The PSSA exists to enhance the overall work environment of the Brookhaven College Professional Support Staff, assist the student body through scholarships and other endeavors and work to uphold the image of Brookhaven College in general.
It has been reported that David McCoy, the son of Clarice McCoy who is a FOTP, narrowly escaped mortal injury by the tusks of a charging warthog. This narrow miss occurred last summer as he was doing research in Senegal on a Fulbright grant. David, congratulations for being quick on your feet!
New Members: Cletha Silas, student development coordinator, Health and Human Services Division
New FOTP: Becky Knickel, Clarice McCoy; and Inske Zandvliet, professors in the Business Studies Division
The PSSA welcomes each of you!
Note: If you are not a PSSA member or a Friend of the PSSA, you are encouraged to join. Interested individuals should stop by Room S072 and, after paying the $5 dues, Mildred Kelley will add you to the membership roll.
Kermit Plowman
This issue recognizes Kermit Plowman, a long-time and active PSSA member. Pretty much any day, you can find Kermit’s pickup parked in a prime parking spot very close to Building A. He is almost always at work staring at his multiple computer screens before many Brookhaven College employees are even out of bed.
For those that do not know exactly what Kermit does, he “wears many hats.” His title is LAN manager and he is in charge of the maintenance and upgrading of more than 2,000 computers at Brookhaven College and at remote sites. He also is in charge of all network infrastructures, which consists of switches, hubs and a lot of other stuff that is probably difficult to spell. He is responsible for organizing the daily activities of 12 techs who maintain all information technology, IT equipment; he sets up new Colleague, Novell and GroupWise users and maintains the campus wireless technology.
In addition to his tech duties and responsibilities, Kermit finds time to serve on several college committees including PSSA Employee of the Month, the Early College High School and the Head Start committees.
Kermit has been with the district since Sept. 1, 1989 and his almost 18 years have all been spent at Brookhaven College. In 1987, Kermit enrolled in computer courses at Brookhaven College and after realizing how friendly and helpful everyone was he decided that this was the kind of environment that he wanted for his second career. Even though he was offered more money in private industry he believes that if you do not enjoy what you are doing and the people with whom you work, money does not make up the difference.
In his time at Brookhaven, Kermit has seen many changes. His first position was working in the Communications Lab when it was in Room L300. At that time, there were four Apple 2E computers with installed reading programs, one computer in each division office and faculty members had none. At that time, technology meant having a telephone. Now anyone who needs a computer or printer has easy access. Kermit has moved from being a Brookhaven student, to part-time employee, to full-time employee and for this the college is all the better.
In addition to the many things that Kermit does for the PSSA, during the PSSA flower sale he always purchases an abundance of flowers for his many girl friends.
Kermit and his wife Peggy Sue live in Lewisville and when he is not at Brookhaven College he enjoys reading, gardening and travel.
While most of you probably know Kermit, if you don’t you should make a point to meet him. You never know when you may forget your various passwords or need other assistance. Ask him for help and you will get it.
Kermit, we are glad you are here!
The annual flower sale has ended and as you are reading this you are probably enjoying your flowers. The flower committee and the PSSA are very grateful for the great campuswide support for this event.
Other upcoming events include the monthly PSSA meetings scheduled for April 25, May 23 and June 21. On April 25, Dr. Blackman will attend the meeting for a short address and a Q&A session. After June, because of accommodations being made for the ECHS classes, it may be necessary to move from our usual Room A203 meeting place; you will be notified of any changes.
In the near future the PSSA will be conducting a survey of the PSS to gather their input regarding the association and other items of interest.
If anyone has items for inclusion in this column relating to the PSSA, FOTP or members please let me know.
