To the editor:

I write to comment on the coverage of the union allegations about some employees at North Country Community College.

I have known Dr. Tyrell for several years, and he has earned my admiration as an honest partner, thoughtful and groundbreaking in his plans to modernize the NCCC curriculum offerings and infrastructure.

Personnel issues are hard to refute, and no sane employer can address the allegations and statements made by interviewees.

I’ve learned that Dr. Tyrell makes decisions based on facts. In the case of people and their ability to do the job needed, and especially about academic policy, he is as knowledgeable as any I’ve met in the many, many years I’ve been involved in this arena.

The former employees that left voluntarily probably went to better offers. The union leaders quoted are resentful of the change of management style that has diminished the weight of their opinion in day-to-day matters of the institution – since they have not got skin in the game other than job retention, it is no surprise to me they have the attitude expressed in these articles.

Nowhere in the coverage is there mention about the tremendous upheaval happening in post-secondary education in New York state and the nation, and the many varied efforts to ensure opportunity for skills upgrade in an age with instant and virtual communications.

The community initiatives mentioned are recognition that NCCC is an important economic engine, bringing an energy and vision to revitalizing those communities.

Dr. Tyrell is a visionary in the needed response to the demands for a better system. Residents of the North Country need their respective county legislatures and New York state to be partners moving forward.

Robert G. Hest

Mountain View