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"I moved into an institution that is in great shape, both in what it delivers to the community and the dedication of its faculty and staff," says Dr. Michele Haney, who was appointed president of Red Rocks Community College in January 2008.
The math and science programs are strong — Red Rocks is the country's largest transfer institution to the Colorado School of Mines. It is the second-largest provider of OSHA training in the United States. And it is one of only five U.S. community colleges with a physician assistant training program. The challenge, she says, is in continuing to maintain that leverage in the community.
Red Rocks' mission is to be the college of first choice. "I'd like us to continue our unique programs," Haney says. "I'm so impressed by what our faculty and staff put together."
Among others, these programs include energy and process technology courses, and the luthier program for making violins and other stringed instruments.
Enrollment in 2008 increased 15 percent over the previous year. Part of that growth comes from students who take RRCC courses while attending a Jefferson County high school. In addition to the students receiving credit toward both their high school and associate degrees, the program is a financial boost for their families.
Despite funding challenges (Colorado ranks 50th in state financial support of higher education), Haney is intent on raising faculty and staff salaries. "We're asking people to teach our future leaders," she says. "They could go into private industry and double or triple their salaries, but they stay. They love to teach."
Along with offering excellent programs, Haney emphasizes, the college is affordable and accessible. Its open access policy meets the needs of myriad types of students, including valedictorians preparing to go to the School of Mines, immigrants learning English as a second language, adults entering college 30 years after graduating from high school, and industries needing help in writing a business plan.
Haney began working in the Colorado community college system at Front Range. Prior to coming to RRCC, she served as president of Morgan Community College. Returning to metro Denver, where her parents and children reside, feels to her like coming home.
Reflecting on her role as president of RRCC, Haney says: "I've been in the community college system for 30 years, and this is the best. I have a job that I absolutely love."
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Local Vacation — A spa treatment at the Coldwater Creek Spa in Belmar, followed by lunch with friends at P.F. Chang's.
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Published in the West Chamber Resource Guide 2009 Best of Business Directory & Magazine, an annual publication of The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County.
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