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Read comments (20)Archer>malmo recommended the new name at a luncheon in the college's new Learning Resource Center after presenting a detailed account of the data collected in a recent four-month study.
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Instead, Chris Young made a motion for the board to "express its confidence to [DSCC President] Dr. [Karen] Bowyer and her team to move forward and to do the right thing for the future of Dyersburg State."
Larry White seconded the motion. The measure passed unanimously.
"This board is not voting to change the name of the college," said Foundation Board Chair Katie Winchester prior to the endorsement of Bowyer's effort.
Winchester explained the board is carrying out a mission that began at its annual retreat: To conduct a study to explore the potential risks and rewards of a name change for the college.
"The study has been completed," Winchester said after the board had voted. "Dr. Bowyer, I believe you have our confidence."
"This has been a struggle for all of us," said Bowyer. "This is a major milestone for the college. We are about to complete 40 years; 40 good years. Unfortunately, we are undereducated (in our region). We need to educate every last one of these high school students. To accomplish that, we really need a new identity."
"I've supported this college since it started," said former Dyersburg Fabrics president and Foundation Board member Jack Todd. "Since day one. Regardless of the name, there is a job to be done. I think this college needs support from this community, this area, for the same reason we've done it all these years. It does concern me what I hear, what's going to happen in this community. The need is just what it has been, whether (the name) is 'xyz' or anything else."
Bowyer had previously announced her recommendation to the Tennessee Board of Regents for the name change last week at the college's annual Spring Conference. The Board of Regents is receiving the vote in time to place it on the agenda for its quarterly meeting on Thursday and Friday in Chattanooga.
If approved, the issue will go before the state legislature and could be approved this session.
Survey results and archer>malmo's recommendation
At Tuesday's lunch archer>malmo executives officially presented the results of an online survey that gathered 524 opinions from nine groups.
Students, faculty and staff, and prospective students made up 50 percent of the completed surveys, with high school students from five local and area high schools, alumni, donors, parents of prospective students, business influencers, community members and school guidance counselors completing the remaining 262 questionnaires.
Surveys were offered to the seven counties served by the college: Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion and Tipton.
The majority of the surveys were completed by residents of Dyer County, who comprised 57 percent of the poll demographics.
Tipton County residents were a distant second, completing 19 percent of the surveys.
"The name of the college is going to change," archer>malmo founder John Malmo told the board members. "It came up in 1996. It has come up again in 2007-2008 and it will keep coming back. The name no longer serves the college as well as another name would."
Malmo told board members "Tennessee Western" was not the name he would personally choose for the college, but an online poll held from Feb. 22 through March 4, shows a significant amount of support from constituents for the "Tennessee Western" title.
"I am opposed to a geographical name," said Malmo. "If I were king, if I owned this college, it would be Cooper Community College, but the survey showed little or no support for Cooper as a name. That's not true for Tennessee Western."
Data collected in the survey shows that Tennessee Western (61 percent) was favored less than DSCC's current name (79 percent).
Eagle Community College ranked third with 45 percent.
"As expected, the current name scores highest due to personal bias and familiarity," said archer>malmo Director of Research Cathy Jo Espinola.
The study found DSCC scored the highest against the eight criteria for a name to represent the college, but Espinola said a question located later in the survey reveals that constituents associate the name Dyersburg State first with community and location. Archer>malmo's requirements for a successful name included that it be "welcoming; easy to remember, spell and pronounce; authentic; dignified; unique; inclusive; timeless; and aspirational."
"The responses contradict themselves," said Espinola. "It shows a bias toward a name that is familiar to them."
Espinola said 38 percent of respondents support a name change and 21 percent were undecided. This calculates to 59 percent of residents questioned who would not oppose a name change. The percentage total rises to 72 percent in participants who do not reside in Dyer County, with 51 percent in favor of a name change and 21 percent undecided.
Risks to changing the name identified in the survey:
* 52 percent believe a name change would be confusing to students, prospective students and community members
* 51 percent believe changing the name would eliminate much of the existing good will in the region.
Rewards identified:
* 65 percent believe a name change could be more inclusive of the total area served n 65 percent believe a change could equally represent all campuses
* 62 percent believe a change could increase awareness for the college
* 60 percent believe change could strengthen opportunities for growth.
Strengths of the name Dyersburg State Community College:
* 61 percent strongly believe that the name DSCC reflects a sense of community and a friendly atmosphere
* 53 percent strongly believe that the name reflects higher education and an opportunity to learn
* 48 percent strongly believe the name reflects smaller classes and small student-teacher ratios.
Weaknesses in the current name:
* Only 33 percent indicated that they strongly believe that DSCC reflects a strong brand name
* Only 32 percent strongly believe that DSCC includes the locations it serves.
Archer>malmo's report noted "opposition to the change is not such that a change will create serious problems. Even in Dyer County, only 51 percent of respondents are opposed to a change" and "the majority of constituents either support a name change or are undecided."
"From the feedback we have received in the community and from the meetings we attended (before the survey) I would have believed that 80 to 90 percent of the people in Dyer County are opposed to (changing the name)-violently opposed to it-and that's not the case," said Malmo. "The majority of the constituents either support a name change or are undecided."
Reasons Malmo gave for choosing the name Tennessee Western:
* a college of greater scope
* more accurately the college's market
* a more important brand, implies a college, curriculum and diploma of greater importance
* is expected to appeal to more potential students and faculty
* a broader, larger constituency can be assembled and grown in support of Tennessee Western
* provides a broader, longer-lasting foundation for every measurement of growth
i think they should leave it be. if it ain't broke, don't fix it. i graduated from dyersburg state community college and i'm proud of that fact. i'm the first in my family to earn a degree from any college and dyersburg state gave me that first degree. all they are going to do is seroiusly confuse people if they change the name. ask the public. ask the community. ask the students. ask the prospective students. not a panel. let DSCC stand.
dbg............please,,please email your posting about Columbia State Community College to the State Gazette and have it printed as a letter to the Editor..... if you want to remain anonymous,...... I will sign the letter.........................
Keep in mind that not one of our State Legislators lives in Dyer County. Mr. Naifeh, the House Speaker, lives in Tipton County where Dyersburg State enrolls more full time students than in Dyersburg. I do not think they are likely to lend a sympathetic ear to those opposed to the name change. On the positive side, Dyersburg will still be the home of a community college with new and renovated facilities and a greater potential for growth as well as a stronger economic impact on our region.
Of course Dr. Bowyer's suggested name was endorsed. That's the way things work around here. I personally don't object to a name change, however, that widens the college's appeal to our part of the state: West Tennessee Community College, Dyersburg Campus or WTCC, Covington Campus, etc., like the UT system. The college here is, after all, a part of the state higher education system. No matter what name is eventually chosen, our campus will always have the distinction of being the only three year community college program in a two year system. Has anyone EVER graduated in two years (four semesters) from DSCC?
I have written a lot of letters and they have mostly been ignored, but I am just one person. Call, write, email these government officials and let your wishes be known!! Let's fill up their email boxes, and their mail boxes too. Let's jam up their phone lines. "Let's fight it"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If we want to stop the name change, we have got to make some noise!! And they will go ahead with it unless a lot of people contact them and tell them we don't want it. Don't just complain about it---do something!! Thanks.
Rep. Phillip Pinion
24 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243
615.741.0718
rep.phillip.pinion@legislature.state.tn.us
Rep.Craig Fitzhugh
33 Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN 37243-0182
Phone (615) 741-2134
Fax (615) 741-1446
rep.craig.fitzhugh@legislature.state.tn.us
Senator Mark Norris
303 War Memorial Building,
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0232
Phone 615-741-1967
1-800-449-8366
sen.mark.norris@legislature.state.tn.us
Also it wouldn't hurt to contact Jimmy Naifeh too:
Rep. Jimmy Naifeh
P.O. Box 97
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-9593
Jimmy@jimmynaifeh.com
"Columbia State Community College is Tennessee's first two-year college, with five convenient campuses and offering more than 50 programs of study. Every year hundreds of students graduate, and either join the workforce in their field or move on to a four-year school."
Not a whimper comes from the citizens of the satellite campuses about changing the proud and sacred name of Columbia State.
They would be aghast and deeply mortified if any effort were conjured up (whatever the ill-founded reason) to change the name of their proud institution from Columbia State.
"In addition to the Columbia campus, the college has campuses in Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, Clifton and Franklin."
Currently with 4,522 Credit Students and 1,970 Non-Credit Students, Columbia State's service area includes Giles County, Hickman County, Lawrence County, Lewis County, Marshall County, Maury County, Perry County, Wayne County, Williamson County
"Columbia State offers both online and in-class courses, in both credit and non-credit formats. Columbia State is part of the TJCCAA sports association, and has nationally-recognizd baseball, softball and basketball teams. The college is also home to popular Middle Tennessee arts venues, such as the Cherry Theatre and the Pryor Art Gallery."
DYERSBURG STATE has a proud history.
Those who worked so hard to birth it and get it off to a good start in its difficult formative years, did so under the name DYERSBURG STATE, now an institutional brand name for its multi-county reputation for quality education.
The same is true for COLUMBIA STATE.
From its website (http://www.columbiastate.edu)(also the source of the quotes above), "Columbia State was founded in 1966, becoming the first community college in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. The college was temporarily housed in facilities throughout the city of Columbia until the present campus was completed. On March 15, 1967, Lady Bird Johnson,accompanied by President Lyndon B. Johnson, officially dedicated the new Columbia campus.
"Lady Bird declared Columbia State to be the "new beat and rhythm of our land" and that 'when a community college rises from a once empty field, the country expands not outward, but upward… I am honored to dedicate this college -- dedicate it forever to the service of the people and the progress of our nation.'
"That day, forty years ago, President Johnson also addressed the dedication ceremony attendees -- a crowd of more than 8,000. Many who still live in Columbia and the surrounding area love to tell their stories of that day. They share fond remembrances as if the Johnsons were here just yesterday.
"Columbia State's proud history shines through into today's academics. Students, faculty and staff hold their heads high and are extremely proud to be part of such wonderful history and tradition.
"The college now serves close to 10,000 students per year in credit and continuing education courses and awards more than $10 million in financial aid. Five academic divisions offer students more than 50 programs of study and the opportunity to earn a certificate, associate of arts (A.A), associate of science (A.S.) or associate of applied science degree (A.A.S.)."
Don't let the POLs and boards take away DYERSBURG STATE.
One such board(DSCC Foundation Board) must feel so badly about the offensive nature of the proposed name change that they must make public statements to the citizens that they have "confidence" in the persons proposing to change the name while denying they have formally done so. ("This board is not voting to change the name of the college.")
Their use and percieved need for such doublespeak indicates a strong masked feeling that their board constituents and community citizens do not want the change from DYERSBURG STATE.
"[The paid consultant, based on an on-line survey of only 524 persons] said 38 percent of respondents support a name change and 21 percent were undecided. This calculates to 59 percent of residents questioned who would not oppose a name change."
As Naifeh and Ned are often fond of saying, "That dog don't hunt."
It could also be that only 38% support the change from DYERSBURG!
If you take the most charitable position and count only half the undecided 21% as pro name changee, only 48.5% favor it.
The name DYERSBURG is too unique and proud for citizens to take a bye on this one, particularly when there's the example of Columbia State as proof you can get "close to 10,000 students per year" with no name change despite satellite campuses in five extremely proud counties led by the Williamson County campus in prosperous Franklin.
This is so embarrassing on many different levels, and not the least of all is the fact that we actually paid a stupid public relations firm for a stupid suggestion. Ask the stupid consultants how they would feel about their own alma mater's name being changed to an undignified, inappropriate title. NOW HEAR THIS: DON'T FIX WHAT IS NOT BROKEN. This makes me furious to think of the waste of money, time and energy spent on this matter. Bureacrats spending our money, while getting paid with our money. Dyersburg State Community College!!! Don't change it!
There is nothing more unique than:
DYERSBURG State Community College
And tell me how Tennessee Western is in any way
"welcoming; easy to remember, spell and pronounce; authentic; dignified; unique; inclusive; timeless; and aspirational."
Gosh that name stinks!! Please please anything would be better than that. I personally like it the way it is, but if it must be changed, surely they can come up with something better. Two Rivers, Three Rivers, back yard pond, Coon Creek, anything besides Tennessee Western!!
A coupla years ago Dr. Bowyer came before committees of the Dyer County Legislative Body and the Dyersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen asking them to commit money for the Dyer County Promise Scholarships to DYERSBURG State Community College. Both the county and the city gave her the money she asked for.
The Dyer County Legislative Body recently passed a resolution against the name change
of DYERSBURG State Community College.
The Dyersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen are on record as against the name change of DYERSBURG State Community College.
Dr. Bowyer forgets where her bread is buttered for the Dyer County Promise Scholarships.
I realize her bosses are the Tennessee Board of Regents and she has to answer to them and they have to answer to Speaker Jimmy Naifeh, but we in Dyer County don't want DYERSBURG taken off the name of the college that the leaders of this community fought to establish back in the sixties. Where was Tipton and Gibson county when DYERSBURG State Community College was established in 1969????????????????????????????
People from outside of Dyer County are trying to force this name change on us............ Let's fight it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yee Haw! Come to Tennessee Western Community College, where we shore will teach ya how to rope and brand with the best of 'em! Don't ferget yur Skool uniform - a 10 gallon hat and snakeskin boots. YEEEEE HAWWW!!
This name change has to be approved by the state legislature. Please email Mark Norris, Craig Fitzhugh, and Philip Pinion, and express your opinion on this issue. Their addresses are on the editorial page of the State Gazette.
"Dyersburg" is a brand name with a long history, just like Cadillac, and Cheerios, and Briggs and Stratton are brand names. "Dyersburg" is a brand name that is associated with everything we've done for the last 185 years. It is a proud brand name and we should be proud of the reputation that "Dyersburg" has throughout the entire state of Tennessee and the entire country. There is only one town in the entire United States named "Dyersburg." There is a "Dyersville", Iowa where the "Field of Dreams" movie was made, but only one "Dyersburg" in the entire world. It is a powerful brand name: "Dyersburg." And to take our brand name off our community college is absolutely STUPID. I don't know what powerful person made the decision to remove a proud and powerful name: "Dyersburg" from our college, but one thing is certain, it wasn't John Malmo; he is a hired gun, he is saying what he was paid to say when he was hired. I don't know of any NATIVE of Dyersburg and Dyer County who is for this name change. We are being railroaded.
What a waste. The name change will confuse people and will cost more to change it on everything from clothing to signs, etc. What was wrong with it?? Dyersburg State is a reflection of not only Dyersburg but of the community where it started.
let's just call it western state, oh wait thats already in use
How much was spent on this endeavor? I've heard the outside firm was paid 40K to do the study. Is this true? Dyersburg State, excuse me, Tennessee Western, is constantly soliciting funds and they spend money like this? Just maybe, they don't need the extra funds after all!!
You said it well, clevergirljc. I feel the same way. Tennessee Western sounds like a mental institution or a prison. Actually the name embarrasses me.
You do realize the reason they are changing the name is to get Dyersburg off it, don't you? Since they want to change the name I think we should get a new president to represent the new name.
As being a graduate of Dyersburg State Community College (2003), my mother being a graduate (1994), I would like to see my sons become the third generation to graduate from Dyersburg State Community College, not Tennessee Western. The name that was suggested does not reflect the college nor the importance this school has on the students that cannot afford to make the transition from high school to a major university. Dyersburg is proud of the college that is supported by local, hometown people, not Tennessee Western. The name sounds steril. If you are going to come up with a new name, please keep Dyersburg in the name. You would not want to mess with the name of University of Tennessee, would you?