ACCESS Magazine Fall 2020

SPRING FALL2018 2020

COVER STORY

Non-Traditional Students A New Direction p.15

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more...

FEATURE

Excellence in Education GOAL, Rick Perkins, EAGLE

COVID-19

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Fall Opening Amid Coronavirus p.23

LEARN

ONLINE

100% Online Programs

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Programs • • • • •

Accounting Technology Business Technology Business Logistics Management Business Management Computer Support Specialist

• • • • •

Criminal Justice Cybersecurity Specialist E-commerce Fire Science Technology Health Information Technology

Diploma Programs • • • •

Accounting Technology Business Technology Business Logistics Management Business Management

• • • •

Computer Support Specialist Criminal Justice Cybersecurity Specialist Fire Science Technology

• Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Mgmt.

• Marketing Management • Operations Management

• Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management • Marketing Management

Technical Certificate of Credit Programs • • • • • •

Basic Fire Officer Criminal Justice Specialist Customer Contact Specialist Entrepreneurship Fire Officer I Fire Officer II

• Industrial Preparation • Logistics Management Specialist • Microsoft Office Application Specialist • Office Accounting Specialist • Quality Assurance Specialist

• Service Supervision Specialist • Supervisor /Management Specialist • Supply Chain Management

Revised July 2020

For more information, contact Troycia Webb at 229.430.3693 or twebb@albanytech.edu

WELCOME

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Welcome to the latest issue of ACCESS!

Blue Collar Blue-collar workers are obviously necessary.

We all rely on blue-collar workers for our safety and wellbeing. Each morning we turn the faucet on to brush our teeth; flip a switch to make our coffee, and on a hot day, we hurry inside for the coolness of air conditioning.

We assume that our cars will slow down and stop in the rain on a steep downgrade. Trucks bring goods to stores and often directly to our homes. Vehicles are serviced for carefree, safe driving and repaired after accidents.

Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs respond to us during emergencies. Nurses and medical assistants care for us when we are ill. Hospital equipment must be repaired and calibrated. Cosmetologists and barbers make us look good. And let’s not forget, computer specialists in the world of technology, and no one wants to imagine a world without plumbers.

Dr. Anthony O. Parker President

As I interconnect with many of my professional colleagues, I note how they usually see the necessity of blue-collar workers. However, I hope that they see the dignity in blue-collar work. They express disappointment if an air conditioning technician is not available on a hot July day or express outrage if the dealership can’t repair their car for several days. But, how often do we encourage their children or others in their sphere of influence to prepare for some of these vital blue-collar jobs? Students who reverse matriculate can be huge contributors to our community. Several university graduates have returned to ATC to earn AS degrees in nursing. One former student earned an associate degree in construction management after earning a BS and MBA and is currently employed as a housing director at a major university.

I’m proud to have been a part of blue-collar education since 1980. I’ve had the privilege of working for students at Augusta Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, Aiken Technical College, and Albany Technical College. I’ve never regretted choosing the technical education lane of the higher education highway. It’s been a rewarding journey.

FEATURE STORIES

Read insights about the following areas at Albany Tech.

Excellence in Education GOAL, Rick Perkins and EAGLE

Non-Traditional Students Achieving Their Potential

Coronavirus

Fall Opening Amid Coronavirus

Follow us online

SPRING 2018

COVER STORY

Non-Traditional Students A New Direction p.15

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more...

FEATURE

COVID-19

21 Success Partners

09 Insights

23 Feature

15 Cover Story

25 New Hires

GOAL, Rick Perkins, EAGLE

Non-Traditional Students

Excellence in Education GOAL, Rick Perkins, EAGLE

03 Excellence

p.3

Fall Opening Amid Coronavirus p.23

19 Dual Enrollment 2020 Graduates

Video Testimontials

Fall Opening Amid Coronavirus

ACCESS is a news magazine published by the Marketing and Public Relations Office at Albany Technical College.

Send inquiries to publicrelations@albanytech.edu

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Fall 2020

FEATURE

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EXCELLENCE

Each Year Albany Technical College selects a Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) student and a Rick Perkins Award instructor 2020 has been riddled with unexpected situations that we’ve all had to deal with: our personal lives and at work or school. At the time of this publication, we are still creating a “new normal” and a struggle to get back to something we remotely find familiar, while at the same time maintaining safe measures for our families, friends, and others in our community. It has been stressful and created some challenges for everyone.

Colleges around the country have been communicating and working hard to do their part in helping people move forward in their lives. The need for a good education is still vital in an ever-changing world environment. Displaced workers, current workers who need to retool their skill set, young people who are going into college for the first time, and even adults without high school diplomas all can grow in their personal lives even in these unprecedented times.

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has maintained a system to recognize top students, Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), which was first launched in 1971. According to the TCSG website, “GOAL focuses on student excellence in technical education by focusing on academic excellence and personal achievement. A panel of judges selects one student, the state GOAL Winner, to serve as an ambassador of technical education in Georgia. 2020 is the 49th year that this focus on student excellence has been celebrated.

As declared and named by our Governor, outstanding students attending Georgia’s technical colleges and divisions are recognized for academic excellence and personal achievement during GOAL Week. From this exceptional group of students, a panel of judges selects one

student, the state GOAL winner, to serve as the year’s statewide student and ambassador for technical education in Georgia.

GOAL competition begins during the fall semester. Technical college instructors across Georgia identify their most promising students and nominate them for GOAL based on academic achievement and personal leadership.

The first phase of GOAL takes place at the local technical college level. As nominees move through an interview process, the screening committee selects the top student to represent their college and community. After each college selects its college winner, competition among the students moves to the preliminary regional level. Selection committees made up of business and industry representing each college, select three winners from each of the TCSG’s

three regions. Then, these nine finalists will move on to compete at the state level in Atlanta. The state-level competition involves more interviews as the nine regional finalists receive individual consideration from a panel of judges for the state title. The winning GOAL student serves as an ambassador for technical education in Georgia. He or she will make many public appearances throughout the year, including addresses to the Georgia General Assembly, the Governor, and the Technical College System of Georgia Leadership Conference, just to name a few.

GOAL is more than an awards banquet; it is a who’s who event where Georgia’s business, government, and industry leaders join our technical colleges to celebrate technical education’s vital impact on Georgia’s workforce, prosperity, and future. GOAL strives to stimulate the community’s interest in and knowledge of technical education by recognizing outstanding student talent and strengthening the association between educators and the business community. GOAL emphasizes the importance of technical education in today’s world and rewards students who exemplify excellence in their chosen program of study. The recipient of the statewide GOAL award is recognized as the Technical College System of Georgia’s Student of the Year, and a new automobile, sponsored by Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, is awarded as the grand prize.”

Top technical instructors are also recognized by TCSG each year through the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence. Each year, selection for the Rick Perkins Award (RPA) begins with the naming of the top technical education instructor at each college.

Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for each award.

In April, the nine finalists are interviewed in Atlanta by a panel of judges to decide a winner for each award. The Rick

Perkins Award is now in its 29th year, and highlights excellence in technical instruction.

TCSG’s EAGLE Award recognizes and honors students from throughout the state who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in TCSG’s adult education programs. Nearly 48,000 men and women took part in Georgia’s adult education programs last year. Each March, the local EAGLE winners are the guests of a three-day conference in Atlanta that ends with a lunch banquet in their honor. The EAGLE delegate from Albany Technical College this year is Sherry Ann Scaff.

Albany Technical College’s 2020 GOAL student is Rondell Williams (Radiologic Technology), and our RPA Instructor of the Year is Stephanie Wilkerson (Early Childhood Care and Education). State competition, usually held in Atlanta during April, had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the disruption in this year’s GOAL and RPA process, we are truly proud of their efforts and consider them winners. Plans are for every student and instructor in the state selected as a college winner to be recognized in the future. Details and specifics on that process are still up in the air for obvious reasons.

RONDELL WILLIAMS

2020 ATC GOAL Recipient Radiologic Technology Student

SHERRY SCAFF

2020 ATC EAGLE Recipient Adult Education Student

Congratulations to our college winners!

STEPHANIE WILKERSON

2020 ATC Rick Perkins Recipient Early Childhood Care & Education Instructor

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MEETING THE CHALLENGE TEACHING VEHICLE OPERATION IN A SOCIAL DISTANCING ENVIRONMENT

after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of on-campus classes. Hybrid classes – partially online and partially in-person – were created and are now underway at Albany Tech.

The Joshua’s Law Teen Driving Course normally consists of 30 hours in the classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel, driving with an instructor. In early April, the Georgia Department of Driver Services, who oversees the Driver’s Ed programs in Georgia, determined that driving schools could offer the classroom portion of this class in a “virtual classroom” format. Students attend classes together in the afternoons via their computers,

Driver Training for Teens and Forklift Operator’s Training is continuing at Albany Tech’s Center for Business Solutions – with a few tweaks to the programs.

Driver’s Training for Teens to meet Joshua’s Law requirements, and Forklift Operator Training are vital programs that serve important needs in our region. The Center for Business Solutions, working with the Technical College System of Georgia, got these programs up and running as quickly as possible

and must complete independent study work outside of class.

Throughout the spring and early summer, 26 students took part in the course and completed their required classroom work.

Next on the agenda is driving. These 26 students will now have to complete six hours of driving behind the wheel with an Albany Tech instructor. With new disinfecting protocols in place, driving instruction will kick off soon.

The Forklift Operator’s course at Albany Tech has always been a

would prove to be a little more challenging. Dr. Fragé solved this

popular course due to the abundance of employers in our area

problem by offering the driving instruction one-on-one with the

seeking forklift drivers. Forklift instructor Gary Fragé created an

students during scheduled appointments. Dr. Fragé disinfects

online course to cover the OSHA safety practices he normally

the forklift after each student appointment. This process means

goes over in the classroom. Forklift students are required

that we have to limit the number of students in our forklift

to take the online course and pass a test over the material

classes, but we are happy to be providing this vital training once

to demonstrate their understanding of operation and safety

again.

practices.

If you are interested in becoming a certified Forklift Operator,

While it’s possible to show an understanding of the material in

or if you have a teenager who needs driver’s training for

an online class, it’s another thing to show you can safely operate

Joshua’s Law, give the Center for Business Solutions a call

a forklift. Conducting the driving portion of the forklift class

at 229-430-0557 or 229-430-3867.

VIRTUALCAMP IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Engineering Prep Academy

SPOTLIGHT

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Summer Semester 2020

FIRST DAY OF BOOK RUSH...

DRIVE THRU STYLE! Monday | June 1, 2020 ATC students obtained their books and supplies for Summer semester at curbside pickup behind the Logistics Education Center building.

Fall semester books can be picked up in Freedom Hall, west-side entrance.

SUMMER ROBOTICS AND MATHEMATICS VIRTUAL CAMP Each year, the Engineering Prep Academy (EPA) host a Summer Robotics and Mathematics Camp for rising 8th – 10th graders with the intent to expose participants to the field of Engineering Technology and Mathematic concepts through hands on activities. Despite the continuous interruption of COVID-19, students virtually partook in the summer camp through usage of Blackboard Collaborate, which enabled them to receive instructions and guidance on building three engineering projects, learn about the various formats of effective communication, and acquire industry related information from Mrs. Jennine Swafford, a Chemist and STEM facilitator.

Dharma Lamichhane, the project’s mathematics instructor walked the students through math concepts, as well as led the students virtually in the building of a Drone, Robotic Arm, an EZ Catapult with the assistance of the Lab Coach, Elizabeth Pringle.

The Project Director, Michelle Williams served as the student’s Soft Skills facilitator. Mrs. Williams shared, “Initially, we were concerned about having the camp virtually, but the students not only received the same instruction they would have received on campus, but we had the opportunity to expose them to an interactive online learning format. We are very pleased with the outcome of our first virtual camp”.

The Engineering Prep Academy is a project funded by the Department of Education under the Predominantly Black Institute (PBI) grant. The project is in its last grant year.

Fall Semester 2020

BOOK RUSH August 20 - 26, 2020

After ordering online, ATC students will choose to have books shipped to them or to pick up at the Titan Express Window, Freedom Hall, west entrance.

See student email for complete ordering/ receiving details.

Fall 2020

INSIGHTS ®

ACQUIRE REAL-WORLD SKILLS, INSTEAD OF STUDENT LOAN BILLS. SUCCEED SOONER

ALBANYTECH.EDU A UNIT OF THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

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MANDATORY TEMPERATURE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT CHECK STATION ®

STUDENTS AND VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR TEMPERATURE CHECKED BEFORE ENTERING CAMPUS Once temperature is determined normal, students/visitors receive a dated sticker and may proceed with on-campus business.

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June 1, 2020

Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College, discussed displaced workers due to COVID-19 in SW Georgia with Karla Heath-Sands on WALB’s Dialogue, May 31. He shared the response the college has received, careers hit hardest by COVID-19, high interest areas of study, hybrid courses, and ways in which the college can help those interested in starting a new career.

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DIALOGUE INTERVIEW

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TITANS BASKETBALL SOPHOMORE HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE

April 14, 2020 Vinny Viana, a sophomore at Albany Technical College, has been recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as an All-American Honorable Mention. NJCAA All American represents the nation’s Top 50 players in junior college basketball. These players are not only the top players in their region but across the entire country.

June 29, 2020 Congratulations to ATC’s Men’s Basketball player Vinny Viana who has signed with the University of Tennessee/Martin Men’s Basketball program as an incoming junior on the 2020-21 Skyhawk roster.

CONGRATULATIONS, VINNY!

FIRST RESPONDERS Albany Technical College salutes our First Responder graduates who have been working the front-line day in and day out. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing as we head into the fall.

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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM SPRING GRADUATING CLASS HAS 100% PASS RATE ON STANDARDIZED TEST The graduating spring Associate of Science in Nursing Program at Albany Technical College has reported a 100% pass rate on their standardized test. The NCLEX exam, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that every state regulatory board uses to determine if a candidate is ready to become licensed as an entry-level nurse.

Six Albany Technical College students who recently graduated in the spring passed: Kenya Floyd, Devon Herndon, Tanique Howard, Asia Jordan, Cori Miller, and Toshirio Rivers.

“We are so proud of these students. They completed the necessary clinical hours and graduated with an associate degree, and then all passed the NCLEX exam. Our community’s need for qualified nurses has never been emphasized more than now,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.

ASIA JORDAN

CORI MILLER

DEVON HERNDON

KENYA FLOYD

TANIQUE HOWARD

TOSHIRIO RIVERS

Congratulations to KENTORIAN HILSON! Mr. Hilson is a graduate of Albany Technical College with a degree in Culinary Arts as well as Criminal Justice. Recently, Mr. Hilson graduated from U.S. Navy bootcamp.

It’s a great day to be a Titan!

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Fall 2020

COVER STORY

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DEFINITION OF A NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT: a student who is older than the typical age of college students

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NO NEED TO BE INSECURE ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS ARE SEEING THEIR POSSIBILITIES AND ACHIEVING THEIR POTENTIAL

According to an article published online by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, The National Center for Educational Statistics defines non-traditional students as meeting one of seven characteristics: delayed enrollment into postsecondary education; attends college parttime; works full time; is financially independent for financial aid purposes; has dependents other than a spouse; is a single parent, or does not have a high school diploma. Any of these requirements can qualify a student as non-traditional.

Current data shows fewer than 16% of students actually fit the traditional student definition: 18 to 22 years-old, financially dependent on parents, in college full time, or living on campus.

Most educators see the most significant obstacle working with non-traditional students is the constant competing strains between life responsibilities and educational requirements. Working and being older typically requires non-traditional students to go part-time. Finding time to get everything done is a constant balance that can sometimes feel impossible. The fear of being a little bit older and coming back to a traditional environment, possibly failing, being able to cover the cost, and whether a balance can be reached between school and life, can come together to feel overwhelming.

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COVER STORY

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Weekend, evening, and

online classes have become common for non-traditional

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

students who have obligations beyond the

classroom.

Colleges like Albany Technical College have started to cater to adult students and understand the concerns that may arise. • paying for college when you’re not attending fulltime, • completing credentials in a reasonable amount of time to benefit the student and the employers, • clarifying the confusion about navigating the educational system, and the transferring of academic credits for older students.

Clarifying the pathway to a degree and sitting down with a student to determine how long it will take and how much it will cost has become very important. Providing this information in a timely manner can be the difference in success or delayed success.

Another important part of the puzzle is allowing for prior learning work-based credits for a person’s job skills already obtained. Prior learning assessment can play a big part in the fulfillment of degree requirements.

This degree of sophistication about prior learning assessment has become common in higher technical college education.

Weekend, evening, and online classes have become common for non-traditional students who have obligations beyond the classroom. Hybrid, (face-to-face combined with online learning) classes are popular now on the Albany Tech campus. Allowing for less commitment of time and place works better with these types of students and provides for improved communication with the instructor.

Student support services have never been more critical than right now. Adult students need directional guidance, and they tend to ask more questions.

Older adult’s expanded knowledge that they bring to the table helps create more challenging classroom discussions. Applying the knowledge that they gain in the classroom to their work environment becomes a focus.

Faculty that have real-world experience is essential and

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non-traditional students can find this at Albany Technical College. This providing of wellqualified faculty creates excellent career advice and helps build an exceptional career portfolio when the time comes for that student to enter the workforce.

MEET A NON-TRADITIONAL ALBANY TECH GRADUATE

BONISHA TOWNSEND-PORTER Current Job Title: Director of Student Development & Campus Vibrancy, Stetson University Program at Albany Technical College: Construction Management, 2016

Written by: Bonisha Townsend-Porter Albany Technical College (ATC) enhanced my competency skills when I needed to understand, communicate, and manage facilities and construction projects within a male-dominated field. Before I began my major at ATC, I could not speak construction jargon that would give me a voice at the table.

I was not able to set realistic expectations for construction productivity and timelines. I felt small in the conversation as contractors used phrases like “on center” or “field measure.” I had no idea what they were talking about. All I knew was that I did not know and that I was partially responsible for the environment in which my students would live.

I was a Housing and Residence Life Director.

Most Housing and Residence Life Director’s do not have facilities or construction backgrounds, but I felt responsible. So, I enrolled at Albany Technical College. When I discussed my plan to attend, many people asked me why, because I already had a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. They said that ATC was for people who wanted to learn to earn quickly and that the degrees offered were for job and industry skills. Well, I helped manage an eight hundred bed project that was under construction, behind schedule, and seemingly had some severe deficiencies. But I did not know how to articulate my concerns and be heard at the table. When managing construction, it is beneficial to articulate what you see where others can understand. This skill can save a life or many lives. I did not have that skill.

The project was completed without me being able to communicate my observations effectively. Regretfully, my students had to live with that skill gap for a while.

Because the project continued to present problems, I decided to enroll at ATC in Construction Management. It was one of the best decisions in my professional career as a Housing and Residence Life Director.

Because the program heavily focused on carpentry, I began to understand the physical structures quickly. I could walk on a floor and notice if the spacing was too wide or if doors were unleveled. I could read a blueprint and specifications and know if the building was constructed per the contract. I could communicate my observations and expect a response. As a result, the university for which I

worked at the time, was able to sue the general contractor of the facilities and win over $4M in repairs and corrections. Our students were able to live in a safer environment.

Albany Technical College did more than teach me a skill. The instructors taught me the science of construction and how to apply it within a theory-based environment. Not only did I learn, but I passed much of the knowledge to my team. Our operation became more efficient, and we were more effective managers of the physical structure. Most of all, my facilities team appreciated that I understood the issues they faced and helped identify sustainable and smart solutions. Since earning my Albany Technical College education, I have neither looked at a facility the same nor felt more confident in my ability to rise. I will always be grateful for my ATC education, and I will always be a proud alumna. Thank you, ATC! Go, Titans!

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INSIGHTS

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RODERICK L. POLLOCK, SENIOR Dougherty Comprehensive High School Criminal Justice AAS Degree

@ ALBANY TECH

Albany Technical College recognizes area high school Dual Enrollment students

KA’MYAH ST. ROSE, SENIOR

Eighteen students at Albany Technical College attending as Dual Enrolled high school students have plans to either continue to get a bachelor’s degree or go into the military.

There is a ceremony that is usually conducted annually during the spring semester where Dual Enrolled high school students are honored for completing their Associate of Applied Science degree prior to completing their high school diploma. Unfortunately, we were not able to have that ceremony at the college. COVID-19 has changed how we are able to recognize these students in person. We want to acknowledge their remarkable achievements and highlight their accomplishments. Albany Technical College is very proud of the accomplishments of the Dual Enrolled students and looks forward to hearing of their great success.

Dougherty Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

With the Georgia Dual Enrollment program, all Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) colleges are seeing success, especially those who move on to four-year universities to obtain higher levels of degrees. The goal is to highlight these students each academic year.

“The Georgia Dual Enrollment program is one of the best programs available for high school students, and we encourage local area students to take advantage of this opportunity. Albany Technical College offers a chance to accelerate a high school student’s future career,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College.

The following students have completed the required courses and will receive their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as they graduate high school:

AYANNA NEWBERRY, SENIOR Lee County High School Business Management AAS Degree

DEZNEAIRE BILLINGS, SENIOR Monroe Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

DONTE’ DANIEL, SENIOR Monroe Comprehensive High School Computer Programming AAS Degree

AALIYAH HARRIS, SENIOR Monroe Comprehensive High School Criminal Justice AAS Degree

LE’ VASIA RODDY, SENIOR

TAYLAR ADAMS, SENIOR

Monroe Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

Westover Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

KYLA SMITH, SENIOR

NIA CHRISTIAN, SENIOR

Monroe Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

Westover Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

AALIYAH GILBERT, SENIOR

AYANLA DUDLEY, SENIOR

Randolph-Clay High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

Westover Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies/ Business Healthcare AAS Degree

SHANICE HARRIS, SENIOR

DE’IDEJA GREEN, SENIOR

Randolph-Clay High School Criminal Justice AAS Degree

Westover Comprehensive High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

NATASHA JONES, JUNIOR

MYIA HAINES, SENIOR

Randolph-Clay High School Criminal Justice AAS Degree

Westover Comprehensive High School Business Management AAS Degree

AARON ZHENG, SENIOR

ALAYZHAH OWENS, SENIOR

Terrell County High School Computer Programming AAS Degree

Westover High School Interdisciplinary Studies AAS Degree

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GLENN SINGFIELD President, Artesian Contracting Co.

VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

MAKING A BETTER, STRONGER TOMORROW FOR THE REGION Dougherty County is the center of commerce for our region of Southwest Georgia. Albany Technical College is dedicated to its mission of providing our extended community with an educated workforce for industry, commerce, and public service. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to be a strong contributor to income generation and stability for the region.

In the past months, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it, most likely forever. In March, Albany Tech converted collegiate instruction to online learning as much as possible. This change will continue for the foreseeable future. Spring semester students were being given extended time to complete classroom assignments and labs. On June 1, students began to return to campus to complete spring course work and also our summer term began. This was done according to our campus recovery plan, which follows all federal, state, and local guidelines to keep students, faculty, and staff safe.

Albany Tech remains committed to providing a quality educational experience and a healthy learning environment.

Albany Technical College was hopeful that disruptions to the economy due to COVID-19 would be minimal. However, it has caused a domino effect leading to many changes to normal day-to-day business operations, as well as personal activities. The pandemic has triggered a severe displacement of workers in the labor force.

As we move into the fall semester of 2020, Albany Tech requests local industry, commerce and public services sectors help in a new video campaign, Success Partners, aimed at increasing the number of skilled graduates prepared to meet today’s workforce needs. We plan to create a series of short messages from community leaders that will encourage high school students, young adults, those who are under-employed, and those who have seen their jobs disappear due to the pandemic. We want to highlight the many programs of study available at Albany Tech and get them started training for a career in one of the critical industries for our state.

MARVIN LASTER CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Albany

BO DOROUGH Mayor, Albany, Georgia

SCOTT STEINER President & CEO, Phoebe Putney Health System

EVELYN OVERNICK, DNP Senior VP & Chief Nursing Officer, Phoebe Putney Mem. Hospital

Working together, our economy will return stronger than ever. The impact from the pandemic will likely present a new normal, and Albany Technical College is here to assist our community as we transition and embrace the changes.

Find your Path and Achieve it, at Albany Technical College.

HUGH NALL President, Southern AG

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Alumni Dossier

Ronalda Keaton Butler

Current Employer: Cook Senior Living Center, RN Supervisor At Albany Tech: Licensed Practical Nursing(LPN) 1995 The Albany Tech Experience: Albany Technical College has benefited me by

ensuring I had the skills needed to be a great Practical Nurse. The skills and work ethic I gained there, provided me with the opportunity to work in every capacity in a long term care facility (my workplace of choice). It has benefited my Licensed Practical family by allowing me to have options on choosing jobs as well as have a decent Nursing (LPN) salary to support my family. These benefits along with the nursing faculty at (1995) at Albany Technical College Albany Technical College, who inspired me, pushed and motivated me to be the best I could, helped me personally and helped mold me into the nurse I am today. They were my foundation.

Other Education/Job Experiences:

1998 Train the Trainer Certification 2000 Darton College – Associate of Science 2012 Darton College - ADN 2017 South University - BSN

Professional Affiliations or Organizations :

Tift Regional Health Systems Employee Wellness Committee Albany Technical College Advisory Committee

Future: Short-term goal includes completing a MSN program in Informatics.

The long-term goal is to continue to have compassion, the key to nursing, for all patients I encounter.

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FALL OPENING AMID CORONAVIRUS

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The health and safety of Albany Technical College students, faculty, and staff is always our first priority. As Albany Technical College returns to in-person learning for the Fall 2020 semester, we want to provide you with information regarding how we are meeting the needs of our students in the safest way possible.

This Fall, we are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for everyone. There will be new ways to learn, new health procedures in place, and recommendations students can consider to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Fall 2020 semester will have more options than ever before for students as they decide which learning environments best suit their needs. We will offer a blended course schedule that includes a wide variety of course delivery methods. Students will have the opportunity to choose from online classes, face-to-face classes, or virtual classroom options where instructors will be teaching live on campus giving

students the choice to attend in person or online.

Each college class will offer some or all of these learning options, and students may choose their preference when registering for classes. Courses requiring laboratory skills will be offered in person with a limited number of students at a time. The laboratory environments will require students and faculty to observe social distancing protocols as well as wearing mask coverings when appropriate.

All of our campuses now have new plexiglass shields installed in areas where students, faculty, and staff frequently interact face to face, as well as social distancing guidelines marked throughout each campus.

Additional prevention methods are being incorporated at all campuses and include increasing the number of times that classrooms and labs are cleaned and disinfected, and providing students access to hand sanitizer in each classroom and in common areas.

Students are expected to wear mask coverings in classrooms and in common areas throughout each campus, and reminders to wear masks, wash hands properly, and social distance six feet apart are marked throughout each campus as well.

From the onset of the pandemic in Georgia, Albany Technical College has followed COVID-19 guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will continue to do so.

We know these last few months have been challenging, but we thank you for your commitment to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We cannot wait to see you this Fall!

Sincerely

Anthony O. Parker

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INSIGHTS

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NEW HIRES SHANTRAVIER JORDAN

Director of Enrollment Start Date: April 13, 2020

DERRICK DANIELS

Career Pathway Instructor Start Date: March 16, 2020

Consider your next career in education. We are committed to creating a positive supportive and diverse work environment in which faculty and staff can excel, and hope you will consider joining us as we strive to become a renowned first choice for technical education. albanytech.edu

NATIONAL EMS WEEK

May 17-23, 2020, was the 46th annual National EMS Week. In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.”

Source: National Association Of Emergency Medical Technicians

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia 1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, Georgia 31701

Dougherty County Campus: 229.430.3500 | Randolph County Learning Center: 229.732.5280 albanytech.edu As set forth in its student catalog, Albany Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Kathy Skates, Vice President of Administrative Services, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701. Phone 229.430.3524 and Section 504 Coordinator, Regina Watts, Special Needs Coordinator, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701, 229.430.2854 or rwatts@albanytech.edu.