During the meeting, the trustees approved a resolution to name HCC’s 500 Building after the college’s second president, Elton L. Newbern Jr.

Newbern was appointed as president at HCC on July 1, 1988. Under his leadership, new facilities and programs were initiated to meet the needs of a rapidly increasing enrollment.

During his tenure, the college’s image was enhanced along with growth of the physical plant and its services.

The Foundation assets showed marked increases and scholarship awards jumped from three named scholarships to more than 50.

The college established articulation agreements with area secondary schools and colleges, and Tech Prep and School-to-Work Programs were implemented during Newbern’s presidency. Information about a renaming ceremony will be forthcoming.

In other business, the trustee board approved the consent agenda which included approval of the minutes from the April 28 meeting, and approval to proceed with next steps for proposed programs including Associate of Engineering, Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management, AAS in Emergency Management, AAS in Dietetic Technician and an AAS in Pharmacy Technology. Additional programs may include a therapeutic and diagnostic programas well as correctional institution programs in commercial cleaning, small engine repair and horticulture.