Spartan Times

John Boyd leaving CNCC

By Johnathan Thompson, Reporter

Jan. 7, 2011 will be CNCC President John Boyd’s last day on campus.

“The reasons are strictly personal,” Boyd explained. “My wife, Betty, has a need to be closer to her mother.” Boyd says no college-related reasons are factors in the move.

President Boyd is moving to Spruce Pine, N.C, where he will be president at the much larger Mayland Community College.

“I am excited,” Boyd said. “Every college brings its own set of new and unique challenges.”

Mayland is ranked number four among community colleges in the nation by “Washington Monthly” magazine.

According to Boyd, most everything has gone according to plan.

“As a college, we have come a long way,” Boyd said. “The projects are coming along. In fact, most of the projects in Rangely are complete.”

A few examples include the completions of the Striegel Building, the bridge to the Weiss Center, and the Americans With Disabilities Act upgrades.

Tresa England, dean of student services, reflected on the president’s five year tenure here at CNCC.

“Prior to Dr. Boyd’s arrival, the college had been so focused on budget cuts as a solution to the financial shortfalls, that we had dropped in enrollment,” said England. “We would even hear comments from various areas expressing surprise that we were still operating.”

England has been with CNCC 23 years.When Boyd arrived, the institution was not in very good shape, she says.

“He even said at one meeting during his interview that we were bleeding, but we weren’t dead yet,” England said. “He saw potential and knew he could make a difference here, and he has certainly made a positive difference.”

England also went on to say that President Boyd focused on the institution’s presence.

“John focused on growth and spreading the word that CNCC is here and that we have a lot to offer to students,” she explained. “Our enrollment has grown and the word is out, we have a great college with wonderful opportunities for students.”

Other accomplishments were made during the president’s tenure as well. A $6.4 million energy upgrade was completed to accommodate the facilities, which were a challenge, according to Boyd. Other facility upgrades include the placement of apartments in the Holland Building. Building the new Craig campus, now underway, is another accomplishment.

CNCC must now focus on the future.

“The State (of Colorado) will appoint an interim president,” Boyd explained. “By July 1, CNCC should have a new president.”

Besides the replacement process, England said the institution needs to “keep the momentum going.”

President Boyd, like other presidents who preceded him, had a unique approach to his work.

“Each president brings their own set of priorities and passions,” said England. “I believe John brought what we needed as an institution at the time we needed it.”

Boyd reflected on his tenure at CNCC, and the communities that have helped the college to make needed strides.

“The generosity of the local community has been phenomenal,” said Boyd. “$8.5 million was raised for the Major Gifts Campaign.”

The president said he is going to miss northwest Colorado.

“I love it here,” said Boyd. “I love the community, students, faculty and staff.”

Although President Boyd is leaving CNCC, that will not be the last time we see him again. “I will be back to hunt,” Boyd said with an assured smile.

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