Chancellor Announcement to Employees

NHMCCD Employees:
Last night, NHMCCD announced a process to review and possibly change the name of the college district.

This possibility has been researched and discussed for several years. As a new chancellor, it is my personal observation that the lack of a strong common identity hurts the district. Therefore, it was my recommendation to review the name and establish a new brand identity as quickly as possible.

Last night, the Board reviewed a process and timeline to possibly change the name by November. This will allow us time to create a new “brand” for the college before the start of our summer recruitment and advertising season.

There are several benefits to be derived from a name change. A new name will:

• Link the five colleges into a single identity while preserving local identities
• Improve understanding of each college’s relationship to the system
• Improve understanding of the district’s total “capacities”
• Improve the district’s ability to attract students, partners, and resources

Each of these elements will help us benefit collectively from the strength of the “whole,” and grow in new ways through collaborative marketing and outreach. A common identity helps our community understand that each college is part of a single district, sharing common values, operations, public revenues and goals.

The process for recommending names will be open and inclusive. We will accept name recommendations from our college family, alumni, and the community. You may submit a name recommendation by visiting www.nhmccd.edu/newbrand.

We have appointed a Name Review Committee composed of faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni and community leaders to collect these recommendations and guide the selection process. You will be given the opportunity of providing input throughout each step of this process.

On the web page, you can review the process and timeline for a name change, and submit your nomination. Your input is valued and appreciated.

I will keep you informed as the process unfolds!

Richard Carpenter
Chancellor

--September 7, 2007