Press release:
Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees appointed 383 community residents as members of the College's 27 community and program advisory committees on Monday evening. The Board met at the Batavia Campus for its regular monthly meeting.
Advisory committees provided guidance and assistance to College faculty members and deans on curriculum, student internship opportunities, emerging trends in business and industry, and business and community needs. Most career-oriented programs at the College have advisory committees, as well as the College's campus centers.
Advisory committees are important in maintaining a strong college-community connection, President James M. Sunser said. "These committees help our faculty and staff members understand the concerns of area employers, and the current and future needs of our communities. The committees help ensure that what happens in our classrooms directly prepares students for their futures."
Members are appointed to one-year terms, and meet periodically throughout the year at the Batavia Campus or one of the College's campus centers.
The Board of Trustees appointed advisory committees for the Albion and Medina campus centers; Arcade Campus Center; Dansville Campus Center; Lima Campus Center; Warsaw Campus Center; Advanced Studies and Tech Prep; Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication/Media Arts; Computer Technology program; Criminal Justice program; Digital Art program; Fashion Merchandising Management program; Health and Physical Education; Hospitality and Tourism program; Human Services program; LIFE (Liberty Increases Future Experience) program; Nursing program; Office Technology program; Paralegal Studies program; Perkins III Grant program; Physical Therapist Assistant program; Polysomnographic (Study of Sleep Disorders) Technology program; Respiratory Care program; Theatre Technology program; and Veterinary Technology program.
The community advisory committees are another example of Genesee Community College's long tradition of community involvement, according to Dr. Sunser.
"This college was founded by community residents who had deep civic pride and a strong vision," he said. "That volunteer tradition continues to this day, and is certainly one of the reasons that our college maintains such strong ties to the communities we serve."
In other business Monday, the Board of Trustees:
• Approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe, who is retiring from Genesee later this month after 23 years of service to the College. Board members complimented Dean Knipe on the dramatic expansion of distance education (eLearning) courses at Genesee, his innovative work as a member of the multi-college Online Western New York (OWL) initiative, and his deep commitment to the College.
• Heard Nominating Committee Member Donna M. Ferry report that the Nominating Committee has recommended the reelection of current board officers for the 2013-2014 year: Maureen T. Marshall, chair; Diane D. Torcello, vice-chair; and Laura J. Bohm, secretary.
• Heard President Sunser report that Craig Lamb will join the College's administration in August as dean of Distributed Learning. He is coming from SUNY Empire State College, where he serves as director of Academic Support for ESC's Center for Distance Learning. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University; a master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh; and he is currently completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany. He currently resides in the Albany area.
• Heard President Sunser report that Jennifer L. Sisbarro will join the faculty this fall as instructor of Music. Sisbarro currently teaches at Finger Lakes Community College and Empire State College. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and an M.M. degree from Ithaca College. She is a resident of Dundee.
• Heard President Sunser report that Shana M. Flow will join the faculty as instructor of Nursing. She has served as a staff nurse at Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and currently serves as clinical educator at Unity Health Systems in Rochester. She holds an associates degree from Genesee Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, and a M.N. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Holley.
• Heard President Sunser report that Jaclyn Vetrano will join the staff as Web and Social Media specialist. She has served as an intern at SUNY Geneseo and Rootbuzz.com. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo, and is a resident of Amherst.
• Heard Board Chair Maureen T. Marshall compliment the College's faculty and staff for the "outstanding efforts" they made in preparation for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's recent visit to Genesee.
