Our guest speaker, Dr. Richard Sanchez, President of Navarro Community College, spoke about the growth and expansion of the college. Since Dr. Sanchez came to Navarro College in 1998, the institution has experienced rapid growth both in expansion of the district and student enrollment which can be attributed to his exceptional leadership. During his administration, Navarro College has earned national acclaim for both its academic and athletic achievements. In 2007, and again in 2010, Navarro College was recognized as one of the nation’s fastest-growing public two-year colleges by Community College Week. In the Fall 2011, enrollment reached 10,400 students, an increase of 202% from the time Dr. Sanchez first arrived. Graduation rates have doubled and the number of minority graduates has increased by 164%. The college budget has increased from $19,782,916 to $120,000,000 today.

Dr. Sanchez has been instrumental in the opening of campuses in Mexia, Waxahachie, Midlothian and he sees possible expansion to the Red Oak and Ferris area. Dr. Sanchez emphasized the importance and the positive impact Navarro Community College has in students and in our local communities. He also shared personal experiences as to what led him to be a successful visionary for the community college. He specifically shared what he best liked about a community college is they never stop talking about “Teaching and Learning”. Dr. Sanchez has announced his impending retirement effective in August 2013. He reminded NARFE members that 15 years ago, as a newly selected President, NARFE invited him as a guest speaker and he shared his vision for the Navarro Community College. Now, 15 years later, he was again invited to speak to NARFE members, and said it was more than gratifying to have served and to report the Navarro’s Community College successes.

If you are covered by either CSRS or FERS federal retirement plan, you should join us to help you keep informed on how to protect your current and future benefits. NARFE meets on a rotating schedule on the second Tuesday each month in Corsicana, Ennis and Waxahachie. For membership information, please call the nearest community to you, in Midlothian call 972-268-5793 or 972-775-2463, in Waxahachie call 469-939-8102, Ennis call 214-949-6197, and in Corsicana call 903-874-3092.