Phi Theta Kappa honor society honored

By Marlene J. Bohr
mbohr@steelcountrybee.com
 Northeast Texas Community College’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society accumulated 19 awards recently, as reported to the board of trustees at the March 26 meeting. Dr. Melissa Weinbrenner, advisor for the Northeast Texas Community College chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, presented a report to the board. Dr. Weinberenner said that NTCC’s Alpha Mu Chi Chapter won 19 awards at the 2013 Texas Regional Convention in Dallas, in addition to one of the members being elected District III vice president. Four students were in attendance at the board meeting during the report. They were Alisha Richardson of Avinger, Noah Griffin and Ashley Hall, both of Pittsburg, and Stephen Milburn of Mount Pleasant.
“This is one of the most active student organizations on the campus,” President Dr. Brad Johnson said.
In his report to the board, Dr. Johnson discussed security on the campus.
“We have again met with law enforcement in Mount Pleasant and with the sheriff’s office to discuss a campus police department. Not only would a campus police department be expensive, there are significant challenges. We have not settled on any specifics yet.”
Dr. Johnson discussed the ongoing landscaping work in the center of the circle lot.
“The plants that are recommended are earth-kind so we will be changing the former ones for plants that do well with the environment,” said Beth Thompson. “We are working on the circle and the plants. If funds become available, we will work on the drive. It will be a work in progress.”
Dr. Johnson said Duck Dynasty sold out at the level of 800 seats.
“Whatley has 700 seats,” Dr. Johnson said. “We put seating in really every place we could put seating for that particular venue. If you get frustration from the community, we bent over as far backwards as possible to make the opportunity available.”
Dr. Johnson talked about plans in discussion-only mode with Hughes Springs Independent School District.
“Hughes Springs ISD is considering the establishment of an early college high school,” Dr. Johnson said. “It differs in several aspects. It is allowed to start a year earlier than dual credit. Its purpose is to try to receive a degree before graduation. This targets the at-risk students. This is the first school that we have in this area. They are big in other parts of the state.
“Our involvement will be the same as in dual credits. This would be done on their campus. Traditionally this is done on a college campus, but I believe this one we will try to do in Hughes Springs. This is not an established fact, but is ongoing. That discussion is underway and we are seeking to develop if there is interest both ways. I am anxious to hear from our follow up on how this will be developed.”
In other business, the board approved filling three positions. Jennifer Grainger was hired for Afterschool Centers on Education as part-time staff at Pewitt School. Jessica Arnold was hired as a part-time Communities in Schools coordinator, and Chris Roach was hired as lead groundskeeper/maintenance technician. The resignation of Julie Lyon was accepted effective March 22.