By Kaitlyn Skrzypczak, Staff Reporter.
Charin Davenport, an adjunct English instructor at both Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, filed as a write-in candidate for the open Bay County seat for Delta College’s Board of Trustees. Davenport missed the original July 15 deadline to be on the ballot because both she and her father were dealing with cancer. Davenport’s father passed away this summer. “The good news is he was 85, and as far as me the cancer is gone,” said Davenport.
Although Davenport had hoped to make the original deadline she decided to apply as a write-in candidate when she realized no one was on the ballot for Bay County. She admits that it’s harder to run as write-in candidate because, “you have to actually tell people to do something they’ve never probably done before. That is a daunting task.”
Davenport believes she’ll bring a fresh perspective to the board as an educator and transgender woman. Although she believes there are probably changes that the board could benefit from it is not her focus in seeking a seat.
“I’ve been involved with a lot of nonprofit agencies over the years and a lot of committees and organizations in New York, Virginia and Mich. So if there is one thing I know it’s if you walk into a new situation and talk about changes you’re going to make, you’re only going to make enemies,” said Davenport.
Experience with Delta faculty and students is one of the best assets Davenport believes she has to offer the Board of Trustees.
“I have the ability to communicate and listen to people and consider all sides of a discussion,” said Davenport. “I think if there is one thing I would want to change on the board is that I would like to – I would like to have the board spend more time communicating with the faculty or representatives of the faculty.”
Davenport also has qualifications that some of the other write-in candidates don’t have.
“I know what its like to be in a classroom working with students who come to you with all of lifes challenges and I know exactly what that’s like and I know how demanding that can be on faculty and staff to meet their needs,” said Davenport. “I know what it’s like to be teacher. I went to college at Delta too, so I know what it’s like to be a student.”
Davenport’s experience as a student at Delta was a positive one and she wants to make sure that continues to happen for future students.
“I’m a veteran, and I have a real soft spot for veterans. I have a G.I. Bill. Delta took really good care of me and I want to make sure we really take care of our veterans,” said Davenport.
Davenport’s adjunct position at Delta may come into conflict with the Board of Trustees if she is elected and it may require her to step down from her job. But she doesn’t want that to worry people who want to vote for her. “I’m going to serve on the board if I’m elected,” said Davenport.
If elected, advocating for the community, students and faculty will be a priority for Davenport.
“I would want the board to be my advocate. Not just someone who runs the meeting, but to advocate. I am going to be an advocate for the students, for the community and when needed I will be an advocate for the faculty. Advocacy is about having energy, passion and desire. That’s what I know,” said Davenport.
Charin Davenport already has a relationship with the students and faculty at Delta College, as well as a variety of experience in academia and community service and that is why the Delta Collegiate endorses her for the open Bay County seat on Delta College’s Board of Trustees. We urge you to vote for Davenport this Nov. 4.