Presidents' Update
April 2026
As we move further into the spring semester, I continue to be inspired by the commitment of our WTC community. Every day I see examples of employees working collaboratively to strengthen our operations, improve the student experience, and position WTC for a strong future.
WORK GROUP PROGRESS UPDATES
This spring, several cross-functional work groups composed of faculty, staff, and executive leadership have been actively engaged in strengthening institutional practices, improving operational clarity, and ensuring WTC continues to operate in a thoughtful and people-centered manner. I am grateful to the employees who have served and continue to serve on these groups and for the important work they are advancing.
The Hiring & Employment Practices Work Group (Tanya Lytle, Stephanie Ducheneaux, Patricia Claxton, Ashley Ramirez)
focused on establishing consistent and compliant practices related to hiring and employment actions. This work has helped
reinforce clear processes, improve documentation, and ensure Human Resources coordination for all employment actions.
The IT Access for Separating Employees Work Group (Emily Powell, Tanya Lytle) developed clear procedures for managing
technology access when employees separate from the institution. This work focused on protecting institutional data, ensuring
regulatory compliance, and supporting smooth operational transitions.
The Modified Work Schedule Practices for Staff Employees Work Group (Ralph Ramon, Patricia Claxton, Tammy Davis, Emily
Powell, Tanya Lytle, Ashley Ramirez, Patrick Schneider, Geoff Pinkerton) continues its work to clarify expectations and ensure
equitable practices related to modified schedules and campus closures where job responsibilities differ. This group is also identifying
practices that support employee morale and retention while continuing to meet student and institutional needs.
I am also pleased to share the formation of a new Outside Aesthetic and Environment Work Group (Patricia Claxton, Geoff Pinkerton, Darla Wiggins, Lorenzo Sands, Patrick Schneider, SGA representative). This group will focus on enhancing the exterior appearance of our campus, including landscaping, signage, lighting, and outdoor student spaces. Their work will include identifying both immediate improvements and longer-term priorities that strengthen campus pride while supporting recruitment and student engagement.
EMPLOYEE PROCESSES AND DEVELOPMENT
We have been reviewing our employee evaluation processes to ensure alignment with policy and to support meaningful annual reviews. As part of this effort, individual job descriptions are also being reviewed and updated to ensure expectations are clear and aligned with evaluation cycles. Because this is a thoughtful and thorough process, updates to job descriptions will occur over time rather than all at once. Employees should work with their reporting member of the WTC Leadership Team to better understand timelines, expectations, and any updates to these processes.
STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE
Work also continues on the development of our next strategic plan, Serving Students Together. Through continued listening and learning processes, key strategies and priorities are being identified that will help guide our future direction. In the coming months, a framework will be shared that outlines these strategies, priorities, and the structure that will guide our work moving forward.
LOOKING AHEAD
These efforts reflect an important theme: strengthening our foundation while planning thoughtfully for the future. The work happening across these groups demonstrates our shared commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and student success.
Thank you for your continued dedication to WTC and to each othe!. The progress we are making is possible because of your professionalism, your care for our students, and your commitment to moving WTC forward together.
Dr. Laurie Sharp
People first. Purpose always. Forward together.
