by Dhiren Shah
Dhiren Shah: Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
Augustine Boakye: Thank you. My name is Augustine Boakye, I was born and educated in Ghana and continued my masters and PhD education in Great Britain. I have been a member of the Essex County College (ECC) family for more than a decade. I joined the College as an instructor of Economics and have served as Chair of the Business Division, Acting Dean for Liberal Arts & Business and now as Acting/Interim President.
I have taught many students and courses, and worked collegially with our faculty and staff. They are all wonderful people at a place I call home. In my new assignment, I am here to move Essex County College forward.
DS: What measures are begin taken by the College to combat the COVID-19 pandemic?
AB: The COVID-19 pandemic has been very tough on the College community – students, faculty, staff and associated families. People are struggling; they have lost jobs, family members and friends to COVID-19. This is a time to sympathize with everyone who has lost loved ones. As an academic institution, we must not lose sight of how best to come together as a family and promote the academic priorities and education for which we stand.
COVID-19 is a serious pandemic and should not be underestimated in any way. We have put in place solid measures to ensure the safety of everyone. These measures include but are not limited to: the requirement to wear face masks at all times; to encourage frequent handwashing, the use of hand sanitizers; and strict adherence to Social Distancing. We are providing free PPE for staff and packaging PPE kits for students. Additionally, we have installed protective barriers, posted instructional and directional signage and implemented stringent schedules for cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.
Upon entering our buildings, everyone is subjected to temperature checks. Some areas are blocked off to prevent gatherings. We are ready for class!
We are addressing the mental and physical needs of our students through our Wellness Center, a resource to help students experiencing emotional stress, and through our Food Pantry which provides nutrition to students facing the dilemma of food insecurity.
DS: What are the biggest challenges facing the College?
AB: We have multiple students who, for whatever reason, lack basic resources such as Internet access and computers. They need a comfortable space to do their academic work. We are converting existing facilities to provide these necessary resources. Our gymnasium has been converted into an Internet Café where students can borrow laptops and study. Computer labs and classrooms, following CDC guidelines, are all available for our students.
Like many other colleges, Essex County College is experiencing lower enrollment numbers due to the pandemic. We are therefore improving customer service and presenting programs in a way people will see the value in them. We must constantly repackage our programs, adding new ones and revamping current ones.
We have underway a massive outreach initiative to help students overcome obstacles impeding their educational goals. Our new Fast Track WELCOME CENTER is one such way. The Center is a one-stop location where students can quickly receive information about programs, registration and financial aid, for example.
Another challenge that has been expressed to me, from faculty and students, is fear of the COVID-19 virus causing paralysis. Remote teaching and learning has also shown itself to be one of our biggest obstacles.
DS: What new programs are you developing for the College?
AB: We know how important the health careers are. We need to expand our nursing and allied health programs. We are in the process of packaging our short term certificates in Supply Chain Management, Business Career and other programs in innovative and creative ways. We continually look for ways to do things better.
DS: When the pandemic is over, what would you like to see?
AB: We must all come together in unity to accomplish our goals and mission. I’ve been meeting with faculty, staff and the bargaining units to share ideas. I will be hosting a College Town Hall meeting where we can come together as family to acknowledge the impact of these stressful time and to celebrate our successes and affirm our commitment to put Students First!
Overall, my family and I are in good health. I thank God for protecting us, family, friends and the Essex County College community. We anxiously wait for the end of this pandemic and the day when we can once again enjoy the essential human interactions which contribute to our wholeness and wellbeing.
