Board of Trustees Candidate Questionnaire: Response from Cliff Boyd, District 5 Challenger

Question 1. Please provide a brief biography that explains how you believe your educational and professional background will benefit Dallas College.

I believe my accounting degree from Baylor University and my MBA from Auburn University will provide me a good solid basis for making good business decisions for the Dallas College District. My over 50 years of business experience will be of value to the Dallas College District in that I have seen and been involved in many of the activities that are experienced by the District on a daily basis.  Having served as Mayor of Duncanville, Chairman of the Board of Parkland Health and Hospital System, I have had extensive experience in policy development for large governmental entities in Dallas County.  I have experience related to bond campaigns and understand the value of a great bond rating.  As Co-Chairman of the Blue Ribbon Panel charged with structuring the financing and the conceptual design of the new Parkland hospital, I believe I can be of value to the Dallas College District in the area of facilities.  I also bring several years’ experience as a Hardin Simmons University Trustee.

Question 2. What is the role of the elected Board of Trustees from your perspective? How does that role relate to your individual input as an elected trustee?

The primary role of the Board of Trustees is to establish policies and to ensure that the operation of Dallas College District follows the established policies. Another key role of the Board of Trustees is to be very supportive of the mission and vision of the College in its relationships with the community, students, staff and faculty, and the Dallas County stakeholders. Trustees we are to contribute by drawing from our past experience and relationships to ensure that the vision and goals of the College District are accomplished.  We also must ensure policies are in compliance with state and federal regulations. We must be accountable to the Dallas County stakeholders for holding the chancellor accountable for successful day to day operations.

Question 3. What is the role of Dallas College in the educational marketplace in Dallas County? What is your agenda to continue to improve the quality and availability of educational programs to the citizens of Dallas County?

The role of the Dallas College in the educational Marketplace in Dallas County is very important. Dallas College should be the primary backbone of Workforce Development in the county and surrounding areas.  Dallas College must have a strong education program for local employers, this program must make it clear as to the benefits that the Community College brings to their respective businesses.  I believe to improve the quality and availability of Education Program, Dallas College will need to expand the number of community employer programs. These enhancements can be seminars, webinars and testimonials from existing relationships that the college has with employers who have benefited from the students and faculty of Dallas College.

Question 4. If elected, how will you advocate for Dallas College students, employees, and colleges, in your dealings with business, the community, other public servants, and voters?

When I'm elected as a Dallas College trustee I will advocate for the students and employees in the colleges by involving myself in both governmental and business activities within Dallas County.   Having over 50 years of business and governmental experience, I have developed a large number of relationships that can bring great value to Dallas College.   I am very interested in enhancing the relationship with the K through 12 organizations within Dallas County.  I will also be advocating for an enhanced intern program to better connect businesses with the students for a long-term relationship. I feel that this is a way to help financially disadvantaged students by providing a means to support their cost of living and transportation needs.

Question 5. How would you propose to make Dallas College the premier employer for prospective faculty and staff, in order to recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the community we serve?

To make Dallas College the Premier Employer for prospective faculty and staff the number one ingredient is inclusion.  Faculty and staff must be included in the long-term plans for the college. I think it's important that faculty and staff have a strong relationship with the business partners of the College because it's the business partners that will be providing the future employment for the students. I think it's very important that the faculty have a seat at the table to bring new and Innovative opportunities for the college.  The faculty has to be partners with the College, not just employees.  Compensation has to be fair and related to staff contributions.