CCC selects former instructor for open seat

CLOVIS - The Clovis Community College Board of Trustees is a five-member organization again, with former instructor Jan Bradburn welcomed back into the fold.

In a 28-minute meeting, trustees voted to select Bradburn from a field of four applicants. Bradburn, who retired from CCC in 2013 as director of its Workforce Training Center, will serve out the final two-plus years of the term that expires in 2023. She replaces Arnold Martinez, who resigned in August due to a move out of the district.

Three of the four candidates attended the Wednesday meeting in person CCC Room 512 - Bradburn, Debbie Spriggs and Keith Ingram - and were given three minutes to speak. The fourth candidate, Yvette Nora, did not attend the in-person meeting and it wasn't clear if she attended virtually.

Bradburn, who still teaches in an adjunct role at Eastern New Mexico University, took much of her time reading the college's mission statement she helped craft. While the mission shouldn't change, Bradburn said the way education is delivered and absorbed has and the college should address those changes while helping its students attain education without debt.

"That will increase the vitality of this economy," she said.

Spriggs, chief deputy treasurer and former treasurer for Curry County, said her 20-plus years of government experience plus her background as a Melrose native would be a benefit to the board.

"It's important to have the opportunity for rural areas to take classes at an affordable rate," Spriggs said.

Ingram, a retired teacher, recalled the fight to transition the college from ENMU branch campus status to independent community college. He said CCC is a short drive away from South Plains College, which had its music program featured on PBS. He felt the college had unlimited potential to create programs tailored to area businesses.

"I'd love to see PBS one year from now doing a story about this school," Ingram said.

Board Secretary Terry Martin, who nominated Bradburn, said it was a difficult decision because he knew all four candidates well and appreciated their ideas along with their willingness to serve.

"We're going to change things," Martin said. "Everything you spoke to, we will address."

Trustee Carolyn Spence thanked the applicants, and implored them each to speak with her as she felt they would still be resources to the college.

The board then took a roll call vote, with Bradburn's appointment getting a 4-0 vote.

"Thank you," Bradburn said. "I'm honored."

Bradburn will be sworn in just before the board's regular meeting, set for 8 a.m. Wednesday in Room 512.