Welcoming a familiar face New Terra VP is happy to be back

FREMONT -- Terra Community College has hired a new vice president for Student and Administrative Affairs.

Jerome Webster, Ph.D., began his duties recently, returning to the institution at which he served as a presidential fellow and dean of students.

"I am very excited to be back at the college," Webster said. "I find that there are tremendous opportunities here for Terra and our students."

Webster earned a bachelor of arts in business with a concentration in human resource management from Olivet College in Olivet, Mich. He also holds a master's degree in training and human resource development and a doctorate in higher education administration, both from the University of Toledo.

Terra's president, Dr. Marsha S. Bordner, is happy Webster has returned.

"Dr. Webster brings a wealth of talent and experience to Terra having been dean of students at both two-year and four-year institutions," she said. "His upbeat and outgoing personality will make him a valuable asset to the students as well as the faculty and staff."

Webster left Terra in December 2002 to accept the dean of students position at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich. In his four and a half years there, the student affairs office was revamped and a new student affairs building was constructed. Both the concept and the building received awards.

But Webster always wanted to get back to community colleges and so about a year ago, he became the dean of student affairs for Cuyahoga Community College's eastern campus.

"I missed working with students who really want to get their education," he said of community college students. "You see it on a daily basis and it motivates you to come to work every day and to work with these students."

When the vice president opening became available at Terra, Webster was intrigued.

"It's hard to go back, but I know the deep conviction the faculty and staff at Terra have in serving the students," he said. "I wanted to be a part of that group of people who really care and who are passionate about Terra."

Webster will have the opportunity to be involved in many areas of the college. His duties will include the overall management of all facets of enrollment management, including recruitment and retention. He will also have a broad array of responsibilities in the area of student life and student conduct.

He will also be responsible for certain administrative affairs, including the overall management of human resource functions. As the chief human resource officer of the campus, Webster will provide leadership in labor relations, wage and salary administration, health insurance, etc. He will also manage certain auxiliary enterprises like safety and security.