Helaine Jesse promoted to vice president of institutional advancement

As part of the process to reorganize the structure of leadership at the Western Nevada Community College, Helaine Jesse has been promoted from dean of institutional advancement to the vice president of institutional advancement.

"I'm thrilled. I couldn't be happier," Jesse said Friday. "It's a lot of hard work, but I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Jesse said the promotion was part of a process by WNCC President Carol Lucey to follow a national trend to create a leadership team of three vice presidents.

Jesse will join Dane Apalategui, vice president of finance, and Michelle Dondero, vice president to academic affairs and student services.

Dondero and Apalategui were both appointed last summer.

The promotion was approved unanimously by the board of regents last week and will go into effect July 1.

Jesse said the promotion will mean some added responsibilities. She said she will head up grants, foundation, legislature and marketing and information.

"It's really the public relations arm of the college in a big way," Jesse said.

She said it was also an honor to be named to the new position.

"I can't really believe it," Jesse said. "I grew up in Carson and to be promoted to this job, I just couldn't be more honored."

Jesse started at the college in October1993 as the director of development. Former President Jim Randolph promoted her to dean of institutional advancement in July 1998.