With candidates for the Districts 2 and 5 seats as well as the At-Large position running unopposed, the Del Mar College Board of Regents recently canceled the General Election.
Each of the three Regents will serve for a period equaling six years, which will conclude in 2028.
Nine regents serve on the Del Mar College Board of Regents. There are five district-based regents and four at-large regents.
All of the territory that is under the jurisdiction of the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts is included within the boundaries of the Del Mar College District.
The Foghorn News contacted all new and returning members via email and inquired as to what they consider to be the most vital issues and objectives for the future of Del Mar College. Their answers are below.
Carol Scott
Chair | At-Large
What is your profession?
“Public affairs consultant.“
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“Del Mar College, along with all of the colleges in Texas, will need to adapt to a new funding model that is being proposed by the Texas Community College Commission on Finance. This new model will shift the State’s portion of our funding from contact hour funding to completion and outcomes-based funding. The good news is that all degrees, certificates and credentials will be considered as will funding for students who transfer without completing a degree. The Commission is also proposing a significant increase in student financial aid for both traditional and dual credit students across the state. Our other major challenges will be to increase our enrollment of full time and part time students and through student advising, decrease the time to complete a degree or certificate and therefore help our students achieved their goals more efficiently.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“I am finishing my 8th year on the board and am looking forward to accomplishing many things in the coming years.”
Libby Averyt
At-Large
What is your profession?
“I am the President and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Bend. Prior to joining United Way over five years ago, I worked at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times where I ended my career there as President and Publisher.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“Del Mar College is in an exciting time of its evolution with the opening of the Oso Creek Campus and enhancements at the Heritage and Windward Campuses. Among our priorities are the successful launch of the Oso Creek Campus, increasing enrollment throughout the system, continued long-term financial planning and strategic diversity, equity and inclusion training and practices. With our top-notch administration, faculty and staff, I’m confident we can continue to grow and adapt to changing students’ needs now and in the future.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“I’m grateful to not have an opponent in this year’s election. Still, I want the voters to know that I take my commitment to Del Mar College very seriously and will continue to serve with independence and integrity.”
Rudy Garza Jr.
District 1
What is your profession?
“Currently I’m semi-retired. I am considered a real estate investor focused primarily in residential rentals. In the corporate world, I was a Purchasing Manager, Materials Manager and a Global Logistics Manager with a semiconductor firm. We manufactured voltage regulators that went into personal computers and cell phones.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“My top priorities are to make sure that Del Mar provides the opportunity for all young people in our area to receive the right academic or skills training they need to get the job they want to provide for themselves and their family. We have to do everything we can to make sure that we keep the tuition rates affordable for our economically disadvantaged students, but still have enough resources to provide the tools they need to be successful in their efforts.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“I graduated from Del Mar College with a associates degree in business and went on to graduate from CCSU (now TAMUCC) with a BBA in finance. My education was critical to me finding success in my life and for that I’m grateful to Del Mar College.“
David Loeb
District 2
What is your profession?
“I own and operate commercial real estate here in Corpus Christi.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“The most important thing is making sure that Del Mar students get a high-quality affordable and low to no debt education. That education should either prepare them for a good paying job upon graduation or provide a low cost opportunity to complete a higher degree through transferring. Since many students are working while attending school and/or have family commitments making sure that classes are available for students when they have the time is also a priority. I want to work with local businesses to encourage more of them to offer tuition assistance to their employees so more people can afford to attend and have the flexibility to attend. Expanding high dual credit opportunities particularly in CTE fields so students can get entry level jobs in the field they are studying in is also a priority. Telling our story both locally so people know of the great opportunity and value of a Del Mar education and a national and state level to advocate for more resources are also critical.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“I am a fifth generation Corpus Christian and my two children are sixth generation. My wife, Heather is a mental health advocate and writer. I care deeply about our community and know from a long family history and my time in government that we achieve greater prosperity when educate and train people who already live here. If Del Mar students are successful our area will be successful as well.”
William ‘Bill’ J. Kelly
District 3
What is your profession?
“I’m an attorney board certified in family law, which means I handle divorces, custody fights and child support disputes. I was drawn to this area of the law because it allowed me to help people through what was likely the worst crisis of their lives. I noticed how destructive family law litigation is to families so I have shifted my practice to mediation so I can help people resolve their differences without going to court.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“I’m a recent addition to the Board of Regents. I was attracted to the position because of the importance of Del Mar to the community. It’s my impression that Del Mar does an outstanding job helping people improve their lives. The one thing I want to improve is helping students stay focused on their goals. We need to steer students to the classes that will get them to their degree or certification as quickly and inexpensively as possible.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“My parents raised me to be of service to my community, that is why I have served as a City Councilman, and a school board trustee and now as a Del Mar Regent. I hope that when I’m gone that Corpus Christi will be a better place than when I arrived.”
Laurie Turner
District 4
What is your profession?
“I am an educator with Gregory-Portland Middle School. This is my 18th year teaching History.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“My top priorities for the future of Del Mar College include building relationships with the community and industries in effort to improve and expand curriculum alignment with the community’s workforce.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“It is important that the college’s programs are affordable and accessible to all people.”
Carl Crull
District 5
What is your profession?
“Registered Professional Engineer (Civil), Owner, Crull Engineering, LLC, Former Vice President, HDR Engineering, Inc., Former Assistant City Manager, Public Works and Utilities – City of Corpus Christi and Former City Engineer – City of Corpus Christi.”
What do you view as the top priorities for the future of Del Mar?
“Completion of the projects currently authorized by the voters and in the Capital Improvements Plan. Plan for future bond programs to finance the completion of the Oso Creek Campus as well as any needs for new facilities or upgrades to existing facilities at the Heritage and Windward campuses. Continue to provide affordable degree and certificate programs that meet the needs of both the students and regional employers. Encourage further development of scholarship programs.”
Anything else you would like to include about yourself or Del Mar?
“Served on United Way of the Coastal Bend – 12 years, 4 as Treasurer, Member Del Mar College President’s Council, Member TAMUCC President’s Council, Member TAMUCC Engineering Advisory Council. I look forward to working with the board of regents, faculty, staff, and students at Del Mar College.”
Regents Linda P. Villarreal (At-Large) and Nicholas L. Adame (First Vice Chair, At-Large) have not responded at this time.
Answers will be added to foghornnews.com as they are received.
