Welcome to the 2021-2022 Academic Year

There are many lingering uncertainties and challenges as we start this fall semester, but I am still hopeful for a successful academic year. I am confident because Vista is a strong and vibrant community that places high-quality education and the needs of our students at the core of what we do. I have seen unprecedented agility and flexibility in our efforts before and especially during the Coronavirus pandemic that lifted up students, their families and our community.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all faculty, staff and students for adapting to our ever-changing environment over the past 17 months. I want to recognize the work of NVC Risk Management, Campus Police, IT and others for their efforts to implement necessary protocols, procedures and safety measures.

As I reflect on this, I realize that all of us to some degree play a role in functioning as first responders to the needs of our students. Perhaps you are part of the team that provides student counseling or assessment services for human service needs. Maybe you work in the Academic Area, adjusting course section offerings and delivery modalities in an effort to attract and enroll more students. Some of you are involved in the allocation of relief funds or adjusting hours for student orientations. Whatever is your individual department’s mission, it is critical to the success of NVC students, and your individual role matters.

We have worked together collaboratively and listened to the ideas, concerns and issues brought up during the pandemic regarding equity, social justice, enrollment, cost management, technology and mental health. While this work is not easy and the results will not be immediately realized, we can do more as members of NVC community committed to developing socially responsible and engaged citizens.

I also want to extend a special welcome to our new faculty and staff who are joining the Vista family for the first time. 

Northwest Vista College remains a special place of hope for our students. I know the extreme effort each of you have invested to support the success of our students, inside and outside the classroom. While the challenges are real and somewhat fluid, I have confidence that each of you, VISTA, will successfully rise to meet them. We will continue to find new and innovative ways of attracting, retaining and supporting our students.