Three Rivers College Board of Trustees held its first meeting with new officers Thursday. Discussion included an update on the Libla Family Sports Complex, details regarding an upcoming Higher Learning Commission visit, and approval of 2018-19 board meeting and holiday calendars.
Prior to the meeting, the board's annual reorganization was held during which former Vice President Darrin Garrison moved into the role of chairman. Incumbents Randy Grassham and Dr. Amber Richardson each ran unopposed in last week's election and were sworn in during the process. They will serve six-year terms.
Board officer positions rotate on a yearly basis at the college. Garrison follows Eric Schalk, who served as chairman from 2017-18.
Garrison is currently the Wayne County Circuit Clerk. He has been a trustee since 2010 and this marks his second term as chairman.
Garrison attended TRC and Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He said as chairman, he plans to continue to uphold the values of Three Rivers.
"My goal, as well as the entire board, is to provide students with the best education we can in the most effective way possible," Garrison said.
Schalk, who will remain a trustee, was honored with a plaque commemorating his year of service as chairman. The general manager of Gamblin Lumber, Schalk said he has full confidence in Garrison's ability as a leader.
"Darrin is a great board member," Schalk said. "I am confident in his abilities to guide us through the Higher Learning Commission's visit and the completion of the Libla Family Sports Complex."
The reorganization also appoints former secretary Grassham as vice chairman, former treasurer Richardson as secretary, and board member Gary Featherston as treasurer.
Construction of the Libla Family Sports Complex has been progressing at a considerably improved rate since last month's trustee meeting, Three Rivers President Dr. Wesley Payne said. It was recently determined Huffman Construction moved the facility's completion date from April to June 29.
"According to the Huffman brothers, they are still sticking to their end of June completion date," Wes Payne said. "We continue to monitor that and move forward in a positive manner."
The Higher Learning Commission will visit TRC April 23-25 to review regional accreditation standards in accordance with the college.
"Regional accreditation for Three Rivers College is very important," said Dean of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Maribeth Payne. "What this is is a seal of quality approval so our students can transfer to other accredited institutions."
Wesley Payne said the Commission's results will be formally released to college officials approximately three weeks after the visit.
On May 2, TRC will hold a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. for the improved walkways and completed installation of the personalized brick walk at the top of the hill between the Academic Resource Commons and the Westover Building. The event is open to the public, Wesley Payne said.
Upcoming events at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center include the next Patrons of the Arts show featuring the Moscow Festival Ballet's performance of "The Sleeping Beauty," at 7 p.m., April 30. "Seussical" a musical, will be performed at 7 p.m. May 3-5 and at 3 p.m. May 6. The music department's final performance of the year is titled "The Road Ahead," and begins at 7 p.m., May 8. Ticket costs for each show vary.
Commencement will be held again this year at the Black River Coliseum at 6 p.m. May 18. Wesley Payne said the 2018 TRC Alumni of the Year will soon be announced.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held at noon, May 16, in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center board room.