Telegram: What made you apply for the presidency position?
Dr. Matlock: I see the position as a great opportunity, in an ideal location. I think it’s an excellent opportunity for me to get back to Texas. I also researched the college, and felt like my interests and experiences fit the position well.
Telegram: Why do you feel as though you’re the best candidate for the job?
Dr. Matlock: I have plenty of experience for the job, seeing as though I’m currently serving as the president of a growing community college, and have been the past president at another one. Community colleges are my life - I have dedicated a tremendous amount of personal time nationally and internationally to let people know about their importance to society. Plus, I would love to move back to Texas.
Telegram: In the scheme of higher education, what role do you believe community colleges play?
Dr. Matlock: After working in the university system, I can tell you that community colleges are vital to a strong society. I feel like community colleges meet the wants and needs of their communities more than universities because of the fact that they cater to the local economy’s wants and demands. They truly serve the needs of their students and the communities they are located in.
Telegram: What are your feelings on the expansion that seems to be taking place at community colleges across the state?
Dr. Matlock: I don’t see expansion as something that takes away from students, I see it as a way to grow and adapt to demands. I feel like in many circumstances there is no other option, but to expand your infrastructure. In this community, I see a continued growth pattern that I would look towards building on if I were named the president.
Telegram: What types of political lobbying experience do you have?
Dr. Matlock: My experience in working with political leaders began while I was in Arkansas, when I worked with state legislators to secure funding and lobbied for the best interests of our students. Currently, I serve on the legislative committee of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. I have worked diligently with our local senator and representative on issues that impact not only my college, but also community colleges around the state. I have always been very comfortable in getting to know local and state leaders.
Telegram: How do community colleges help fulfill the needs of that community’s workforce?
Dr. Matlock: One of the main purposes of community colleges is to meet the demands of a community’s workforce. Community colleges not only help educate and train people who are already involved in a community’s workforce, they also help train people entering the workforce. Community colleges are an inexpensive asset to the communities they serve, and a vital cog in the economy.
Telegram: What types of experiences do you have in dealing with athletic programs?
Dr. Matlock: We have baseball, softball and volleyball teams in North Carolina, so I have first-hand experience in working with athletes, coaches and officials. For the first time, we started an athletic booster program at the school earlier this year to help deal with funding issues, and work with donors. I have always felt like athletics at community colleges are important because it gives a lot of students one last opportunity to participate in a sport they love, or move on to another level. I love going to our games.
Telegram: What’s the first thing you would do if you were to become the president?
Dr. Matlock: I would want to immediately get to know the people I work with. I would take the time to get to know the staff in my office, and let the employees at the school know I appreciate what they’re doing. I think that it’s important whenever you begin a job to start things off with a positive approach.
Telegram: Do you think that community colleges are important tools for helping out local school districts and their students?
Dr. Matlock: We have an early college in North Carolina that is extraordinary. It serves as a last chance for students who are deemed at-risk, and I’ve seen it turn lives around. I think that community colleges share a responsibility with school districts in letting at-risk students know that there are options available to them. Too often school districts don’t work together with their community colleges, and students who are at-risk can become disconnected with education. From what I’ve seen so far, and the information I’ve been provided, I think TC does an excellent job in reaching out to its local school districts.
