President’s Round Table Meeting Minutes

April 16, 2007
  • Greeting and welcome were made by Dr. Charles Taylor.

In attendance: Helen Benjamin, Alonia Sharps, Calvin E. Wood, Carolane Williams, Wilfredo Nieves, Andre Levy, Thelma Scott­Skillman, E. L. Thomas, Charles Mitchell, Bruce Crawford, Wayne Watson, Wright Lassiter, Joshua Smith, Rufus Glasper, Duranda Greene, Charles Green, Pat Dolly, Marie Foster Gnage, Richard Rose, Lorenzo Esters, David Mosby, Quincy Moore, Dennis Gallon, Terrence Gomes, Thelma White, Ned Doffoney, R. Wayne Branch, J. Douglas Chambers, Joann Horton, Andrew C. Jones, Mildred Olee.
In attendance at NCBAA Board Meeting as well were: Adena Williams Loston, Myrtle E. B. Dorsey, Ron Wright, James Mitchell, Jennifer Wimbish, Alda Preston, E. Webb, Ervin Griffin, Maurice McKinnon, R. Eileen Baccus, Ken Atwater, Jeanne Jacobs.

  • Approval of Minutes:

The minutes of October 2006 meeting were accepted with minor modifications.

  • Approval of Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s report was accepted unanimously

  • 2006 Lakin Institute, Portland, Oregon, Report (Dr. Helen Benjamin):

Dr. Benjamin reported that despite last minute changes in venue that the Institute had run smoothly. Dr. Branch is to be commended on coordinating specific events and for facilitating the logistics and selection of the banquet and dinner sites. Further discussion on the assumption of mock interviewing and resume review was conducted. Search consultants will be invited to participate in future Lakin events, but at no cost to the Round Table.

  • 2007 Lakin Institute (October15­19, 2007;Newport News, Virginia):

Dr. Charles Taylor, Convener of the Round Table and president of Thomas Nelson Community College, will host the 2007 Lakin Institute.

  • 2008 Lakin Institute and Responsibilities:

Dr. Helen Benjamin developed a document which specifically addresses the roles and responsibilities related to the Institute (attached). The purpose of this document is to clarify the responsibilities of the host, coordinator(s) of the Institute and supporting roles.

  • Discussion of Professional Development Activities (Sat.,October 20, 2007):

Several subject titles were advanced as topics for the professional development session to be held on Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Among them were:

    • The Black male in higher education
    • Succession planning
    • AACC Board participation/ representation

Round Table members are encouraged to remain, present and participate in the PD activity. Activities will be planned for members and Lakin participants who elect to stay throughSaturday.

  • Report on Legislative Black Caucus Meeting (Dr. Charles A. Taylor, Dr. Helen Benjamin, and Dr. Jennifer Wimbish):

Congresspersons from New York, Illinois, Virginia and California met with several of the RT members and pledged support to the Black male initiative with conditions. The RT is to provide a listing of best practices and programmatic approaches that are currently successful and/or can be replicated on a national basis. A subcommittee is completing the assignment. Other participants were George Herring, Mildred Ollee and Andrew C. Jones.

  • Updates on Other Tasks:  Black Males (Drs. Jennifer Wimbish and Andrew C. Jones)

At least one presentation on the Black Male Crisis has been made at every major higher education conference since the charge was made last October. Presentations have been made at SACs, The League of Innovation, ACCT Legislative Summit, AACC and a host of state and local conferences. A series of monographs, statewide initiatives and a repository for research and best practices are the intended long-term outcomes.
Dr. Baccus recommended that the RT consider using data and findings from the Achieving the Dream project. She would make this data available to the subcommittee. Dr. Josh Smith recommended that we use Diverse Magazine as one vehicle to disseminate our findings. Dr. Wayne Branch suggested that we involve the ACE, Race and Ethnic Equity Commission.

  • Round Table History (Update):

Dr. Roy Phillips is preparing a draft of the RT history and is expected to submit the manuscript to Dr. Taylor prior to the meeting in October 2007.

  • 2007 Round Table Directory (Dr. Ken Atwater): 2009 Round Table Directory (?)

Dr. Atwater did an excellent job, as usual, in compiling the 2007 directory and has committed to one more iteration in2009. Dr. Atwater would like to transition the responsibility to another RT member in2010 and is seeking volunteers.

  • AACC Board Members’ Comments:

Board members were generally pleased with the efforts to nominate and elect RT members to the AACC Board. Caution was giver to maintain vigilance and to make certain that the RT has an adequate pipeline of candidates each year. Drs. Eileen Baccus and Helen Benjamin will co­chair this effort.

  • NCBAA Update (Dr. Carolane Williams):

Drs. Calvin Woodland and Carolane Williams reported on the goals of NCBAA and Dr. Woodland reiterated NCBAA’s intent to work more closely with the RT.

  • Round Table Convener Comments (Dr. Charles A. Taylor):

See attached letter.

  • Presidential Changes, Member Updates:  Honoring of Retired Presidents

Presidential Changes
Dr. Ervin Griffin, president of Halifax College
Dr. Andrea Lewis Miller, Chancellor of Sowela Technical Community College
Dr. Brian K Johnson, president of Montgomery College
Dr. Duranda Greene, president of Bermuda College (Lakin alumna)
Dr. Adena Williams Loston, president ofSt. Phillips College
Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, president of Hennipen Tech College
Dr. Jamilla Moore,( institution pending confirmation)
Dr. David Sam, president of Elgin Community College
Retired
Dr. Harold Wade from Atlanta Metropolitan College
(Interim Pres. Dr. Gary McGaha, new RT member)
Dr. Edward Valeau from Hartnell College

  • Adjournment:

Dr Charles Taylor adjourned the meeting at 8:39 am.