At its regular April meeting Thursday, the Weatherford College Board of Trustees, among several other agenda items, approved the academic master plan for WC Wise County and began the process to solicit architectural/engineering services for future construction on the Weatherford College Main Campus.

In addition to general education/transfer courses as allowed by budget and facility space, the academic plan for instructional programs for the College's Wise County campus includes fine arts programs; workforce and continuing education courses in nursing; as well as fire science, emergency medical services and law enforcement; occupational therapy; cosmetology; phlebotomy and certified nurse aide. Additionally, truck driving will be offered, and dental hygiene, aviation technology and gas and energy training are included in the plan for the future after more research.
The College will begin next week advertising for proposals from architecture and engineering firms to complete construction projects on the main campus.

In other business, the board heard several reports and took action on a number of agenda items.

1. After interviews and review of work, a Wise County Project Committee that included the president and Duane Durrett, Wise County dean, selected VLK Architects for the construction of the campus in Wise County; construction should begin in fall 2010 with completion in fall 2011 and classes to begin in the new facility spring 2012 semester;
2. Recognitions:
   1. Dr. Shirley Chenault, Greg Martin and Mary Ziegler, for the submission and subsequent awarding of a JET grant in the amount of $313,000 to fund equipment for the emergency medical technician/paramedic program;
   2. Vicki Traweek for the honor recently received as Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Distance Learning Award given by the Texas Distance Learning Association;
   3. Dr. David Russell and Linda Hutton for their work in Tech Prep in the recent awarding of WC scholarships in the amount of $15,000;
   4. Brent Baker and Julie Lundy for their hosting professionals from India in their homes as part of Rotary International Exchange program;
   5. Bob McKinley and Dave Donnelly for their successful basketball seasons and McKinley for his outstanding coaching career, his now holding the distinction of being the "winningest (working) coach in the nation," with more than 730 wins.

1. Approved amendments to the 2009-2010 budget, which reflect various changes, including the expectation of a five percent reduction in the present budget as mandated by the Texas Governor that necessitated the subsequent necessary tuition and fees increase beginning fall 2010;
2. Heard reports on the following:
   1. Building and infrastructure upgrades;
   2. Cash balance as of Feb. 28, 2010: $30,147,863.49; total revenues: $36,887,015; and total expenditures $25,423.192.
   3. Reviewed the Quarterly Investment Report;
   4. Heard a report from Athletic Director Steve Garippa on Title IX (gender equity) and women's sports options, with a recommendation of women's softball to be phased in as early as the 2010-2011 academic year and a new softball field to be constructed and ready for competition as early as the 2012-2013 academic year. The board will consider the report and asked for more information and for the recommendation to be placed on an agenda of a future special meeting for more discussion and consideration;
   5. Heard a report on the benefits of a one-stop-shop for students, centralizing advising, registration and financial aid services;
   6. Heard a report on the facilities workshop conducted recently by the Board of Trustees, and
   7. Announcements, including upcoming College events.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the WC Board of Trustees is May 13, 2010.