Doug Arnold has announced his candidacy for the board of trustees at Coastal Bend College in the May 8 election.

His statement follows:

“As a current member of the board, I am extremely excited about the many programs which we offer at our four campuses (Beeville, Alice, Kingsville and Pleasanton), particularly because of CBC’s commitment to programs which meet the needs of our students. In these difficult economic times, providing real skills for real jobs is a top priority, and CBC is doing its part to prepare South Texans for the work place. CBC also well prepares students for the next educational step at a major university.

“Being recently appointed to the board to fill the position held by Dr. Grady Hogue, I earnestly seek the support of all Bee County voters as I announce my candidacy for Place 2 on the CBC board. Since accepting this appointment I have dedicated myself to learning and understanding the tremendous services CBC provides for its students and communities.

“For students looking to stay close to home and getting the first two years completed at an affordable cost, CBC is an outstanding option. For those interested in entering the job market sooner, CBC provides programs designed to meet this goal. Research shows that education above a high school diploma not only increases earnings, but also decreases the likelihood of unemployment.

“Exciting things going on at CBC that I fully support include:

“• Expansion of opportunities for students still in high school to take college courses. This saves students time and money by allowing them to graduate from high school with a significant number of college hours.

“• Working with businesses to develop programs for students whom they may employ in the future. Just one example is the plan and grant application regarding Airframe and Technology in conjunction with Sikorsky and Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

“• The opening of a Pharmacy Technician Program this fall.

“• Upgrading the Automotive Technology Program from a certificate program to a full associate’s degree.

“• The 40 university transfer programs are in place and that CBC is examining others. University Transfer Programs enable students to take their first two years of college credit and are assured that the credits will transfer to a major university.

“• CBC also offers 17 associates in arts or sciences degrees and certificate programs and continually looks for more in needed areas. These are degrees or certified programs enabling students to enter the workforce in two years.

“My entire adult life has been devoted to public education. I’ve been a teacher, principal (Pawnee ISD), director of finance (Beeville ISD) and superintendent (Pawnee ISD and Orange Grove ISD, a total of 29 years). I currently serve as a school finance consultant and Texas Education Agency appointed monitor to guide a struggling school district. I have been blessed to work with many great educators and to be involved in developing successful school districts. When I was leading the educational efforts in Orange Grove our district qualified as an Exemplary School District, and I was honored as ‘Superintendent of the year’ in Region 2.

“I am married to the former Salura Owings, a graduate of Beeville’s A.C. Jones High School. Both of our children, LeNan and Brett, attended CBC prior to receiving their degrees from a major university. My wife and I attend First Baptist Church of Beeville where I am a deacon. We have proudly served on several committees. We live in Pawnee.

“I am proud of the role which the former Bee County College, now CBC, has played in educating and enriching the lives of Bee Countians. I want to provide that same opportunity for generations to come!

“I ask for your support in the upcoming May 8 election. I pledge to you that I will work for the growth and success of CBC.