An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

-- Carl Gustav Jung

REGENTS APPROVE FORWARDING $2.6 MILLION REQUEST
After my joint presentation with Chancellor Jane Nichols last week, the Board of Regents approved a special budget adjustment request of $2,577,706 for CCSN be forwarded to the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee. This funding would address the shortfall in the college's state operating budget. The IFC meets at the end of June.

IN THE NEWS

FINANCE VP SEARCH NARROWS TO THREE
Three finalists remain after two California administrators were eliminated from the group of candidates for the position of Vice President for Finance & Administration. Interviews with Dr. Remington and open forums with faculty and staff were held Friday, May 10. The finalists are:

Ms. Patricia Charlton, Interim Associate Vice President, Finance & Administration

Community College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV

Dr. David J. Crockett, Vice President for Administrative Affairs

Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN

Mr. Juan Sandoval, Vice President for Finance & Administration

The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX

ACCREDITATION INTERIM VISIT MAY 13
The Commission on Colleges and Universities, Northwest Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities, will conduct a focused one-day site visit Monday, May 13, to evaluate CCSN’s interim accreditation report. That report, which responded to seven Commission recommendations after its March 2000 review, and the upcoming on-site evaluation, are important elements of the accreditation process to monitor CCSN’s ability to meet its mission and goals.

The Commission recommendations focused on: teaching all areas of related instruction in one-year or longer certificate programs; learning outcomes and educational assessment; academic advising policies and practices; relevant student publications; student services affecting retention and persistence; enhanced resources for student services; and an effective administrative structure.

SEVEN ACADEMIC VP CANDIDATES WILL NARROW TO THREE
Seven candidates for the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs will tour CCSN campuses on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15. The selected three finalists will be available in a forum setting starting Thursday morning, May 16 at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 at Charleston B-105. The candidates are:

Dr. Theo Byrns, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Community College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV

Dr. Jeanne Clerc, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs

Georgia Perimeter College, Decatur, GA

Dr. Robert Khoury, Visiting Faculty

Baruch College of C.U.N.Y, New York, NY

Dr. Hans Kuss, Former President

Maysville Community College, Maysville, KY

Dr. Robert Palinchak, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Nashville State Technical Institute, Nashville, TN

Dr. Vicky Smith, Senior Program Director

Institute for Community College Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Dr. Richard White, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs

Snow College, Ephraim, Utah

WIESNER NAMED DISTINGUISHED NEVADAN
The Board of Regents gave former regent Tom Wiesner the Board’s highest honor for service to education and Nevada: the Distinguished Nevadan. Wiesner will be the sixth Distinguished Nevadan to be honored this year; the others are: James Edward and Alice Ray Smalley of Las Vegas, Dr. William Pearson of Las Vegas, J. Terrence Lanni of Las Vegas, Donald Bently of South Minden, and Dr. Jesse Hall of Reno.

Wiesner was a star athlete at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a member of the university's football team from 1958 – 1960, he was voted co-captain and most valuable player, and played in the Rose Bowl, the Hula Bowl and the East – West Shrine Games. He was also a member of the university's boxing team, and was named All University Heavyweight Boxing Champion in 1958.

Wiesner began to make his mark on Las Vegas by developing a variety of businesses and business ventures. Since 1990, Wiesner has been the owner, developer and operator of Big Dog’s Hospitality Group, the parent organization for non-restricted casino license establishments in the city of Las Vegas. He is also the owner of Wiesner Investment Company, which he began in 1975. This sole proprietorship is the vehicle utilized for property and business investments, which include golf courses, rental car companies, real estate developments, a billboard company, securities, horses, and oil and gas exploration.

But Wiesner also made it a point to work for the betterment of the city. From 1970 – 1976, he served as chairman of the Clark County Board of Commissioners. He also served on a number of civic and professional organization and boards, including the Clark County Planning Commission, Metropolitan Police Commission, Nevada State Crime Commission, St. Rose de Lima Hospital Foundation, and the Clark County Civilian Military Council.

With that in mind, he became actively involved in the Nevada Development Authority, serving as director, treasurer and executive committee member. He's also headed the Nevada Chamber of Commerce Association, the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, and Las Vegas Events.

Wiesner was also involved in developing the educational resources in Las Vegas, first serving on the Clark County Community College Foundation and then becoming a charter member of the UNLV Foundation. As part of the UNLV Foundation, he served as second chairman of the board of trustees from 1982 – 1983, and became a UNLV Foundation Trustee Emeritus in 1993.

In 1996, Wiesner was elected to the Nevada Board of Regents. As Regent, he served on the Board's audit, finance and planning, investment and legislative liaison committees.

FINANCIAL PROGRESS REPORT
During the current fiscal year, CCSN has faced a number of financial challenges, precipitated by national events and their impact. These have contributed to budget shortfalls in our state’s economy. According to Patty Charlton, interim associate vice president for finance and administration, there are further reports the State will continue to experience reductions in revenues over the next year. To stretch limited resources, our college faculty and staff dutifully cut costs and froze hiring.

To prepare for the FY 2003 budget year, several initiatives are moving forward.

• New community college faculty salary schedule. Thanks in part to the dedicated leadership of faculty Mitzi Ware and Carolyn Collins, Regents unanimously approved an enhanced faculty salary schedule. To start July 1, it will provide added funding for tenured faculty.
  
  
• Cost of Living. A four percent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase for faculty and classified and professional administrative staff was approved by the 2001 Legislature. It will be effective July 1.
  
  
• Part-Time Faculty. Funding to support part-time faculty has been approved to provide a Cost of Living adjustment of four percent for academic year 2002-03. The per-credit-hour rate will increase from $655 to $681 beginning with the fall semester.
  
  
• Allocate new faculty positions. Instructional departments have been notified of new faculty positions for FY 2003. These positions are being recruited and should be in place to start the fall semester.
  
  
• Additional administrative support. Recommendations for essential new academic and student support positions are being finalized and will be forwarded for the President’s approval.

Lupe Zahn - CCSN Outstanding Classified Employee for May

IDEAS IN THE AIR BROADCAST
On Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m., hear North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon describe the “state of the city” on CCSN’s “Ideas in the Air” on KNPR Nevada Public Radio, 89.5FM

HENDERSON ARTS & CRAFTS
An Arts and Craft Fair will be held at Henderson Campus on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. Watch for email announcements on exact place and time.

GRADUATION MAY 19
CCSN’s 30th Annual Commencement will be celebrated Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. in the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus. Graduation speaker will be award-winning journalist and political columnist Jon Ralston. Armed with a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan and an English degree from Cornell, Jon Ralston began his Nevada news media career in 1984 as a night police reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He then switched to covering county government and politics and started to bridge the gap between print and electronic media. Eighteen years later, the astute and irascible Ralston is an award-winning journalist, columnist, political pundit and author.

Transplanted from Buffalo, New York, Ralston earned Nevada State Press Association accolades in 2000 as the state’s Best Non-Staff Columnist. That award was preceded by recognition as Best Columnist of the Year in 1991 and 1992, as well as Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year in 1986.

After becoming a full-time political columnist in 1989, Ralston took advantage of his media insights into politics to develop several entrepreneurial ventures. In 1993, he began publishing a statewide political newsletter, “The Ralston Report”, that he continues to edit. He followed that with a weekly column for the Reno Gazette-Journal in 1994. He then created a daily e-mail newsletter, freelanced columns to the Review-Journal and produced broadcast commentaries for Las Vegas’ CBS-TV affiliate, Channel 8, until late 1999.

Ralston then switched to working for the rival Greenspun Media Group, publishers of the Las Vegas Sun. He took over the e-mail publication “Flash” while still writing a column for the Las Vegas Sun and appearing on Channel 8 and cable television’s Las Vegas One news channel hosting a daily public affairs program called “Face to Face”. In 2001, his book on Nevada politics, “The Anointed One”, was published.

Jon Ralston

SCULPTURE/INSTALLATION EXHIBIT
Sculptors Jason Engelhardt and Arthur Huang are exhibiting their work in The Cheyenne Art Gallery through June 1. Gallery hours are Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cast of "Seven Deadly Sins" takes bow

Dance director Kelly Roth and computing faculty and CCSN dancer Alok Pandey, relax at the after-performance reception.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS
With music by Kurt Weill, text by Bertold Brecht and choreography by dance director Kelly Roth, the college’s Spring Dance Concert – the “Seven Deadly Sins” – on May 3-4 was exciting. Joining in the special performance were ballet stars Natalia Chapourskaya and Pavel Romaniouk.

Chapourskaya and Romaniouk fill the stage with their dancing, then take a final bow. The married couple both performed in the St. Petersburg Ballet where she was a prima ballerina. She dances with the Nevada Ballet Theatre and he with Bally’s “Jubilee” show.

AMERICA’S SECOND PRESIDENT LIVES
Dr. George Frein, professor emeritus at the University of North Dakota, brings President John Adams to life Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at UNLV’s Koch Auditorium (CBC-A-108) in a free performance lecture. Co-sponsored by the Nevada Humanities Committee, Dr. Frein will be in character and costume for this living history program about Adams’ life and role in the American Revolution and the Republic’s new government.

DESTINATION UNIVERSE
At The Planetarium at Cheyenne “Destination: Universe” runs through June 29 and explores our future in space and exploration of the universe. “Skywatch” shows Fridays 6 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Telescope observing sessions after evening performances, weather permitting.

STUDENT SURVEYORS PLACE SECOND NATIONALLY
A team of four students participating in CCSN’s two year Survey degree program recently placed second in national competition against five universities. The University of Akron (Ohio) took first place in the Ancient Roman Survey Contest sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors at an international conference in Washington, D.C. CCSN was the only two-year school competing in the event, but beat out six-person teams from Texas A&M, Southern Polytechnic State University (Georgia), New Mexico State, and Ferris State (Michigan). The Southern Nevada Chapter of the Nevada Association of Land Surveyors provides the adjunct faculty teaching in CCSN’s program.

The CCSN team geographically represented the heart of Southern Nevada with students Mark Beauchamp from Henderson, Erik Denman (Clark County), Gary Hancock from North Las Vegas, and Las Vegan Nancy Peace. Approximately 55-65 students take surveying courses each semester under the college’s Building Technology degree program with surveying emphasis. Teams competing at the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping conference were tasked to research Roman surveying methods, submit a research report, and replicate the ancient instruments. They used the instruments in a timed competition, demonstrating methods used to build Roman roads and aqueducts.

According to Byron Johnson, the program’s founding faculty ten years ago, all three NALS chapters sponsored CCSN’s team. “Additionally two local companies, Monsen Engineering, an equipment and materials supplier, and PBS & J, a civil engineering and surveying firm, also contributed funds and services,” said Johnson, a professional land surveyor for the City of Las Vegas.

Dr. Andrea Anderson in the classroom.

FLIGHT SCHOOL TAKES OFF
[The May issue of the “Regents’ Review” features CCSN’s aviation technology program and its mentors, Dr. Andrea Anderson and Dean Paul Pate.]

Attention all future pilots: It's easier—and closer—than you think to earn your wings. That's due to the burgeoning aviation program underway at CCSN’s Boulder City Center. In less than two years, the program has grown to 125 students, a trend likely to continue given the interest and need for pilots by the aviation industry. In fact, one of the most compelling reasons CCSN began this program was to satisfy the most basic of economic principles: supply and demand.

"One reason CCSN undertook this program is the looming shortage of pilots that will hit the air travel industry in the next five years," said Dr. Andrea Anderson, site manager for the Boulder City Center. "Many pilots in the Boulder City area came to us and informed us of this crisis. Plus, we wanted this campus to have a signature program, so this seemed to be the perfect fit."

What this shortage means, reported Paul Pate, CCSN's dean of applied technologies, is that the current pool of available pilots is about 2,000; but the need is around 5,000 per year. According to Dr. Anderson, many pilots working today were trained during the Vietnam era. Given the mandatory retirement age for pilots of 60, many will be forced to retire in the next five years. She added that in the past, the commercial air industry has relied on the military to train pilots, but in recent years, many pilots continue to serve in the military rather than join the private sector.

Since neither Dr. Anderson nor Pate are pilots or aviation experts, they worked closely with the program's advisory board (comprised mainly of current or retired pilots who fly for major airlines) to establish a curriculum and prepare the program for its Fall 2000 debut. Pate says the Board is actively involved with the program, including the hiring of instructors, and convenes about three or four times a year to address any issues.

CCSN modeled its program after similar two-year programs, as well as worked with the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the leading aeronautical schools in the nation. With this collaboration, once a student earns a two-year degree at CCSN, those credits transfer completely to Embry Riddle toward a four-year degree. CCSN's aviation technology program requires students to take 65 credits to earn an associate of applied science degree. Students receive flight training and their private pilot's license and instrument ratings, which means they are qualified to fly at a local or regional airport. To earn a commercial pilot's license, students need an additional number of hours in the cockpit and further training on a larger airplane.

"Our program is for individuals who want a career in professional aviation, not for those who just want to learn how to fly," Pate said. What's more, given McCarran's status as one of the busiest airports in the country, CCSN's program is training pilots to fill future job vacancies, and ultimately helping to boost Nevada's economy.

Currently classes are taught by adjunct professors, and Pate hopes to hire one full-time instructor who can serve as program director and take over the day-to-day needs and management of the program. As for housing the program in Boulder City, both Pate and Anderson say this campus is an ideal location given its close proximity to the Boulder City airport. "It's located away from the airspace at McCarran and Nellis Air Force Base so students don't spend time waiting for the runway to clear for take off, which saves them money since they must pay for all time spent in the cockpit, even if they aren't in the air. Plus, there's little flight traffic for new pilots to worry about," Anderson said.

Students eventually are required to log flight time in more congested air spaces at McCarran or in North Las Vegas, but this initial time away is especially desirable since it enables pilots in training to learn how to handle an airplane before learning to handle other aspects of flying.

Yet another plus to attending CCSN's aviation program is cost. While Embry-Riddle costs upwards of $34,000, CCSN students simply pay the regular tuition for all classroom courses they take. Students do have some additional costs that other CCSN students don't have due to the precise nature of their coursework and training. For each flight certification, which includes about 50 hours of flight time, time in a flight simulator and about 20 hours of related ground instructions, students pay an additional $4,500.

Although classroom training is done at the Boulder City campus, flight training is contracted to Air Excel, Inc. "Air Excel is part 141 flight school—the highest FAA rating a school can receive and one of the only flight schools in southern Nevada with this rating," Pate said, "so we know our students are receiving the best training possible." As a flight 141 school, Air Excel's flight training program adheres strictly to FAA regulations governing pilot certification. A flight school designated as part 141 must have its flight training program, syllabus, and training routes approved by the FAA. Part 141 flight schools provide a higher quality of education and flight instruction due to the strict and standard regulations they follow.

Although most students are from Nevada, Pate said the school receives calls from hopeful pilots from as far away as Florida. Given the pilot demand and interest from students, Pate is confident the school will continue its upward enrollment trend in the years ahead.

ARE THERE TWO DOCS IN THE HOUSE?
Wherry good...Wherry good!!! Mark Wherry, head of the choral music program, was awarded his doctorate by the University of Northern Colorado in Choral Conducting and Jazz Pedagogy. UNC is well known for its outstanding choral program, but Mark was up to the challenge. Hum a few bars of the UNC fight song, Dr. Wherry – and while you’re at it, how about one for old CCSN?! More good news – Mark and his choral group will be backing Barry Manilow in his upcoming shows at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel.

Cantu can do too... A tip of the mortar board to Rene Cantu, Retention Director for achieving his Ph.D. from the University of Texas - Austin. Rene's doctorate is in Higher Education Administration.

Health Sciences nursing faculty Linda Dammeyer receives her teaching excellence award from Dr. Remington. Music professor Dr. Joan McGee was also named for the award which includes $1,000 stipends.

Tomlinson family gathers around clan leader retiring political science professor Dr. Larry Tomlinson.

Retiring curriculum dean Marion Littlepage reminisces with a "Page" sports anecdote.

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES LAUNCHES WEB NEWSLETTER
Dan Tafoya introduces TechWeb, the inaugural web letter of the Communications Services Department to better communicate what services are coming to college customers. "Revving Up the Wireless Technology Classroom" is a highly interesting lead article. Catch the story and other information technology news you can use at http://www.ccsn.edu/commsvcs/techweb.

TRIO SETS HIGH MARKS
In preparation for this week’s accreditation visit, TRIO director Laura Latimer reported these Fall 2001 statistics:

• Persistence rate - 93.8%
• Retention rate - 74.6%
• Average Cum GPA - 2.72

The Spring 2002 Mid-semester Faculty Progress Reports show a 62% student return. According to John Kinkella, dean of counseling, CCSN’s TRIO retention rate is 4.4% better than the overall college rate of 70.2%, while the TRIO persistence rate is 37.2% better than the overall standard of 56.6%. Kinkella praised the TRIO staff for performance well above that required to continue to secure funding.

JOB FAIRS DO THE JOB
The Career Services offices at the three campuses were recognized by Helen Jones, executive director of student services and workforce development programs. She praised Kelly Wuest, Shawn Claxton and Hea Salzman, for their excellent job fairs at both the Cheyenne and Charleston campuses. Salzman is working on another at Henderson that debuts June 12.

The recent Cheyenne job fair hosted in excess of 1,000 students and community members. Most had an opportunity to meet student services faculty and staff, as well academic faculty, and discover the many opportunities for learning at CCSN. Last week’s Health Careers job fair at Charleston attracted over 300 students who took the
opportunity to learn about CCSN programs as well as the health care job market.

The fairs received good coverage from local media, while employers gave these events high ratings. Most of the funding for the fairs is contributed by employers because they value meeting with students. Jones urges any faculty or staff member with a student needing career or job information to make use of the workforce staffs.

STUDENT COACHES HOST CRAM SESSIONS
According to Dr. Rene Cantu, retention director, Coyote Student Coaches completed 811 student contacts since the program's start in February. The reported average length of each session was 30 minutes to one hour.

In preparation for finals, the Student Coaches hosted a series of Cram Sessions this week, two on every campus, where refreshments and tutoring were provided. Special thanks go to the following:

• Student Coaches for doing a superb job.

• Faculty for providing referrals and supporting the program.

• Departments for processing and approving the coaches to serve as tutors.

• Student Government for funding the Student Coach Program.

• Dean Smith and Gretchen Smolka for their collaborative spirit and support.

• Chris Latusky for her tireless efforts and suport of this endeavor.

• Laura Latimer and TRIO for the support, pizza and referrals.

• John Kinkella for his ideas and support.

• The campus provosts for granting access to public spaces.

• The fabulous Retention and Millennium staff!

NEW PHI THETA KAPPANS
Faculty and staff should be proud of the following 97 students recently inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. According to faculty advisor Dr. Dorothy Chase, the scholars are:

Melanie Allen, Maria Alvarez, Jay Andrade, Jennifer Baiz, Tasha Becker, Mike Bilyeu, Leslee Brownell, Camilla Brunold, Elena Calin, Eric Cave, John Corrales, Melissa De Graff, Kelley Deadman, Lisa lich, Tammy Dennis, Kimbo Djakaria, Cecilia Dolorfino, Desire Duck, Crystal Erickson, Blanca Stotts-Espino, Brian Evans, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Josue Flamenco, Maria Fleming, Kerie Francis, Joann Gira, Dennis Goughnour, Nicole Goughnour, Eileen Hatfield, Nicole Heese, Anya Heilman, Julie Heki, Thomas Henry, Karen Hernandez, Masayuki Higashitani, Theressa Hill, Russell Holmen, Joy Hurst, Kathy Hurst, Michaela Jahr, Amie Jensen, January Jones, Nicole Kastner, Darlene Kearley, Diane Kelly, Susan Kindell, Chad Kreiser, Christy Krueger, Kelly LaBounty, Joey Lapuz, Shannon Lawton, Thomas Layman, Sandy Leavitt, Debbie Lomboy, Michelle Magby, Denise Mahoney, Jennifer Martin, Kevin McGinn, Shelley Miller, Autumn Mongkholtham, Ana Morales, Theresa Morrow, Dan Murphy Sr., Deepa Nanayakkara, Dustin Newsom, Nicole Omps, Sandra Parker, Amberlynn Phillips, Olivia Porras, Amy Post, Patricia Rideout, Jennifer Roche, Reilie Ryan, Trevor Rycroft, Cara Scarano, Seema Segran, Irene Sereno, Bethannie Shortall, Shannon Slaick, Rose Smith, Robyn Smith, Susan Smith, Tana Sorgaard, Kathleen Stanley, Melissa Stine, Gina Sully, Khondker Sultana, Edwin Targoe, Grace Taylor, Darryl Thomas, Samantha Tucker, Teri Jo Valentin, Rachell Verchick, Teresa Walker, Jesse Warren, Ciji Washington, and Stacy Zemp-Petorpoulos.

BOULDER CITY SENDOFF
Christine Davis, management assistant in Boulder City for the past seven years, is graduating from UNLV next week and leaving to begin her new career as a teacher. Andrea Anderson and staff are hosting an open house for Davis Friday, May 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Boulder City Center. Everyone’s invited to wish her well.

The 2002 CCSN Coyote Baseball Team

Congratulations to the 2002 Coyotes Men’s Baseball Team who broke into the national Top 20 once and finished third in the tough Scenic West Athletic Conference in the first year of “wooden bat” competition. The team also achieved an overall GPA at 3.18!! Sadly, the Coyotes were eliminated in post-season play last weekend at NJCAA regionals in St. George by Dixie State and Ricks College, but sandwiched in a win against North Idaho. For the season, the Coyotes were 42-17 and won three of five games played against Dixie and Ricks. Thanks for a great season, fellas, and thanks to team coaches Tim Chambers, M.J. Mariani, Rich Ebarb, Glen Evans, Jay Guest and trainer Steve Jacobucci. The regional results according to Dan Cabrera, sports publicist:

RICKS COLLEGE 2, CCSN 0. The Coyotes were shut out on two hits in the post-season regional opener. Jake Vose (8-3) took the loss.

CCSN 8, NORTH IDAHO 4. Derek Rodriguez (5-5) earned the victory and Chris Hansen picked up his third save of the season. In this contest:

• Coyotes snapped a worst-ever five game losing streak with the win
• Landon Minear went 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs and Andrew D'Angelo hit 3-for-3 with three runs scored.
  

DIXIE STATE 12, CCSN 3. The Coyotes were defeated by regional host # 1 ranked Dixie State College. Jesse Craig (1-2) suffered the loss. Dixie had 16 hits, CCSN four.

A highlight of the season was CCSN’s three victories against the national #1 Dixie State.

STICK AROUND FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF EXCITEMENT IN JANUARY 2003!