By Annie Rowe

SDN Staff Writer

The Western Texas College golf course will officially be named for football legend Sammy Baugh.

The unanimous approval of the name change was one of a number of action items addressed when the WTC board of trustees convened Monday night.

“We are very excited the course being named for Sammy Baugh,” said Dr. Gregory Williams, WTC president. “It’s going to be a very good thing for WTC. Very positive.”

In addition to the name change, WTC will host a 90th birthday gala to honor Baugh on March 20. A number of celebrities have committed to being present, among them Darrel Royal, Walt Garrison, E.J. Holub, Don Maynard and Spike Dykes.

“Sammy is very interested in the event. He’s very humble, so he’s for it so long as it helps students. He’s for anything that will help the students,” Dr. Williams said.

The president asked the board, faculty and staff for their support throughout the planning of the event.

Dr. Jim Clifton, dean of student services, presented the enrollment figures for the spring semester, which is a non-funding year for the college.

“Our last non-funding year was spring of 2002,” said Clifton. “This year’s figure totaled 1,598, an increased enrollment of 12 percent.”

Clifton emphasized additional increases for 2004 as compared to 2002. Credit hours have increased from 236,720 to 269,616. The number of part-time students increased from 1,024 to 1,165 and the number of full-time students increased from 377 to 433. Clifton also pointed out an increase in the number of dual credit students, specifically high school students, from 412 to 620.

“Although these numbers are an increase from the previous non-funding year, I really want to see those enrollment numbers increase over the next year,” said Dr. Williams. “I think with the expanded sports programs and the other additions we’ve made to the college, we’ll see those numbers increase to 1,800 or more.”

Additionally, trustees heard a report from Dr. Jim Palmer, dean of academic instruction, pertaining to the small class report. Palmer explained the concept behind the relatively new ITV classes and the Internet classes.

“The classes are not as small as they seem,” said Palmer. “Many of the classes are going out to high schools, and to other campuses.”

The ITV class concept is commonly used in colleges. An instructor will teach from a specific location, but the class will be broadcast to remote locations including area high schools and the prisons. This allows more students to get class credit. The credits also can transfer to other colleges toward a four-year degree.

Palmer reported that the classes are a beneficial service provided by WTC, which prompted a question from board member Drew Bullard whose interest was in the financial bottom line for the college.

“Does the college make money on those classes?” asked Bullard.

“Yes, the classes net about $15,000. Not big bucks, but it’s much better than losing,” said Palmer.

In other business, trustee elections for the expiring terms of Carolyn Barbee and Jay Kidd were set for May 15.

There were no changes to board policy related to investment guidelines, and the board heard information on the upcoming WTC drama productions and art competitions.

Lee Presswood presided and trustees present were Barbee, Kidd, Eddie Peterson, Bullard, Scott Richburg and Jackie Greene.