At the June board meeting, William Ross was re-elected for a second term as the chairman of the Niagara County Community College board of trustees, with Vice Chairperson Gina Virtuoso and Secretary Bonnie Sloma being re-elected into their positions as well. Vincent Sandonato was elected as financial secretary for his first term.
Ross outlined a busy year with recruitment of a new president as the top priority, citing next July as an anticipated hire date. Additionally, student recruitment is another main concern, as there is a nationwide decline affecting community colleges. To provide more up-to-date facilities for students, the Learning Commons is slated to open in September of this year. The building will be an upgrade and expansion of the 40-year-old library, incorporating more comprehensive and interactive resources for students.
Building committees are now in the process of planning for a new STEM complex to provide top-of-the line learning environments for new nursing and radiologic technology students among others. Another committee is exploring upgrades to athletics facilities, especially the baseball, softball and lacrosse fields.
In addition to the updated facilities, Ross said plans exist to hire armed peace officers on campus in an effort to promote a safe campus community.
