1

Dear Northwest Vista College Supporters:

I believe the community college movement epitomizes the ideals of democracy and “the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.” Can you imagine the possibilities that would have been lost to our citizens had the twentieth century American community college movement not been born from imagining the possibilities? In our community alone, hundreds of thousands of people have benefi ted from the higher education opportunities aff orded by the visionary creation of the fi ve Alamo Colleges.

When Northwest Vista College was established, we, the faculty and staff , imagined a college where engaging students in learning together allows them to imagine and achieve extraordinary possibilities. While we had limited resources to make our vision reality, we set out

on a journey to create in our beautiful environment an inviting and supportive culture where the dreams of our students can be realized and the future of our community willbe enhanced.

In this year’s President’s Report, we will share some achievements and some challenges related to our three key goals of student completion, student learning, and sustainability. We will introduce you to a few of our students and to the extraordinary possibilities they are achieving.

Th ank you for nering with us to support their dreams. We salute you who help empower our students to imagine and to realize the possibilities that they have within themselves!

Jacqueline Claunch, PresidentNorthwest Vista College

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Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.

Harry Emerson FosdickJacqueline Claunch, President,Northwest Vista College

Left : Butterfl y near Manzanillo Hall

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President’s Message

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VISION

As a young girl, Kristen Loar always knew she would go to college. When she turned 18, her parents divorced and Kristen’s vision of college almost derailed. Suddenly, she had to become fi nancially responsible and fi gure out how to pay for college.

“When I was in high school, I dreamed of going to a university.” Ultimately, she made a decision to attend her local community college. She said, “Coming to Northwest Vista College was the best choice I could have ever made.”

Kristen’s choice has paid off . Since enrolling at NVC, she acquired feedback

and guidance from various NVC employee mentors and studied in China for several weeks. She was also accepted into the National Society for Leadership Academy for Students.

Kristen graduated from Northwest Vista College in May 2012 with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Her determination to achieve her vision landed her in one of the few spots on the All-Texas Academic Team--quite an accolade. She will receive a full scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Arlington.

When I was in high school, I dreamed of going to a university. Coming to Northwest Vista Collegewas the best choice I could have ever made.

Kristen LoarNVC Graduate 2012

Left : Earth Day activities near Redbud Learning Center

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To become responsible members of our world community, we create exemplary models for:

Learning to Be...Learning to Work...Learning to Serve...Learning to Lead... Together.

Our Vision

About Northwest Vista CollegeNorthwest Vista College, one of the Alamo Colleges, began off ering classes to 12 students in the fall of 1995. Although there were no physical buildings, classes were held at the Northside Independent School District and at partner corporate sites. Th e fi rst campus building opened to the public in fall of 1998.

Currently there are over 15,000 students taking courses at Northwest Vista College and at several off -site locations. Students have the option to enroll in 16-, 8- and 3-week semesters held daytime, evening, weekend or online. Most programs lead to a two-year associate degree, one-year certifi cate or marketable skills achievement award. We also off er community programs for children, adults seeking leisure classes, senior citizens and local businesses training their workforce.

Northwest Vista College is “Creating Opportunities for Success” through partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions. Located in Westover Hills, next to SeaWorld San Antonio, our campus combines a beautiful Hill Country setting with attractive modern facilities.

Our Commitment: We, the students, faculty, and staff of the Northwest Vista College community, are committed to making a diff erence through learning and through service. To that end, we are guided and inspired by a unifying set of values:

Our ValuesCreating Opportunities for Success

LearningCommunityCaring

SynergyDiversityCreativity

OpennessIntegrityJoy

Our Mission

5

Alamo Colleges

Alamo Colleges Values

Alamo Colleges Mission

Alamo Colleges VisionWe the members of the Alamo Colleges are committed to building our individual and collective character through a set of shared values. Th ese values guide and inspire our thoughts and actions as we seek to fulfi ll our vision and mission.

Empowering our diversecommunities for success.

Th e Alamo Colleges will be the best in the nation.

Th e Alamo Colleges serve the Bexar County community through programs and services that help students succeed in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed in today’s world. Th e fi ve colleges — San Antonio (est. 1925), St. Philip’s (est. 1898), Palo Alto (est. 1985), Northeast Lakeview (est. 2007), and Northwest Vista (est. 1995) — off er associate degrees, certifi cates and licensures in occupational programs that prepare students for jobs, as well as arts and science courses that transfer to four-year institutions and lead to Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees.

IntegrityCommunicationCommunity

Academic FreedomAccountability

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Staff Sergeant Brian Henriksen served 13 years in the U.S. Army and earned several campaign medals. Now a biology major at Northwest Vista College, Henriksen has set a goal to become a military doctor. He wants to be an example for his two young sons.

Th rough his service in the Middle East, Henriksen learned to treasure his culture and appreciate the diff erences in the diversity of other cultures.

He credits his education at NVC for helping him to identify issues that can cause confl ict.

“If we learn to objectively open our minds, take the time to look at both sides, and better educate ourselves, there will be less miscommunication and less chance for confl ict. Th e more we educate ourselves and our children, the better off all of us will be, and the closer to world peace we will become.”

Th e more we educate ourselves and our children, the better off all of us will be, and the closer to world peace we will become.

Brian HenriksenNVC Student

Left : Student, Faculty and Staff activity during Earth Day

CULTURE

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Employee Engagement (PACE)

Northwest Vista College promotes open communication among faculty, staff and administrators. Th e Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) annually surveys employees about their perception of the college climate.

NVC employees rate diff erent climate factors that impact student success and institutional eff ectiveness. Th ese factors include institutional structure, supervisory relationships, teamwork and student focus.

Results from this survey show that college faculty,staff and administrators share a positive perception

of our workplace environment. Employees believe they work in a collaborative institution--a strong component of employee engagement.

Our culture of employee engagement positively impacts student engagement based on comparative survey results from the National Community College Benchmarking Project (see section on engagement).

With shrinking budget allocations from the state of Texas and continued enrollment growth, our team of nearly 1,000 full time and part time employees exhibits unwavering commitment to quality education.

College Culture Noted by National Examiners

In 2011, Northwest Vista College was the only educational organization in the nation to receive a site visit as part of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award application process. Th e award recognizes organizations for their performance excellence. Th e college has used the Baldrige model as part of its quality journey for the last 10 years.

One of the key strengths identifi ed by the Baldrige examiner team that visited the college was the college’s organizational culture.

State Study Looks to NVC for Promising Practices

Northwest Vista College was one of three top-performing community colleges in Texas selected for a 2011 state study of promising practices in four areas: culture of improvement, engagement of staff and faculty, student focus and community outreach.

Th e study, commissioned by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation’s Center for Financial Aid Policy in community colleges, was conducted to examine how high-performing Texas community colleges meet the diverse needs of students and community in order to produce successful outcomes.

Open College Culture Creates Positive Outcomes

9

Northwest Vista College strives to create a collaborative culture. Employees and students collaborate internally and with community organizations to foster cultural diversity and to off er peace and confl ict resolution training. Here are some of the events that took place during the last academic year:

• A collaboration by members of Humanities, Mass Communication, Civic Engagement, Fine Arts, Library and the Art Club created the “Immigrant Memorial” to honor 72 immigrants killed in Mexico.

• Th e Peace and Confl ict Studies program, along with International Studies, sponsored speaker Ernesto Lizcano, a maquiladora factory worker in Mexico who spoke about his working conditions, immigration issues and drug wars in Mexico.

• Th e Peace and Confl ict Studies program and Faculty Development organized an employee and friends visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum at the Jewish Community Center in San Antonio.

• As of International Women’s Month, the Peace and Confl ict Studies and the International and Mexican-American Studies programs engaged 500 students from History, Speech, Spanish, German, Humanities, Psychology, Sociology and Geography classes in a presentation related to human traffi cking.

• Two hundred students and faculty participated in workshops based on the book “An Ordinary Man” by Paul Rusesabagina, whose life and work was portrayed in the movie Hotel Rwanda. Th e workshops, organized by the Peace and Confl icts Studies program, raised awareness about genocide in Rwanda and looked at the root causes of “hate language.”

• NVC welcomed Stone Kyambadde of Uganda who spoke about leadership and his experiences helping youth from disadvantaged areas in Uganda through soccer camps.

Students and Employees Embrace Diversity

Our student population in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program is growing and becoming more diverse. Enrolled students come from 28 countries spanning across six continents including Brazil, China, Cuba, Korea, Egypt, Ukraine, Italy, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Panama, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan and Nigeria.

Students who want to improve their language skills take continuing education courses in English grammar, conversation, reading and writing. Th ese classes help adult learners pursue their goals by targeting the areas they most want to improve.

In two years, the student enrollment in the ESL program increased by 96 percent.

Northwest Vista College responded to changing student needs, including the addition of an accelerated option for those who want more intensive instruction.

English as Second Language Program Serves Diverse Populations:Enrollment Soars

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11

Veronica “Roni” Martinez dropped out of the ninth grade when she became a single mother. But aft er 26 years, she made the decision to resume her education.

It wasn’t easy. Her fi rst courses were developmental math, reading and writing.

“Aft er 26 years of not being in school, you forget many of the rules you learned and need a refresher course in order to be successful and go to the next level.”

Roni’s goal to become a math teacher propelled her to successfully complete

all the required developmental courses so that she could then enroll in college-level classes.

It took fi ve years of dedication and patience for Roni to earn her Associate of Science Degree in Teaching.

At the same time, Roni also won the Northwest Vista College Graduation Idol contest to become a graduation speaker for the 2012 ceremony.

During her address, Roni sparked enthusiasm: “Whether you are the fi rst or the last, just remember you made it across the fi nish line.”

Aft er 26 years of not being in school, you forget many of the rules you learned and need a refresher course in order to be successful and go to the next level.

Veronica “Roni” MartinezNVC Graduate 2012

Left : Campus landscaping

READINESS

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Approximately 80 percent of students who enroll at Northwest Vista College must complete Developmental Math before they can pursue college-level courses. Based on the National Community College Benchmarking Project (NCCBP), our Developmental Math program ranks fi rst in the nation in preparing students for college-level math.

In 2011, 85.5 percent of NVC students successfully completed Developmental Math courses. Th e peer average score for that year was 67.3 percent. NVC student success rates were the highest in the nation when compared to the 280 community colleges participating in the project.

Additionally, approximately 60 percent of students who enroll at Northwest Vista College need Developmental Writing or Reading. NVC ranked signifi cantly above average in student success rates for both areas.

Based on NCCBP results, in 2012 more than 89 percent of students enrolled in Developmental Writing courses succeeded, compared to a national average success rate of 73.3 percent. Th e NCCBP data ranked NVC second in the nation in preparing students for college-level writing courses among participating colleges. Finally, in Reading, NVC ranked fi ft h in the nation with an 83.6 percent success rate as compared to a peer average of 74.6 percent nation-wide among participating colleges.

Th e dedicated and innovative faculty in our Developmental Math, English, and Reading departments, along with support staff in several tutoring centers, ensure that students receive high-quality instruction and a great deal of assistance in order to help them meet their goal of academic success.

Northwest Vista College is a National Leader in Preparing Students for College-Level Math, Reading and Writing

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NVC (2011)

NCCBP Peer Average (2011)

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Reading Writing Math

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Student Development Course Helps Students Succeed Students new to college may have some challenges navigating the higher education system. Northwest Vista College off ers a Student Development course geared specifi cally for new students as an orientation to college. Over the years, the college has improved the course to further help students succeed. Information covered in the course includes helping students understand their learning styles, how to study, time management, goal planning, exam preparation and strategies to be successful college students.

Based on the current college Strategic Plan, as well as feedback from an external assessment of the course, the goal is to further improve the curriculum in Student Development, adopt a textbook and collaborate with our sister colleges to align curriculum and set specifi c learning outcomes. Th e learning outcomes will be measured using a pre- and post-student assessment that evaluates whether students achieved their goals. Th e course will also focus

on degree planning and completion – strategic objectives for the college and the district.

In recent years, the college also created a specialized Student Development course for those students who were on academic dismissal or had other academic needs. Th e success rate for students successfully completing this course is above 90 percent with many students named to the honor roll.

College data show that students who take the Student Development course are much more successful in their overall coursework than students who do not take the course. Coordinator of Student Development Gary Bowling says, “Students who pass the Student Development course with A, B or C are successful in 87 percent of all their classes as compared to 71.6 percent for those students who don’t take the course and 44.9 percent for those not passing the course.”

During the 2010-2011 academic year, nearly 3,000 students participated in the Northwest Vista Dual Credit program--a record number for the college. Dual Credit allows high school students to enroll in courses that provide both college and high school credit simultaneously. Th e program off ers students the opportunity to take up to four courses per year. From fall 2008 to spring 2011, Dual Credit students earned 36,544 college credits.

Th e Dual Credit program is heralded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for its contribution to “Closing the Gap” by increasing college enrollment and lowering academic costs, particularly for economically challenged students. Likewise, studies show that

Dual Credit increases the likelihood that a student will complete high school, enroll in, and persist in college.

About 35 percent of Dual Credit students choose Northwest Vista College aft er graduating from high school. Th is program allows students to move more quickly towards degree completion, a strategic college objective that meets Texas state requirements.

Th e Dual Credit program is successful thanks to strong partnerships with local school districts such as Northside ISD and Boerne ISD. Th e program anticipates growth by another 10 percent this year.

Total college credits taken by Dual Credit students while in high school: 36,5442011 Dual Credit graduates who returned to NVC: 2,939Percent who continued at NVC: 35%

Dual Credit Program Puts High School Students on the Fast Track to a College Degree

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Northwest Vista College serves as a partner location for the San Antonio Pre-freshman Engineering Program (PREP) to provide summer mathematics courses for qualifi ed middle and high school students. Th e program, administered in collaboration with the University of Texas at San Antonio, promotes careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to students who show the potential for success in these fi elds.

PREP is a national program that takes four years to complete. It strives to increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students benefi t from a strong academic curriculum, fi elds trips, mentoring, guest speakers and special hands-on projects such as constructing toothpick bridges and building working rockets.

“Aft er completing my fi rst summer of PREP, my experiences in every class that I took were just

awesome,” says Yvette Uresti, who took PREP classes in the eighth and ninth grade more than twenty years ago. Now, she works at Northwest Vista College as a math instructor and the PREP site director. “It’s because of PREP that I graduated with a mathematics degree from St. Mary’s University, and that I continued on to earn a master’s degree, and look forward to pursuing my Ph.D.”

Middle and High School StudentsPrepare for STEM Careers

PREP Program Has a Long Traditionat Northwest Vista College

Facts about PREP Students:*99.9% complete high school99% attend college85% graduate from college75% come from minority groups, usually underrepresented in STEM fi elds53% are female44% of college graduates are STEM majors37% come from low income families_____________________________*Data from the most recent annual PREP survey

Th e Pre-Freshman Engineering Program coordinated by the University of Texas at San Antonio has a long tradition at Northwest Vista College. At least 12 Northwest Vista College faculty members who teach science, technology, engineering and math fi elds have participated in the PREP program as young adults or served as teachers. Another half dozen instructors serve as expert guest speakers for the PREP courses. It’s a program deeply rooted in the Northwest Vista College tradition, off ered since the college opened in 1995.

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“I can truly say that PREP had a positive impact on my life. It prepared me as a student. I learned discipline and work ethic as an employee. It is where I began to teach, which is, of course, my passion. And more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to make a diff erence in children’s lives.” Eddie Bishop, NVC Instructor of Mathematics and former PREP student

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Aft er graduating from high school, Jesse Salazar III began college but later dropped out and worked at a video game store for four years. Once Jesse became a father, he realized quickly that he needed to further his education, so he enrolled at Northwest Vista College and became involved in campus life.

Th rough his participation in the Student Leadership and Activities program, as well as other campus organizations, Jesse demonstrated his NVC pride.

Life as a single father, student and ambassador for the school was demanding, but Jesse never neglected his duties as a dad. In fact, he oft en brought his son Jesse to campus as he interacted with other students, and

participated in various on- and off -campus extracurricular activities.

Before graduating in May 2012, Jesse learned that he was accepted into the University of Texas at Austin. Jesse says NVC prepared him well for his next adventure.

“If I didn’t get involved as much as I have, my résumé would have been one page. Universities say you can be a straight ‘A’ student, but if you aren’t involved in extracurricular activities, you will be overlooked.”

Jesse was not overlooked. UT Austin has accepted him for a highly competitive Radio, Television and Film program. Jesse says he is on his way to meet his next goal of becoming a fi lmmaker.

If I didn’t get involved as much as I have, my résumé would have been one page.

Jesse Salazar IIINVC Graduate 2012

Left : Salazar and son at Lago Vista

ENGAGEMENT

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Many students who attend community colleges have jobs and family responsibilities. Th ey may not have time for extracurricular activities and college life. Th erefore, we measure student engagement by assessing the classroom experience: active and collaborative learning, student-faculty interaction and the support students receive outside of the classroom. According to the Community College Survey on Student Engagement (CCSSE), Northwest Vista College is the highest-scoring community college in the nation for active and collaborative learning among our peer groups.

Active and CollaborativeLearning Leader

NVC Students Use Social Networking for Academic Sucess Northwest Vista College students are technology savvy and are ahead in using social networking tools for academic success. According to the 2009 Community College Survey on Student Engagement (CCSSE) Special-Focus Items on Technology, 20 percent of students surveyed from NVC said they use social networking such as instant messaging, text messaging, MySpace and/or Facebook, Twitter, etc. to communicate with other students, instructors or college staff about coursework at the college multiple times a day. Th at compares to 14 percent for the other

312 colleges participating in this survey question, with 55 of those colleges considered large like Northwest Vista College.

Th is creates a great opportunity for the college to expand two-way communication with students. In the spring 2012 semester, the college public relations team created a strategic social media plan to further engage students using college Facebook. Within one semester, the college increased Facebook likes by 201, bringing the total to more than 4,600.

Student Engagement onthe First Days of Classes

Northwest Vista College also measures student engagement in the fi rst days of classes using the Survey of Entering Student Engagement (SENSE). Th e data from 2009 show Northwest Vista College is above the United States cohort in engaged learning and off ering support systems. Th ere is, however, a gap in early academic planning. One of NVC’s goals is to create action plans that strengthen academic planning for entering students.

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EngagedLearning

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In the summer of 2011, Northwest Vista College created the Friends of the Arts at NVC (FANs) to advance the development of the Fine and Performing Arts at the college.

Primary goals include:

• Support quality artistic experiencesfor students

• Establish the Palmetto Center for the Arts at NVC as a leading arts venue in San Antonio.

Th e organization hosted events to promote participation, encourage interest in the arts at NVC’s Palmetto Center for the Arts and to establish community relationships.

FANs raised funds to support music, theater and dance programs as well as instruction for the NVC Academy of Lifelong Learning. Th e group is currently raising funds for “Call for Scores,” a national original music competition for community college students organized by NVC faculty member Beth May.

Community Engaged in the Arts

21

With two of his brothers in college, Northwest Vista College student Julien Mahler made a strategic decision to lighten the fi nancial burden for his parents and come to a two-year college.

He also wanted to lighten his own load of debt on the path to becoming a pediatric doctor. Since enrolling at NVC, Julien has reaffi rmed that he made the right decision.

Th anks to NVC’s Math Intensive Majors program funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, Julien received a full scholarship. Instead of working and going to school, this scholarship allows Julien to focus on his classes and to be active on campus.

Oft en wearing a suit and tie, Julien has made a name for himself as a leader. He enjoys learning while serving as a Student Ambassador. Julien is also NVC’s president of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Known for his charismatic nature and inspirational talks, Julien is oft en invited to speak at college fundraising events. He also embraced the honor and opportunity to participate in a special neighborhood improvement project with the Bexar County commissioner’s offi ce.

“I give credit to Vista for helping me learn how to work with people on a professional basis.”

I give credit to Vista for helping me learn how to work with people on a professional basis.

Julien Mahler NVC Student

Left : Lago Vista near Cypress Campus Center

LEARNING

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Only in its third year, the Digital Video and Cinema Production program at Northwest Vista College has approximately 100 students who declared this fi eld as a major. Two students have already graduated aft er completing the program in two years of study.

With the advent of new digital technology, the local and national cinema industry is changing rapidly. Graduates are expected to have high-level technical skills and hands-on experience while competing for jobs in this new landscape. In response to industry needs for qualifi ed graduates, the Digital Video and Cinema Production program matches students with internship opportunities and prospective employers. Students also benefi t from hands-on projects for the college, local companies and community partners.

Th e Digital Video and Cinema Production program also recently upgraded its equipment by adding sophisticated camera equipment that allows students to work with high-resolution, digital-cinema technology.

Northwest Vista College students learn not only how to operate these complex camera systems, but also how to edit, direct, add sound, create special eff ects, and produce cinema-quality videos.

As local movie and video production companies begin using high-resolution, digital-cinema camera systems, the Digital Video and Cinema Production program will be on the front line of training students for high-demand jobs.

Cutting Edge Technology inDigital Video & Cinema Production Program

23

By day, Associate Judge Jim Rausch presides over child support cases. He shares lessons learned from the courtroom with students in his criminal justice classes at Northwest Vista College, where he teaches part time in the evenings.

“Real life episodes help students understand,” Rausch said. “Many of the concepts we study happen in the courtroom, and the students are able to see it fi rsthand.”

Rausch has served as an adjunct instructor at Northwest Vista College since the fall of 2005. His 23-year experience in the courtroom adds reality and context to what students would normally learn only from a textbook. Every semester he encourages students to earn extra credit by observing the proceedings in his courtroom.

“Th e most rewarding part [of teaching] is being able to off er wisdom and advice to these students and then hope that it plays a part in their continued success,” Rausch said.

Rausch is one of 433 part time faculty members who teach at Northwest Vista College. “I look

forward to coming here at night,” he added. “I am energized by the determination, work ethic, sense of humor, and life experiences of many of the students.”

Part Time Faculty ShareProfessional Experience with Students

Th e goal of the Community Education program at Northwest Vista College is to promote and inspire lifelong learning to diverse sectors of the San Antonio community.

Th e Academy for Lifelong Learning provides education for adults 50 years and older. It off ers social and cultural interaction, local tours as well as special interest topics for adults who embrace learning but are not pursuing a college degree. Members can attend as many as 40 classes throughout the year while acquiring new skills. Th ey also engage in volunteerism and stewardship within the community. Since last year, the program has grown by 20 percent.

Th e Community Education program also off ers hands-on activities for kids throughout the year through Saturday Enrichment and Kids Jam Summer Camps. Kids learn guitar, piano, dance, and theater; they also participate in fi eld trips and take academic classes.

Whether it’s an older adult who wants to learn how to navigate social media sites or a 10-year-old with a dream of becoming a concert pianist, NVC’s enrichment classes off er something for everyone at little or no cost. More than 300 kids and 24 senior citizens participated in various programs last year. Th e Community Education program strives to inspire growth, creativity and innovation, thus embracing the spirit of learning.

Community Education Program Strivesto Inspire Lifelong Learning

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Michael Proctor’s fi rst choice out of high school wasn’t college. He was leaning toward the military – a desire to follow in the footsteps of his family members with military careers. But Michael realized that if he wanted to be an offi cer in the military, he needed a college degree.

He started out at Northwest Vista College part time in the fall of 2008 while working a full time job. Aft er a few semesters, he decided that one or two classes a semester was not enough; he needed to invest more time and eff ort in his education.

Michael enrolled at NVC part time and graduated in May 2012 with an Associate of Arts Degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice.

Raised by a single mother, Michael is the second person in his family to earn a college degree. His new goal is to become an attorney.

Th is fall, Michael will begin his pre-law studies at Th e University of Texas at San Antonio, with a long-term goal of pursuing law studies at the University of Texas in Austin.

Th e coordinator for the Criminal Justice program at Northwest Vista College, Steven Philbrick, described Michael as “inquisitive and seriously engaged in topics associated with criminal law and court systems and practices.” He said, “Michael’s commitment to critical inquiry will serve him well in any criminal justice related career fi eld.”

Michael’s commitment to critical inquiry will serve him well in any criminal justice related career fi eld.

Steven PhilbrickMichael’s Instructor

Left : NVC Commencement

COMPLETION

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One of Northwest Vista College’s Strategic Objectives is completion. One measure of completion is the number of students earning an associate degree or certifi cate before they transfer to a university. Each year, we continue to make improvements in assessing student needs, services and understanding of the value of an associate degree or certifi cate. Th e number of associate degrees doubled from 552 in the 2007-2008 academic year to 1,117 in the 2009-2010 academic year. In certifi cates, the number grew from 63 to 172 during that same period.

Making Improvements inDegree Completion

Another measure of success is transfer rates to a university. Northwest Vista College students transfer in record numbers. Th e college has the third highest rate in the state for students who transfer to another state institution in Texas aft er completing 30-plus hours.

By 2015, NVC’s goal for transfer rates is to be the best in the state as we partner with the newly established four-year Texas A&M University at San Antonio.

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82.9%

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63

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126

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Cisco Networking Program

Th e Cisco Networking program produced 26 graduates in 2010-2011. During this time frame, Rackspace, Inc., hired 20 entry level employees in San Antonio. About 75 percent of those new employees were students from Northwest Vista College’s Cisco Networking program.

Rackspace, Inc. Hires 15 Northwest Vista College Students

27

Th e Digital Media program increased graduation rates by 50 percent during the 2011-2012 academic year. Faculty advisors support students by educating them about the importance of declaring a major, reviewing the degree program, and conducting graduation readiness reviews. Th e program encourages part time instructors to assist students with completion.

Th e number of students enrolled in practicum, hands-on work experience for college credit, has doubled since the 2009-2010 academic year. Students from the program are placed in jobs, transfer to four-year universities or advance in their current positions.

Th e Digital Media program has articulation and transfer agreements with Texas A&M University-San Antonio, University of North Texas, Texas State University at Tyler and Texas A&M University-Commerce that allow students to complete three degrees in four years. Students enroll at Northwest Vista College for three years and receive an Associate of Applied Science in Digital Media and an Associate of Arts in either New Media Arts or New Media Communications. When students fi nish the remainder of their coursework with the transfer institution, they earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree.

Digital Media Program AcceleratesStudent Completion and Success

“I graduated from Northwest Vista College with one degree in Digital Media and another in New Media Communications as well as a certifi cate as a Multimedia Specialist. My instructors also helped me obtain a practicum experience which lead to my current internship in my chosen fi eld. I also recently transferred to the University of Texas at San Antonio where I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Katelyn Carroll2012 NVC Graduate

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Accredited in Public RelationsRenata Serafi n, college director of Community and Public Relations, completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations on Jan. 31, 2011, entitling her to use the APR professional designation by the Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine professional communication organizations.

Th e Accreditation program aims to improve the practice of public relations by assessing competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with the profession.

Congratulations to the Advocacy CenterNorthwest Vista College received a grant of $2,500 from the Tarpley Faculty Developmental Education Grant program.

Th e grant was used to implement iWrite, a pilot summer program in developmental English and reading, which sought to improve student skills and retention rates. With the help of iPads, students learned instructive play. Th e funding is part of a $12,500 grant from Col. Joe. J. Tarpley, USAF (Ret.), for use in developmental education.

Employee of the Year 2011Each month the Staff Council recognizes outstanding work performance by employees who exemplify the college values and goals. Nominations come from supervisors or fellow employees. At the end of the year, one employee is selected for the Employee of the Year. Tim Molina, Student Success Coordinator, was selected as the Northwest Vista College Employee of the Year for 2011. He was hired by Northwest Vista College as a Communications Specialist in 2004 and has served in various roles within the Student Services area.

Faculty Selected to Help Lead Arts FestivalDrama coordinator Mellissa Marlowe was invited by San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro to serve as the Associate Director of Luminaria 2012. Luminaria is an annual arts festival held in San Antonio in March that showcases local artists. Approximately 300,000 people attended Luminaria in 2011. Mellissa is active in the community, has performed in more than 40 productions and has directed numerous plays.

Left : Great White Heron over Lago Vista

AWARDS

Excellence in Teaching 2011Every year, Northwest Vista College creates an opportunity for students to recognize faculty who go above and beyond to help students succeed. In 2011, three faculty members received Excellence in Teaching Awards. Students wrote the following to nominate their favorite instructors for this award:

About Eddie Bishop, math faculty:“I have never seen a teacher who was so involved with his students. Eddie Bishop goes above and beyond to make sure that we are prepared and understand the materials. He was my instructor for math 0301 and 0302, and he made them so interesting that I was able to pass both, even though I went through them for the fi rst time over 25 years ago. He teaches with ease and with a welcoming smile. He has changed the way I see math and I know he has made a huge diff erence for my fellow students. He deserves this award because he is able to keep us interested, he makes it fun, and he is an overall great teacher!”

About Kurt Elliott, biology faculty:“I nominate Kurt Elliott because he has a passion for teaching and really cares about his students’ success. I have taken several of his courses: anatomy and physiology, biology, and this semester genetics. He is always willing to help me and answer any questions. He requires a lot of his students, but he takes the time to make sure the whole class understands his lectures before moving on. We need more teachers like Dr. Elliott!”

About James Puente, history faculty: “When I decided to take this course, I was sure I would be sleeping during class. I soon realized that this instructor’s energy was going to make it a memorable class. James Puente is an amazing instructor. He makes class interesting and fun. He helps us view things critically and question them. He guides us and helps us understand the topics by using humor along with facts. I actually learned a lot during this class!”

Film by Staff and Students Wins AwardLilith, a fi lm produced by NVC students and employees, won the Bronze Pecan Award at the Seguin Film & Arts Festival. Lilith was created by a group of Digital Video and Cinema Production students who took part in a fi lm internship to give them real-world experience.

Manuel Navarro of Workforce Education & Training coordinated the internship for students and wrote the script. Students served as the directors, producers, actors and overall crew to bring the fi lm together.

Graduates Recognized by Goodwill IndustriesGoodwill Industries honored fi ve graduates of NVC’s Community Health Worker program for their contributions to a study to help Hispanic women on San Antonio’s west side make healthier lifestyle changes. Goodwill, which paid for the fi ve graduates to work on the project, honored Marisela Lopez, Amelia Medrano, Jackie Casas, Guadalupe Campos, and Miguel Padilla. Alamo Colleges also recognized the graduates at a February Board of Trustees meeting.

Fernando Martinez, Ph.D, who oversees NVC’s Community Health Worker program, said the results of the ongoing study will be due to the work done by the graduates.

Kinesiology Faculty Honored in Museum ExhibitFine & Performing Arts and Kinesiology chair Vinnie Bradford was featured in a Fort Worth Museum of Science and History exhibit for her trailblazing career as a fencer.

Titled “Fort Worth Champions,” the exhibit featured 25 Fort Worth-based leading sports fi gures and teams from multiple disciplines.

In 1983, Vinnie won the U.S. National Championship in women’s épée and in 1984 won both the épée and foil championships, making her the fi rst woman to ever win two national championship individual titles in the same year.

Music Faculty Performs in New YorkMusic faculty member Bill Colangelo was recently part of “All Over,” a music and spoken-word live performance at the SUNY Oneonta Fine Arts Center in New York.

Th e performance is the work of Composer Joe Pignato in collaboration with Author Ivan Robertson and 10 other composers/improvisers, including Colangelo. Th e performers both were present on stage and projected from locations all over the world via the Internet.

NVC Receives Coveted National Science Foundation GrantAbout 80 students from Northwest Vista College will be chosen over the next four years to receive $6,000 annual scholarships for a Math Intensive Majors (MIM) program. Th e National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded NVC a nearly $600,000 grant to enhance the program.

Northwest Vista College was one of just two community colleges to receive this grant from the National Science Foundation in 2011 and just one of eight organizations nationwide. Th e goal is to increase the number of students, especially women, in the fi elds of science, technology, engineering and math.

NVC Selected as Top-Performing College in TexasTh e Center for Financial Aid Policy in Community Colleges commissioned a report to examine how high-performing Texas community colleges were meeting the challenges of increased enrollment and diverse student needs. Northwest Vista College was one of the colleges identifi ed in the report.

A qualitative approach was used to gather information from three top-performings schools including NVC, Temple College and Wharton County Junior College. NVC and the others were selected for their higher than average persistence, workforce placement and Pell recipient rates.

Partnership Leads to Big Money for StudentsNorthwest Vista College, in partnership with Texas State University and the United States Department of Agriculture, secured $140,000 in scholarships. Th is initiative will support NVC Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) students as part of the Food Safety and Agroterrorism Training: Educating Our Future Workforce program.

Th irteen agriculture, nutrition, biology, or environmental science students have been awarded potentially up to $10,000 in NVC scholarships for two years while working on their associate degrees. Upon transfer to Texas State University, this initiative will provide an additional $8,000 per student per year while the students are completing their baccalaureate degrees.

Photo of NVC Receives National AttentionA photograph of the NVC library, taken by librarian Amanda Gorrell, was published on the cover of the May 2011 issue of “Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries.” Th is publication reaches college and university libraries in the United States.

Piper Professor Award NomineeEach year, Northwest Vista College nominates one faculty member for the Piper Professor Award, a Texas state recognition for superior teaching at the college level. In 2011, the college nominated math faculty, Javier Guerra. Here is how one student describes him:

“I have taken two classes with Javier Guerra. Each time the class has been interesting, fun, and exciting. Mr. Guerra motivates and encourages his students. He makes every attempt to help, and makes sure that his students comprehend the material. It is obvious that he is dedicated to his students and that he loves math. Having a passionate instructor makes all the diff erence in the world.”

President’s Report Wins Lone Star AwardNorthwest Vista College Public Relations received the 2012 Lone Star Award from the Houston Press Club for the 2009-2010 President’s Report, titled “Innovation.”

Th e report took second place in the Lone Star Annual Report category. Th e Lone Star Awards are given each year in recognition of outstanding achievements in journalism and mass communication in Texas. Th e competition encompasses eff orts in the fi elds of print, radio, television, Internet journalism and public relations as well as student publications and broadcasts.

31

PR Team Earns Creative AwardsTh e Northwest Vista College Public Relations Team received three Hermes Creative Awards and one Honorable Mention in the 2012 competition. Administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the Hermes Awards are judged by industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. About 4,700 entries were submitted from throughout the United States and other countries.

Paul Vallejo and Renata Serafi n received the Hermes’ Platinum Award for the “Get Your Degree at NVC: More Money” video. NVC’s Public Relations Team -- Melissa Aguirre, Shawn Harward, Lisa McDaniel, Melissa Monroe-Young, Renata Serafi n and Paul Vallejo – received the Hermes Gold Award for the 2009-2010 President’s Report titled “Innovation.” Renata also received the Hermes Gold Award for the “Get Your Degree at NVC” public relations plan. Melissa Monroe-Young received Honorable Mention for the “Get Your Degree at NVC” electronic newsletter.

School Named for InstructorTh e proposed “Cielo Vista North area” elementary school has been named McAndrew Elementary in honor of Sara McAndrew, a longtime Northwest Vista College adjunct instructor. Th e school will open in the summer of 2014 and is located outside of Loop 1604 and Interstate I-10.

Dr. McAndrew is also a longtime teacher, principal and instructional leader in the Northside Independent School District. She is currently retired from the district.

TIER Reaching Younger StudentsTh e NVC Robotics program, Texas Institute for Educational Robotics (TIER), is reaching younger students thanks to a grant from the Greater Texas Foundation. With the grant, TIER will be able to expand sponsorship of the Junior Lego programs for kindergartners through third grade. Th is grant is designed to develop 10 new Junior Lego robotics teams.

Two Programs Honored by Gov. PerryTh e Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) presented NVC with a certifi cate from the Offi ce of the Governor of Texas recognizing the college’s innovative leadership in integrating industry-defi ned skill standards into its curriculum.

Two NVC programs were recognized: the 3D Animation Associate of Applied Science degree and the Game Production Associate of Applied Science degree. Both programs integrated with the Electronic Game Content Development Skill Standards.

Victory Media Names NVC Military Friendly SchoolVictory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Northwest Vista College to the coveted Military Friendly Schools list. Th is list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

Th e schools are recognized for their recruitment, retention and services for those with military experience or affi liation to include world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, fl exibility, and other services. Th is is the third year in a row that Northwest Vista College received this recognition. thhhatat NNorthweww sttt Vista College received this rececog

Northwest Vista College AdministrationJacqueline Claunch, Ph.D. PresidentJimmie Bruce, Ed.D. Vice President for AcademicsDebbie Gaitan, M.A. Vice President for Student SuccessJulie Pace, M.S. Vice President for College ServicesMary Dixson, Ph.D. Dean of Interdisciplinary ProgramsPatrick Fontenot, M.A. Dean of Workforce Education & TrainingJennifer Comedy-Holmes, M.A. Dean of Student Success Services

Alamo Colleges Board of TrusteesJames Rindfuss Chairman District 9Marcello Casillas Vice Chairman District 4Anna Uriegas Bustamante Secretary District 3Yvonne Katz, Ph.D. Assistant Secretary District 7Joe Alderete, Jr. District 1Gary Beitzel District 8Denver McClendon District 2Roberto Zarate District 5Gene Sprague, Ph.D. District 6

Bruce H. Leslie, Ph.D. Alamo Colleges Chancellor

AccreditationNorthwest Vista College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number (404) 679-4501) to award degrees in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Certifi cate of Completion.

Northwest Vista College is also approved and accredited by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists. Northwest Vista College, one of the Alamo Colleges, opened in 1995 with 12 students. Currently, enrollment exceeds 15,000 students pursuing associate degrees, certifi cates and marketable skills achievement awards. Located in Westover Hills, near SeaWorld San Antonio, Northwest Vista College’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partners provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.

Cover and design inspired by the painting “Share Your Experience” by Karl Frey, former Northwest Vista College faculty. (Currently with Northeast Lakeview College.)

President’s ReportAdvisory TeamMelissa AguirreLydia BeaverEddie BishopLynne DeanMary DixsonPat FontenotEliza HernandezCarlos LopezTim MolinaJulie PaceRenata Serafi n

Content WritingMelissa AguirreJacqueline ClaunchLynne DeanMary DixsonCarlos LopezMelissa Monroe-YoungRenata Serafi n

Cover LayoutLisa McDaniel

EditingJackie ClaunchManny MartinezLaura LawrenceMelissa Monroe-YoungRenata Serafi nPaul Vallejo

GraphsShawn Harward

Layout and DesignLisa McDaniel

PhotographyKemp Davis

Photo CoordinatorMelissa Aguirre

Project LeaderRenata Serafi n

ResearchBen ErnstEliza HernandezViviane MarioneauxJulie Pace

Th is publication follows Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines.