FDTC continues financial recovery, welcomes new faculty
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Rebounding bank accounts and new employees raised spirits at the March 26 meeting of the Florence-Darlington County Commission for Technical Education.
Vice President of Business Affairs Douglas Lange told the board that FDTC’s financial position continues to recover, and the school has about $4.5 million in the bank as of the end of February. This unrestricted cash on hand represents only about 1.5 months of operating expenses – less than half of what they need as an reserve fund.
Lange said more funds are forthcoming, with state lottery money and nearly $3 million from Florence and Darlington County expected in the near future. He explained that Florence County did not collect the required millage for Tech this past year, so they are paying the owed money from the county’s general fund. Lange said the school expects to net $15 million in tuition and fee revenues, and expenses have been cut to match.
“Cash-wise, I think we’re in good shape this year. Better than we were last year,” said Lange.
“That’s an understatement,” said Commission member Hood Temple, noting that in January of 2018 FDTC had only 4 days cash on hand. “At this point in time, the trend is certainly moving in the right direction financially.”
Lange added that declining enrollment and completion rates has negatively impacted revenues. He explained that in high demand fields, like the HVAC program, a student can complete just 15 credit hours and leave school for a good paying job. Similarly, many welding students leave the program after receiving their first credential or minimum certificate.
“They’re in high demand skills and we’re having trouble with completions, so that’s driving our numbers down some. We’re adjusting,” said Lange.
Temple observed that FDTC is not alone in facing this challenge. He said that nationally, technical college enrollment has an inverse relationship to the economy, so when the economy thrives, enrollment declines as more students leave early to join the workforce.
Dr. Mark David, Vice President of Academic Affairs, announced that FDTC will soon undertake an evaluation of all programs “to make sure they are productive and relevant.” David said this process could lead to the elimination of some programs, consolidating redundant programs, or development of new programs that are current and trending.
Temple likened the process to “house cleaning” and asked how often FDTC conducts these evaluations. David said programs should be looked at every two to three years and evaluated on their cost/benefit, graduation rates, employment offers, and relevance.
FDTC Interim President Ed Bethea added that this sort of “deep drill down” has not been done in nearly a decade.
“There are some programs where the graduates aren’t getting jobs and there’s just not a huge demand for the programs,” said Bethea, noting that the addition of programs like cyber security, mechatronics, and robotics could provide students with more job opportunities.
If a program is marked for elimination, Bethea said FDTC would do a “teach out” and allow enrolled students to complete their degrees.
Also at this meeting, Commissioners were introduced three recently hired faculty members. Lisa Bruce has joined the school as a new Surgical Technology Instructor, and Dr. Claudine Rayess and Karla Sanders have been appointed as Nursing instructors.
FDTC released a statement on these hirings.
“(Lisa) Bruce earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Coker College and a Master of Science Degree in Human Services Counseling at Liberty University. Bruce is also a Certified Surgical Technologist and a Certified First Assistant. Prior to joining FDTC, she was a Surgical Technician, a First Assistant and an Endoscopic Vein Harvester with McLeod Regional Medical Center. Bruce was also a Travel Nurse with Nurses Across America.
Dr. Claudine Rayess earned a Diploma in Theology from Maronite Academy, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is from Lebanese University. Dr. Rayess also earned a Masters of Business Administration from Francis Marion University and a Doctorate degree in Nurse Executive Leadership from the University of South Carolina. Her previous work experiences include an Intensive Care Unit Nurse for Rizk Hospital and a Registered Nurse Educator for Jeitawi School of Nursing. Dr. Rayess was also a Registered Nurse for Saint Vincent Hospital and Integris Medical Center, and she worked as an adjunct Nursing Instructor for FDTC.
(Karla) Sanders returns to the Nursing faculty at FDTC. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Francis Marion University, and her Master of Science Degree in Nurse Education is from Walden University. Sander’s previous work experiences include a Nursing Assistant for Share the Care. She was a Registered Nurse for McLeod Regional Medical Center, a full-time Nursing Instructor for FDTC, and later, an adjunct Nursing Instructor for FDTC.”
Commission meetings are held at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology’s (SiMT’s) Executive Conference Room.