Grayson College Board of Trustees Tuesday night approved a preliminary plan for the college to consider expanding its south campus in Van Alstyne.
The plan stems from the need to do something with a grant the college received in 2009. The Economic Development Administration of the United States Department of Commerce gave the college’s foundation $2 million to use to build a campus in Fannin County. The grant required a matching grant of $2 million.
GC officials were willing to build the campus in Fannin County, but voters in that county weren’t receptive to the idea. That left the $2 million up in the air. Tuesday night, college officials told board members that the college can still use the money, but it must be used somewhere other than the college’s main campus. That leaves the campus in Van Alstyne.
College officials said the school has plenty of room in Van Alstyne and they think they can build a building there that could house a few programs. The key now, president Alan Scheibmeir said, is to make sure to identify programs that will be self supporting and useful to the people of the area and fit the college’s mission. He said so far they are looking at programs in medical terminology, cosmetology with a barber component, and welding.
Additionally, the college must be able to build the space and get the programs up and running without having to commit more than the $2 million in matching funds from the college’s finances. He told trustees the money will come from the college’s physical plant fund savings. Scheibmeir said the college could continue to save those funds, but it would mean missing out on the opportunity to utilize the $2 million grant.
“I don’t think we need to give the money back,” Trustee Ruby Jo Williams said in moving that the college go forward with the plan to consider expansion in Van Alstyne. None of the trustees voted against the matter.
In addition, the board also approved renewing a lease with the Grayson Baptist Association for Baptist Student Union building. The group had about five years left on a 50-year lease, but representatives said they wanted the 25-year extension before going forward with major improvements to the building. Bernie Gallagher told the board the group has enjoyed its long association with the college. He said the group always keeps in mind that “it is a guest” on the campus and tries to make sure to offer programs that enrich the lives of those in the college community.
The Board also approved contract extensions for personnel who report to Scheibmeir, including Linda Blount, Giles Brown, Shelle Cassell, Jeanie Hardin, Gary Paikowski, Marc Payne and Roy Renfro.
In addition, the Board accepted, noting that it was with regret, the resignation of an instructor who has been with the college for 30 years. Jackie Butler has taught anatomy and physiology and microbiology at the college. In her letter of resignation, Butler said she plans to resign following graduation ceremonies in May.
“I’m fortunate to have had this opportunity. I will continue to be supportive of Grayson County College and its mission in the community,” Butler said in the letter.
