The president's review and evaluation was the only item on today's called meeting agenda and it covered the 2014-2015 school year.
Trustee Marie Robinson said under Griffin's tenure, there have been no scandals related to the president or the college. “He overwhelmingly accepts innovative pursuits to enhance the college. He is openly concerned about the growth, improvement, and positive influence of HCC,” she said in a statement. “He invites the community to all functions in an effort to keep the community informed about the events and projects at the college. His leadership has put HCC on the map as one of the leading community colleges for higher learning and advancement.” Chair Bernella DeLaMora said Griffin will enter his 10th year as president in December. “We are delighted to have him serve as our president.”
In evaluating the president, the board noted the following accomplishments:
• HCC was a finalist for the AACC Advancing Diversity Award and the Digital Community College Survey. HCC ranked highest in the state for the Digital Community College Survey. • Griffin was invited by AACC President/CE Walter G. Bumphus to serve on a committee to explore strategies for enhancing engagement between the national’s community colleges and Minority Serving Institution, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions. • From September 2014 to present, HCC has received more than $1.9 million in grants.
Last year, the two biggest grants received were the Golden Leaf Foundation Grant for $450,000 and the Duke Energy Grant for $249,958.
• HCC made the US President's Higher Education Community Service 2014 Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for community service contributions of its students, faculty, and staff in meeting critical community and national needs.
• New signage was put up on campus.
• This is the second year in a row that HCC was designated a Military Friendly School.
• HCC began a partnership with CADA Head Start, which increased enrollment and funding in the child care center.
• HCC continues to be a leader in brining activities and programs to the Roanoke Valley. There were programs recognizing Native American Heritage month, Black History month, Founders Day, and the Children’s Series.
• HCC partnered with Kate B. Reynolds and now has a Fitness Interactive Walking trail that is open to the community.
• HCC began its readership program, partnering with USA Today, Daily Herald, and Weekly Defender.
• HCC has also been highlighted in Community College Week.
• Griffin and HCC hosted legislators, area community college presidents, SGA presidents, and faculty for the 2015 Legislative Affairs Luncheon.
• There was also an increase in HCC graduates — last year there were 351 unduplicated counts of graduates. This year, it was 377.
