Technology has a tendency to move ahead at light speed. What was useful last year may be considered old technology now. With the aim of preparing students to hit the ground running, the challenge to provide relevant instruction can be akin to hitting a moving target. How does Olympic College solve this dilemma?

By keeping an ear to the ground and listening to local business. The Computer Information Systems (CIS) Advisory Board at Olympic College, made up of volunteers from corporate business, industry and the private sector, was created and continues as a way for the college to keep tapped into what’s happening in the business world.

Community members provide the eyes and ears that keep O.C. informed of business needs and where technology trends are going.

Participating members are as diverse as the local communities. Among them are Linda Rothermich, Principal/FEDSIM Program Manager for AMS, Inc. in Bremerton and Chair of the Advisory Board. Other members include Maria Marsala, Business and Life Coach-Consultant, Karl A. Bergman, Database Administrator for KPS Health Plans and the Board’s Vice Chair, and Wendy Miles, Process Analyst Manager for The Cobalt Group in Seattle.

Both Rothermich and Marsala came to the group two years ago. While Rothermich’s specialty is Program Management, Marsala’s varied background has included bond trader, website developer and most recently private coaching.

Bergman brings almost 30 years in technology with him. At the suggestion of his manager, he joined in October 2000 and hasn’t looked back. “I continue to participate because I like having the opportunity to help O.C. develop programs to prepare new people for employment in the IT field.”

Miles joined in the fall of 2001 to see how she could help connect business, education and students together. Her training in managing the business side of technical projects makes her well suited for the task. Commenting on the Board, she states “It’s a good group of dedicated folks which impresses me.”

The Board recently approved changes to the curriculum to include 2 new Direct Transfer Degrees. This will allow students to complete a 4-year degree from the University of Washington at Tacoma after taking the first 2 years at Olympic College, providing considerable cost savings in tuition.

Dr. Richard Strand, Dean for Business and Technology at Olympic College, believes strongly in the business/academic connection.

“The most effective professional-technical programs are those that identify industry expectations from conception and integrate industry standards into the curriculum itself,” observed Dr. Strand. “Each of our programs that have established and maintained a close business/industry connection is far more relevant to both student and employer needs than would be the case if such a connection didn’t exist at all. We value business/industry participation in the education process and actively seek to expand the network of relationships we have developed over the years.”

Community members are encouraged to participate by contacting Rothermich at linda.rothermich@ams.com or (360) 478-7640 for more information.

(Editor’s Note: Nancy Stump is a freelance writer and can be reached at nancyleewa@juno.com.).