CASPER, Wyo. — Election season is underway, and Oil City News has sent a list of questions to all candidates who have filed to run for a seat on the Casper College Board of Trustees.
These questions are designed to give our readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Below, get to know Ann Ruble, who is running for one of three seats available on the Casper College Board of Trustees:
1. Who are you? (Name, where you’re from, employment, hobbies, etc.)
Ann Ruble. I was raised in Iowa and lived around the country before moving to Casper 11 1/2 years ago. I am currently working as a consultant primarily working with nonprofit organizations, providing board and staff training and strategic planning. I am also finishing my Masters in Public Administration through Indiana University. Previously, I was the executive director of the Nicolaysen Art Museum and also worked for the Wyoming Community Foundation supporting regional nonprofits through grantmaking and technical support. I enjoy spending time on Casper Mountain and the Platte with my family, which includes my husband and two teenage sons.
2. Why have you decided to run for the Casper College Board of Trustees and what do you hope to accomplish should you be elected?
I have a great deal of respect for the depth and breadth of quality programs offered at Casper College. I am impressed with the support they give to nontraditional students, especially veterans. My son has taken BOCES classes and both of my sons benefited from the KEY Camp program when they were in middle school. We are avid fans of the basketball and volleyball programs as well as the amazing theater performances. I also recently served on a task force for public art in the new visual arts building. I want to be supportive of the college’s administration and faculty as they seek to support the growing, diverse student body that Casper College serves.
3. How do you plan on accomplishing your goals?
I plan to work with my fellow trustees, the college leadership, and the community to be well-informed and open-minded in approaching any issues that arise which impact the curriculum and services of Casper College. As a Rotarian, I apply the four-way test to making decisions and reaching for goals — is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned? I believe that if you follow this test, you can reach any goal in a reasonable and ethical manner.
4. What experience do you have that qualifies you to serve as a trustee?
I have served on boards and been an advisor to nongovernmental agencies for over 30 years. I understand what best practices are for governance of an organization from a theoretical and practical standpoint. Both my husband and I have been active in the Casper community since moving here and have great appreciation for the assets and opportunities we have as a community. I think my positions at the Wyoming Community Foundation and The NIC, as well as my other volunteer roles, have given me broad perspective on what matters to this community and how the college can play a role in regional development and the engagement and/or education of all of our regional citizens.
5. Do you feel you could be a good steward when it comes to financial decisions? Why or why not?
Yes. I have a background in training nongovernmental organizations in financial best practices. Through my current MPA program I have taken classes from nationally recognized leaders in financial best practices for public and private entities that has given me more appreciation and training in how to make prudent financial decisions.
6. On the issue of transparency, where do you stand on ensuring all public business is conducted openly and in a manner that encourages public attendance?
I believe that all public entities owe a duty to ensure public business is conducted openly and is encouraging of public attendance whenever feasible.
7. Are you familiar with the work of the trustees in recent years? Are you pleased with what you have seen or are there problems you see that you think need to be addressed?
I have not been intimately involved in the management of the college, so I do not feel qualified to provide any insight into the trustees’ work. I have collaborated with several departments at the college through my own education, my children’s education, my husband’s volunteerism, and my work at WYCF and The NIC and have always been impressed with the professionalism and standards of the various departments. I can only assume that this is a testament to the work of the trustees, leadership and faculty of the college.
8. Should you be elected, or reelected, do you plan on seeking any major policy changes? If yes, what would those changes be? If no, why not?
I owe it to Casper College and the community to be open minded and become fully engaged and educated about the responsibilities of the trustees before even suggesting any policy changes. I think it is inappropriate to propose a major change of any type without being fully informed.
9. Is there anything the above questions didn’t ask that you would like to comment on?
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NOTE: All candidates who filed to run for a seat on the Casper College Board of Trustees were sent questionnaires at the same time and Oil City News will publish responses in the order they are received. Candidate responses are only edited for clarity and style.
