James Hagan
Published: February 4 2004
P JC President Tom Delaino is a busy man. Whether it is budget meetings, talks with the Governor of Florida or responding to queries from students regarding such matters as parking or texbook prices, Delaino has proven to be a hands-on President.
What is the hardest thing about being the President of PJC?
I think I can honestly say that there is nothing about being president of PJC that I consider “hard.” Certainly there are budget issues and related personnel issues that make things difficult. There are meetings, telephone calls, and paper shuffling which cannot be considered fun. However, my interaction with students, faculty, staff, and community members throws the balance way over toward fun.
What is a normal day’s activities for you at PJC?
I am not sure there is a “normal” day at PJC. I maintain a true open door policy including an open phone line and e-mail access. This keeps me aware of, and allows me input into, on-going college issues.
I am active in the community as a member of the United Way Board of Directors, as chair of the Committee of 100, which is the economic development area of the Chamber of Commerce, and many other community activities.
I work regularly with our Board of Trustees as they provide guidance for the college. I work closely with both the PJC and the WSRE Foundations as they provide invaluable financial and community support for the college.
I travel frequently, primarily to Tallahassee and Orlando, in support of our legislative agenda and as a member of the community colleges’ Council of Presidents. I attempt to attend as many student activities, Lyceum, performing arts, and athletic events as possible.
I work closely with the leadership team of the college as we try to efficiently and effectively operate the college in accordance with the mission, the strategic plan, and the guidance of the Board of Trustees.
And in my free time, I respond to the Corsair regarding issues that are important to our students.
What can PJC students expect in 2004 for PJC?
Students should continue to expect the same quality of instruction and student support services as have been provided in the past.
As you may have noticed, increased numbers of students and increased web registration opportunities have truly stressed our computer resources. We are looking for solutions that we can afford with resulting improvement in the registration process.
While there are no major building projects on-line, we will continue our renovation projects with an emphasis on heating and air conditioning projects.
What is the overall outlook on the state of education at PJC and the state of Florida? Is the outlook healthy?
Reaources will continue to be tight for education as a whole across the state. Despite this, Governor Bush has just released his recommended budget for community colleges and it is the best we have seen in several years. While there is much to be done before the legislature completes the budgeting process, this a great first step.