Employee Center

Under the direction of Richard Melella (Academic Dean) and Melinda Wood (Director of Student Services), the Clovis Campus posted an average monthly drop rate of 3.28% during the second half of 2009, an impressive achievement. Richard approaches obstacles with a calm and intelligent eye, identifying the problem and moving his team toward solutions while keeping the focus on our commitment to our students. Those who work with him appreciate his intelligence, experience, passion, and good sense of humor.

His leadership is appreciated on every campus in the BrightStar organization. In fact, Redding campus president Jim Herberger had this to say about Richard’s support, “Richard has driven up to Redding every week since November 2nd to carry on the daily duties of the campus DOE while taking the lead on the ACCSC site visit preparation, faculty development, etc.”

He adds, “We had a very successful ACCSC site visit due in significant part to Richard’s contribution, and I don’t know how we would have been able to accomplish what we have in the last two months without his tireless commitment to the Redding campus; all the while carrying out his regular duties.” Congratulations, Richard, and thanks for all that you do.  Your contributions are greatly appreciated!

December’s Employee of the Month award goes to Joe Trumbo, Outreach Manager at the Clovis campus who consistently performs at a high level.  Joe started as an admissions representative with IOT in May of 2006, and has been an integral part of the Clovis admissions team for his entire time there.

JT has taken the concept of Agency enrollments and turned it into an important part of IOT – Clovis’ business. His Agency enrollments have grown to the point where they now account for between 10% and 15% of Clovis’ starts.

Agency enrollments are like no other, they contain a great deal more paperwork and constant contact with the student’s agency counselor. Joe has learned what is needed to make sure that the student succeeds and that the Agency is happy with the student’s experience at the Institute of Technology.

Joe has also developed a training plan to help other Agency Representatives in the BrightStar family develop and grow successful Agency business at their campus, and has taken on a leadership role in the Admissions Department helping to train new staff members and to help lead the team, in support of Ron Gardner.

Congratulations, Joe, your hard work is appreciated!