Dr. Glenda Barron, a finalist for the presidency position at Temple College, was invited to speak Friday during a public forum on campus. Dr. Barron was the fourth finalist to be brought to campus. The remaining finalist will be brought in on Monday. The following is a question-and-answer piece with Dr. Barron:

Telegram: What made you apply for the presidency position?

Dr. Barron: I had a chance to meet with Dr. Marc Nigliazzo (TC’s previous president) early on in his tenure with the college. From the things he told me, I couldn’t have been more attracted to the job. I also think that my background in Austin makes me an ideal candidate for the job.

Telegram: Why do you feel as though you’re the best candidate for the job?

Dr. Barron: I think the position matches up well with my skills and experience. Dr. Nigliazzo was a walking advertisement for this college for 15 years, and he always let me know what was going on at the school, so I feel like I’m very familiar with the issues and the successes TC has had and will be facing. I really think that I know the issues this college is dealing with. And again, I feel like my experience in Austin is a perfect fit for what this college is looking for.

Telegram: In the scheme of higher education, what role do you believe community colleges play?

Dr. Barron: If Texas is going to achieve goals with diversity and education, community colleges are going to have to find innovative ways, at a competitive cost, to attract more students. This will help stimulate the state’s economy and workforce. They are also the backbone for a number of students who would not otherwise choose to be involved in higher education, but because of their cost, are attractive to them. They serve as stepping-stones for many first-generation college students, and are excellent options for students looking to transfer to major universities.

Telegram: What are your feelings on the expansion that seems to be taking place at community colleges across the state?

Dr. Barron: I think that expansion is important, when there is a need. When you have a growing population, you have an obligation as a community college to serve the needs of your citizens. I really think what they’re doing right now at TC, with their centers in Cameron and Taylor, is important. By adding those outlets, it shows that TC is trying to help out people who would otherwise be terribly inconvenienced by not having a part of TC in their backyard.

Telegram: What types of experience do you have in working with state legislators?

Dr. Barron: Since 1987, I have worked with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Through my positions there, I have worked on and dealt with nearly every statewide education issue that has come up with colleges. I have spent a number of years providing legislators and their staff members with data and information when it comes to higher education issues. Because I have a job with the government, I cannot, and have not, been involved in any type of lobbying. But I have acted as a liaison, providing officials with information and data to legislators, so I have plenty of contacts and plenty of knowledge as to how things take place.

Telegram: How do community colleges help fulfill the needs of that community’s workforce?

Dr. Barron: A community college that is doing its job is constantly in contact with its business community. This lets them know what the communities needs are, and what types of skills they are looking for out of potential employees. Business should be able to say, “My employees are going to need this kind of training and need these skills,” and community colleges should be able to provide them with those types of graduates. This type of cooperation can only help stimulate advancement.

Telegram: What types of experiences do you have in dealing with athletic programs?

Dr. Barron: Unfortunately, I do not have any experience in dealing with athletic programs from an administrative standpoint. My experience in dealing with collegiate athletics comes from having a son who has played football. I truly believe however, that athletics serve as a way to help the community and attract students.

Telegram: What’s the first thing you would do if you were to become the president?

Dr. Barron: I would immediately begin to learn from the people who are already here. This college is not in crisis, and is functioning very well. It has a wonderful tradition, so I would not want to change much. I think that I would spend my time knocking on the doors of industry leaders, political leaders and local school district administrators.

Any candidate that is selected is going to have a tremendous opportunity to learn a lot from the people who are successful at what they do, and already in place.

Telegram: Do you think that community colleges are important tools for helping out local school districts and their students?

Dr. Barron: I think that duel-credit programs are important because they encourage youths to experience college before they’re actually at a point where they are thinking about enrolling in college full-time. From what I’ve seen, these types of programs encourage students to do better in their coursework, and they begin to see college as an option. They encourage students to further their education, which will allow them to earn more as they enter the workforce.