Andrea Finnegan was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Assistant in the Nursing Department effective January 13, 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University. Andrea has previous work experience at Clark College, Twilight Pizza Bistro, and Central Washington University.

Mishel Kirby was appointed to the classified staff position of Administrative Assistant 2 in the Office of Instruction effective January 9, 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Puget Sound. Mishel has previous work experience at Auburn Adventist Academy and Auburn City SDA Church.

­­­­Emily Melgoza was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Coordinator at Columbia Tech Center effective January 16, 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University Vancouver. Emily has previous work experience at Washington State University Vancouver.

Sabra Sand was appointed to the administrative position of Director of Business Services effective January 1, 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Washington State University Vancouver. Sabra has previous work experience at Clark College.

Janice Taylor was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Manager A in the Tutoring and Writing Center effective December 23, 2013. She has a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. Janice has previous work experience at Clark College Marla Heikkala & Associates, and Lou M. Baran, P.S.

Nakia Vercher was appointed to the classified staff position of Grants and Contracts Accountant (Fiscal Analyst 2) effective December 16, 2013. She has an associate degree from Tacoma Community College. Nakia has previous work experience at Clark College and Catholic Community Services.

Associate Vice President of Human Resources Darcy Rourk, left, congratulates Advising Office Assistant Jessica Bateman on winning the fall 2013 award for Classified Staff.

Associate Vice President of Human Resources Darcy Rourk, left, congratulates Advising Office Assistant Jessica Bateman on winning the fall 2013 award for Classified Staff.Congratulations to Advising Office Assistant Jessica Bateman, recipient of the Fall Quarter 2013 Classified Staff Excellence Award.

“Jessica always strives to meet the needs of the public, community, and co-workers with her high level of service,” a nominator wrote. “She has built relationships with vocational counselors whose clients often have short timelines for completion of programs, and they count on her when they need assistance or to connect with an advisor. When working with the public, she will always ask additional questions, ensuring that people leave with everything they need so that they don’t have to return or call for something she could have helped with.”

Congratulations to all of the Fall Quarter 2013 nominees:

Vicki Cheng “Vicki has been a Clark employee for 31 years and her reputation reflects her dedication to students, faculty and staff at Clark College. She is a tremendous asset to Clark College in so many different ways in her various roles, and she handles it all with a calm intelligence and a great sense of humor.”
Joy Horning “Joy distributed additional desk copies of textbooks to the faculty and consistently reminded us of documents that needed to be submitted. She is helpful, knowledgeable in her subject area and pleasant to work with.”
Rebecca Kleiva “Rebecca provides outstanding customer service. Her knowledge and eagerness to learn things that are outside of her normal job responsibilities help to ensure that the customer service that she provides to the public, community and co-workers is top-notch.”
Susan Muir “Susan has provided streamlined processes and efficiencies in all of the major projects with which I have been involved with her. I have come to rely on Susan in many areas of work and I know she has consistently provided behind the scenes organization in many projects and events. If it is running smoothly, Susan has had her hand in it.”
Derald Richards “Derald’s overall job performance at CTC is reliable, excellent and noteworthy. He constantly has a cheerful attitude, and can be counted on to deliver and complete the task no matter how difficult. One of Derald’s coworkers describes him as ‘super wonderful!!’”
Michael Shingle “Mike works collectively with other units in Student Affairs to better serve students and provide information that may go beyond the scope of the Advising Office. When he can, he will go above and beyond by facilitating the connection between student and campus resources/referrals. His positive spirit and go-getter attitude has been a contagious asset that is seen and heard across Student Affairs.”
Sarah Weinberger “Sarah is constantly going above and beyond in her work in the Career Services office. This is evidenced by her ability to balance a variety of tasks on a daily basis. Her creativity is apparent in everything from developing a social media plan for the Career Services office, executing marketing efforts for events, and planning career and job fairs on campus.”

The College Community will formally recognize all 2013-2014 nominees and recipients at the Annual Ice Cream Social.

The Classified Staff Excellence Award was established in 2005 and recognizes classified staff who have demonstrated exemplary work performance, outstanding customer service, a positive and cooperative spirit, and special achievements or contributions to the college community. Thanks to the support of the Clark College Foundation, each quarter’s recipient receives a $400 cash award.

Karen Ferguson submitted this article. Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Sophanarith Lem was appointed to the classified staff position of Information Technology Specialist 3 in the ITS department effective December 2, 2013. Sophanarith has previous work experience at Pacific University, Five-Star Audiovisual, Dthree Productions and PSAV.

Kandice Ripplinger was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Coordinator in the Financial Aid department effective October 16, 2013. Kandice has previous work experience at Clark College, TGI Fridays, Domino’s Pizza and Pizza Hut.

Joanne Vaughn was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Coordinator in the Financial Aid department effective October 16, 2013. Joanne has previous work experience at Clark College, Burgerville and Van Tech Enterprises.

Shelly Williams was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Coordinator in the Music department effective part-time November 12, 2013, and full-time January 2, 2014. Shelly has previous work experience at Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Gila Valley Arts Council, and Gila Valley Animal Hospital.

Cheryl Yarwood was appointed to the classified staff position of Early Childhood Specialist 3 in the Child and Family Studies department effective October 10, 2013. Cheryl has previous work experience at Clark College, Stewart Title Corporation and Vancouver Children’s Therapy Center.

Vice President of Instruction Tim Cook congratulates Philosophy instructor Otto Schlumpf, who taught at Clark for 25 years.

On December 3, Clark College employees gathered in Gaiser Student Center to nibble on pastries from the Bakery Department, celebrate the holidays, and honor their colleagues who are retiring during the 2013-14 academic year.

Scott Root and Kathy Bobula

Thirteen retirees were retiring this year; together, they have provided the college with a combined 241 years of service. Five of the retirees had worked at Clark for more than three decades each, a testament to the college’s work environment.

One of those longtime employees, Early Childhood Education and Psychology professor Kathy Bobula, spoke about the change she has seen at the college over her 31 years of working here. “When I came here, there were about 4,000 students, no computers–we used chalk,” she said as she accepted an honorary plaque. “And I knew everybody. … There is sometimes a wistful longing for those days, when we all knew each other and the college was smaller. But look at how many more student we’re serving now–that’s a good thing.”

Bobula, like many retiring faculty members, plans to continue teaching part-time after her retirement. “You can’t just give up your audience cold turkey,” she quipped. “You have to do it gradually.”

John Fite and his wife, Nancy

Economics professor John Fite, however, says he will be content to leave the classroom and spend time with his wife traveling and enjoying their second home in the San Juan Islands. Of course, this is his third retirement: Fite served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, followed by 18 years working as a commercial airline pilot.

Director of Business Services Karen Wynkoop, meanwhile, is already searching for a good volunteer position to keep her occupied after leaving Clark. Wynkoop says she will miss both her colleagues and the students she met while working on the ASCC Finance Committee, some of whom she still keeps in touch with.

Vice President of Tim Cook addressed the assembled guests and offered thanks to the retirees on behalf of the college. “We are truly a fortunate college,” he said, noting how many retirees had stayed at Clark for decades. “It shows we are still a nice, family environment and a nice place to work, where people care about each other.

Jennifer Wheeler and Richard Bartz greet Paula Cole and Kathy Bobula.

The 2013-14 retirees are:

FACULTY

Katherine Bobula was hired to teach Early Childhood Education as a faculty member in September 1982.  She was awarded tenure in 1985 and has taught in both the ECE and Psychology departments. Professor Bobula will retire on June 20, 2014, after 31 years of service to Clark College.

Becky Ellis was hired as a faculty member in Nursing in September 2003. She was awarded tenure in 2010. Professor Ellis is retiring on June 20, 2014, after 8 years of service to Clark College.

John Fite was hired as a faculty member in Economics in September 2006. He was awarded tenure in 2010. Professor Fite will retire on August 30, 2014, after 7 years of service to Clark College.

Stephen Jones was hired as a faculty member in Biology in September 2007. He retired on June 20, 2013, after 6 years of service to Clark College.

Otto Schlumpf was hired as a faculty member in Philosophy in January 1988. He retired on June 20, 2013, after 25 years of service to Clark College.

Ian Titterton was hired as a faculty member in Culinary Arts in September 2005. He was awarded tenure in 2008. Professor Titterton will be retiring on June 20, 2014, after 8 years of service to Clark College.

Classified Retirees

Irene Benack served as a Fiscal Technician Supervisor in Accounting. She was originally hired in 1999 and retired from her position on September 12, 2013, after 14 years of service to Clark College.

Michele Eason was originally hired in 1981 in Admission. She retired from her her current position as Program Assistant in the Financial Aid Department on July 31, 2013, after 31 years of service to Clark College.

Linda Fifarek was originally hired part-time as a Cashier 1 in the Bakery Department in January 1979. She retired from her her current permanent position as Fiscal Technician lead in the Culinary Arts Department on August 5, 2013, after 32 years of service to Clark College.

Tom Kaarto (Facilities Services) was hired as a full-time temporary Carpenter Lead in the Maintenance Department in August 1981. He retired from his current permanent position as Maintenance Mechanic 3 in the Facilities Services Department on September 26, 2013, after 31 years of service to Clark College.

Scott Root (Information Technology) was hired as a Media Services Operator in the Media Department in August 1981. He is retiring from his current position as an Information Technology Specialist 3 in the IT Department on December 31, 2013, after 32 years of service to Clark College.

Peggy Winston was hired as an Office Assistant 2 with the Foundation in September 1997, retiring from her current position as Program Coordinator in the Music Department. She retired from her position on October 31, 2013, after 9 years of service to Clark College.

Exempt Retirees

Karen Wynkoop was hired as Director of Business Services in the Administrative Services Department. She was originally hired in 2005 and is retiring from her position on December 31, 2013, after 7 years of service to Clark College.

Photos: Jenny Shadley/Clark College

Associate Vice President of Human Resources Darcy Rourk contributed to this article.

View more photos on Flickr.

Andrea Castillo was appointed to the classified staff position of Program Assistant in the Financial Aid Department effective November 11, 2013. Andrea has previous work experience at Clark College and Gottschalk’s, Inc.

Dennis Davis was appointed to the classified staff position of IT Technician 2 in the eLearning Department effective December 2, 2013. He is a current student at Clark College. Dennis has previous work experience at Clark College and Sundial Time Systems.

De’Sha Wolf was appointed to the exempt position of Student Success Retention Manager effective November 25, 2013. She has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and both master’s and doctorate degrees from University of California, Los Angeles. De’Sha has previous work experience at Loyola University, Chicago and University of California.

For information on currently open positions at the college, please visit the college’s Human Resources department online.

ATTENTION ALL MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFIT-ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES: OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 1, 2013, AND ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30, 2013.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CHANGES WHICH WILL BE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014.

The HCA “For Your Benefit” newsletter about Open Enrollment can be viewed electronically at:  October 2013 For Your Benefit

The PEBB Health Care Authority website provides many links to information:  Health Care Authority Home Page

What’s Changing in 2014:  Changes for 2014

Effective July 1, 2014, surcharges will be added to some employees’ monthly premiums: 

The new state budget, signed into law June 30, 2013, included several changes related to Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) benefits. The budget included two new surcharges:

• A $25-per-month surcharge to premiums for employees and enrolled family members who use tobacco products, and
• A $50-per-month surcharge to premiums for members who cover a spouse or domestic partner where the spouse or domestic partner has chosen not to enroll in other employer-based group health insurance that has an actuarial value of not less than 95 percent of the actuarial value of the PEBB plan with the largest enrollment.

Message from Health Care Authority: “PEBB continues to receive questions about the spouse and tobacco surcharges that will begin in July of 2014. We appreciate your questions and understand that there are concerns about how the surcharges could affect you and your family. Because the surcharges have so many potential impacts, we are working to ensure we’ve considered all aspects in member feedback as part of our decision-making process.”

Please visit PEBB’s website to see current information on the status of the surcharges:  Surcharges

At this time, PEBB has not determined if employees will be given an opportunity to make changes before the surcharges start in July.

For those employees who believe the $50 surcharge may affect their monthly premiums, you may want to determine if the coverage your spouse carries will allow changes when your premiums are affected in July.

If you do not wish to change your current medical or dental plans, and you not want to enroll in a FSA or DCAP Plan for 2014, you do not need to do anything, but it is recommended that you review your online account information to verify its accuracy.

Go to the PEBB website and select My Account on the left side of the page. (If you haven’t registered yet through PEBB’s upgraded system, select Register under New User.) Input your email address and password. You’ll see which plans you currently have and family members enrolled on your account.

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT:

1. CHANGE MEDICAL OR DENTAL PLANS. If you are considering changing dental plans, be very certain your dentist will be available to you in the new plan. We recommend contacting the plan for confirmation. Plan customer service information is available at the HCA website: Medical Dental Plan Contact Information
2. ENROLL, IF YOU HAD PREVIOUSLY WAIVED COVERAGE
3. WAIVE MEDICAL COVERAGE, IF YOU HAVE OTHER COMPREHENSIVE GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE (Coverage through the Health Benefits Exchange is not considered group coverage)
4. ADD ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS WITHOUT PROOF OF LOSS OF OTHER COVERAGE
   1. Dependent Verification documents are required if the dependent was not previously verified.
   2. Dependent children are not required to be enrolled in school to be covered up to age 26.
5. REMOVE FAMILY MEMBERS
6. CHANGE MEDICAL INSURANCE PREMIUM DEDUCTIONS TO PRE-TAX OR POST-TAX (IRC Section 125)
7. RE-ENROLL / ENROLL IN FLEXIBLE SPENDING (to continue participation in FSA, you must re-enroll every year)
8. RE-ENROLL / ENROLL IN DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (to continue participation in DCAP, you must re-enroll every year)

MONTHLY MEDICAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR 2014:

Additional surcharges will be added to some employees’ monthly premiums effective July 1, 2014 (see information above)

HOW TO MAKE CHANGES IN MEDICAL/DENTAL COVERAGE

1)    To make changes online: Go to the PEBB website and select My Account on the left side of the page. (If you haven’t registered yet through PEBB’s upgraded system, select Register under New User.) Input your email address and password. You’ll see which plans you currently have and family members enrolled on your account. You can change medical and dental plans, waive medical coverage (if you have other comprehensive group medical coverage), or remove family members. We suggest you print the confirmation page when you’re done for your own records and check back a few days later to be sure you got the coverage you want.

2)    Complete the hardcopy 2014 Employee Enrollment/Change form and submit this to Human Resources by 11-30-13.

To obtain a hardcopy form:

a) Go to the HCA website, complete the form, print it off, sign and submit to HR http: 2014 Employee Enrollment Change, or

b) Pick up a form at the Clark College Human Resources Office (x2105)

If dependent verification documents are required, review the list of valid verification documents:  Dependent Verification Documentation

PEBB’s CDHPs (High Deductible Plans) for 2014

The PEBB Program offers consumer-directed health plans (CDHP) with a health savings account (HSA) through Group Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP).

If you are currently enrolled in a CDHP or are considering enrolling in a CDHP for 2014, here are a few reminders:

• The CDHP has a lower monthly premium balanced with higher annual deductibles and higher out-of-pocket maximums.
• To enroll in a CDHP, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the HSA.
• The maximum contribution to the HSA for 2014 is $3,300 for an individual and $6,550 for an employee with one or more family members on the account. Employees ages 55 or older may contribute up to $1,000 more annually.

−        Your employer contributes $58.34 per month ($700.08 per year) if you are enrolled as an individual and $116.67 per month ($1,400.04 per year) if you are enrolled with one or more family members.

−        You may also make contributions through payroll deduction (if your employer offers payroll deduction) or make a deposit directly into the HSA.

−        When you calculate your contribution for the year, please include both the employer contribution and your individual contribution. Verify that you’re not exceeding the maximum contribution allowed for the year. The Employee Authorization for Payroll Deduction to Health Savings Account form can help with your calculations.

• The HSA funds are yours to use to help pay for IRS-qualified, out-of-pocket medical expenses. The funds carry over from year-to-year, and remain yours even if you are no longer enrolled in the CDHP, leave your job, or retire.

More information about the CDHP and the HSA is available on the PEBB website.

LINKS TO MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Health Care Authority Home Page

October 2013 For Your Benefit Newsletter

Compare Medical Plans

Medical Dental Plan Contact Information

Open Enrollment Videos

Dependent Verification Documentation

Summaries of Benefits and Coverage

TO FIND OUT WHAT MEDICAL AND DENTAL PLAN YOU AND YOUR DEPENDENTS ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN:

Go to the PEBB website and select My Account on the left side of the page. (If you haven’t registered yet through PEBB’s upgraded system, select Register under New User.) Input your email address and password. You’ll see which plans you currently have and family members enrolled on your account.

Do you wish to enroll in FLEXIBLE SPENDING for 2014?

New Vendor for Flexible Spending: Flex-Plan Services, Inc., has been selected as the new vendor to provide PEBB’s flexible spending account (FSA) and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). ASIFlex, PEBB’s current vendor, will continue to provide services through 2013, including the grace period.

If you are enrolled in Flexible Spending for 2013 and you wish to continue participating in 2014, you MUST re-enroll by November 30, 2013. Eligible employees not currently enrolled in the flexible spending account (FSA) must also enroll by November 30, 2013, in order to participate during 2014. On-line enrollment and hardcopy enrollment forms will be available on November 1, 2013. Eligible employees will have their annual contribution split over the following number of paychecks:

Classified/Exempt/Administrative employees:  24 payrolls

Full-time Tenure Track Faculty:  19 payrolls

Full-time Temporary Faculty with fall-winter-spring contracts:  12 payrolls

Full-time Temporary Faculty with winter-spring contracts:  11 payrolls

Adjunct Faculty:  6 payrolls

Cyclic employees:  determined by Payroll Office

For Plan Year 2014 – The FSA is a PEBB-sponsored benefit that allows you to redirect a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for your out-of-pocket health care expenses. The funds are deducted from your pay before FICA and Federal income taxes are calculated and can result in savings up to 40%.  You can set aside as little as $240 or as much as $2,500 for the calendar year. The full amount you set aside for your FSA contribution is available on your first day of coverage for expenses.

Flex-Plan Service Home Page: http://pebb.flex-plan.com/home/default.aspx

Flex-Plan On-Line Enrollment: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/enrollment.aspx (click on “Enroll Online”)

Flex-Plan hard copy enrollment form: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/enrollment.aspx (click on “Enroll via Paper”)

Flex-Plan 2014 FSA Enrollment Guide: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/pdf/2014FSAEnrollmentGuide.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/FAQ_FSA.aspx

Flex-Plan Contact Information:   http://pebb.flex-plan.com/home/contact.aspx

Do you wish to enroll in DCAP for 2014?

New Vendor for DCAP:  Flex-Plan Services, Inc. has been selected as the new vendor to provide PEBB’s flexible spending account (FSA) and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). ASIFlex, PEBB’s current vendor, will continue to provide services through 2013, including the grace period.

If you are enrolled in the Dependent Care Assistance Program for 2013 and you wish to continue participating in 2014, you MUST re-enroll by November 30, 2013. Eligible employees not currently enrolled in DCAP must also enroll by November 30, 2013, in order to participate during 2014. Online enrollment and hardcopy enrollment forms will be available on November 1, 2013.

The DCAP allows you to redirect a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for your qualified day care costs for your dependents (e.g. preschool, babysitting, before/after school care, in-home care for a disabled dependent). The funds are deducted from your pay before FICA and Federal income taxes are calculated and can result in savings up to 40%. You can set aside as much as $5,000 for the calendar year ($2,500 if you and your spouse file separate tax returns).

Flex-Plan Service Home Page: http://pebb.flex-plan.com/home/default.aspx

Flex-Plan On-Line Enrollment: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/enrollment.aspx (click on “Enroll Online”)

Flex-Plan hard copy enrollment form: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/enrollment.aspx (click on “Enroll via Paper”)

Flex-Plan 2014 DCAP Enrollment Guide: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/pdf/2014DCAPEnrollmentGuide.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions: https://pebb.flex-plan.com/part/FAQ_DCAP.aspx

Flex-Plan Contact Information: http://pebb.flex-plan.com/home/contact.aspx

Clark College Foundation President and CEO Lisa Gibert, center, gives new Director of Facilities Services Tim Petta, right, a warm welcome.

Incoming Director of Facilities Services Tim Petta was welcomed warmly by the Clark College community at a reception in the Baird rotunda on Friday, November 15. Petta joined the college on November 4.

Petta has extensive experience in facilities management at the University of California Los Angeles, where he was Senior Educational Facility Planner. As part of UCLA’s facilities management team, he was responsible for supporting 175 on-campus and 100 off-campus buildings. He has been involved in a number of large new construction projects–from design and document review to building and commissioning.

Director of Facilities Services holds his welcome-to-Clark gift of a framed photo of the Chime Tower.

Petta began his career early, working in construction while in high school and college. He studied computer science at California State University Northridge, but decided to instead go into plumbing. He quickly rose to a management position, and has taken management courses through Dale Carnegie Training, Fred Pryor Seminars, and other companies, as well as college courses in mechanical engineering.

As Director of Facilities Services, Petta oversees all capital projects at the Clark College, ranging from the soon-to-be-built STEM Building to minor repairs and improvements. He is also responsible for the maintenance, grounds, and custodial services provided to the college every day. His department includes more than 50 full- and part-time staff in all facilities trades, from maintenance mechanics to grounds specialists to custodians.

Vice President of Administrative Services Bob Williamson welcomed Petta with a framed photo of the Chime Tower and a bright orange Administrative Services T-shirt.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Director of Change Management Jane Beatty

In anticipation of upcoming statewide changes to the community and technical college system, Clark College recently hired experienced manager Jane Beatty to help guide the college through what will be a complicated but beneficial transition.

Beatty has been hired to oversee changes occurring across the college. A great place for her to start is with the college’s adaptation of ctcLink, a new, standardized system of online functions that will replace the current computer system used by Washington state’s 34 community and technical colleges (CTCs), which is more than 30 years old. In this position, which is expected to run for about five years, she will identify organizational changes required to make ctcLink successful at the college; represent the college in statewide discussions about ctcLink; and ensure that the college adheres to its schedule for ctcLink implementation. She will also work closely with stakeholders from all departments affected by ctcLink—departments as varied as Instruction, Enrollment, Financial Aid, Information Technology, Business Services, and Human Resources.

“This campus has a rich history and an energy that speaks of excitement, growth, and future possibilities for students, faculty, and staff,” said Beatty. “In learning more about the Director of Change Management position, I realized I could help the college understand, prepare for, and embrace the changes that are ahead of us. In order to fully reach our potential, change must take place. Working together, we can take Clark College toward that vision. I’m really pleased to be a part of that effort and a part of Clark College.”

“As our new Director of Change Management, Jane Beatty’s deep industry experience and understanding of systems implementation will really benefit Clark College,” said Clark College President Robert K. Knight. “She will be a great addition to the college and the executive leadership team.”

About Jane Beatty

Jane Beatty is an experienced leader and manager with a strong commitment to community service. Most recently she was the president of Custom Interface, Inc., a producer of electromechanical devices. Previous to that she worked at Intel Corporation in Human Resources, where she supported a worldwide software implementation that replaced legacy systems in finance, receiving and inventory and helped to drive training, change management and business alignment to the new system. Despite a two-decade history of success in the private sector, however, Beatty began her career as a high school teacher and welcomes a return to an academic environment.

Beatty earned her bachelor’s degree from Emory University and Masters in Education from Georgia State University. Both colleges are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was born.

Beatty recently relocated to Camas, Washington, from the Columbia Gorge, where she was an active member of the community. She served as president of the Gorge Technology Alliance, a non-profit that supports STEM education, building strong technology-related businesses and other means of community support. Additionally, she was a member of the Hood River City Council.

About ctcLink

ctcLink is the implementation of a single, centralized system of online functions that will give students, faculty and staff 24/7 access to a modern, efficient way of doing their college business. But it’s about much more than new software. As the existing legacy software is replaced with modern technology, all college districts will also redesign and align current business processes.

ctcLink will be a massive upgrade for the entire CTC system. Students, faculty and staff will have access to information from anywhere at any time, with many processes available from a mobile device. Students will use online tools for doing their college business and they’ll have a more common experience across the CTC system, whether they transfer from one college to another or attend two or more CTCs at once. They will have one student ID and use common online tools for everything from admission to graduation. Among many other things, colleges—and the system as a whole—will benefit from a single source for accurate and timely data and the standardization of select administrative processes to support efficiency and effectiveness across the system.

ctcLink is anticipated to take five-to-six years to fully implement. Two pilot colleges, Tacoma Community College and the Community Colleges of Spokane, have been chosen to begin implementation in summer 2014. Other colleges will follow in “waves” of up to eight colleges each. It has yet to be determined in which wave Clark College will be.

Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Joe Jenkins basks in his colleagues’ applause as he receives his Exceptional Classified Staff Award.

Opening Day is traditionally the occasion for announcing the yearly Exceptional Classified Staff Awards, which recognize two classified employees for their contributions to Clark College. Recipients receive a glass plaque and $1,000, funded through an anonymous donor’s contributions to the Clark College Foundation.

The 2013 Exceptional Classified Staff Award winners were:

Joe Jenkins

Joe Jenkins, Academic Advisor

Joe Jenkins was described in his nomination as having a relatable sense of humor and high energy that keeps students engaged and aware. “He helps others think outside of the box and communicates in an easy, friendly manner,” the nomination read. “He is active in identifying student needs, and has advocated for greater course offerings so students can complete their degree requirements in a timely manner. His expertise and knowledge has led to increased student retention and engagement.”

Jennifer Wheeler

Jennifer Wheeler, Information Technology Services

In her nomination, Jennifer Wheeler was described as “one of the most diligent, collaborative and consistent members of the college community.

“She is delightful, professional, personable and respectful of the diverse individuals who work and go to school here,” the nomination comments continued. “She takes pride in her work, but more importantly in the effect it has on the success of the entire college. She is always upbeat and exemplifies a can-do spirit for Clark College.”

Dr. Travis Kibota steps forward to receive his Presidential Coin on Opening Day 2013. Typical of Kibota’s spotlight-averse personality, he told President Knight he thought someone else probably deserved the coin more.

In 2007, Clark College President Bob Knight introduced a new honor at Clark College: the presidential coin.

The coin is given to faculty and staff members who provide exemplary service to Clark students, the college and the community. The honorees are decided by the president and are kept secret until the names are announced–generally on Opening Day in the fall or during the annual State of the College address.

Five Clark College employees received Presidential Coins during Opening Day 2013 on September 11. They were:

Karen Wynkoop

Before coming to Clark in 2005, Director of Business Services Karen Wynkoop had already had a distinguished career in higher education. She served as Assistant Vice President of Equity and Diversity and as Organizational Development Specialist at Washington State University; prior to that, she worked at The Evergreen State College in a variety of positions, starting as an accountant and concluding her time there as Associate Vice President for Academic Budget and Financial Planning.

Knight said that Wynkoop “has provided strong and steady leadership of the college’s financial management system and budget process during years of rapid growth as well as dramatic cuts in state funding,” adding that she “is widely recognized throughout the state as one of the premier business officers in the system.”

Dani Bundy

During her 10 years at Clark College, Dani Bundy has worked in Eligibility Programs, Credentials, Advising, the Vice President of Student Affairs Office, and Financial Aid. She is currently Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Knight commended Bundy for “never [leaving] a department without implementing a new enhancement that improved efficiencies.”

Knight added that because Bundy is a Clark alumna herself, “she understands the external and internal barriers that students encounter along their educational paths. Because of this, she is always thinking of solutions that will benefit students.”

Dr. Travis Kibota

Biology professor Travis Kibota has worked at Clark for almost 20 years. During that time, he has twice served as interim dean and is currently division chair of Life Sciences. “He has great vision, is a team player, and has a perfect handle on all of the dynamics of how Clark College works,” said Knight.

Knight added: “He eagerly works with people throughout the college as a connector, which makes him successful in the roles he plays as a faculty member, in administration, on committees, and as a grant developer.”

Cindy Heck

Planning and Effectiveness Administrative Assistant Cindy Heck began working at Clark while still a student here, interning with the Legal Secretary program in 1995. That led to a part-time position, which moved to fulltime in 1998.

“Cindy’s ability to see the big picture, attention to detail, practical nature, outstanding work ethic, and sincere care for others all make her an obvious choice for the Presidential Coin,” said Knight.

Heather King

Business and Health Sciences Administrative Assistant Heather King also got her start at Clark as a student, graduating in 1991 and returning, after receiving her B.A. from WSU, for a Certificate of Proficiency in Clinical Office Assistant in 1998. She began working at Clark as a fiscal specialist in the Office of Instruction, moving to BHS in 2009.

“She is the thread that hold the BHS unit together,” Knight said. “Her years of dedicated service to Clark College in many areas of the institution; her commitment to students, faculty, and staff; her service on multiple committees are but a few oft he reasons she is receiving this coin.”