When Community College of Rhode Island President Thomas D. Sepe took over as the school’s third president in 2000, he brought with him a bold vision for CCRI. He was determined to modernize the college, not only extend its reach throughout the state, but to make sure its students found a curriculum that placed a priority on courses and programs that translate into jobs.
Nearly five years into his tenure, Sepe has a proven track record consistent with that vision.
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Unfortunately, the CCRI faculty union sees things differently. On Feb. 25, faculty members voted overwhelmingly to recommend to the Board of Governors for Higher Education that Sepe be removed from his post by the end of June. In June of 2003, Sepe had his contract renewed for an additional three years. The CCRI faculty has taken issue with Sepe’s management style, suggesting that a serious lack of communication exists. Issues of staffing assignments have also drawn the ire of faculty members.
To a large degree, a clash between Sepe and the faculty was inevitable. First of all, there have been protracted contract talks between the faculty and administration. That never bodes well for a college president.
More importantly, there has been a climate of change at CCRI since Sepe’s arrival that we suspect makes many longtime faculty members uncomfortable.
We believe the changes at CCRI have been for the better and that the school is playing a more significant role in the Rhode Island economy than at any time in its history.
In fact, what has most impressed us about Sepe’s tenure at CCRI is that the school has been so successful in enhancing its role in providing skilled workers for the Rhode Island work force, not only by churning out new workers, but in retraining existing ones.
Highlights during his tenure have included:
– In 2002, CCRI reorganized business-friendly and non-credit programming into the streamlined Lifelong Learning initiative.
– In 2003, the college opened a training and technology center at Quonset Point/Davisville.
– Six months after graduation, 94 percent of CCRI graduates were employed, pursuing additional higher education or some combination of both.
– Since 2001, CCRI has guaranteed the skills of its graduates, offering industry free retraining of students whose skill levels do not match those promised by their associate degree.
Sepe should recognize that this episode can be a learning experience. Clearly, he needs to do a better job of communicating with his faculty. After all, his bold vision for CCRI is dependent upon their talents and dedication as educators.
But we trust that the Board of Governors will see the big picture – that CCRI has never been stronger, that its role has become increasingly important to the business community. And that Sepe’s tenure should not be cut short.
