The recommendation for Wasson as campus president came from Harris, who said her decision was based on Wasson’s experience as a senior-level administrator within the district.
Shane Rice
– News Editor –
For one and a half years, STLCC-Meramec has functioned without a permanent president. On March 24, that changed.
During the March board of trustees meeting, George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs, was unanimously voted in as the new campus president for Meramec. Wasson will take his position on July 1.
After the announcement from Chancellor Zelema Harris, Ed.D., Wasson said he would like to thank the board for their vote of support.
“This is a turning point in many ways; not just for me but for the college and for the campus,” Wasson said.
The recommendation for Wasson as campus president came from Harris, who said her decision was based on Wasson’s experience as a senior-level administrator within the district.
“George truly understands the needs not only of the college, but also of the diverse populations the Meramec campus serves,” Harris said.
Wasson said he intends to work closely with faculty; staff and students to address college curricula, instructional strategies and assessment of student learning to ensure programs and services address the needs and advancement of the college’s mission.
“This is an opportunity not just for me but for the campus to move forward,” Wasson said. “We do not have to start in a situation where someone comes in and needs to learn the college, learn the people, and learn the responsibilities.”
Wasson said he has a good understanding of where Meramec is in the spectrum of things and has good working relationships with people throughout the district.
“This will give Meramec a chance to start, not with a standing start but a running start,” Wasson said.
Wasson is currently working toward a doctorate in management, community college policy and administration at the University of Maryland’s University College. He holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in economics from Indiana University.
The absence of a doctorate degree, according to Wasson, is a concern for many people, but he said he has the advantage of learning the most up-to-date research and curricula.
“My doctorate is going to be current. I believe what people are seeing is what I’m learning is the best spectrum for the community college and the type of educational institution that we are,” Wasson said. “I think this is a lot more applicable when you look at what this college needs and what would serve us the best.”
Wasson said through his learning, he has looked through senate bills, summaries from across the country and research that depicts how state policy can impact the success of students.
Wasson joined the Meramec staff in 1985 as an economics instructor, and became the business administration/economics department chair in 1994. After the resignation of former Meramec President Paul Pai, Ed.D, in April 2010, Wasson was appointed acting president until a new president was found. He said he knows what the needs of the campus and students are.
“There are short-term and long-term needs,” Wasson said. “In the short term, we need to make sure we can use what resources we have. We have to be able to leverage those so that we meet the most pressing needs.”
Wasson said the long-term needs to be reviewing and redoing the long-term capital plans.
“Times have changed. Our needs have changed,” Wasson said.
When looking at the 10-year plan, Wasson said it doesn’t meet some of the current needs of the campus. He said he believes there is a favorable atmosphere for redoing the plan.
“With a 10-year plan, you can’t go all the way to the end of the plan and say, ‘OK we’re done.’ It has to be updated,” Wasson said. “Communication is key and I think when people know they are being heard, then we as a college can and will move forward and be successful.”
