Randy Blythe, 2007 Manager of the Year

Randy was selected based on superior customer satisfaction, quality financial reporting and budget adherence, a healthy financial return for the year and outstanding leadership and active participation in the campus community.

In addition to his BRCC responsibilities, Randy is dedicated to the full-time care of his mother, who has Para Supra Nuclear Palsy. When Randy speaks of his mother you would never know the daily struggles he faces. Randy said, “Having mother with me has truly been a blessing. I found I am stronger than I thought I was, and having Mom to come home to and give a hug and kiss still makes a long hard day better”. Randy is quick to voice appreciation for his peers. “I have received great support and many prayers and good wishes from the TBC and BRCC staff, which my mother and I are extremely grateful for.” Randy goes on to acknowledge his mother’s positive influence, “I guess my favorite quote is one of my mothers, "Ain't life grand". It makes me remember that life is grand if I take time to enjoy and not let the little things get me down. And as another quote says, they are all little things.”

Randy holds a BA degree from the University of Arkansas in anthropology and history. While perusing his master’s degree in anthropology he began working for Louisiana Governor, Edwin W. Edwards, who was then running for his third term. Randy says he quickly learned that he liked earning money more than writing papers and went to work for Edwards full time when he was reelected. Randy worked in the Intergovernmental Affairs Office, providing constituent services for citizens who sought help from the Governor to resolve issues with various state agencies. After Edwards term was complete Randy assumed the duties of campaign manager for J.E. Jumonville of Pointe Coupee Parish in his race for the 8th Congressional District of Louisiana. For 10 years following the election Randy held the position of manager of the Evangeline Downs Race Track Off Track Betting Parlor.

Randy’s love for old movies from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, and his 300-plus collection of movies lead him to Blockbuster Video, where he served as manager until joining Texas Book Company (TBC) almost nine years ago. Randy is a great ambassador for TBC, and inspiration to his peers and employees alike. He lights up when he talks about TBC saying, “Working for Texas Book Company has been an awesome experience. I have never worked anywhere where I truly knew that everyone, starting with the President and on down, cared about my personal growth as well as the growth of the Company. I know I can call or talk to any administrator at any time if I have a question or problem. Texas Book Company is truly dedicated to developing its personnel into the best they can be.”

Randy says his most proud moment at BRCC was when my staff and I served over 5,000 students in a bookstore built for 750 students. Under Randy’s watchful eye BRCC has achieved the President's Club honor every year since 2000. Maxine Rogers, BRCC Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance said, “This is a great honor for Randy and he deserves the recognition. Randy has always made great efforts to take care of the students and become a part of the college community. When colleagues are discussing a program that may need support from the bookstore, I always tell them that Randy will do whatever is necessary to assist us and he has.”

Randy’s pride in his job and his association with BRCC is very personal. When he speaks of BRCC one can easily recognize that he considers himself a part of the college community. “It has been great growing in my job as BRCC has grown. The first year the school expected 750 students, and enrolled 1,900. This coming Fall enrollment is expect to reach over 7,000, which is phenomenal growth in nine years. The campus went from one three-story building to three three-story buildings, a four-story library/and performing arts theatre, an impressive student center, and a four-story parking garage. We are currently building a health science complex. Not bad!” Randy goes on to say, “Our school has a progressive administration and the school just continues to grow. It is exciting to see the addition of a nursing program, teaching degree and various disciplines in the entertainment industry, from film to video games. BRCC is a vital part of Louisiana’s education system. I want our students to be a part of our student’s success.”

Congratulations to Randy Blythe, Texas Book Company’s 2007 Store Manager of the Year.