Call 210-486-3016. SAC Meeting: KYSM 90.1 FM radio 3 p.m. in Room 201 of Longwith. NVC Lecture: Learning to Lead program: interview skills 4-5:30 p.m. Room 113 in Huisache. 210486-4010. Event: Salud! Culinary nights at Witte Museum 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50 per adult. Members $45. Call 210-3571900.
Event: Comal County Habitat for Humanity 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Continues until Saturday. To volunteer, call 830-625-4025. PAC Event: Rodeo Day 10 a.m.noon in the central courtyard. Call 210-486-3882. Event: San Antonio Museum of Art: “Art Crawl Wiggily, Squiggly, Red and Blue” 10-10:45 a.m. 200 W. Jones. Free with museum admission. Children under 12 are free. Call 210-978-8100. SAC Event: Social Justice League mixer noon-1 p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210486-0317. SAC Event: Women’s volleyball 7-9 p.m. vs. Northwest Vista in Gym 1 in Candler. Call 210-4861010. Event: Briscoe Western Art Museum: “Pony Express Love Letters” 210 W. Market Continues t h r o u g h Sunday. Call 210299-4499.
Pre-pharmacy sophomore Asma Alazzawi shakes hands with Jazmin HernandezMartinez, business administration and general business sophomore and vice president of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Richard Ruzicka, social work sophomore and members outreach coordinator. Alazzawi received her membership certificate at the induction ceremony Jan. 25 in McAllister. The society inducted more than 90 members into the chapter. Alison Graef
SAC Event: “Ink on Paper” artwork exhibit at Eco Centro 10 a.m.2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Continues Monday-Friday through March 2. Call 210-486-1874. Event: Briscoe Western Art museum drop-in tour 10:30 a.m. 210 W. Market. Free with museum admission. Call 210-299-4499 SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. in the craft room of Loftin. Call 210-365-1244. SAC Event: Planetarium shows 6-9:30 p.m. at Scobee. ACCD students and staff ID $2. Adults $5. Ages 4-17 $4. Continues throughout the semester. Visit sacscobee. org. Event: San Antonio Museum of Art: the Art of Love 6-8 p.m. 200 W. Jones. Free with museum admission. Call 210-978-8100.
sat
Event: Center for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship boot camp 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in Retama auditorium on the main campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Register at business.utsa. edu. OLLU Event: Mariachi Campanas Valentine’s Day concert 7 p.m. in Thiry Auditorium. $5-$20 for tickets purchased at ticketriver.com. .
sun
Event: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures: Texan Cultures Kahani open mic project noon-4 p.m. at 801 E. Cesar Chavez. Call 210458-2300. Event: UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures: Buffalo Soldier day noon- 4 p.m. 801 E. Cesar Chavez. Call 210-458-2300.
Event: Texas Wrestling Association Friday night fights 7:4510 p.m. 1134 S. Flores. Call 210-550-9975.
For coverage in People, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance.
News
www.theranger.org/news
Feb. 6, 2017 • 3
Scobee’s ‘voice of the stars’ retires after nearly four decades Longtime coordinator retires after a fulfilling career with planetarium. By Nicole Bautista sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Scobee Education Center bid farewell Jan. 31 to planetarium Director Bob Kelley, who spent the last 39 years overseeing planetarium operations while also coordinating and presenting close to 14,000 planetarium shows to nearly 1 million people. Kelley was hired as assistant director in January 1978 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and planetarium education from Pan American University. By that time, Kelley was already familiar with what Scobee planetarium offered. As part of the John Jay High School Astronomy Club, Kelley became a frequent visitor to the planetarium. “I first visited this planetarium as a high school student around 1970,” Kelley said. “I really fell in love with what the planetarium was all about on that very first visit.” Even as a child Kelley had a special and deep interest in astronomy. “As a kid, I was interested in watching the astronauts go to the moon, space exploration and what was going on in the night sky as far as astronomical discoveries,” he said. He also spent plenty of time awaiting Sky and Telescope — a monthly astronomy magazine that would tell current events — or going to the book store to purchase the latest astronomy book, and occasionally watching a program on TV about astronomy or space missions. “My mom and dad recognized that interest, so for my 15th birthday present they purchased my first telescope,” Kelley recollected during an interview Jan. 26 “My parents were very supportive in that hobby, which became a career.” Since the start of his career in
1978, Kelley has spent many hours writing scripts, creating visuals, narrating and presenting memorable shows for different grade levels. Kelley recalled a woman he encountered during a presentation. The woman said that while she was growing up, her mother would regularly bring her to the planetarium. “She said, ‘I do not remember too much of the shows, but for me — you were always the voice of the stars’,” Kelley said. Kelley said that he cannot remember the woman’s name but he will never forget what she said. A few notable titles that Kelley created from start-to-finish are: “Myths and Mysteries of the Moon,” “Cosmic Questions,” “Voyage to the Seventh Planet,” “Worlds of Fire and Ice,” “Return of the Ice Age” and “The Sky Tonight” (both live and taped). “It has been an amazing career,” Kelley said. In retirement, Kelley will continue to explore the universe and its many celestial bodies. Kelley will be moving to Delta Junction, Alaska, soon after his last day at the planetarium. “I am moving to Alaska to continue my photography of the northern lights,” Kelley said. “It is beautiful there. The sky is dark, it is super quiet, and there is auroral activity.” Aside from photography, Kelley has many hobbies, such as aviation. He is a licensed private pilot, and he is also skillful in creating stained glass windows. Upon entering Scobee, there are four circular, celestial-themed, stained glass windows that were created by Kelley. “He will have a living legacy here at Scobee with those windows,“ said Jennifer Becerra, colleague and academic coordinator of the Challenger Learning Center. Becerra said Kelley’s unique
Scobee director Rick Varner gives Bob Kelley, Scobee planetarium coordinator of 39 years, a sparkling marble identical to one representing galaxy M33 in the Scobee star chart at Kelley’s retirement ceremony Jan. 26 in the north lobby of Scobee. M33 is the only galaxy represented by a marble in the star chart because the marble’s hole was mistakenly drilled during the manufacturing of the chart. Varner gave the duplicate to Kelley saying the thousands of stars in the galaxy represent the thousands of lives Kelley has touched in his years of service at the planetarium. Kelley plans to live in Alaska. Alison Graef knowledge and ability to make people appreciate the night sky will be missed. “We put some hashtags around the building that say ‘one more year’ but the campaign did not work,” Becerra said. Kelley has handed his title to Michelle Risse, who has worked under Kelley since April 2015. “You’re in good hands,” Kelley said. Risse has a master’s degree in astronomy and has worked at five planetariums across the country. Becerra said Kelley has left a “legacy and they are big shoes to fill, but I think she is going to do a good job continuing that mission that he worked on and the vision he has for the planetarium.” There is a “beautiful” star mural inside of Scobee that serves as “a teaching instrument with the constellations and the zodiac, then the individual stars, which are made of marbles, represent people who have made this building possible,” Kelley said.
Scobee director Rick Varner and retired Scobee coordinator Bob Kelley unveil a photograph taken by Kelley of the Alaskan aurora borealis. Kelley gave the photograph to the planetarium as a parting gift. Alison Graef Scobee Education Center has honored Kelley and his late wife with a star on this mural. The star is Delta in the constellation of Corona Borealis. Delta is the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet. “The interesting connection — I
am the fourth director at this planetarium, and I am moving to Delta Junction,” Kelley said. In return, Kelley gifted Scobee a photograph he took of the Corona Borealis in which you can see the Delta star.
Transfer fair connects students with universities, opportunities Transfer and career center hosts fair earlier to meet priority deadlines at four-year schools; event has advising guides available. By Jakoby West
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
This year’s spring transfer fair will be 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. “We’re inviting local and regional universities to attend so students are encouraged to come out and speak with admission counselors to ask about their admissions process and scholarships,” transfer adviser Yesenia Caloca said Jan. 26 in an interview. This year’s fair is earlier than previous fairs because of priority deadlines from universities. “We are trying to push students to want to pursue transferring a bit earlier than previous semesters so that students won’t miss scholarship and admission deadlines that their university may have,” Caloca said. Students also can inquire about on-campus living and financial aid offered by a university, she said. Texas A&M University–College Station, Our Lady of the
Lake University and Texas Tech University are among those scheduled so far. As the list of universities attending continues to grow, the transfer and career center hopes the fair will get students to ask detailed questions and gain enough information so they want to transfer, Caloca said. “ O u r transfer fairs are v e r y s u c cessful, and we’re hoping that that will be the case again,” Caloca said. The transfer and career center, known as TRAC, also is planning a career fair later in the spring aimed at setting students up in the workforce after earning their degrees, although no date has been decided. Besides holding the fairs, TRAC offers services and organizes events for students looking to transfer to universities or starting a career with their degree. “We provide services including transfer advising, connecting students with university representatives and admissions counselors,” Caloca said. While Caloca wants to increase face-to-face help that the
center offers, she also stresses how valuable a tool the TRAC website can be for students. “Students can book online appointments to meet with representatives here in the TRAC center. That’s been pretty successful for students connecting here and not having to drive to their campuses,” Caloca said. “In transfer advising, we utilize transfer guides so students can come by the front desk and just grab a copy of their transfer degree guide for whatever school they are trying to transfer to,” Caloca said. TRAC wants students to understand the transfer process and ease any anxiety or overwhelming issues that go along with it, she said. Students who are unsure of what they want to do or haven’t really thought about their next step are urged to set up an appointment. Caloca wants students who have never used TRAC to ask themselves “Have you thought about transferring?” and “Do you know what you want to major in?” “We’ve had students who’ve said they didn’t know we were here. We’ve had students say that they wish they had come in earlier. The sooner they can come in, the better they can be prepared,” Caloca said. For more information, visit the center on the first floor of Moody Learning Center or http://www.alamo.edu/mainwide.aspx?id=43352.
Prem
4 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Drums, dancing, dining for Black History Month
One woman recounts me By Rachel Cooper
t h e event in 2016 for Black History Month. “Last year was a nice turn out,” Knotts said. “It was held in the Fiesta Room, where students walk by and students who are in the student center stopped by to see the event.” For more information, call
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sac-ranger@alamo.edu
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The Black History Month Committee will host the fifth annual African Festival 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the cafeteria of Loftin Student Center. “The event is part of this college’s Black History Month celebration, themed “Crisis in Black Education.” This will be an educational experience for students, Dr. Barbara Knotts said in an interview Jan. 25. The event will feature Drums of Africa by T-Bow Gonzales and Deidre Lacour and the dance group Capoeira Luanda. The event will include sample-sized portions of an African dish made up of jollof rice, plantain and a dessert catered by Kobams African Restaurant, 8753 Grissom Road. “This is a chance for our stu-
A look B.
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
nia
By Sasha D. Robinson
dents to learn and taste a real dish that is prepared by an African re s t a u r a n t ,” Knotts said. The event allows students to interact with the performers by playing the drums and dancing. Gonzales will perform, demonstrate and teach students and other attendees how to play various percussion instruments. LaCour’s performance is designed to educate people about African dance and encourage audience participation throughout the performance. Capoeira Luanda will demonstrate and teach some movements from the Brazilian martial arts form. Capoeira combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Gonzales, LaCour and Capoeira Luanda performed at
Es tef a
Students can experience authentic African culture.
Knotts at 210-4860593 or email bknotts@alamo.edu.
Nettie Hinton, NAACP San Antonio branch member, was “born right in the middle of the historically black East Side of San Antonio during that period of time.” The time she refers to is segregation. The Majestic Theater had a balcony off College Street, which then was “essentially an alley,” she said. “You could go to the Majestic and the Empire; you could not go to the Aztec or the Texas.” African-Americans had to go to the box office in the alley and get on a service elevator up to the highest balcony. That balcony at the Majestic is not accessible anymore because it is used for lights and items for stage presentations. During the segregated Jim Crow days, Hinton sang at the old Municipal Auditorium. Her mother was the park superintendent at Central Playground where African-Americans
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College to scree historical fiction for Black History
Movie explores fatherhood and racial tens lens of a 1943 race riot. By Elena Longoria
Poetry tops open mic event Feb. 21 Spoken-word event will help students find voice and connect, host says. By Grayce Trevino
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students can recite their original poetry, perform stand-up comedy, play music or sing at Black History Month’s Open Mic Poetry event 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 21 in the cafeteria of Loftin Student Center. Expressing themselves for an audience can enhance their confidence, organizers say. Any student may participate, but students can ensure a spot by emailing organizer Dee Dixon at ldixon4@alamo.edu or by signing up on the BHM OpenMic/ SpokenWord Facebook page. There will be door prizes for performers
and free pizza for students. Students may perform anything from poetry to comedy to music. There is not a set time limit. Dixon says Open Mic Poetry will “introduce students to spoken word.” According to The Poetry Foundation’s Glossary Terms, spoken word is “characterized by rhyme, repetition, improvisation and word play.” Students usually perform pieces that are “relevant to the time and climate,” Dixon said. The pieces are usually statement pieces. Open Mic Poetry has also been known to “boost people’s confidence,” Dixon said. Local poets Tasha Greene and Paul Wilkinson will be hosting Open Mic Poetry as they have the past couple of years. Greene, who has been performing since 2010, says many students “express their
Estefania B. Alonso views on politics, family, prejudice. It is a great platform to express themselves. “Poetry in general gives an opportunity to express themselves ... like fiction writing,” Greene said. In her experience, many students are frightened of being on stage, but many also overcome their fears. Open mic is important to Black History Month because “it’ll give us an opportunity that gives us a perspective that is different from our own,” Greene said. Dixon agreed. “Spoken word is the vehicle that has been used to pass down tradition, history,” Dixon said. “When people couldn’t write, when it wasn’t safe to write, there was the call and response. “There’s power in the spoken word, it can move people, move people to act, move people to not act. There’s times when the spoken word is more than a performance. Sometimes the audience becomes part of the spoken word. ... Sometimes they are a part of it.” For more information on the event, call Dixon at 210-486-0598.
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The historical fiction film “The Example” will play at 9:25 and 10:50 a.m. Feb. 13 in Room 218 of the nursing complex as part of Black History Month. Three of the filmmakers will discuss the making of the film after each screening. Set in the 1940s in East Texas, it tells the story of a white police officer and a black businessman who cross paths during a traffic stop after curfew. The film is based on a race riot that took place in Beaumont in 1943. The film contains strong language and is rated PG-13. The filmmakers — screenwriter Gordon Williams and director Wyatt Cagle — became interested in learn-
ing more abo the early 20 University. Two peop white — wer were injured woman accu according to Association’s Texas.” Polic rioters, and later from inj Williams enthusiasm phone interv They cam and direct “T “After rea I had to mak they hope th people togeth between peo
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Feb. 6, 2017 • 5
back at local segregation
emories of Jim Crow restrictions.
Artemisa Bowden was the founder of St. Philip’s, originally a sewing school in La Villita. e allowed. Bowden is known as “the savior of St. Philip’s African-Americans were not allowed to go to College,” Hinton said. er playgrounds during Jim Crow segregation, St. Philip’s began as an Episcopal church said. school and a historically black college, she said. “If a black person came near a swimming After getting an associate degree, she transl, they drained the swimming pool.” ferred to the University of Texas at Austin and What is left of the playground is by the St. graduated in 1960. er Claver cemetery near Live Oak and Nolan Hinton has the honor of “being one of the ets, she said. first African-Americans from San Antonio to Central Playground had a field house with a earn an undergraduate degree from UT-Austin.” e, basketball court with What is now the Carver achers, tennis courts, softIf a black person came Community Cultural Center field, a sandbox area for used to be a “colored” library, near a swimming and across the street was she said. pool, they drained the swimming pool. African-Americans could swimming pool. St. Peter Claver Academy, not borrow books from pubNettie Hinton, lic schools or a public library. atholic K-12 school that NAACP member ton attended, was operThere were clusters of d by the Sisters of the Holy African-American people all it and Mary Immaculate since the late 1800s around San Antonio, and the largest cluster was l Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 ended on the East Side, she said. egated schools. Douglass High School was there and is now t closed for a while and eventually reopened known as Douglass Academy. he Healy-Murphy home. If you wanted to go to high school, you had to The school then became a refuge for young come to the East Side, she said. men who were pregnant and weren’t allowed There were also a substantial number of o to public school. There was also a center African-Americans living on the West Side. the babies. They built the Abraham Grant Elementary t eventually included young men who were in School on the West Side where Hinton worked uble with the law, and people in need of a GED. for three years, teaching fifth grade. Hinton attended St. Philip’s College. Hinton came back to San Antonio in 1993 “Understand, when I was going to college from working in Washington, D.C., for 30 years e, I could not have gone to SAC,” she said. in U.S. customs.
’’
With the San Antonio Choral Society, she returned to the Majestic Theater and that is when she first stepped onto the stage of the former movie palace. Afterward, she carried the program that included her name to the cemetery where her
en n film y Month
sion through the
ple — one black and one re killed in the riot and 50 d. It began after a white used a black man of rape, o the Texas State Historical s online “Handbook of ce arrested more than 200 a black man died months juries suffered in the riot. and Cagle expressed their for the film in separate views Jan 24. me together in 2012 to write The Example.” ading the first draft, I knew ke it,” Cagle said. He said he film will not only bring her but “open conversation ople from different races
Courtesy
out the riot as students in 000s at Beaumont’s Lamar
Estefania B. Alonso mother is buried. “Look, Momma, what I brought you!” she said. “So that’s how you can move from one era through time to a different era. You can be a performer and not somebody relegated to the alley and the balcony.”
and backgrounds in a polite way.” Williams agreed, saying the film should get people talking. “As a filmmaker you hope you can create something people would want to talk about,” Williams said, adding that he hoped to create something that would accurately portray the riot. Williams believes this film will change people’s perspectives and bring some commonality while entertaining viewers. The plot also explores the relationship between a father and a son during the riot. In 2012 and 2013, Cagle and coproducer Kenneth Dupuis were both experiencing fatherhood for the first time. Williams, meanwhile, said their experience made him think about the influence of his own father. “The journey caused me to reflect on the influence my father had on my life,” Williams said. “We wanted to take the idea of fatherhood, along with the research we gathered from the race riot, and create a historical fiction piece. ‘The Example’ was the result.” Williams has a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcasting and is from Cleveland, Texas. Cagle has a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on film pro-
duction and is from Bridge City. Today Williams is a television studio operations manager at Lamar University, and Cagle is a freelance director of photography and film editor at CGL Studios. Cagle has directed multiple short films including “Gemini” in 2004 and has more than 17 years of experience in the television and film industry directing and producing for Fox and PBS. Williams has written and produced more than seven different projects and has worked on five short films with Cagle. Cagle’s favorite part of the filmmaking process was “getting to edit and craft while knowing what you have and what you don’t.” He and Williams agreed that working with the unique cast and crew was one of their favorite parts of the film. “The Example” premiered in Houston in March 2016. It has been accepted to more than 20 film festivals and has won six awards. The film will be available online after the festival run, but there is still no official online release date. For more information about the film, visit www.examplemovie.com. For more information on the screening at this college, call Dee Dixon at 210-486-0598.
6 • Feb. 6, 2017
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Editor Zachary-Taylor Wright Managing Editor Michelle Delgado News Editor Emily Garcia Features Editor James Dusek Calendar Editor Christine Romero Staff Writers Samantha L. Alonso, Bismarck D. Andino, Ashley Bailey, Nicole M. Bautista, Kimberly Brown, J. Carbajal, Rachel Cooper, J. Del Valle, S.R. Garcia, Maria Gardner, Camryn Geissler, Niesha Goodloe, Elena Longoria, Mario Parker Menchaca III, Wally Perez, Maritza Ramirez, Grace Reyes, Sasha D. Robinson, Amanda Sarate, Jayondra Spann, Austin P. Taylor, Grayce Trevino, Jakoby West, Solomon A. Wilson Photo Editor Brianna Rodrigue Photographers Noah Acevedo, Deandra Gonzalez, Alison Graef, Aly Miranda
Multimedia Editor Brandon A. Edwards Video Team Christian Erevia Illustrator Estefania B. Alonso Social Media Promoter Miranda Holden
@therangerSAC /readtheranger /therangervideo
©2017 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-3941. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of classes in the Journalism Program at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger. org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available by phone 210-4861765 or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Journalism Program, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-3941 or faxed to 210-486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Board needs new priorities Don’t worry, it’ll all work out — eventually. There’s mold in the walls of the culinary arts building of St. Philip’s College. The building’s falling apart. There are ceiling tiles falling in the food. Ceiling. In the food. You need not worry about St. Philip’s, though. The board plans to start construction on a new culinary arts building in just five short years. That is, if the public votes to let the Alamo Colleges sell $450 million in bonds this May. Surely, voters will have no trouble giving $450 million to colleges whose accreditations are still in question. There will be no decision about the accreditation status of this, St.
Philip’s and Northwest Vista colleges from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges until after a May election. The board of trustees wants you to vote to give them money before you can be certain the three colleges in question will be accredited. Don’t worry. You can totally trust them. The board has been meeting since last summer to decide where to spend this imaginary money. Meanwhile, the board has earmarked $60 million in revenue funds to build a new district support office at 2222 N. Alamo St. That’s money aside from the bond they could use to improve buildings on their campuses. Rather than looking at the cur-
rent situation, the board assumes not only that the bond issue will be approved, but also that the accreditation situation will be resolved by that time. If you’re willing to put your trust in the district’s ability to follow through on those issues, you might also be willing to wait months or years to see results. Meanwhile, district support personnel will be hanging out in the amphitheater of their new palace. The rest of us more skeptical folk can’t say we approve of the board putting the cart before the horse like this. Focus on getting accreditation and use the money you have to replace or repair dilapidated buildings first, then think about your fancy offices.
Look up autonomy The district preaches autonomy, while forcing districtwide updates. What do you call a bunch of people with doctorates and other higher ed degrees who can’t define autonomy? The Alamo Community College District, Alamo Colleges District or Alamo Colleges board of trustees. Hopefully the irony of an overseeing, policy-making board requiring autonomous colleges to submit requests for approval and updates on their process isn’t lost on the board. It’s perplexing that slapping “district” on a name that isn’t legally recognized is the most innovative or proactive solution a room chock-full of doctoral degrees can fathom. The trustees have weaseled their way into the very core of autonomy and academics by forcing faculty to incorporate the leadership style of a modified Mormon, cult bible into their classrooms. Thankfully, this college has President Robert Vela to clarify the confusing recommendations made by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges by informing concerned faculty and staff he doesn’t “think” Policy B.9.1 is intended to infil-
trate academics. The board of trustees has continually tried to slither around SACSCOC’s recommendations for autonomy. They have done this by overcomplicating the issues by referring to the Comprehensive Standards as “contextual” and the recommendations as “technical.” Wouldn’t it seem logical when trying to demonstrate autonomy to actually allow the colleges to be autonomous? Here’s some context: The board needs to attend therapy to heal their middle child syndrome in attempting to achieve district recognition — let the colleges brand themselves. The board needs to research what “institutional” means before incorrectly developing an institutional grade-point average. The board needs to stop whitewashing the diversity in demographics found across the colleges. The board has taken a simple message, overcomplicated it and regurgitated their own public relations propaganda to get the public to match its agenda. It’s time the board starts doing what they were asked to do by SACSCOC, their voting public and faculty and staff.
letters Students abuse handicap parking Editor:
I have been noticing something rather bothersome. Students without handicap placards or plates parking in clearly marked handicap spots in student parking lots. Last week, I saw two bike patrol officers taking care of one example of this in the student parking lot adjacent to Nail Technical Center, but just today the two handicap spots were occupied by cars without handicap plates or placards. Are students not aware this is against the law, or that they face a $200 to $500 fine for doing this? Not to mention that they are forcing people who need the closer spaces to park farther away?
David Nazzaro Information technology freshman Email letters to sac-ranger@ alamo.edu. Letters must be signed and include classification and major or title.
Read more letters to the editor on theranger.org.
Photo Team Hannah Gonzalez, Zaeva Mercado, Kristel Orta, Renee Talamantes
Photo illustraion by Brandon A. Edwards
News
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Feb. 6, 2017 • 7
Trump administration in search of golden ‘El Dorado’ Eco Centro educates with environmental sustainability workshops. By Bismarck D. Andino sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Drilling oil has an impact on the environment, and we only have one earth and we have to take care of it, said Student Government Association President Harley Williams Jan. 27. “We have a hole in the ozone — that is proven — it’s just growing and growing,” Williams said. Williams referred to the Antarctic ozone hole that serves as a “sunscreen” from ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and damage plants, which according to NASA scientists, grew 8.9 million square miles in 2016, nearly three times the size of this country. As President Donald Trump anticipated his first week in office — at the beginning of his campaign — “America First Energy Plan” became a reality as he took the oath of office. According to the White House website, the new energy plan encourages the use of America’s fossil fuel reserves such as untapped shale, oil and natural gas to achieve independence from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Trump is also committed to reviving America’s coal industry. The project, which estimated $50 tril-
Illustration by Estafania B. Alonso lion in revenues, will help to rebuild roads, schools, bridges and public infrastructure. There is a risk in climate change, but recognizing it or not, depends on people’s political position, government Professor Elder McCants said Jan. 23 in an interview. “There are some who see climate change as a serious threat and that it needs to be addressed right now,” McCants said. “There are others who acknowledge the threat of climate change, but also acknowledge the importance of America’s needs on energy.” On the other hand, the Climate Action Plan, Obama’s effort to stop climate change, was removed from the White House website.
This plan encouraged the development of low-carbon sources and discouraged the use of coal for electricity to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. According to Obama’s White House Archives website, U.S. oil imports dropped to 4,711 barrels per day in 2015 compared to 11,115 units per day in 2008. Although McCants favors Obama’s climate plan, he understands that of Trump. “I hope that he would still have in place safeguards that do protect the environment because climate change is a big issue,” he said. Aiming to educate students and the community on environmental sustainability, this college has been offering educational activities through William R. Sinkin Eco Centro since April 2014, program Coordinator Julie Cornelius said Jan. 23. “The purpose of Eco Centro is to educate the community on how to be more sustainable, thereby conserving natural resources,” Cornelius said. “We provide classes and workshops and information on all different areas of sustainability: recycling, water conservation, alternative transportation and alternative energy,” she said. Cornelius said Eco Centro sponsors
about eight educational activities per month, and that volunteers are always welcome. The event calendar for February-April will be posted on Facebook. The next event will be Wednesday on local air quality and climate challenges, policies and opportunities. Although Cornelius did not comment when asked about Trump’s energy plan, she said Eco Centro hosts meetings for environmental nonprofit groups as well as the city of San Antonio, which also uses the building for meetings on developmental and drainage issues. She said San Antonio is going to add another million people to the population in the next 20 years, so she believes being proactive now is necessary to do smart and lowimpact development. “We need to look at our water source and make sure we are not draining the city and the surrounding areas of those natural resources or paving over the aquifer, which happens very often,” she said. For students who disagree with Trump’s plan, McCants has some words of advice. “Protest, vote and be educated,” he said. “Find where you want to protest, get a permit, don’t do it illegally, don’t do it violently, and make our political leaders think not only at a national level, but state and local as well.” For information about Eco Centro and how to volunteer, call Cornelius at 210-4861874 or visit Room 104 of Eco Centro at 1802 N. Main Ave.
NLC from Page 1
all the courses this college offers Perez said Feb. 9 will be alloat Northeast Lakeview align with cated to debriefing Northeast the policy, procedures and accrediLakeview employees about the tation standards enforced at this SACSCOC site visit. college. Northeast Lakeview began Perez said courses only offered seeking accreditation in 2005 after by Northeast Lakeview, and not declaring itself an independent provided by an accredited college campus, receiving a visit from in the district, must have an articuSACSCOC in 2015 under the presilation agreement with a university dency of Dr. Craig Follins — the to ensure the four-year institution former Northeast Lakeview College will accept the transfer of credits president terminated in October from a non-accredited college. 2015 for his absence during the Perez said Northeast Lakeview agency’s visit and abusive treatcannot offer federal Veteran Affairs ment of colleagues. benefits or federal financial aid Dove said the college applied for without accreditation or candidacy candidacy status in 2015 and the status; for a student near Northeast college was awarded candidacy staLakeview College to receive federal tus in June after their “first site visit” financial aid or veterans benefits, the in February 2016; Dove said the colstudent needs to meet the enrolllege submitted its application for ment residency requirements at a initial accreditation in December. different college and file for financial Dove said the college will align aid or veterans benefits there. its policy and procedures with Perez said it could take up the recommendations made by to six months to have Northeast SACSCOC to the three colleges Lakeview College approved to proplaced on an accreditation “warnvide veterans benefits and federal ing” list in December, explainfinancial aid if the college receives ing that all colleges in the Alamo initial accreditation at SACSCOC’s Community College District must June meeting. align with the district and “do the To ensure “no harm is done” same thing.” to students, Perez believes courses SACSCOC found this college from this college will be offered and Northwest at Northeast Lakeview Vista and St. through fall 2017 and Read Philip’s colleges possibly spring 2018. ‘Board not on in violation of six When asked if same page with Co m p re h e n s i v e sharing courses accreditation’ Standards, includbetween accredited theranger.org. ing the branding intra-district collegof the district as es might present an “Alamo Colleges,” autonomy concern the transfer of intra-district and with SACSCOC, Perez said the colout-of-district credits, the lack of a leges will work with the agency to true institutional grade-point averensure the college transitions into age and district policies. accreditation smoothly. Perez said Northeast Lakeview Perez said Northeast Lakeview College offers credits transferable College can offer courses from this to all four-year universities by procollege and Palo Alto College after viding courses from this college receiving initial accreditation staand St. Philip’s College. tus if the college submits a substanPerez said her duty is to ensure tive change report to SACSCOC.
Upset
Biology freshman Mayra Sendejo gets the rebound against the University of The Incarnate Word Cardinals Feb. 1. The Rangers lost 68-48. The next game
LOWES from Page 1 “The issue is these businesses are looking for a significant lowering of their taxable asset values — as if they were vacant vs. occupied. “The impact would then hit as other retailers would be expected to try the same tactic,” Snyder said. “This would then unfairly shift the tax burden from businesses to individual homeowners.” Katz said there was first arbitration between Lowe’s and Bexar County tax assessors, which ended with the tax assessors siding with taxing entities. “We don’t think Lowe’s will go
will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 against Lackland Air Force Base at Candler Physical Education Center. Photo by Brianna Rodrigue
forward, but since it was a nonbinding judgment, they might,” Katz said. District 2 trustee Denver McClendon said Lowe’s is attacking communities who don’t have the resources to fight against them. McClendon said this hurts Bexar County taxpayers. If Lowe’s is successful, then the income from taxing collections would drop significantly. “A little small town is pretty much defenseless against a big box store like them,” McClendon said. “We have to be vigilant. This isn’t over yet.” A three-person panel ruled
in favor of the Bexar County Appraisal District. Karan Cobb, manager for corporate public relations for Lowe’s, declined to comment on the situation. “We appreciate the opportunity to comment, but will decline at this time due to pending litigation,” Cobb said in an email to The Ranger Jan. 31. As it stands, a three-person non-binding panel sided against Lowe’s and currently they are unable to proceed with the plan. “It is unknown to me how it proceeds forward at this time, but I would say it is not over yet,” Kingsbery said.
News
8 • Feb. 6, 2017
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Student project rolls along through winter break SAC Motorsport makes quick progress despite electrical issues, winter break and the start of a new semester. By James Dusek
jdusek3@student.alamo.edu
Dreams are beginning to become reality for SAC Motorsport, a group on this campus building a hydrogen-powered racecar. If completed on schedule, the car will compete in the Shell Eco-marathon in Detroit in April. Over the break, the electrical team noticed a problem with the car’s electronics — the motor would suddenly shut off. “We found that the motor controller is not compatible with our fuel cell,” Irene Salazar, engineering sophomore and electrical lead, said. “The voltage fluctuates, which is not something that the motor controller is used to.” The power output from the hydrogen fuel cell is not constant like a battery is, Dominic Ochoa, engineering sophomore and project manager, said. It can vary slightly because of factors such as pressure and temperature. The motor controller, which uses the electricity from the fuel cell to power the car’s motor, was not made to handle the
varying output of the hydrogen fuel cell. After determining the source of the problem, the group purchased a new motor controller that can be programmed to adjust to the fuel cell’s fluctuations. With the electrical problem solved, the project is moving according to schedule, Ochoa said. “Our goal was to have the frame finished by the end of this week, and we finished it the end of last week,” he said. “We’re right on schedule.” They presented the almost-completed steel frame of the car to the project’s advisers Jan. 20, along with a timeline for the remaining milestones for the car’s development. The next area of focus for the car is the wheels, which they will repurpose from a Courtesy recumbent bicycle. Easy Street Recumbents in Austin donated a bike to the project. Local store Ride Away Bicycles donated other parts for the car. The car’s seat, axles, brakes and other parts will be repurposed bicycle parts, which the team will cut apart, weld and reposition to fit their needs. “It solved a lot of little problems,” Eben Pfeil, engineering graduate and mechanical lead, said. The donated parts are keeping costs down, but the project’s funding still has some way to go. The team has about
$2,600, and Ochoa estimated the remaining cost of the project to be about $7,500. The only remaining large purchase for the car itself is the shell — the body of the car that will wrap around the interior frame. In the Jan. 20 presentation, Pfeil said the shell might cost between $2,000 and $6,000. He presented a digital rendering of their ideal shell — a sleek, shiny red pod, less than a meter tall and just barely longer than the car’s 5-foot-5 driver. Though the final design of the shell may change from the concept art, Ochoa estimated the shell will be about $3,000. The majority of the funds required for the project are to send eight students and the car to Detroit, which Ochoa said will cost about $4,500. The team has begun approaching local businesses for sponsorship. To start, they approached Home Depot and the Cortez family, who own Mi Tierra Café y Panadería and La Margarita Mexican Restaurant & Oyster Bar. They are raising funds from the public through their crowdfunding campaign at www.crowdrise.com/sacmotorsportteam, which has raised more than $6,000 so far. For their work over the break, eight students received stipends from Re-Energize, a partnership between this college and Texas State University that promotes research projects on renewable energy. The stipends will allow them to cover tuition this semester, Ochoa said.
Muslim students hope to expand understanding of Islam By Sasha D. Robinson sac-ranger@alamo.edu
The Muslim Student Association at St. Philip’s College started when an influx of students from Saudi Arabia were wanting a prayer room. Fidel Simmons, adviser of international student services, said in an interview Sept. 23 they want students to understand the religion. “They (MSA) don’t want to convert students to being Muslims. They want people to know about the culture and the heritage,” Simmons said MSA did have pushback from St. Philip’s. MSA does plenty of community service such as going to the Ronald McDonald House and cooking dinner twice a year. MSA is open to all students, and not just Muslim students; MSA started in the fall of 2013-14. MSA meets every Thursday at noon in Room 200 at the Sutton Learning Center at St. Philip’s College. There are 10-12 students who are currently a part of MSA.
H. Drew Galloway, executive director of M.O.V.E (Mobilize. Organize. Vote. Empower.) San Antonio spoke to the crowd participating in San Antonio Students Speak Out: A Rally for Our Friends, Jan. 29 in front of the San Fernando Cathedral. See story online. Aly Miranda
RISK from Page 1
FOLLINS from Page 1
from district who handled emergency management throughout the five colleges. “We’re a huge organization,” Mike Legg, director of enterprise risk management, said. The two-person job was overwhelming for all five colleges, he said. This college has about 1,200 employees and 20,000-25,000 students at any given point, Legg said. This new position will “give the college a little bit more ownership for the safety process and the emergency process so they can get engaged in that to some degree as well,” he said. The consideration for this position has been since 2012. “We’ve been fighting for quite some time to get individuals dedicated to risk, safety and emergency management at the colleges that were dedicated to that process,” he said. This college and Northwest Vista are two out of the five colleges that currently have someone in this position. Northeast Lakeview is in the process of hiring for the position, Legg said. The main focus is student success, he said. “That’s our main objective, and in order for us to truly drive student success, one of the main components for that is to make sure we have a safe environment for those students to occupy and our employees to occupy, doing their jobs to help those students succeed,” Legg said. For more information, call Johnson at 210486-0902.
Leo Zuniga, associate vice chancellor of communications, said Pulliam was hired in July 2015 to help Follins with leadership and team building, approximately two months before Leslie’s first memo to Follins about his conduct sent Oct. 1, 2015. According to the memo, the coach was hired to address Follins’ involvement with Northeast Lakeview’s accreditation and interaction with his colleagues. In the Oct. 1, 2015, memo, Leslie said Follins was absent during a visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges’ visit to Northeast Lakeview. Leslie said Follins’ absence “created a serious breach in the mutual support we all pledged to each other …” Leslie said “any SACSCOC issues related to NLC will, justifiably or not, be perceived as a result of your (Follin’s) absence,” according to the memo. In the Oct. 1 memo, Leslie
said Pulliam submitted a sum- cating with Debra Martinez, mary of his engagement with administrative assistant to the Follins and meetings with key chancellor, and Tangila Dove, leaders at Northeast Lakeview. vice president of college serThe report said Follins vices at Northeast Lakeview. believed issues communicatLeslie discussed an exit ing with colplan with leagues as the Follins, sayany SACSCOC result of “a few ing “I reafissues related ‘people with firmed my axes to grind’ desire that to NLC will ... and that the you be sucbe perceived as problems are cessful and a result of your not at the expressed absence severe level,” my concern Bruce Leslie, according to that a buyChancellor the memo. out may “Fra n k l y, actually end this is your responsibility, not your career … finding a job theirs,” Leslie wrote. while in your job may be critiLeslie accused Follins of cal to preserving your career. approaching circumstances Nevertheless, I agreed to work and communication through with Linda (Boyer-Owens) to a defensive “screen” and said identify options.” Follins acknowledged he made In both the Oct. 1, 2015, mistakes in his leadership. memo and the Oct. 28, 2015, In a memo Leslie sent to memo, Leslie expressed concern Follins Oct. 28, Leslie accused for Follins’ future, saying he sees Follins of engaging in “a pat- a future for Follins as a leader. tern of abusive behavior” Leslie Leslie sent a memo to had encountered before. Follins Oct. 28 terminating Leslie accused Follins of Follins from his position and misconduct when communi- reassigning him to the newly
’’
created district position of special projects administrator. On Dec. 1, 2015, Follins signed a negotiated separation agreement with the district, which said he was terminated “for cause.” According to Follins’ Linkedin page, he is a marketplace insight and consulting strategist and predictive analytics expert. Follins’ Linkedin page says he is a faculty member of University of Phoenix, “teaching a variety of courses ranging in behavioral sciences and teambuilding for doctoral and undergraduate students,” and a contributing faculty member at Walden University. The Ranger reached out to both universities and Follins, but none was able to comment. When asked to comment on Follins’ negotiated separation agreement, Zuniga spoke for Leslie saying The Ranger was given all the information requested, Follins no longer works for the district and, thus, there is no statement to be made.