By Kylie Lancaster
Newly appointed President Debbie Ricker says her top priority is developing a new strategic plan to shape the college’s future for the next five years.
The strategic plan will determine the priorities for funding and programs to keep the college growing and thriving.
Right now, Hood is facing an approximately $3.8 million budget shortfall as the college did not bring in as much revenue as expected when the 2025 budget was approved.
The college has been cutting expenses to make up for this deficit and Ricker his exploring other ideas that would increase revenue.
“We have what’s called a resource innovation task force,” Ricker said. “That group is charged with helping us look at all possible alternatives for revenue for the college beyond tuition revenue.”
Some specific revenue alternatives that Ricker mentioned were expanding use of residence halls and housing when students are not on campus, making the undergraduate curriculum available online for people who are interested in pursuing or continuing their degree online through Hood and leveraging the lab school Georgetown Hill.
Another goal that Ricker will be working to accomplish is preparing the college for reaccreditation.
Hood College is accredited by the Middle State Commission of Higher Education, which holds seven standards for accreditation: mission and goals; ethics and integrity; design and delivery of the student learning experience; support of the student experience; educational effectiveness assessment; planning, resources, and institutional improvement; and governance, leadership and administration.
“We’ve spent the last year and a half plus doing a self-study to demonstrate how we comply with those standards, and we are in a very strong position,” Ricker said.
Ricker is also working on improving student retention after student retention dropped to 68% from 2023 to 2024. In the past, retention rate has ranged from 73% to 81%.
Ricker will also have to navigate federal executive orders that target some of Hood’s core values, including equity and inclusion.
Ricker has already developed a Federal Compliance Taskforce, chaired by Tammi Simpson, who will review Hood’s policies, procedures and programs to identify areas that may be federally targeted.
Currently, Hood College does not have any policy or program that violates President Trump’s order, Ricker said.
“We admit students based on merit, we hire employees based on their knowledge, skills and abilities that align with the job they’re seeking — no other reason,” Ricker said. “So, Hood remains fully compliant in that regard.”
Looking forward, Ricker said she will continue to do the work that is required for Hood College to thrive; however, she acknowledges that the future of Hood College is largely at the hands of the college’s community.
“You’ve seen presidents come, and go, but there are people on this campus who have been here for a very long time and in whom the mission thrives,” Ricker said.
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