Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Lone Star College board of trustees District 2

What will make you the best choice for Lone Star College’s board of trustees?

I've grown up in and lived within the community my entire life. I've also worked in and done significant outreach within the community for the past five years. I am a former Lone Star student and have close connections with students and staff. This makes me the ideal choice.

What will your biggest priorities be should you be elected?

Less spending on vanity projects and further investment into our students and staff as well as better preparation for the future. Our enrollment and service area are both expected to grow, and we must begin preparing now. We should also expand our programming both academically and geographically.

How important is LSC staff retention to you and how do you plan to prioritize this topic?

We need to do all we can to keep our best employees and professors. They should honestly believe that they are already working in the best institution in the state, and we should offer that reality to them. We should hire from within the community and ensure they stay.

How would you prioritize affordability for students in light of recent increases in student tuition?

Expanding community and business partnerships. The business and general community have vested interest in ensuring we offer programming for all students whether they are coming from high school or as adults. We should investigate how we can maximize resources and funding to increase scholarships and opportunities within our region.

What will make you the best choice for Lone Star College’s board of trustees?

My six years of experience on the board has provided me insight on how the college operates regarding budgeting, taxes, employees, students, legislative policies, etc.; working with and supporting the chancellor in promoting his vision for the college’s success and future; strong advocate for mental health services for students and ...

What will your biggest priorities be should you be elected?

Maintaining LSC’s status as the largest college system in Texas and second largest in the country; maintaining an affordable college education; enhancing the workforce programs

How important is LSC staff retention to you and how do you plan to prioritize this topic?

Maintaining LSC’s status as one of the best workplaces for employees; increasing faculty pay to be competitive with area colleges

How would you prioritize affordability for students in light of recent increases in student tuition?

Increase financial aid opportunities (Pell grants); offer more scholarships