Fort Scott Community College dean of finance, operations steps down

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Darcy Baldonado is putting her career on hold -- at least for now.

Baldonado, who has served as the dean of finance and operations at Fort Scott Community College for the last three years, will step down from her position later this month to become a stay-at-home mother and devote more time to her family.

"I just thought it was a good time to become a stay-at-home mom," Baldonado said Wednesday. "I might get back into educational finance someday, but not right now. I never would have had this position without the support of my family, so I also think it's time to return the favor to them."

Baldonado said Nov. 21 will be her last day on the job at FSCC, after which she will stay home while her husband, Eric, continues his career as the director of the Mercy Rehabcentre at Mercy Health Center, a position he has maintained since 2007.

Baldonado said she plans to care for and spend time with Anna, the couple's 4-year-old daughter, while Anna is young and at home, before the youngster heads off to kindergarten next year and begins her school career.

"Kids are only young once," she said.

Some of Baldonado's job duties at FSCC include state and federal reporting of the college's finances, as well as management, budgeting and planning for the college's student bookstore, print shop, food service program, and maintenance department. Baldonado said her primary duty, along with assistance and direction from FSCC President Clayton Tatro, is to manage and build the college's budget each year.

Baldonado said she also manages the college's business office, and occasionally works with the grant department with grant opportunities the college pursues.

So what will Baldonado miss most about her time at FSCC? Is it her co-workers, or maybe her number-crunching job?

"I've really met some wonderful people," she said. "And I truly enjoy the challenge of a budget. I truly enjoy what I do."

Tatro said Baldonado is a key member of the business and executive team at FSCC, which will make it more difficult for college officials to get by without her services until a replacement is hired.

"It's tough, because she's in one of those key positions that's hard to replace," he said.