Candidates Vie for Santa Fe Community College Board Seats

The race for two six-year positions on the Governing Board of Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is shaping up to be a contest marked by varying perspectives on the challenges facing higher education. With the election set for November 4, 2023, candidates are preparing to navigate a landscape increasingly characterized by funding uncertainty and the need for innovative educational policies.

Incumbent chair Jody Pugh, a retired engineer with experience at the National Nuclear Security Administration, is seeking to renew her term. She emphasizes the board’s “fiduciary” and “strategic” responsibilities, stating that it is essential to define the college’s mission and collaborate effectively with the college president to implement their shared vision. Under her leadership, the board has successfully passed a parental leave policy, providing up to six weeks of paid leave for new parents on faculty. This policy, notable for its rarity in New Mexico outside of the University of New Mexico, reflects a commitment to supporting faculty members.

Another candidate, Stephen DeGiulio, a recent retiree and former professor at SFCC, views the board’s demands as an opportunity for contribution. At age 75, he brings a wealth of experience as a faculty union president and emphasizes the need for fiscal prudence in light of potential federal funding cuts. He believes that prioritizing student needs is crucial, particularly for those who may struggle due to language barriers. His bilingual abilities and international teaching experience have shaped his perspective on addressing the diverse needs of SFCC’s student population.

Howard Roy Dittmer, a 72-year-old retired engineer, shares similar concerns about the challenges posed by federal funding threats. He describes the current funding landscape as “by far the most challenging problem” in higher education and advocates for creative solutions to diversify revenue sources. Dittmer has proposed leveraging his professional connections, particularly within engineering organizations, to forge partnerships that can enhance resources for SFCC students. He believes that increasing awareness and respect for vocational training is essential to addressing workforce shortages in critical industries.

The fourth candidate, Alan P. Jones, will also appear on the ballot, although he has announced that he is unable to campaign due to personal circumstances. Despite his withdrawal from active campaigning, his name will remain on the ballot for the upcoming election.

The candidates agree that addressing funding challenges will be a central focus of their roles if elected. With SFCC recently ranked as the top community college in New Mexico and seventh nationwide by WalletHub, the importance of maintaining financial stability and academic excellence cannot be overstated. The election will not only shape the future of the college but also influence the educational landscape for the broader community, particularly in a time when federal support for institutions like SFCC is uncertain.

As the candidates prepare for the election, each brings unique experiences and perspectives that could significantly impact SFCC’s direction. The outcome will be pivotal in determining how the college navigates the challenges ahead and supports its diverse student body in a rapidly changing educational environment.