Sierra Nevada College has been on an upward path these last several years. Enrollment has grown, accreditation is solid, there is a new arts center, finances have stabilized and become sustainable, athletic programs have been expanded, and the construction of a new residence hall is at least on the table.

You can say the college is at a crossroads; therefore, the abrupt resignation of its president, for whatever reason, is a troublesome development.

There will be a reset with the campus and village communities. Some relationships may sour; new ones will be developed over time. Regardless, some disruption to the flow of progress can be expected.

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It is more important now than ever for the residents and businesses of Incline Village to coalesce behind the college and not allow the recent turn of events to thwart or delay advancement activities or improvements.

Sierra Nevada College is a year-round economic engine for Incline Village. When the ski slopes turn brown and the lake is too frigid to enjoy, the college continues to generate business and visitation.

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To borrow a line from a classic holiday movie, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”

While the movie was a comedy and the line as deadpan as you will find, there is nothing comical about the role of the school in a local economy that needs external resources and diversification.

Incline Village is fortunate to have its share of well-heeled residents and stakeholders. I urge them to connect with colleagues, friends or business associates and ask them to get involved with the college — grants, programs, speakers are all welcome and will go far to publicize this vital asset.

Welcome the new president, visit classes and attend events. Assist students as if they were family — because they are.

Paul Hatfield, CPA, MBA, is a Financial Accounting Consultant and a columnist for Citywatch, a popular online political journal for Los Angeles. He also former Director of Finance for Sierra Nevada College.