PJC will offer AAS in business management

Published or Revised November 28, 2007

The Paris Junior College Board of Regents Monday evening approved the addition of a new program to the college's curriculum, an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in business management with an option in hospitality management. David McAnally, PJC's dean of workforce education, told board members Monday the program would prepare students for entry-level management and supervision roles. McAnally said there are now 58 community/technical colleges in the state offering associate of applied science degrees in business administration, management and operations, and 10 that offer stand-alone hospitality management degrees. "Anybody who is dealing with tourism is dealing with hospitality," said McAnally, adding that forecasts indicate the most growth for the hospitality management program would take place in Hunt County area. The new AAS program will be offered for the first time during the fall semester of 2008, he said. The program will utilize existing instructors, and many courses will be available online, he added. Board members also were told Monday that PJC finances for the 2006-2007 fiscal year received a clean bill of health during a recent audit. "You've got a clean opinion on the financial statements," said Andy Reich of the Paris accounting firm McClanahan and Holmes. "Basically, it's all good news." In other action Monday evening, board members:

• Approved changes to curriculum in PJC's cosmetology and office technology programs.
• Recognized the accomplishments Johnye Robertson, PJC's director of institutional development, who is retiring at the end of the year.
• Approved the hiring of Margaret Ruff as director of public information and marketing. She has extensive experience with the State of Oklahoma with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation.
• Set the board's next regular meeting for Jan. 28, 2008.