It’s hard to believe I’m completing my second month at Gateway. I can honestly say that I have never felt more welcome in a new community. My connections to our community are growing as I get to know you all and our community better.
As part of my listening tour with the community, I’m meeting with leaders across the region to learn more about their vision for the community and how Gateway will play a role in realizing the vision.
I’m learning so much about our region’s need for Gateway and commitment to our success.
It is truly humbling.
Partnering
I look forward to partnering with all of the communities we serve. I’m exploring opportunities to make the best use of our resources to serve the individuals who live here and provide training and education that will raise their personal standard of living and the economy of Northern Kentucky. Our work is key to the growth and success of Northern Kentucky.
My mantra is: Listen. Adapt. Implement.
One campus that has gotten a lot of attention by media lately is the Urban Metro Campus. Before I go any further, I want to assure you that Gateway is committed to fueling opportunities on this campus. I’m currently assessing previous plans and new opportunities that will make the urban campus a driving force in developing this vibrant community. We will keep you informed as plans develop.
But, UMC is just one stop on the listening tour.
As I meet with all of our college’s stakeholders, I’m looking for alliances and alignment. How does Gateway intersect with other institutions of higher education, secondary schools, nonprofits, business, community services and government? How can we align to more effectively serve the community? What can we learn from history? What traditions need to be upheld and what innovations need to be made?
Gateway is much more than buildings and programs: Gateway is a mindset toward collaborative understanding, planning and implementing.
We identify partners and resources, and plan to use those resources to achieve the greatest impact. We promote and cultivate a community of learners and divergent thinkers, aware of their talents with the tools to manifest those talents in their community.
Conversations within the college
But all of the conversations are not taking place outside the college. There are also conversations taking place within our college. With the help of my team, I’m creating opportunities where I can meet with staff, faculty and students to talk about their hopes, dreams and vision for our college. As we build this future together, their commitment is key to the process.
We are continuing to position Gateway as a driving force in Northern Kentucky through responsible fiscal and facility planning, open communication, and collaboration on all levels. When we do this, we will have a strong coordination of energy, resources and talents that will seek, prioritize and seize opportunities. If you can’t tell, I’m very optimistic about our future!
I’d like to end with a story sent to me by Loretta Buchanan in our business office. Two students, a father and son, came in to the Business Office to pay tuition. As they left for class together, the dad said, “Let’s get our learn on!” I’m sure they said this because they had a great customer service experience with Loretta. This is why we are here. This is why I can’t wait to come to work every day. I hope you will join me on this grand new adventure!
Fernando Figueroa is the new president of Gateway Community & Technical College.