We're Back!!

Quinnites-

It's good to see you once again on the blogosphere. So much has been happening since we last visited that it's impossible for me to go through everything. However, I did want to catch you up on some of the most recent highlights in the Quinnite Nation.

Highlights

1. Our new First Year Experience Program is going to be unbelievable. It features courses tailored to the needs and interests of the student. You'll be shocked by the caliber of our new Writing Program and Speech Program. The new Bridge Program will get our students off to the best possible start in their college careers. The FYE debuts in August.

2. Lots of new staff hires. Here's just a few of the latest: Lori Price (Director of Writing Program); James "Zip" Summers (Athletic Director); Kelsel Thompson (Dean of Students); and Hope Young (VP of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs).

3. We revamped our Board of Trustees. Our new chair is Bob Weiss from the Meadows Foundation; new Finance Committee Chair Matt Hildreth (Pres. of Amegy Bank); and new Development Committee Chair Atty. Bill Brewer (Partner, Bickel & Brewer).

4. Upgraded the campus and facilities. Among the improvements that have taken place are the following: 1) remodeled the Tigers' Den (the student lounge); 2) renovated the PE classrooms; 3) installed a campus irrigation system, and 4) began phase II of the heat resistant foliage program.

5) We will knock down the first of a series of abandoned buildings scheduled for demolition on the campus this spring.

Things are moving at PQC. In fact, you should schedule a time to come see it for yourself.

Until next time,

President Sorrell

It's Been a Long Time, I Shouldn't Have Left You. . . .

Quinnites-

It's been awhile since my last blog.  We've been busy working to prepare for the SACS appeal.  Lots of great stuff is happening.  Here's a quick overview:

1. Atty. Bill Brewer and the law firm of Bickel & Brewer have agreed to represent us in our appeal.

2. Reps. Helen Giddings & Sylvester Turner have marshaled the Texas Legislature's Black Caucus in full support of PQC.

3. Read the DMN articles from this week for full updates on our progress.  I'll tweet the sites later.

4. Great new additions to our staff: Dr. Connie Allen and Men's Basketball Coach Marco Borne.

I've got to run, but I'll be blogging later.

Take care,

President Sorrell

We Fall Down, But We Get Up

Quinnites-

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools notified us by phone yesterday that they voted to remove us from membership.  We are deeply disappointed by their decision and are in the process of appealing.  While the matter is under appeal, the status of the College remains unchanged.  This means that we still are open for business, we can still grant degrees and our students credit hours remain valid.

We feel very good about our chances on appeal.  We have turned the corner at PQC.  Schools that have a 600% increase in applications, eliminate more than $800,000 in debt over the course of the last six weeks, increase donations by 90% in two years and produce a quarter million dollar surplus in the worst economy since the Great Depression deserve the opportunity to finish the work they have started.  We are that school and we deserve the opportunity to finish transforming Paul Quinn College into one of America's great small colleges.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the school- 214-379-5550.

Always remember, there is no "quit" in the Quinnites.

Take care,

President Sorrell

SACS Update

Quinnites-

We finished our SACS hearing today.  It lasted for about one hour.  The committee asked very sharp and detailed questions.   We feel good about the information that we presented and pray that it was enough. 

Now, we wait for the decision.  

Please keep us in your prayers.

Take care,

President Sorrell

SACS Prayer Service

Quinnites:

On this Wednesday morning at 10:45 am, we are scheduled to make our final presentation before the Committee on Compliance and Reports of SACS.  This is the body of individuals who will determine whether we keep our accreditation.  We are asking everyone from the Quinnite Nation to help us prepare for the most important event in the 137 year history of the College. Here's what you can do to help:

1. Join us Tuesday, June 23rd at 11 am, in the Chapel on campus for a prayer service.  The team that will be representing us will be catching a flight that afternoon for the meeting and we'd like to send them off lifted in prayer.  The service will be short (I promise).

2. At 10:45 am on Wednesday, June 24th, no matter where you are, please stop and say a prayer for our success.  The prayer doesn't need to be loud; it doesn't need to be long; it just needs to be said.

The students and the staff at the College have waited for this moment for the past two years. We have faithfully worked hard and ask that each of you take these few moments out of your days to support us.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call my office at 214-379-5577 and ask for Cecilyn Bryan.  She will provide you with the details for the prayer service.

Thanks and take care,

President Sorrell

Tri-madness

Quinnites-

Well, we made it.  After four months of semi-regular training, the inaugural PQC Triathlon Team completed their first competitive triathlon (I use the word "competitive" loosely).   Our team consisted of Antwane Owens, Margo McClinton, Angela Hodges, Maurice West, Claire Oliver and myself.  Together, we have raised over $7,000 for PQC and even managed to learn some new skills.

Upon reflection of our accomplishment, here are a couple of things that we learned:

1. Austin has a lot of hills;

2. The triathlon tops are very unforgiving and definitely aren't made for those folks who prefer chocolate chip cookies over crunches;

3. Never, ever compete in anything that says "Olympic Distance";

4. No matter how poorly you place, there is always going to be someone behind you.  Therefore, just keep going; and 

5. Our school has a lot of great people who desperately want to see it succeed.  You should join us and either donate money or roll up your sleeves and help.  Sitting on the sidelines is for losers.

I would personally like to think my fellow members of the PQC Triathlon Team.  You are great teammates and even better people.

Take care,

President Sorrell

PS- stay tuned for the pictures.

More Graduation Pictures