Links: Archives
Candidates for State Office, 2012-13
and Online Voting Information
Pursuant to 2004 amendments to the TCCTA bylaws, Executive Committee elections will be conducted online. Members are allowed to vote at their convenience using the Internet.
Candidate information and secure online voting insructions are included below.
No paper absentee ballots or mailing will be necessary. A computer will be provided at the convention, on Friday, March 2, from 8:00 a.m., until 5:00 p.m., for professional members who have not had the opportunity to vote.
To tabulate the results and guarantee security and confidentiality, TCCTA has contracted with Alamark, a company with vast experience in providing secure communications and data collection. Professional members will vote using membership database usernames and passwords.
Under provisions of the TCCTA bylaws, candidates could have been nominated by petitions. The December 1 deadline for "nominations-by-petition" passed with no petitions being filed, according to Paula Wilhite, Northeast Texas Community College, chair of the Nominating Committee.
Provision is made also in the TCCTA bylaws for candidates to be nominated from the floor during the first general session of the convention, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 1st. Only professional members are eligible to vote in the election. Voting privileges are not extended to associate, student, and unaffiliated members under the bylaws.
Pertinent information about the nominees appears below, followed by a link for voting.
Candidate for President-ELECT
Nominated for the office of
President-Elect is
Carol Lowe
McLennan Community College
Educational Background: Hardin-Simmons University (BA and MA); Baylor University (Ph.D); Purdue University (Post-doctoral study)
Professional Experience: McLennan Community College (1988-present); Baylor University; Bridgeport High School; Jim Ned High School
Leadership Experience: Texas Community College Teachers Association (Executive Committee, English Section Chair, Publications Committee Chair, MCC Campus Representative); National Council of Teachers of English; Two-Year College English Association (editorial review board for national TYCA journal); Conference on College Composition Conference of College Teachers of English; Modern Language Association President, Faculty Council (1998-1999); Faculty Council (5 terms, secretary one term); Editor, Self Study (1992); Editor, 1989 Directions (published in ERIC); MCC Minnie Stevens Piper Nominee
Additional Information: Developed and taught Effective Online Instruction class for MCC faculty 2008-09; NISOD award; Speaker, “Taking the Waters With Celia Fiennes” Conference of College Teachers of English 2006; Speaker, “An Experiment in Teaching Hybrid Composition Classes” TYCA 2002; Two-year college English representative American Diploma Project 2002; Founding sponsor, MCC chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta, National English Honor Society; Speaker, “An Experiment in Teaching Hybrid Composition Classes” TYCA 2002; Author, “The Tartan Scholars: An Honorable Honors Program.” TYCA Newsletter, August 1998; Author, “The Tartan Scholars.” NISOD, 1998; Speaker, “Exploring Diverse Voices through Case Studies in Composition Classes”, Conference of the Two-Year College English Association; Speaker, “For Novices to Experts: Successful Rhetorical Instructional Techniques Using the Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment”, League for Innovation in the Community College Conference; Developed MCC’s internet English 2321, 2322 and 2323 and hybrid English 1302; Mentor for Waco ISD Athens Academy projects; National Women’s History Project Teacher Training Workshop; Teaching in the Community College Online Conferences; Great Britain Study Tour (1992, 1994,and 1996); Tartan Scholars Design Committee
PLATFORM STATEMENT
Since its inception, TCCTA has provided excellence in professional development and integrity in political advocacy. Now the role of TCCA in our profession becomes even more crucial as we move more deeply into years of financial uncertainty and increasing tendencies to move educational decisions further from the classroom.
TCCTA can, and should, and I believe will stand as a rock-solid center for us as professional educators, but only to the extent that each of us contributes to the foundation of the organization, by becoming members, by participating in its activities, and by responding when called on to play an active role, whether our role is serving as an officer, on a committee, as a campus representative, or presenting at any of the conferences, or even attending the annual convention. You are TCCTA. We are TCCTA. And each of us has an obligation to our students, to our colleagues, and to the future of our profession to enable TCCTA to continue its vital mission.
I am honored that my colleagues across the state have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as an officer for the last three years. If I have your support in this year’s election to become President-Elect of TCCTA, I will devote time, energy, attention, and all the abilities I possess to working with our staff, the other officers, and each member to insure that TCCTA remains the keystone of our profession in Texas.
—CAROL LOWE
Candidate for VICE PRESIDENT
Nominated for the office of
Vice President is
David Sorrells
Lamar State College—Port Arthur
Educational Background: Texas Tech University (BS and MA); University of North Texas (Ph.D)
Professional Experience: Assessment Coordinator, QEP Chair, and Professor of English, Lamar State College-Port Arthur; and Lecturer, Lamar University, Beaumont
Leadership Experience: TCCTA Secretary, 2011-12; TCCTA Treasurer, 2010-11; TCCTA Professional Development Committee Member, 2008-10; LSCPA QEP Director, 2010-present; LSCPA Faculty Development Committee Chair, 2010-present; LSCPA Faculty Senate: President, 2008-present and 2000-02; Vice President, 2007-08; Secretary, 2005-07; Senator 1997-present; LSCPA Core Curriculum Advisory Committee, Chair, 1994-present; Texas Council of Faculty Senates, Delegate, 2000, 2003-2010; Texas State University System Council of Faculty Senates, Delegate, 2003-2010; Sigma Kappa Delta National Honor Society for English, National Regent-at-Large, 1998-99; LSCPA Sigma Kappa Delta Student Organization, Sponsor, 1997-present; South Central Modern Language Association, Session Chair, multiple times; Gayle Sims Faculty Memorial Scholarship, Chair and member, 2003-07; LSCPA Promotion and Tenure Committee, Student/Faculty Relations Committee, Technology Committee, Hiring Committees, Member; LSCPA Relay for Life for American Cancer Society, Team Founder and Captain
Additional Information: Port Arthur Little Theater (community theater) Board of Directors, President, Vice President, Secretary, Director, Honorary Life Member, Member, 1999-present; Friends of the Port Arthur Public Library Board, Member, 2007-09; Texas Artists Museum of Southeast Texas Board of Directors, Member, 1999-2001; Southeast Texas Arts Council Board of Directors, Member, 2000, 2009-present; Port Arthur Public Library Board (appointed by mayor), Member, 2000-02
PLATFORM STATEMENT
I believe that TCCTA consistently provides the most comprehensive, useful information to help me improve and challenge myself and my college professionally. TCCTA’s focus on legislation and THECB rules that affect two-year colleges is razor-sharp, and our conferences and events give our constituent members a variety of opportunities for professional growth and development. As Secretary, and previously as Treasurer, of the TCCTA executive committee, I have been able to contribute solid ideas and added a strong voice in discussion of the business of the organization.
As Vice-President, I pledge to continue to help ensure that the high quality programs and services we all enjoy through TCCTA remain affordable, easily accessible, and useful to all our members.
—DAVID SORRELLS
Candidate for SECRETARY
Nominated for the office of
Secretary is
David Lydic
Austin Community College
Educational Background: Brazosport College (AA, Psychology, 1972); University of Texas at Austin (BA, Psychology, 1974); University of Houston (MA, English, 1976); University of Texas (Ph.D, English Education, 1988)
Professional Experience: Austin Community College (1979–present); adjunct ACC and San Antonio College (1977–1979)
Leadership Experience: ACC—Department Head of English (1988 – 1995); Coordinator of Professional Development (1995–1997); Special Assistant to the President (1995–1997); Assistant Dean of Communications (1997–1999); Interim Dean of Arts and Humanities (2003–2004); Co-Chair Self-Study Committee (1993 and 2005 – 2006); Lead Facilitator ACC Celebration of Great Teaching (1996–2004 and 2008–present); President ACC Faculty Senate (1992–1993); Member and officer Faculty Senate 1988–2003); Co-Chair, Executive Vice President Search Committee (1998); Member, ACC Presidential Search Committee (2004); English Department Coordinator for Early College Start (Dual Enrollment) (2009–present); Chair, Co-Chair, and member of dozens of college committees (1980–present). TCCTA—Lead Facilitator Great Teaching Roundup (2005–2009); Member, Legislative Committee (2005–2008); Member, Foundation Board (2008–present); Chair, Professional Development Committee (2008–present); Chief Organizer, Texas Community College Day (2007); Facilitator and co-facilitator of Faculty Senate Best Practices session of TCCTA Annual Faculty Leaders’ Conference (2005–present); OTHER STATE-LEVEL—Vice-President, Central Texas Council of Teachers of English (1984–1985); President, Central Texas Council of Teachers of English (1985–1986); Member, TASP Advisory Committee (1991–1992); REGIONAL—Member, Executive Committee of Two-Year College English Association-Southwest (1998–present); Secretary, TYCA-SW (2009–present); TYCA SW representative to national TYCA (2006–present); NATIONAL—Invited Guest Facilitator to National Great Teaching Seminar, Hilo, HI (2004); Member, Executive Committee of National Two-Year College English Association (2006–present); Editor, “TYCA to You” feature in the national quarterly journal Teaching English in the Two-Year College (2008–present)
Additional Information: NISOD Teaching Excellence Award (1993; 2004; 2010); Phi Theta Kappa Teaching Excellence Award (1998); Participant in National Great Teacher Seminar, Hilo, HI (2003); ACC Piper Teaching Award nominee (2007); Chair and Emcee of Who’s Who in American Junior and Community College (1997; 1998); Co-Chair and Emcee of ACC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration (1997); Attended and presented at many state and national conferences (1980–present); Recent national conference presentations include “Getting a Job at a Two-Year College” at Conference on College Composition and Communication (2008–2011) and Leadership Forum for Officers in Regional Organizations at CCCC (2008–present); Participant in National Biannual Colloquium for Leaders of Great Teaching Seminars (1998, 2000, 2002)—hosted the 2000 Leadership Colloquium; Chaired and hosted six-state regional Two-Year College English Association--SW annual conference (1997; 2004); invited presenter for Teaching Sophomore Literature at the University of Memphis (2006; 2007); participant in the Texas P-16 Collaborative initiative; have published a number of poems in varying publications
PLATFORM STATEMENT
Change in education is best driven by teachers, so TCCTA and its members should take the lead in determining what is best for our students and our curriculum. Our elected representatives want to do the right thing. We must show them the weaknesses in the increasing reliance on a business model for education. Over 75% of the state’s freshmen and sophomores attend community colleges, including 78% of minority students. As teachers, we know these students and their capabilities. As governing bodies speak of performance funding, we must remind them that we cannot lose academic rigor in the name of “success” and “retention.”
TCCTA will work to care for teachers as well as teaching. Health benefits must remain good, state contributions to TRS and ORPs must remain strong, faculty loading must be reasonable, and faculty salaries must be competitive.
The 2011 legislative session was not good to us but not as bad as it might have been. Our small victories resulted in part from the hard work of TCCTA staff, officers, and members.
It has been a privilege of serving as a TCCTA treasurer. I would like to continue my work as secretary.
—DAVID LYDIC
two Candidates for treasurer
Nominated for the office of
Treasurer are
Essie Childers |
Randy Jarvis |
Blinn College |
South Texas College |
Nominated for the office of
Treasurer is
Essie Childers
Blinn College—Bryan
Educational Background: Abilene Christian University (B.S., Business Education, 1975); The University of Texas at Tyler (MA, Reading, 1979)
Professional Experience: Blinn College-Bryan Campus (2007-present) Professor of Parallel Studies; Tyler Community College, Tyler, Texas; Adjunct, Oklahoma City Community College and Austin Community College; Crockett High School, Austin, Texas; John Tyler High School, Tyler, Texas; A. S. Johnston High School, Austin, Texas
Leadership Experience:Texas Community College Teachers Association Professional Development Committee Member, 2008-present; TCCTA Co-Chair, Professional Development Committee, 2010-2011; Chair, TCCTA Professional Development Committee, 2011-present;
Member, TCCTA Foundation Board, 2011-present; Facilitator of Faculty Senate Best Practices session of TCCTA Annual Faculty Leader’s Conference, 2011 and Co-Facilitator in 2010;
Achieving the Dream, Co-Chairperson, Blinn College 2009-2011; TCCTA Great Ideas for Teaching Students (GIFTS) Facilitator, 2011-present and Co-Facilitator, 2010; TCCTA Reading Section Chair, 2007; Secretary, Texas College Reading Learning Association (TxCRLA), 2010-present; College Academic Support Programs Planning Team (CASP), 2010-present; Professional Development, eCampus Round Table Moderator, Blinn College, January 2011;
Faculty Senate Secretary, Tyler Community College, 2006-2008; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Summer Bridge Project Director, Blinn College-Bryan Campus, 2008; Townsend Press, Reading Scholarship Coordinator, Blinn College-Bryan Campus, 2008-present
Additional Information:Blinn College Faculty Senate, Member, 2007-present; Bryan Professional Association, Member, 2007-present; U.S. Department of Education, Community College Summit, Participant, 2011; TG (Texas Guarantee) Student Success Symposium for Community Colleges, Presenter, 2011; Bryan ISD District Educational Improvement Committee (DEIC), 2010-2012; Blinn College, Strategic Enrollment Management Committee 2009-Present; Bryan/College Station Family Solutions Committee, 2009-present; CASP Best Institute Award, 2008; CRLA, Professional Development Scholarship Award, 2008; TCCTA Leading From the Middle Scholarship Recipient, 2009 & 2010; Townsend Press, Travel Award, 2009; TIDE (Technology Institute for Developmental Education), Alumni, 2008 & 2009; Tyler Community College Strategic Planning Group, 2006-2007; National Association for Developmental Educators (NADE), Special Interest Group (SIG), 2007-present; Aggie Summer Institute, Presenter, 2008; Blinn College Project Tech Academy, 2008; TCCTA Great Teaching Round Up, 2007
PLATFORM STATEMENT
"A job worth doing is worth doing together."
- Unknown
This is an exciting time for TCCTA and community colleges as we face the challenge to make sure students are prepared for college. An article in the Austin American Statesman commented that half of the state’s 473, 487 community college freshmen and a fifth of 103, 900 public university freshmen matriculating in our colleges will need developmental education (Haurwitz, October 2011). In addition, HB 1244 has become law and will bring significant changes for developmental education. We see community colleges across the state facing budget cuts in programs and loss of faculty. TCCTA was not a spectator and responded with quickly to these issues and many others through professional lobbying, The Blog Faculty Leaders Conference and other avenues to keep its members informed. Student success and completion is not only our agenda as teachers, but also the community is concerned with students being underprepared for college.
I need your vote as Treasurer to help support TCCTA in its mission to begin courageous conversations with teachers, legislators and community leaders in seeking strategies to reduce the need of remedial training. If elected Treasurer, it will be my honor to work closely with the President to ascertain that the financial records of the Association are submitted for independent, outside audit as so authorized by the Executive Committee.
—ESSIE CHILDERS
And...
Nominated for the office of
Treasurer is
Randy Jarvis
South Texas College
Educational Background: Western Illinois University (BS, Law Enforcement & Justice Administration, Sociology 1994); Western Illinois University (MA, Sociology, 1996)
Professional Experience: Associate Professor of Sociology, South Texas College (2000-present)
Leadership Experience: Co-Chair Sociology Session, TCCTA (2006/2010-Present), TCCTA Membership Committee (2011), President Faculty Senate, STC (2004-2006/2009-2011); College Academic Classification Committee, STC (2006-Present); Planning and Development Council, STC (2002-Present) College-Wide Travel Committee, STC (2004-Present); College-Wide Faculty Salary Committee, STC (2005-Present); College-Wide & LASS Division Curriculum Committees, STC (2002-Present; Chair 2003-2005/2010-Present); SACS Reaffirmation Team, STC (2008-Present); STC/UTPA Departmental Articulation Team (2008-Present); College-Wide Calendar Committee, STC (2004-Present); Assistant Chair Criminal Justice & Social Sciences Department, STC (2002-2004/2008- Present); Parking Task Force Subcommittee Chair, STC (2010); Texas National Guard (2000-2008); President’s Faculty Advisory Council, STC (2002-2007); Department Chair; Criminal Justice & Social Sciences Department, STC (2004-2007) President Council of Chairs, STC (2006-2007); Secretary Council of Chairs, STC (2004-2006); Co-Chair Student Advising Task Force, STC (2004-2005); Achieving The Dream Core Team, STC (2003-2005); Co-Chair Building Access Committee, STC (2003-2004); Senator Faculty Senate, STC (2002-2003); Commander, American Legion Post 765 (1998-2000)
Additional Information: NISOD Teaching Excellence Award (2006); South Texas College Jaguar Excellence Award (2003/2005/2011); Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers (2000); Outstanding Sociology Graduate Student of the Year, WIU (1996); Critical Thinking Conference Training (2010); Online Instruction Certified Part I (2008); Online Instruction Certified Part II (2008); South Texas Leadership Academy (2003/2004); League of Innovations (2004); Created Sociology/Speech Learning Community, STC (2002-2004)
PLATFORM STATEMENT
I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your vote for Treasurer. As your Treasurer, I will support and enhance the many of the excellent initiatives with which TCCTA are currently involved.
Tough economic times are still here. This continues to be a tough legislative budget year for all of us. I will work diligently with our members to stay in contact with legislators. We need to support positions which will help us continue to maintain and strengthen the excellent educational standards we currently enjoy here in Texas due to all our efforts as educators.
I will support new and innovative ideas to strengthen our membership. I will work with the TCCTA Executive Director and his staff to help the organization reach its goals. We have seen a significant increase in college enrollments; I will work to help TCCTA grow our membership accordingly. There are many potential members out there who are not yet receiving the benefits of TCCTA. We need to find and recruit them!
As your Treasurer, I will work for all of our members - present and future!
—RANDY JARVIS