A lot of changes have taken place over the course of the summer – new rugs, new equipment, a partially-fixed roof, and a new executive dean of student services. Toward the end of spring term ’04-’05, the former executive dean of student services, Debbie Derr, received a job offer in Wisconsin. Leaving her position wide open, Rob Nielson rose to the occasion and was appointed the job.

Before being appointed as executive dean of student services, Nielson served as an interim for three years, and was also dean of health and physical education. When serving as interim, Nielson oversaw the remodeling of the student service area and upgrading of the facilities and gym.

Now, as executive dean of student services, Nielson is to oversee the entire aquatic and athletic center – checking to see that each department is able to support itself and able to raise money to that end. Neilson has also had his hand in matters of financial aid and other areas of student services.

“We’re constantly evaluating the advising and counseling [offices] in all those areas to see what the students’ needs are,” Nielson said.

One of student services’ biggest priorities is to increase enrollment at Mt. Hood Community College, a year-long process aimed at increasing the number of high school enrollments. The college placement tests came about due to that goal.

A marketing campaign has also started, where they plan to market the campus and its programs via radios and buses. Then there is a pilot program where MHCC’s advisers are sent to high schools. They go to high schools for a few hours a week, allowing students to interact and talk with them about MHCC and education in general.

As for the future, Nielson and his department have been planning a men’s conference since summer. They hope the conference will take place in the spring, covering issues like low male enrollment and education for males. There will be K-12 leaders and instructors attending the conference to address the issues.

“It’s not going to be a campus thing, it’s going to be a community area-wide conference for people dealing with education,” Nielson said.