Board of Regents Raymond Lewis

Summer enrollment on the rise at Galveston College

Summer enrollment at Galveston College is on the rise, the Galveston Community College District Board of Regents learned at the June 10 meeting.

Dr. Myles Shelton, president, said the COVID-19 pandemic caused the college to shift its summer classes to an online format, with the exception of certain technical courses and programs that require hands-on instruction such as Emergency Medical Services, the Law Enforcement Academy, Welding Technology and other applied technology areas.

As of June 10, enrollment in the summer I 2020 term reached 894 students compared with 874 students in summer I 2019 and 802 students in summer I 2018.

Dr. Shelton said college officials are considering a variety of scenarios for the fall semester, ranging from on-campus classes with facilities modifications that allow for social distancing, to a hybrid model with a combination of virtual and in-person classes.

“Community college enrollments generally tend to increase when unemployment is high,” he said. “It’s hard to predict what the fall semester will look like. Students are taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude. They are waiting to see what college will look like this fall.”

In other business, Carmen Allen, director of institutional effectiveness and research, presented a report on spring 2020 course withdrawal, completion and success rates, which summarized the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on college retention after classes were moved to an all-online format on March 23.

Allen said the college’s overall completion rate in spring 2020 courses decreased 5.5 percent from the previous year – from 93 percent in 2019 to 87.5 percent in 2020.

Meanwhile, the college’s student success rate decreased only 1.7 percent from spring 2019 to spring 2020 – from 82.2 percent in 2019 to 80.5 percent in 2020.

The college experienced an 11.8 percentage of seats withdrawn in courses rate after the spring 2020 census date, as compared with 7 percent in spring 2019. She said the college experienced a 10.6 percentage of seats withdrawn after census in spring 2018, which was the semester following Hurricane Harvey.

A total of 19.9 percent of students withdrew from at least one class in spring 2020, compared to 13.1 percent in spring 2019.

In board action, members ratified the acceptance of a Texas Workforce Commission Skills Development Fund COVID-19 Special Initiative grant for $115,000 to provide training for business and industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately $2,000 per participant will be available for training and retraining existing full-time employees, as well as furloughed and laid-off employees and new hires. Examples of training that can be provided to large and small businesses include digital marketing and web design, sales and marketing in a digital world, health and safety in the workplace, software skills for new technology, customized training to aid with job reassignments and more. The Galveston College Continuing Education department is coordinating this effort.

Board members granted tenure to four faculty members, including Clint A. Jones of the Developmental Mathematics department; Anna E. (Liz) Lacy of the Performing Arts department; Dr. David Shane Wallace of the English and Humanities department; and Dr. Arlinda B. Washington of the Nursing department.

Regents also approved updates and revisions to 26 Galveston College policies upon recommendation of the Policies Committee, which met prior to the board meeting. Click here to view the policies revisions.

In other action, board members:

• approved the purchase of DocuSign software in the amount of $61,750 to be funded with CARES Act funds that will enable the college to automate agreement preparation.

• approved the purchase of laptop computers to loan students for online courses in the amount of $59,000 to be funded with CARES Act funds.

• approved a proposal by Beach Town Lawn Service LLC of Galveston to provide annual landscaping maintenance services at $36,000 plus $1 per palm tree.

• approved the purchase of new tables and chairs for the Cheney Student Center at a cost of $21,935.

• approved the purchase of $12,353.56 in furnishings for the visual arts and ceramics classrooms.

• approved the purchase of $7,640.52 in audio/visual equipment for the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center to be purchased with Carl D. Perkins grant funding.

• approved the purchase of new chairs at a cost of $1,155.20 for the Welding Technology classroom.

• renewed National Flood Insurance Program and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policies and purchased additional insurance coverage for property and contents.

• renewed Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund insurance coverage for unemployment and workers’ compensation coverage.

• approved the 2020 budget and tax rate planning calendar.

• adopted a resolution granting residence homestead tax exemptions for the 2020 tax year.

Above: Carla Biggers, executive assistant to the president, administers the oath of office to Galveston College Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., who was recently re-elected to the board, as Board of Regents Chair Karen Flowers looks on.

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Galveston College sees increase in student success rates

Galveston College experienced a substantial increase in student success rates in the past three years, according to a report on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Success Points Model presented to the Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

The Success Points Model was developed to measure the performance of institutions in a way that promotes their efforts to increase the rate of student progression and achievement.

In 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature approved the use of a three-year rolling average of Success Points for determining a percentage of state funding that is allocated to community colleges. Overall, Galveston College experienced a 5 percent increase in its Success Points rolling average from 2017 to 2018.

Carmen Allen, director of institutional effectiveness and research, said Galveston College saw a 25 percent increase in the number of degrees and certificates awarded in the past three years – from 658 awards in 2016 to 820 awards in 2018.

Over the past three years, the college experienced a 21 percent increase in degrees and certificates in critical fields identified by the Texas legislature, which included areas such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, allied health and nursing.

The college also experienced an 11 percent increase in students transferring to four-year institutions and a 19 percent increase in students completing 30 semester credit hours in one year.

The college experienced a 12 percent increase in college-level reading, a 5 percent increase in college-level math and a 44 percent increase in math readiness. The number of students requiring developmental coursework in reading and writing also dropped by 6 percent and 44 percent respectively.

In other business, the board approved a new level 1 professional certificate in Emergency Medical Services to complement the college’s existing Associate of Applied Science degree and certificate programs.

Beginning this summer, the three-semester program will start preparing paramedics for entry into management, education and supervisory positions.

The board also approved a recommendation from its Facilities Committee to enhance the Cheney Student Center dining area to serve the anticipated increase in students housed on campus with the opening of the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Student Residences in fall 2020.

The $48,489 maintenance project will create additional dining space, a meeting/dining area and cold storage space for the kitchen.

Regents also heard a report from Dr. Shane Wallace, associate professor of English and coordinator of English and humanities, regarding a service-learning initiative with Galveston’s Own Farmers Market and the Young Gardeners Program in Galveston schools.

Dr. Wallace said 78 students volunteered for the service-learning project during the 2019-20 academic year and that it benefitted the community, while also advancing the goals of the curriculum.

In other action, the board

  • approved a memorandum of understanding between college and the Galveston Independent School District through Aug. 31, 2023, for the Galveston Career Connect grant.
  • approved the purchase of $33,070.48 in computer equipment for the Drs. Charles Eric and Octavia Hall Center for Educational Technologies.
  • accepted an increase in funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the Perkins Career and Technical Education – Basic Grants.
  • approved a $20,931 change order for additional drywall replacement and refinishing for the Fine Arts building on the main campus.
  • approved a $7,500 change order for cabling and boring for the new student housing.
  • approved primary annual construction services job order contract with J.T. Vaughn Construction, LLC of Galveston and secondary contracts with The Trevino Group of Houston and TUCON, LLC-Unbehagen Construction of Galveston.
  • approved an annual plumbing services contract with Wade Bailey Plumbing Co. Inc. of Galveston.
  • adopted a proposal to purchase $1,680.20 in classroom furniture for the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program.
  • engaged the auditing services of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC of Houston.

Galveston College Board of Regents appoints new regent, approves student services area design

The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on Wednesday, April 10, appointed Mary R. Longoria of Galveston to fill the unexpired term of longtime Regent Florentino “Tino” Gonzalez, who died Jan. 22 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Regent Longoria received the oath of office from Carla Biggers, executive assistant to the president, with a crowd of well-wishers in attendance, including family members, friends and her students from the Ser y Hacer adult education citizenship and English language program, which she co-founded.

In other action, the board approved final design concepts for renovation of the student services area on the first floor of historic Moody Hall.

Funded by a Title V grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the renovation of key student services spaces is part of a multi-year initiative designed to improve student success, retention, persistence to graduation and transfer among Galveston College’s student population.

Dr. Myles Shelton, college president, said the concept, presented by PBK Architects of The Woodlands, Texas, features an open and welcoming design that infuses current technology with spaces for student study.

“Technology has changed dramatically since the last renovation of Moody Hall in 1991,” Dr. Shelton said. “It’s important for colleges to have learning and student services spaces that address the ever-evolving needs of our students and communities.”

The project will go to bid in the coming weeks and construction will take place during the summer months. During construction, the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and Continuing Education will relocate to the Cheney Student Center. The project is scheduled for completion by the beginning of the fall semester.

In other business, the board:

  • approved the reappointment of full-time faculty for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
  • accepted and approved final payment to J.T. Vaughn Construction, LLC for the Mary Moody Northen Center window/curtain wall replacement project.
  • approved the 2020-2021 academic calendar.
  • nominated Regent Armin Cantini for service on the Community College Association of Texas Trustees Board of Directors for 2019-2021. Regent Raymond Lewis currently serves on the board as past president of the organization.
  • approved the purchase of computers for the testing center at a cost of $4,113.
  • accepted the resignation of Chase McGlinchey, instructor of Emergency Medical Services.

Above: Carla Biggers, executive assistant to the president, administers the oath of office to new Galveston College Regent Mary Longoria, as her husband, Dr. Abel Longoria, Board of Regents Chair Karen Flowers and Board of Regents Vice Chair Fred Raschke look on.

Mary Longoria

Galveston College Board of Regents accepts recommendation to appoint Mary Longoria to Position 1

The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on Wednesday, March 20, accepted a nominating committee’s recommendation to appoint Mary R. Longoria of Galveston to fill the unexpired term of longtime Regent Florentino “Tino” Gonzalez, who died Jan. 22 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

“We are excited that Mary will be joining our board, bringing to Galveston College her strong commitment to serving the community and our students, as well as her many connections in Galveston and in the region,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, president.

An educator with more than 34 years of experience as a teacher and volunteer in public schools, Longoria served as parent liaison and taught science in the Galveston Independent School District and Galveston Catholic School. She also worked as a biology lab instructor at Central Texas College, a community college in Killeen, Texas, and in instructional services for the Hidalgo Independent School District.

Longoria volunteered as a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited representative for the past four years and served on the GISD Bond Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Magnet Research Task Force, and Ball High School, Austin Middle School, Weis Middle School and Oppe Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organizations.

Longoria co-founded the Ser y Hacer adult education citizenship and English language program and served as a translator and parent advocate in the Teen Mental Health Clinic at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She also served as a board member of the Galveston County Children’s Advocacy Center and member of the St. Anne Society and Space City Triplets.

“’Opening Doors and Changing Lives’ is more than a motto. It is a living promise that the college and its board put into practice every day,” said Longoria in a statement to the board. “An education can profoundly change lives not only for the graduates, but also for those around them. This change is often so deep and long lasting that it continues in perpetuity. I see this in practice not only in my own life, but also in my capacity as a teacher of citizenship and ESL classes. This is what drives me to continue helping young adults become self-sufficient, productive members of our community.”

Longoria received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas-Pan American in 1985 and completed continuing education in immigration law, citizenship education and teacher training.

She has extensive experience working with immigrants and refugees from various cultures and countries, including Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, Syria, England, Germany, Russia and India.

Galveston Community College District Board of Regents nominating committee members included Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., chair, Regent Carl E. Kelly and Regent Carroll G. Sunseri.

The board will consider an official resolution of appointment and Longoria will take the oath of office at the April 10 meeting.

Galveston College Board of Regents accepts letters of interest and nominations for Position 1

The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents has formed a nominating committee to make recommendations to the board to fill the unexpired term of longtime Regent Florentino “Tino” Gonzalez, who died Jan. 22 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Committee members include Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., chair, Regent Carl E. Kelly and Regent Carroll G. Sunseri.

The college will accept letters of interest and nominations for Position 1 for two weeks, beginning Thursday, Feb. 21, and ending on Thursday, March 7. Letters of interest and nominations should be submitted to the Office of President prior to the deadline.

Following a review of the letters of interest and nomination, the nominating committee will select a small group of candidates for public interviews and further consideration by the full board.

Please submit letters of interest and nominations to

Carla Biggers
Executive Assistant to the President
Galveston College
4015 Avenue Q
Galveston, TX  77550
[email protected]

Tino Gonzalez

Galveston College Board of Regents seeks candidates to fill unexpired term of longtime regent

The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on Wednesday, Feb. 20, formed a nominating committee to make recommendations to the board to fill the unexpired term of longtime Regent Florentino “Tino” Gonzalez, who died Jan. 22 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Nominating committee members include Regent Raymond Lewis, Jr., chair, Regent Carl E. Kelly and Regent Carroll G. Sunseri.

The college will accept letters of interest and nominations for Position 1 for two weeks, beginning today, Feb. 21, and ending on Thursday, March 7.  Letters of interest and nominations should be submitted to the Office of President prior to the deadline. Following a review of the letters of interest and nomination, the nominating committee will select a small group of candidates for public interviews and further consideration by the full board.

In other business, Board of Regents Chair Karen F. Flowers appointed Regent Sunseri to fill the vacancy on the board facilities committee created by Regent Gonzalez’s passing.

The board also approved an associate of applied science in law enforcement to begin in fall 2019.

Dr. Cissy Matthews, vice president for instruction, said the degree gives students who have graduated with their law enforcement certificate an opportunity to continue their education on to an associate degree.

“The associate degree leads to potential higher pay and better advancement opportunities for law enforcement professionals in the region,” she said.

In other action, the board

  • approved a resolution honoring the service of Regent Gonzalez to Galveston College.
  • approved a committee of the whole recommendation regarding architectural/engineer design services for renovations to the Student Services area of the main campus, authorizing President Dr. Myles Shelton to negotiate a contract with PBK Architects, Inc. of Houston.
  • approved a proposal from Ellucian Company, LP for a student services software system that will improve student advising and aid in retention.
  • approved a bid for generator and installation for the Information Technology server room from Crescent Electric Company of La Marque.
  • approved a bid from EMR Elevator Inc. of Arlington for elevator repairs.
  • approved primary annual service contracts with J.T. Vaughn Construction, LLC of Galveston, Crescent Electric Company of La Marque and Wade Bailey Plumbing Co. Inc. of Galveston.
  • adopted a resolution regarding tax assessment and collection services provided by the Galveston County Tax Office.
  • engaged the auditing services of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC of Houston.
  • conducted an annual review of investment firms, and reviewed and affirmed the college’s investment policy and strategy.
  • approved a maintenance uniform rental service agreement with Cintas Corporation.
Galveston College Board of Regents Chair Ray Lewis presents a resolution honoring Regent George F. Black to Sherry Black, as Vice Chair Karen Flowers and Secretary Fred Raschke look on.

Galveston Community College District Board of Regents honors late Regent George F. Black

The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents on June 13 honored and remembered the late George F. Black with a resolution recognizing his 13 years of service to the students, faculty, staff and community as a member of the board.

In presenting a framed copy of the resolution to Regent Black’s widow, Sherry, Galveston College Board of Regents Chair Ray Lewis shared special memories of the former chair, vice chair and secretary of the board and his service on numerous board committees, including Facilities, Policies and Planning, and as the college’s representative to the Galveston College Foundation Board of Directors.

Faculty Senate Chair Don Davison, professor of business/accounting, in presenting a resolution from the Galveston College Faculty Senate, recounted Regent Black’s advocacy of the students, faculty, staff and citizens of the college district.

A graduate of Galveston College and Texas A&M University, Regent Black served at the state level as a member of the Community and Technical College Leadership Council of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He was active in Galveston’s First Lutheran Church and was a leader in several community organizations, including the Galveston Kiwanis Club, the Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts and the Mardi Gras Krewe of Gambrinus.

In other business, the board

  • set June 26 at 5:30 p.m. as the date and time for canvassing the returns of the June 16 runoff election for position 7 on the Galveston College Board of Regents;
  • approved insurance coverage policy renewals with the National Flood Insurance Program and Texas Windstorm Insurance Association;
  • accepted a proposal from the Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund for insurance coverage;
  • approved the purchase of furniture for the digital photography lab and new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program lab;
  • approved the purchase of computer servers for the new Computer and Network Administration program;
  • approved a proposal to refresh the college’s computer network servers;
  • accepted the retirements of Pamela C. Britton, assistant professor of Vocational Nursing, effective May 31 and Dr. Susan M. Shea, professor of Associate Degree Nursing, effective Aug. 31;
  • awarded tenure to faculty members, Dr. Srirajya Rudrabhatla, Biology, and Rodrigo Santoyo, Developmental Mathematics;
  • ratified the employment of Jaime Retiz as instructor and director of the new Diagnostic Medical Sonography program;
  • adopted a resolution granting residence homestead tax exemptions for the 2018 tax year;
  • approved the 2018 Budget and Tax Rate Planning Calendar;
  • approved a consulting services agreement with McWilliams Governmental Affairs Consultants; and
  • ratified the reappointment of faculty members, Sandra L. Martinez and Daniel W. Fink.