Posted on September 10, 2021
作者：汤姆·卢卡斯
编者按:
This is the sixth in a series of articles written in anticipation of 皇冠博彩’s 75th anniversary. There is a full slate of special events and activities beginning next Thursday, September 16, 2021 with the 斗牛犬联合典礼 and culminating with The 75th Anniversary Gala on May 21, 2022. 今年的庆祝活动的口号是“回顾过去，向前迈进”。
After the resignation of Dr. Gerald Burson, Lary Reed was tapped once again to act as interim president. A committee comprised of members of the College community and local citizens was created to seek out viable candidates to fill the presidency of the college. After an extensive interviewing and screening process, the Board accepted the recommendation of the committee and offered the position to Dr. Richard Sanchez. Sanchez博士获得Northern Arizona University学士学位； his MA from California Polytechnic State University and his EdD from Western Michigan University. He brought with him extensive administrative, and personnel skills acquired from his experience at various institutions. Dr. Sanchez was the president of Grossman College in San Diego, California prior to his arrival at Navarro in March 1998.
When Sanchez accepted the presidency at Navarro, he identified his primary goal to be increasing the enrollment. The student population held at about 3,400 students from 1995 until 1999. By the fall of 2001, the enrollment had surpassed 4000 students and continued to increase each year for the next five years. In 2007, 社区学院 Week, named Navarro as the fastest-growing two-year college in the nation. By 2011, there were 10,400 students attending NC. Contributing to this increase in the student population was aggressive recruiting by the Student Relations Office, new programs and the expansion of the dual credit program in area high schools.
In 2009, Navarro partnered with Waxahachie I.S.D. to establish a global high school emphasizing STEM courses (science, technology. 工程学和数学)。 The introduction of internet classes also helped to account for the dramatic growth. Because electronic information and devices had become such a large part of everyday life, instructors developed courses which students took “on-line” adding another dimension to distance learning. By 2011, 20 percent of the total contact hours generated by the college came from enrollment in on-line classes. Another factor contributing to the growth of NC include the partnership with Texas A&M- Commerce in 1999. This partnership made it possible to have a four-year degree in Education without leaving Navarro County.
随着发展对空间的需求，皇冠博彩也不例外。 Under the direction of the 校董会 and the leadership of Dr. Sanchez, the Walker Dining Hall was constructed, and the former Walker Student Union Building was renovated for classroom space. In 2006, the Richard M. Sanchez 图书馆 was opened and named for Navarro’s fifth president in honor of his leadership in moving the College forward during his tenure. 古奇图书馆被改造成“一站式”学生中心。 Being located near the registrar and admissions offices made the process of registering for classes much easier for the students. Other new buildings or renovations include Gibson Hall; 新的维修/学院警察/石油技术计划。 2012 saw new field houses for the soccer, baseball and softball teams. The Cook Education Center went through an extensive expansion 2003 to accommodate the two wonderful collections donated to the College by Charles and Peggy Pearce; a collection of Civil War memorabilia including 15,00 letters, documents, paintings and bronzes and an extensive collection of Western Art, which was Mr. Pearce’s passion. In 2014, a new exhibit 黑土地草原上的猎人和采集者 opened at the 库克教育中心. The exhibit uses the Robert Reading Indian Artifact Collection to tell the story of the Native Americans who occupied Navarro County and surrounding areas.
2005年，校园里又增加了一座独特的钟楼。 The tower is situated in a quad bounded by the Gooch Student Center, the Walker Dining Hall, the Sanchez 图书馆 and the Wolens Special Events Center. The Clock tower was dedicated to the 兵营群 in honor of the students who attended classes from September 1946 - May 1952 at the airfield.
After fifteen years of growth in Corsicana and the College’s service area, Dr. Richard Sanchez announced his retirement effective August 31, 2013.
This Thursday, September 16 will be the inaugural 斗牛犬联合典礼 held at the 兵营群 Clocktower at 6:30 pm. This affinity celebration will bring together current and former students, faculty, staff and community to celebrate 皇冠博彩 and the importance of being a member of the Bulldog Family. This is beginning of a new tradition at 皇冠博彩. For more information refer to the 75th anniversary page on the NavarroCollege.edu website.
Acknowledgement and special thanks is given to Dr. Tommy Stringer whose book, 我们是皇冠博彩！ 皇冠博彩的历史 was used in the preparation of this article.
If you are or if you know the whereabouts of a former Mr. or Miss NJC or other homecoming royalty or if you have NJC memorabilia you are willing to lend to the college for display, please contact the 营销和新闻办公室 or call (903) 875-7337.
