CCC board approves 2020-21 budget, honors retirees

CLOVIS — The Clovis Community College Board of Trustees approved its 2020-21 budget, and honored three retired employees with emeritus status Wednesday morning.

The meeting was held virtually due to a state public health order banning mass gatherings, and trustees were hopeful their May 6 meeting could be held in person.

The college’s 2020-21 budget included $17,686,314 in expenditures, up 2.4% from last year’s budget of $17,256,744. The budget includes $100,836 for salary increases.

Trustee Carolyn Spence asked if any funding could be made available for innovation needs, since former Interim President Robin Kuykendall’s new position title includes innovation. President Charles Nwankwo said the college was largely seeking grants for those measures, but might need to ask the trustees to fill in funding gaps later.

Nwanko, who started as president less than a month before much of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, credited Executive Vice President Robin Jones for spearheading efforts made by the college to continue instruction while eliminating on-campus interaction.

He was saddened to lose many events, including graduation ceremonies, but looked forward to being able to host events in the coming months.

“The faculty and staff have the community at heart,” Nwankwo said. “When we come back, we’re going to be stronger than ever.”

Emeritus status was approved for Dana Albright, Gay Goettsch and Kelly Gray.

Albright, recommended by the faculty association, taught psychology for 20 years. Goettsch and Gray were both recommended by the professional employee association. Goettsch was director of human resources and retired in February after 22 years. Gray served 28 years, and retired as director of library services last year.