Dr. James Martin, a finalist for the presidency position at Temple College, was invited to speak Monday during a public forum on campus. Martin was the last finalist to be brought to campus for interviews.

The following is a question-and-answer piece with Martin:

Telegram: What made you apply for the presidency position?

Martin: I applied for the position because I’m very familiar with the community. After living in Waco, I’m very familiar with Central Texas. It’s a progressive community, and a good place to live. I had many students at Baylor who were from the Temple area, and were transfers from TC. I think that this college has done a good job in establishing itself as a very solid institution.

Telegram: Why do you feel as though you’re the best candidate for the job?

Martin: I have a real passion for community colleges. I’m not ashamed to vocalize that passion or that enthusiasm. I think that I have a broad understanding about what takes place at community colleges. I’ve had lots of experience in rebuilding a college after major hurricanes, and have been highly involved in business affairs and community affairs with my current position. I have dealt with a lot more than just student affairs. I want to be a college president. I think that I’m more than prepared to be one.

Telegram: In the scheme of higher education, what role do you believe community colleges play?

Martin: I think that they’re the best available source for higher education in this country. The mission of a community college is to educate its constituents. They often admit people who would otherwise not have an opportunity for a quality education. I think that with what’s going on in the country today, and with the economy in the shape it’s currently in, community colleges are going to become an even more important tool when it comes to educating people and creating a quality workforce.

Telegram: What are your feelings on the expansion that seems to be taking place at community colleges across the state?

Martin: I believe expansion and growth makes sense when you have a population that has needs. I think that growth for the sake of growth is not valuable. You have to have a demonstrative need in the community. Central Texas is a growing area. TC has met the needs of its constituents through expansion at its satellite campuses. It makes no sense to expend resources if there is no demand. That just creates strained resources. The Bioscience Institution at this college is a wonderful example of a college expanding to better suit the needs of its community.

Telegram: What types of experience do you have in working with state legislators?

Martin: I have been the vice president of the Florida Association of Community Colleges. In that capacity, I have had the opportunity to meet with legislators and the governor. The real engine that drives growth in Florida is the Legislature. I would be a very strong supporter of meeting with legislators in Texas if I were to become president. I also have experience in dealing with local political leaders, which is a trend I would look to continue if I was to come here.

Telegram: How do community colleges help fulfill the needs of that community’s workforce?

Martin: The key is partnership. In order to create economic development, the president of any community college would have to step in and talk to business and industry leaders, and let them know what kind of services they could provide to them. Presidents also need to listen to the needs of the employers and see if they’re filling their needs, and make changes accordingly. It’s also important to create new programs to attract new industry to coming to the area. No business is going to come to a community unless it’s potential workforce has opportunities at a quality education.

Telegram: What types of experiences do you have in dealing with athletic programs?

Martin: Athletic programs currently report to me in Florida, and I have been an interim athletic director in the past. One thing that’s very important to me is the idea of student-athletes. I expect any student-athlete to be successful academically, and graduate. I expect athletes to conduct themselves as exemplary members of the community. I hold athletes to a higher standard because they have been blessed with talents, which I expect them to reflect positively on the institution.

Telegram: What’s the first thing you would do if you were to become the president?

Martin: I would meet and greet. I would spend as much time meeting people and inviting them to become a partner with the college as I could.

Telegram: Do you think that community colleges are important tools for helping out local school districts and their students?

Martin: Community colleges are important tools for local school districts. They can create tremendous relationships and opportunities for district students. If I were to become president I would work very closely with the local districts in maintaining the positive relationships that already exist here. The dual-credit programs that are offered here are a tremendously important tool in getting students ready to participate in college, and I would look to continue that tradition and add to it if necessary.