College Relations position filled by Erin Thompson The Ranger Reporter

Ev Avara was named director of College Relations on Friday, said Paul Matney, chairman of the Division of Language, Communication and Fine Arts. Matney served on the search committee for the new director.

"Ev has been here for two or three years and was news director at KAMR-TV," said Matney.

Peggy Southall left her position as director of College Relations to accept the job of communications director with the Texas Association of Community Colleges in Austin.

"We had 39 qualified applicants, and we worked through them with a fine-toothed comb until we found five to interview," said Damaris Schlong, chief administrative officer for Workforce Development, who headed the committee to find a replacement for Southall.

"There was lots of competition," Schlong said. "And the skills and abilities represented in those five people were just incredible."

Other recent personnel changes include the hiring of David Hernandez as director of human resources.

Hernandez, a former instructor in the management department, replaced Gary Warren, who retired during the summer.

Danita McAnally was appointed to the position of director of institutional effectiveness and advancement during the summer following the retirement of Dr. Kay Henard.

McAnally previously served as chairwoman of the radio-TV and journalism department and as director of the self-study steering committee for AC's accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

"It's exciting to look at where you are now and what you could become," McAnally said.

"I am also responsible for the institution's use of research for fund-raising to help with programs within the institution."

Lana Jackson was appointed chairwoman of the radio-TV and journalism department upon McAnally's reassignment.

The registrar position remains open following the resignation of Dennis McMillan.