Odessa College and West Texas will have a representative on the Texas Commission on Community College Finance in the person of Brian Jones.
Jones serves as director of professional learning at OC and has been with the college for two years. He was previously with Ector County ISD.
“We serve at the pleasure of the governor for a year, but the governor, according to Senate Bill 1230 … has the ability to extend it if needed, if more questions arise,” Jones said.
Named by Gov. Greg Abbott with Jones were chair Woody Hunt, Mark Escamilla, and Todd A. Williams.
The commission’s website details that three members will be appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick; three appointed by the speaker of the House; one appointed by the board of the Texas Association of Community Colleges; and one appointed by the board of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees.
There also will be a steering committee.
The website says the commission will examine trend and forecast data, seek stakeholder input, and account for equity in student outcomes.
Based on its findings it will make recommendations for:
>> The components of state funding for public junior colleges, including contact hour funding formulas.
>> The feasibility of establishing shared service agreements or inter-institutional collaborations where institutions of higher education may perform administrative services, other than direct instruction and student support services, for other institutions of higher education for a fee or other consideration.
“… Our job is to make a recommendation to the legislature about what our findings are, and hopes to have additional funding for community colleges based on our needs and also to address the 60 by 30 plan …,” Jones said.
The goal of 60×30 Texas is for at least 60 percent of Texans age 25-34 to earn a certificate or degree by 2030.
Jones said community colleges fill a huge role and funding for them has been reduced drastically over the past 20 to 30 years.
“… They call it a three-legged stool. First we’ve got tuition money, property tax revenue, as well as state funding. Over time, the state funding has been reduced,” he said.
Jones said they would like to meet once a month.
“And then through that process, individual subcommittees will be created to look into specific sectors on postsecondary readiness, dual credit enrollment, completion, what are the trends in higher ed and they will assign us to specific subcommittees, as well,” Jones said.
He added that he thinks the makeup of the commission is unique in that they all come from diverse backgrounds and can provide diverse perspectives.
“So with that, we’ve got leaders from across Texas that are coming together to make a difference, different skill sets, different views and perspectives to bring a common body of knowledge,” Jones said.
OC often changes its offerings in terms of demand.
“We’re always pivoting. In my role for professional learning, we’re always looking to innovative strategies to make meaningful change, to impact our students, understanding that they’re coming from diverse backgrounds,” Jones said. “And with the pandemic, with snowvid, knowing that our students don’t have their basic needs, we also have to address that as well. What are those needs? How do we address them? And figuring out ways to support those student diversity groups.”
Jones said he knew there was interest in appointing him to the commission, which he shared with Odessa College, and he underwent interviews and had conversations with President Gregory Williams and the administrative team and they pledged their support.
“… It’s a learning opportunity for me, I don’t know much currently, but I’m excited to have a seat at the table and to learn as much as I can to make an impact,” he added.
To get the appointment, Jones said he had to fill out an application, answer many questions and there was a phone interview with the governor’s office about the appointment.
He couldn’t let his appointment be known until the press release was issued.
When it was made official, Jones said he was excited and elated to have the opportunity to serve.
“… And like I said earlier, having a seat at the table to interact with people who are making a difference in Texas. When we talk about affordability, accessibility, these are the people who are the decision makers, who have the power to promote higher ed … I’m excited to have a seat at the table and learn among others who are making a difference,” Jones said.
He added that he didn’t know any of the members before his appointment.
“I know there’s a significant gap in funding, so additional funding to support our students is a huge priority,” Jones said.
He added that he has gotten a lot of support from people at OC.
“As I’m walking through the hall, I felt like a little celebrity, although my role is to serve it’s not to be the sage on the stage, but just to learn and to help. I believe in Odessa College, the first- generation college student, me coming to Odessa College as an alumni and also now that I’m able to work for Odessa College and to serve on the state level that will allow me to bring back something positive to Odessa College and I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Jones, who has been at OC since September 2019.
He graduated from Odessa College with his associate degree, got his bachelor’s and master’s in music from Texas Tech University, a principal certification in educational leadership and administration from Lamar University and is finishing his doctorate in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University.
He also is learning more about how OC works from the administrative team and OC Board of Trustees.
“Our CFO, Brandy Ham has also let me know that she’s available to help as well with any questions I might have. And I’ll probably be reaching out to Dr. (Janice) Hicks as well to see if we can form focus groups to have conversations about the current state of financial need for students,” Jones said.
“I’ve already got two or three focus groups set up,” he added.
