Northland Pioneer College administrators have several projects in the works for the coming year, including better implementing the college’s strategic plan. NPC President Dr. Jeanne Swarthout explained that the strategic plan is under review and will be simplified as part of that process. “We want to make it more doable, not just a ‘have a dream’ plan. We’re going to work on how to actually implement it,” she explained.
The college’s emergency plan is also going to be updated to ensure that all campuses are on the same page during incidents that could occur in any of the locations.
“The incidents can include snowstorms to ones that are much more serious. It’s the climate that we’re in and it raises concerns,” stated Swarthout.
The college campuses and centers will each be plugged into an alert system that will detail how to respond in the event of an emergency. Due to the distance between locations, the first responders will vary for each of the campuses so a plan will need to be in place for each one. In addition, the college will be working with the area high schools during their emergency training events.
“Now we are happily connecting on both sides. We want to ensure that the high school students who attend school on our campuses are safe,” she said.
Stuart Bishop, who is the emergency management coordinator for the alert system, will be heading the project.
NPC is also partnering with the Navajo and Apache Counties Workforce Partnership on the grant-funded project Building Homes-Building Futures. The project integrates academic preparation and career skills, allowing individuals with below college level skills in math, reading and writing a fast track to employment in the construction trades.
The current project is based in Holbrook, and will involve the construction of an affordable, energy-efficient house using green building materials and techniques, with property donated by a local landowner. The property will accommodate the construction of three homes with the infrastructure already in place, allowing for the project to continue and, with the sale of the homes, to self-perpetuate.
“The program has received a real positive response and we want to see about moving it to other areas as well. This is an innovative way to prepare for the GED (General Education Diploma) that will not only provide the academic requirements for the diploma, but a trade skill that can be utilized right away,” noted Swarthout.
According to Swarthout, the program is modeled on the successful Holbrook Community Garden project developed this past summer. To date, 12 fruit trees have been planted, the garden buildings have been painted and eventually a hoop house will be added. She explained that the goal of the project is to not only develop skills for students taking part in the program, but to involve community members who want to help with the community garden and make use of it.
The project is all encompassing, seeking to assist those in need of a GED, develop skills and provide a food source for families in need. Navajo County has many people who struggle to provide food for their families, and Swarthout hopes this program can grow into something much bigger. “We can’t expect people to learn if they’re going hungry,” she said.
The college will also be placing an emphasis on distance education to reach those individuals who are seeking to expand their education. but are unable to attend at a campus or center due to location, job or family commitments.
Swarthout admits that there are challenges due to expenditure limitations and funding cuts, but said she feels confident that the college will be able to expand its opportunities to the diverse communities that it serves.
