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SILVAS: Just what NIC needs

| December 8, 2021 1:00 AM

Thank Goodness for Dr. Silvas!

Anyone who has worked with Dr. Silvas, and who loves NIC, should happy to see her return to North Idaho College as Interim Provost.

As a former Dean and interim director, Dr. Silvas is intimately familiar with NIC and the needs of its students. She has always been a trusted friend to faculty. While Dean she maintained an open-door policy and built strong relationships and a collegial atmosphere among the instructors and staff. The holiday parties she hosted at her beautiful home allowed us to create bonds that made for a wonderful learning environment for our students.

Her decision to return to NIC could not have been easy. Dr. Silvas retired for health reasons, and the demands of her duties as Dean couldn’t have helped her condition. The role of interim Provost will only be more stressful. Additionally, many of us who consider former President Rick MacLennan a good friend, were saddened by the circumstances of his departure, and are conflicted regarding the board, and working under its purview.

Despite this, Dr. Silvas shows true Cardinal Spirit by serving NIC when we need her most. Unfortunate circumstances preclude the administration from using the formal hiring process, but I, for one, am happy with Interim President Sebaaly’s decision to invite her to guide to our college with her experience and wisdom.

Dr. Silvas placed her personal concerns aside and put the needs of NIC’s students first. Isn’t it time for all to follow her example?

TED TEDMON

Hayden Lake