November, 2005

Dear Colleagues:

Thank you for allowing me to serve you as past President of the National Council on Student Development (NCSD).  I truly believe that the NCSD is an amazing organization that is focused on meeting the needs of students and providing quality educational experiences. One of the items on the list of priority issues to be addressed by the NCSD is to focus on “Appropriate Use of Technology in Student Development.”

It is in this context that I am pleased to inform you that I have joined the Executive Advisory Board (EAB) of Campus Works, Inc. (CWI).  CampusWorks is the premier technology management firm serving community colleges throughout the United States and Canada.  I first learned about CampusWorks and their great work as a result of an IT Partnership that was formed between CWI and Middlesex Community College (MCC), where I served as Vice President of Student Development for many years.  CampusWorks provided MCC with a Technology Tactical plan, an upgraded operational environment, experienced IT leadership, clear deliverables, accountability, flexible staffing and so much more.  CampusWorks clearly transformed Middlesex--I can't think of a better investment.  After this experience, when I think of CampusWorks, I think of excellence, competence and the highest level of quality, and it will be a joy to be a part of their advisory team. 

As I learned more about CampusWorks, I realized that their wonderful work was not unique to Middlesex CC.  In March of this year, CampusWorks formed a unique technology management and IT partnership with Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan.  I have discovered that CWI has one of the strongest and most respected technology leadership and service teams in the industry and I am proud to be joining the Executive Advisory Board team.  Another example of why I believe CampusWorks is the strongest and most respected technology leader in the industry is evidenced by a new contract for Technology Management Services just signed on Friday, July 29, 2005 with MassBay Community College, MA.  Friday, July 29 was also the last day of a contract between the College and Collegis, an IT outsource vendor who was performing services for several years for the College.  

CWI is dedicated to assisting college presidents and vice presidents think through their IT issues relative to the allocation of scarce financial resources. Techniques like co-sourcing (as opposed to outsourcing) and multi-college collaboration are some of the tools used by CWI to help their clients increase service and effectiveness while lowering overall costs.

The Executive Advisory Board includes others whose names you will quickly recognize, including Mr. David Rutledge, past ACCT Board Chair and member of the Washtenaw (Michigan) CC Board of Trustees, Dr. Nolen Ellison, former President of Cuyahoga Community College, and Dr. Henry Shannon, past AACC Board Chair and Chancellor of St. Louis Community College System.

I would like to arrange for a meeting with you and a client colleague at the NCSD 2005 Conference in October.  However, if you have questions or issues we can discuss now, please don’t hesitate to contact me through CWI at 941-316-0308.

Sincerely,

Evelyn Clements
Member, CWI Executive Advisory Board