Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

Professor takes the helm at local campus

Brenda Latham steps in as interim dean

In her entire career as a professor, Merced College Los Baños Campus' new dean Brenda Latham taught 12 different classes -- from geology and life sciences to just about every kind of math there is.

Although she will miss the classroom, Latham said she is ready for a new challenge and the years she spent teaching have prepared her to take the campus to the next level.

"I've only taught in Los Baños, it was the very first interview I had done. I was so nervous I broke out in spots," Latham said during her first day as the new dean. "It's been a great place to work but at this point I was ready for a new challenge."

Even though she's been given the interim dean position for only one year, Latham said if she proves to be effective, and the position suits her, she will apply to be the campus' permanent dean.

One of her first tasks as dean, she said, will be finding and hiring qualified faculty. Given the new restrictions that prohibit anyone teaching a subject they weren't primarily educated in, it has been difficult, Latham said. She said it has become a top priority since the fall semester is around the corner.

As dean, Latham will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Los Baños campus and its 14 faculty members, 20 staff members and, as of fall 2007, 1,121 students.

Now that the main construction of the campus is finished and operational, Latham said she will like focus on instructional services and programs they provide.

Last year, students completed a survey on how effective the campus is and what type of programs they would like to see offered. Latham and staff will use those surveys to conduct a program review this year and hopefully improve upon the campus' existing programs as well as offer new ones.

Among her goals for the 2008-2009 school year are revamping the bookstore and textbook process, expanding courses that students want to take and increasing the computer lab hours. All are per student and staff request.

In the long-run Latham would like to see the old Mercey Springs Road campus sold, the parking lot paved and maybe purchase some added chemistry equipment that would make it possible to add one more class to the new campus.

Latham also said she would like to work with the city to make the campus more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

Her own personal short-term goal is to fully move into her new office and become acquainted with the college's massive data engine.

An 11-year veteran of the campus, Latham was chosen to replace former dean Karyn Wiens who took a position as dean of economic, workforce development and community services.

"The really nice part of Karyn's ability as a manager is that she got us over that last phase of construction," Latham said.

Whereas Wiens comes from a structure and management background, Latham said she thinks her backrouground in science and statistics will benefit the campus as it continues to move forward in the uncertain economy.

"We have to start thinking on how we can grow with less resources," she said.

Latham, who grew up in San Jose and studied and lived in the east coast for many years, said she is excited about being an even bigger part of the campus and the Los Baños community.

She joined the local Rotary Club and she and her husband just completed building a new house that she hopes will be setting of many future barbecues with her staff.

Since she has only been dean for a week, Latham said she hasn't noticed if she has been treated differently by her colleagues. Even though positions have changed and the campus is bigger, spreading everyone farther apart, the family rapport that attracted her to Los Baños has stayed the same.

"I remember my husband and I were looking for a place to settle down, this just happened to be my first interview," Latham said recalling how when she drove up to the old portable campus, she wasn't completely impressed until she saw the courtyard. "The people were also really friendly and welcoming, it just clicked."

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com