Dr. Pierce meets the students before inauguration

By Daniel Bell
Assistant Editor

Less than a week before being inaugurated, Georgia Highlands College president, Dr. Randy Pierce, took the time to talk to students, address issues and answer any questions about himself or concerning the college.
This “meet the president” session took place April 8 in the student center at the central campus and was a part of the inauguration week festivities.

Before this session, many students said they were not familiar with FC's new president, and a few weren't even sure who Pierce was.
Pierce spoke to a small crowd of students and faculty about issues such as laptops, the cafeteria's new hours , the ongoing roof construction and financial aid.
Although Pierce said that he personally will not be making any changes at the college anytime soon, when the time for change does come, he will include everyone in the decision making process.
Addressing a question about the possibility of Georgia Highlands College becoming a four-year school, Pierce said that Floyd would be working with the State University of West Georgia and possibly Southern Polytechnic State University to bring four-year programs to here.
One student raised the issue of the continuing roof construction on the Walraven Building and asked how much longer it will last.
Pierce said that they are wrapping up the final touches now but jokingly commented that, “They will probably be working on the roof as long as I am here.”
Another hot topic that was brought up by several students was the location of the smoking cans, which are found outside almost every set of doors to the college.
Some students were concerned about the location of these “stink-butt cans,” as some students are calling them, and asked what could be done to prevent the non-smokers from having to deal with the pollution of those who do smoke.
Other students, those who do smoke, said they would like to have somewhere to go and enjoy their habits without having to face the elements.
Pierce was quick to point out that the buildings are smoke-free environments, but that he realizes there is a problem. Pierce said that he and the other administrators will look into finding a way to solve this problem so that no one, neither non-smokers or smokers, will be inconvenienced.
“We (the administration) will talk about it. I promise you,” Pierce said.