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Thomas getting to know MC -- again
Surrounded by boxes and general disruption -- at work and home -- newly installed Midland College President Steve Thomas experienced his first day of school Monday.
by Ruth Campbell
Midland Reporter-Telegram
Thomas getting to know MC -- again
By Ruth Campbell
Staff Writer
Surrounded by boxes and general disruption -- at work and home -- newly installed Midland College President Steve Thomas experienced his first day of school Monday.
"I'm trying to learn everything as quickly as I can," said Thomas, who officially took over MC's top job Aug. 15 and is a former MC faculty member. "The staff has been great to work with me on that. We had the first administrative council meeting this morning and I think we're off to a really good start."
Midland College expects to see an enrollment of more than 6,000 this fall -- a record.
"Once we get the final numbers, I think we are going to be up. It's a statewide trend from talking to my colleagues around the state. The main issue for us is just trying to meet all the students' needs while we're doing major construction projects," Thomas said. "We're having to make adjustments that are not normal for us."
Construction is financed by the $41 million bond issue passed in May 2005. The student center is not completely functional, but the new academic building is open, giving the school more classroom space and serving as a gathering spot for students. The building will be dedicated and named for philanthropist Marie Hall at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Meanwhile, part of the student center is undergoing renovations and the bookstore has been relocated to the front of the building toward Beal Plaza.
"For our students, it's a little bit hectic because we've moved a lot of things around due to construction projects. I just walked over from the bookstore," Thomas said. "It was full of students and they all seemed pretty excited. They were purchasing books and Midland College T-shirts, so it's always a good time for us."
He added everyone is cooperating.
At the same time the campus is being spruced up, Thomas and his family are moving into a new house, which also will require some refurbishing.
"At work and at home I'm living with temporary arrangements until we can get everything settled," Thomas said.
Ruth Campbell can be reached at ruth@mrt.com.
By Ruth Campbell
Staff Writer
Surrounded by boxes and general disruption -- at work and home -- newly installed Midland College President Steve Thomas experienced his first day of school Monday.
"I'm trying to learn everything as quickly as I can," said Thomas, who officially took over MC's top job Aug. 15 and is a former MC faculty member. "The staff has been great to work with me on that. We had the first administrative council meeting this morning and I think we're off to a really good start."
Midland College expects to see an enrollment of more than 6,000 this fall -- a record.
"Once we get the final numbers, I think we are going to be up. It's a statewide trend from talking to my colleagues around the state. The main issue for us is just trying to meet all the students' needs while we're doing major construction projects," Thomas said. "We're having to make adjustments that are not normal for us."
Construction is financed by the $41 million bond issue passed in May 2005. The student center is not completely functional, but the new academic building is open, giving the school more classroom space and serving as a gathering spot for students. The building will be dedicated and named for philanthropist Marie Hall at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Meanwhile, part of the student center is undergoing renovations and the bookstore has been relocated to the front of the building toward Beal Plaza.
"For our students, it's a little bit hectic because we've moved a lot of things around due to construction projects. I just walked over from the bookstore," Thomas said. "It was full of students and they all seemed pretty excited. They were purchasing books and Midland College T-shirts, so it's always a good time for us."
He added everyone is cooperating.
At the same time the campus is being spruced up, Thomas and his family are moving into a new house, which also will require some refurbishing.
"At work and at home I'm living with temporary arrangements until we can get everything settled," Thomas said.
Ruth Campbell can be reached at ruth@mrt.com.
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