WELCOME
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Welcome to the latest issue of ACCESS!
Is Opportunity Knocking?
Many of our SW Georgia neighbors could say that they’ve failed because they did not have the opportunity to succeed. They could also say that they did not have the opportunity to acquire the resources that lead to good employment through education, or that the mere struggle to stay alive kept them from opportunity. No matter what personal reasons people may feel are their causes of failure, empirical evidence indicates that six counties in Albany Tech’s Service Delivery Area are distressed or at risk for being distressed. Only one of the seven is prosperous. Further, there is a high correlation between the attainment of a high school education or GED and economic prosperity and affluence gained from higher education. Do you know someone who dropped out of high school after the 9th grade? Do you know someone who completed at least one section but not all of the GED within the Dr. Anthony O. Parker last ten years? President
Or do you know someone who is enrolled in adult education and is capable of high school level course work?
FEATURE STORIES
Read insights about the following areas at Albany Tech.
Georgians that meet one of these criteria may show the “ability to benefit” (ATB) from an Albany Technical College education. There are 39 programs available to them. A list of programs is included. They may qualify for PELL financial aid as ATB students:
Chakea Robinson-Shaw
Instructor, Electronics & Engineering
1. Successfully completing two gateway courses or 2. Successfully completing an ATB test. As a Georgia resident, they may enroll in the gateway courses using the HOPE Career Grant to cover tuition and fees. Encourage those that you know can benefit, to accept our offer to enroll at Albany Technical College. Please contact Jonita Coleman, Transition Coordinator, at 229-430-7881 or jcoleman@albanytech.edu. Ms. Coleman will be available to guide them through the process.
La’Quata Sumter
Program Chair/Instructor, Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Please let our underprepared neighbors know that opportunity is knocking, and that the door is open at Albany Technical College. Thank you.
Criminal Justice Faculty Development Alcatraz
Follow us online 03 Feature Story
22 Alumni
09 Insights
25 Professional Development
15 Cover Story
29 New Hires/Promotions
Electronics Technology
GOAL/Rick Perkins Winners
Electrical & Computer Engineering
21 Insights
Federal Magistrate Judge Visits Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Visits Alcatraz
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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FEATURE
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Preparing To Meet The Industry Needs
An interview with Chakea Robinson-Shaw, Electronics and Engineering Technology Instructor at Albany Technical College.
CHAKEA ROBINSON-SHAW Instructor, Electronics & EngineeringTechnology
“The Electronics Technology program here at Albany Technical College will now include an embedded certification in Basic Electronics Technician. Students will be able to obtain this certification starting Summer 2020.”
Describe the degree opportunity and what will be expected of the graduate? The Electronics Technology degree program will develop students’ academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job placement, retention and advancement. All of the courses give students theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. The graduate will be expected to be competent in using both manual and computerized electronics systems. The program
graduate will also receive an Associate of Science Degree which qualifies them as electronics technicians with a specialization in field occupation. What is the difference in pursuing an AAS Electronics Technology degree versus an Electronics Technology Diploma? Does it just expand your occupational course choices? The degree program versus the diploma program general core courses will be different. For example, the math requirements are different. The degree program students are required to take College Algebra and College Trigonometry or Precalculus for their math. The diploma
students are required to take Algebraic Concepts and Geometry/Trigonometry or Trigonometry for the math. Explain the different occupational course choices. The occupational courses in the degree and diploma program consists of Intro to Computer Literacy, Soldering Technology, Direct Current Circuits, Alternating Current Circuits, Solid State Devices, Digital and Microprocessor Fundamentals, and Linear Integrated. Students will be competent in computer literacy, dc and ac circuits, solid state and linear devices and circuits, microprocessors, and soldering components to the circuit boards.
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Online versus in class work, how much of each and explain the choices there? In the Electronics Technology program, some courses are offered online but not every semester. The courses that are offered online, labs are still completed in the on campus labs (such as in class courses). The labs being completed on campus will continue to give students the hands on instruction needed to be successful in the Electronics profession. In-field requirements, are there any? There are no in field requirements at this time. We are working to get internship offered for the near future.
For individuals interested in this program, is there a specific start time? The Electronics Technology program’s entrance terms are Fall, Spring, or Summer. Students are able to start at any semester during the year. Requirements to get into the program. GPA/ Financial Aid Summer courses? The requirements to get into the degree program are high school diploma or GED, minimum test score requirements (reading – 79, English – 62, and algebra – 37). The requirements to get into the diploma program are high school diploma or GED, the minimum test score requirements (reading – 70, English – 32, and algebra – 28). Students should maintain a 2.0 g.p.a. to remain in good standing with the college after getting into the program. Students are required to complete financial aid packets to receive funding for the year. How many credit hours are required for the degree, how long to complete? The degree program graduation requirement is 60 credit hours and 5 terms to complete. The diploma program graduation requirement is 56 credit hours and 4 terms to complete. Will this degree work under the Success Terms 7+7 semesters or will it be 15-week semesters? The Electronics Technology program will remain on the 15-week semesters due to the hours required for course and lab work. However, Soldering Technology is the only course offered under the Success Terms 7+7 semester.
Job placement/career opportunities in the area? Upon completion of this program, students are prepared for careers in the Electronics profession. Students are prepared for careers at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, any manufacturing company, and even hospitals in the Albany, GA area. What are the transfer options from an AAS to other pathways? We have articulation agreements with Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and Kennesaw State University for students who want to pursue a B.S. degree in Electronics Technology
“A career as an Electronics Technician is becoming high in demand due to new manufacturing companies moving to our local area. Albany Technical College graduates from the Electronics Technology program will be prepared to fill the industry needs.”
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY
is a field that covers the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electronic equipment. This program is ideal for those students interested in learning to build, test, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the electronic components and equipment used in any device or piece of equipment powered by electricity. The program prepares students for careers in electronics professions by emphasizing a combination of electronics technology theory and practical application, using both manual and computerized electronics systems. Among the skills taught are how to identify all the components on a circuit board and how they work. Students will also learn troubleshooting techniques. All courses have lab components for practical hands-on application experience. Electronics Technology program graduates receive an Electronics Technology Associate of Applied Science degree or diploma, which qualifies them as electronics technicians with a specialization in biomedical instrumentation, communications electronics, computer electronics, general electronics, industrial electronics, or telecommunications electronics.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION The Electronics Technology program at Albany Technical College has pathways programs established with Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, Kennesaw State University, and Valdosta State University for students interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field of study. It is ideal preparation for students who continue their education by specializing in avionics, fiber optics, and wireless communication, among others.
ONCAMPUS
STEM/STEAM
On February 28, 2020, area high school students were on the ATC campus for the STEM/STEAM program held in the Kirkland Conference Center. Representatives from the southwest Georgia area were on hand to speak with students and discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics fields (STEAM) for 21st Century workplace careers.
ONCAMPUS
SPOTLIGHT
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Mechatronics
ENGINEERING WEEK | Feb. 18-21
On Thursday, January 30, Albany Technical College recognized the in-demand field of Mechatronics in Southwest Georgia. Discussing the need for these skilled workers and the future of the industry was Adrian Walters, Mechatronics Technology Program Chair and Instructor, as well as employers from the community were available to discuss the need. Additionally, ATC Mechatronics students demonstrated the function of certain machines.
High school students from Dougherty County High Schools (Dougherty, Monroe, & Westover) participated in engineering activities on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Photos highlight activities in Electronics Technology (LED popsicle flashlight) directed by ATC instructor, Chakea Robinson-Shaw, and Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology (drone construction) directed by ATC instructor, LaQuata Sumter. Other programs students visited: Civil Engineering Technology, Engineering Graphics & Mechatronics Technology.
Spring 2020
INSIGHTS ®
ALBANY TECH
2020 GOAL/RICK PERKINS WINNERS Thursday | February 20 Regional GOAL and Rick Perkins Award candidates competed at the Tifton campus of Southern Regional Technical College. Rondell Williams, Albany Tech’s 2020 GOAL winner, and Stephanie Wilkerson, Albany Tech’s RPA winner, presented and were interviewed by a panel of judges, along with college winners from Columbus Tech, South Georgia Tech, Southern Regional, Wiregrass Georgia, Coastal Pines, Savannah Tech, and Ogeechee Tech. Three of those competing at regional (in both GOAL and RPA) were selected to continue on to state competition in Atlanta. Later this year, nine state finalists will be announced and both the state GOAL and RPA winner will be selected. Congratulations to Rondell and Ms. Wilkerson for what we know was a great showing...on to state for you both! Thanks for all your hard work to showcase Albany Technical College.
#GoalRickPerkins Pictured L-R: Angela Robinson, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; Emmett Griswold, Executive Vice President/Vice President of Academic Affairs; Lisa Stephens, Dean of Business/Healthcare Technology; Rondell Williams, ATC 2020 GOAL Winner; Dr. Anthony Parker, ATC President; Stephanie Wilkerson, ATC 2020 Rick Perkins Winner; Lorraine Alexander, Special Assistant to the President.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Charlie Roberts, 2019 ATC GOAL Winner, Receives Commander-In-Chief Award
CHARLIE ROBERTS
2019 ATC GOAL Winner Criminal Justice Technology Student
Charlie Roberts was recognized with the Commander-In-Chief Award. In addition to his 23 years of law enforcement service, he started the nonprofit organization Reaching Our Youth Through Arts and Learning (ROYAL) to help reach at-risk young people. “Sgt. Roberts has a genuine concern for the future plight of the community’s youth,” said Albany Police Chief, Michael Persley. “With the understanding of the crisis in the city to include thefts and violent crimes committed by several youths, Sgt. Roberts’ goal through this program is to contact young boys and girls before they are captured by the streets, thus allowing youths to view alternate perspectives and increase their positive engagement with law enforcement, government and education.” The veteran officer also has exhibited faithfulness and diligence “in working with a spirit of excellence in every capacity in which he has served over these years,” the chief said. Congratulations, Mr. Roberts!
EAGLE AWARD
The annual Adult Education Conference which recognizes the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) was held the week of March 9, 2020 in Atlanta. Sherry Scaff, a GED graduate from the Randolph County Learning Center represented the College/ Program as our EAGLE delegate. She represented us well and congratulations and thank you to Wesley Williams for nominating Sherry. Additionally, our Program received two awards for FY2019; • The award for Outstanding Attainment in Student Retention – This award is to recognize programs with the highest student retention rate, which is calculated based upon the number of students who were retained long enough to be administered a post-test. We retained 70.1% of students • The Performance Excellence Award – given to programs for overall achievement of measurable skill gains focused on the overall MSG percentage as well as individual educational functioning levels. Congratulations on a great job and let’s continue to improve enrollment, attendance, and instruction which impacts MSG’S, and remember student success is our success. We look forward to receiving recognition for our work during the FY2020 Conference next year.
#TCSGEagle
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TITANS BASKETBALL SOPHOMORE NIGHT
Each year our Titans sophomore basketball players are recognized during a basketball game in February. We are proud of their achievements, not only on the court, but in the classroom.
SNIPPETS
CAMPUS LIFE • Cupcake Wars
• Child Development Center Black History Month Celebration • Custom Sign Making
• Environmental Horticulture National Floral Design Day
• Healthcare Division Blood Drive • Rad Tech Bake Sale
• SkillsUSA Donations for Lily Pad Center and the Liberty House • SkillsUSA State Conference Trip
• Snickers Marathon Water Station
• Valentine’s Build-a-Bear Workshop
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MY STORY At the start of her senior high school year in 2010,
Congratulations to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) class for successfully completing the National Registry Psychomotor Exam!
Davina Floyd began suffering from an illness doctors could not directly diagnose. Three weeks before her senior graduation, she went completely blind. Although this should have been devastating news, Davina does not recall being afraid. She states that “When I went blind is when I saw the Lord.” It was also in this dark time when she developed a love for culinary arts. With God, persistent doctors, and patience, her sight was restored. She was later diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica, a rare autoimmune disease. In 2017, Davina persued her Associate’s Degree in the Culinary Arts program at Albany Technical College and successfully graduated in the fall of 2018. She often thanks Chef Todd White, Chef Matthew Beard, Chef Earnest Small, and Kathy Stubbs for the inspiration they gave in her journey to becoming a chef. She encourages others to never give up on their dreams.
Congratulations to Naja Fleming (L) and Quan Malone (R) for successfully passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam!
Congratulations to Lori Day, Chair/Instructor, Surgical Technology, and her team. Eight students from the Surgical Technology Program passed the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) national certification exam on their first attempt and obtained CST certification. Six of the eight students have been hired locally in healthcare facilities.
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“The most immediate applications of A.I. have been directed toward assisting us in our daily lives: robots to vacuum our floors and deliver our groceries or deep learning programs to help us decide what is best to eat - all to make our lives feel somewhat easier. To do so, however, requires data, lots of data. And in the gathering of that data, A.I. can become invasive, making our lives feel somewhat more vulnerable.”
Quote Source: Everyday Life, The New York Times, Artificial Intelligence page 38. March 2020.
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ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE OF CREDIT
AN INTERVIEW WITH
LA’QUATA SUMTER
Program Chair/Instructor, Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Please describe what your program entails and what degree, diplomas, or certificates are available. Our program is in Electrical and Engineering Technology. We have one degree, which is the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Associates Degree, and within that degree, there are four specializations. There is Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, and we just added one more recently, which is the Electromechanical Engineering. With these specializations, it depends on the individual interest as to which area of engineering as far as electrical and computer engineering. With computer engineering, it’s more of the programming side. It has a little bit of networking, but it’s more for the person that wants to be a system analyst. Electrical engineering is more for the person that wants to look at the electronics of engineering. The telecommunications are for the person that wants to work on networking, the person that wants to fix your telephones. A
Photo courtesy of Alan Mauldin, Albany Herald
jobrelated to this would be, for example, AT&T or Mediacom; that’s the telecommunications. Electromechanical combines electronics and mechanics where you would see a robotic arm, that something that you would see someone working on an electromechanical. We recently added a TCC (Technical Certificate of Credit), which is the Unmanned Aerial Systems TCC. It’s more focused on drones, but because we can’t fly in this area, because of FAA restrictions limiting drone flight in close proximity to the local airport, we made it a repair service TCC where the students can get a technical certificate and be able to learn about the drone industry and also how to repair drones. What are some of the more interesting or exciting points about your program? One of the more exciting points about our program would be the hands-on features. Most of our students work with the electronic devices. They’re able to build out the beaded board as if they were building out an actual circuit. For telecommunications, they’re able to work
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“The volume of machine intelligence available to humans - from farmers to surgeons - is growing exponentially, and even the early results sometimes seem astonishing. A.I. robots have brought us driverless tractors that can ease the workload while increasing production. New ‘neural networks’ can predict if a woman is at risk for a heart attack. As more data rapidly becomes more ‘knowledgeable,’ the possibilities are tantalizing.”
with the servers, work with the routers and switches, to build out a phone system as you would have in one of the corporate offices. I work more for our students to have that project and problem-based learning versus them taking assessments and true or false multiplechoice. They get to have the hands-on experience like they’re working in the field. Discussing the telecommunications area, how important is it and is this a gateway to other opportunities? We work a lot with radio frequency (RF), which is communications for your cell phones. But more the electronics systems work with cell phones actually the telecommunications because your cell phone is really just a small computer so more about electrical engineering. Computer engineers work more with cell phones.
QUOTE SOURCE: Industry and Medicine, The New York Times, Artificial Intelligence page 58. March 2020
What are some of the places that would employ these graduates? In Electromechanical, our graduates can work with Proctor and Gamble. Some of our students actually can work with city municipalities as well. For your electric lights, lights that control traffic, traffic lights.
Graduates also can work with the robotic arms at Miller Brewing, used to make the packaging of beer. What jobs are available for a graduate of your program with an associate degree? With Albany Technical College’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree, it has the four specializations, so it’s a wide range of where the students can work once they graduate. With Computer Engineering, you can be a system analyst, whereas companies like Phoebe, a student wouldn’t have to go so much towards manufacturing as a focus. The hospital has a systems analyst, and even Albany Tech has people that work as a systems analyst for the IT department. With computer engineering, you can do that because of its programming and a small amount of networking opportunities, even some basic PC repair as well. The electrical engineering is when we get more into the manufacturer’s side, where they’re building out the electronic systems that are more of the computerbased or technology-based systems. We look at P&G, Phoebe as well, Georgia Power. Graduates can also work with the school system in their IT department or the electrical department. For telecommunications,
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graduates can be employed by the same companies because they still have the demand in the telecommunications area, for networking, phone systems, how the phones work. The Electromechanical Program is more for the people working in big industries such as P&G, Miller, M&M Mars, and Coats & Clark. What is an entry-level salary? The entry-level salary can be anywhere between $25,000 and $45,000 depending on the student’s experience, and that’s why we’re working a lot to have the hands-on experience, so they have more experience under their belt going into the field. What pathways and opportunities are available for graduates that wish to continue their education? In the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program, our students can go to Middle Tennessee or Savannah State in their electrical and computer engineering technology program. They can also transfer to institutions with engineering
technology programs or computer science degrees. Can they also become engineers from starting as Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology majors? Correct. The Engineering Technology degree gives them the start where the student gets the baseline and becomes an engineering technologist. Then they can also become an engineer by continuing in schools such as Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia. Students become Electrical and Computer Engineering Technologist once they’re finished with our program, and then they can go to Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia and become engineers. Students would need to continue a pathway for an electrical and computer engineering technology program as a straight pathway and then transfer to one of the institutions for an engineering degree. The main advantage of our degrees is that
you can transition to a job immediately. All of Albany Technical College’s degrees are workforce ready, preparing students to get jobs right out of college. The advantage also is that some students can finish the degree in a yearand-a-half, depending on how fast they work. How does that working experience help you if you wanted to continue in engineering? Does it help you get there faster? It helps a person reach that goal faster. Getting their 2-year degree first enables them to get that experience. Once they’re working on their four-year degree, they’re working and gaining experience at the same time. Once a student finishes with their four-year degree, they don’t have to do a whole lot of internships or apprenticeships because they’ve already had that experience. Why choose this program? The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program at Albany Tech offers a hands-on experience, which is one of the significant factors of the
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program where students get that opportunity. Currently, we also have a grant that allows us to prepare our students for the workforce, and it also allows us to pay our students for internships, but the students have to go through the program that we prepared with the grant. Each student who qualifies will receive a stipend while they’re working on their internship. We call that the STEEL program in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electronics Technology. What are some of the unique “toys” students work on in the classroom setting? In the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program, we work hands-on with robots, with drones, in the new TCC. We are now with drones taking them apart, putting them back together and flying them in the building. We also work with the beaded boards where you build out a circuit. We’re getting into VR (Virtual Reality) and AI (Artificial Intelligence), where we can program the robots anonymously.
For more information about the Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology program, contact La’Quata Sumter at 229.430.5785 or lsumter@albanytech.edu
ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY This field involves the design and development of new electrical systems and computer applications. Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology students should have a strong desire to design and build electrical systems and have an interest in learning how analytical methods and computer simulations are used to design electrical systems. The program of study emphasizes the application of scientific, mathematic, and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities. The discipline prepares students to work in a wide variety of companies in the computer, medical electronics, and other technical fields. In this program, students can be creative while learning to use applications that will come into play in the workplace. Students not only learn how to work with robots and other electronics, but also get to create things they are personally interested in designing or
building. Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to identify electrical and computer components as well as organize them to design or build a new device or component. Program graduates will receive an Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, qualifying them as engineering technicians with a specialization in Computer Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology or Electromechanical Engineering Technology with Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC) available in Computer Engineering Technology (embedded) or Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology (stand-alone). Graduates will be eligible for careers such as computer engineering technician, network technician, or electronics technician. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION Students are encouraged to continue their education at a four-year institute such as Albany State University, Savannah State University, Kennesaw State University, and others offering electrical and computer engineering degrees.
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FEDERAL MAGISTRATE JUDGE
VISITS CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS Wednesday | February 5 Federal Magistrate Judge Thomas Langstaff and recently retired Federal Probation Officer, Scott Howell visited Mrs. Miller’s Introduction to Criminal Justice class. Topics of discussion included how the Federal Court System differs from the State Court System, how Federal Courts are organized and why they are necessary. Mr. Howell elaborated on how Federal Probation Officers play a vital role within the Federal Court System, from providing pretrial services to the judges to post trial supervision and a myriad of other responsibilities in between. Interested in a career in Criminal Justice? Find out more at www.albanytech.edu/ academics/areas-of-study
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Alumni Dossier
Gary Price
Current Employer: Executive Director of Campus Safety, Bethune-Cookman University At Albany Tech: Criminal Justice Diploma and Criminal Justice Specialist
Certification, 2013.
The Albany Tech Experience: As a recently displaced Veteran, I needed to Criminal Justice Diploma and Criminal Justice Specialist Certification (2013)
at Albany Technical College
further my education to make me a more marketable candidate for employment. My time spent attending Albany Technical College afforded me that opportunity. Mr. Kenn Singleton pushed me from sitting in the back of the class to performing as the Student Government President. I was encouraged to not sit back passively, but to speak with clarity based on the knowledge of the education I had received.
Other Education/Job Experiences:
Narcotics Investigator, Interdiction Officer, Narcotics Canine Handler, Explosive Canine Handler, Advance Canine Handler, Gang Unit Investigator, Patrol Officer, and Chief of Police.
Professional Affiliations or Organizations :
Southwest Ga Intelligence, Pride of Albany #360 PHA, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdiction Inc. (Shriner Ancient City #63), and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
Future: Finish my educational studies at Bethune-Cookman University
March 2020
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Between October 2016 and 2017, the number of 15 to 24 year-olds who left school without obtaining a high school credential was approximately 523,000. These event dropouts accounted for 4.7 percent of the 11.1 million 15 to 24 year-olds enrolled in grades 10 through 12 in 2016. National Center for Education Statistics, 2017 Event Dropout Rate
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“Construction, along with health care and personal care, will account for one-third of all new jobs through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There will also be a need for new plumbers and new electricians. In all, some 30 million jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year don't require bachelor's degrees, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce.� NPR , High-Paying Trade Jobs Sit Empty, While High School Grads Line Up For University, Ashley Gross and Jon Marcus.
Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 60 Colleges for Associates Degrees for 2020. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 149 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Albany Technical College tops this list as most affordable. www.intelligent.com/best-online-colleges-for-associates-degrees/
– “Indeed, the very concept of work a fulltime endeavor ending in one’s early 60s is ill suited to long lives. Arguably most troubling is that we fret about ways that older people lack the qualities of younger people rather than exploit a growing new resource right before our eyes: citizens who have deep expertise, emotional balance and the motivation to make a difference.� Time - The Science of Living Longer, The New Age of Much Older Age, Laura L. Carstensen
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TITANS BUS HAS ARRIVED! Spring 2020
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The latest addition to the Albany Technical College fleet is a 41.5-foot Blue Bird Vision 44 bus, which seats 44 people. The custom-ordered bus arrived Friday on campus and will be used primarily for transportation for the Titans and Lady Titans basketball teams. And best of all its made in Georgia by Yancey Bus out of Fort Valley, Georgia. Fort Valley, GA, is the original location of Blue Bird since its founding in 1927. The retiring athletics bus was donated to the college approximately ten years ago and has transported the teams successfully through many seasons. The new bus for Albany Technical College’s basketball teams better serves the needs of the college and will be used regularly. “The men’s and women’s basketball teams are an integral part of the Albany Technical College collegiate experience. Therefore, it is imperative that the basketball teams, cheerleaders, and coaches can keep their commitment and safely arrive at the scheduled games, said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
ONCAMPUS
SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
Workshop Instructor: Ryan Jenkins, Battle Axe Training Institute Mr. Jenkins instructed those in attendance different self-defense techniques.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ®
A KEY COMPONENT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM an interview with Lynn Miller, Criminal Justice Instructor
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
is an integral part of achieving excellence in any profession. Last year Criminal Justice Faculty attended the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology Association in San Francisco, California. Tell us about the American Society of Criminology. The American Society of Criminology is an international organization of criminal justice professionals who seek scholarly and scientific knowledge concerning prevention, control and the treatment of crime and delinquency. The American Society of Criminology began as the National Association of Police Training Officials was established
in 1941 to promote standardization in police training. Today’s mission is quite different and entails the disseminating of professional information to colleagues in all areas that contribute. Membership in the American Society of Criminology includes students, practitioners, and academicians from many different fields of criminal justice and criminology. Why was it essential to attend the annual meeting? There are so many reasons, and I will elaborate on a few. Criminology is an ever-changing field of study. It is one that students often find challenging to comprehend. While attending the conference, we were able to connect with other professors within
the criminal justice field. We discussed many different strategies for teaching criminology. One of the best ways to present anything new and or difficult to others is to make it relevant. I plan to utilize clips from the popular television series, Good Girls, to illustrate various criminological theories. For example, the husband, Stan, is a police officer, yet his wife, Ruby, is involved in a criminal enterprise with her girlfriends. When Stan finds out about Ruby’s involvement, he struggles with conflict. The conflict dwells between his morals and values as a police officer (the establishment) and his love and commitment as a husband to Ruby and father to their children. Ultimately, his loyalties side with Ruby. Meanwhile, Ruby rationalizes her criminal behavior
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Criminal Justice Faculty Lakesha Bryant and Lynn Miller with Associate Dean of Public Safety Division and Criminal Justice Department Chairman, Kenneth Singleton
because they (Stan and she) are “good” people, but they cannot afford or provide for the needs of the family through conventional means. Their child Sara needs a kidney transplant that requires an upfront payment of $87,500. One of the hottest topics within the realm of criminal justice is evidence-based practices. Evidence-based practices are those practices/programs that have been researched, analyzed, tested, and indications are they reduce recidivism. Recidivism is the term used to describe the rate at which criminals return to criminal behavior. Many of the sessions we attended focused on evidence-based practices and what studies indicate: what’s working / what’s not working. Lastly, but again not finally because I could go on and on about the benefits of professional development through the attendance at scholarly conferences is the sharing of additional resources to increase student achievement. Many publishers specializing in the area of criminology were in attendance. We had an opportunity to evaluate a large number of textbooks and supplements with our colleagues from all over the country. Is there anything additional you would like to add about this particular conference? Yes, since this conference took place in San Francisco, Alcatraz, America’s first supermax Federal Prison Facility is
located just a short ferry ride from San Francisco. We were not able to get a flight out until Sunday after the conference ended Saturday morning. We were able to take a tour of Alcatraz. For Criminal Justice professionals like ourselves, getting a tour of Alcatraz was the icing on the cake. We all have taught our students about the history of the American Prison System and lectures on Alcatraz are always included. So, while we thought we knew all there was to know about Alcatraz, we all found out we were wrong. One thing I was not aware of is the fact that not only did the warden live on the prison grounds (which is still typical today, wardens of Georgia Department of Corrections Prisons have residences on facility property), but correctional officers and their families also lived on Alcatraz.
Prison Laundry Area
What plans do you all have for future professional development? We have requested to attend a conference through SecureWorld, which provides training in the area of Cyber Crime and Cyber Security. We currently offer an Associate’s Degree in Cyber Crime Investigation. All of our Criminal Justice have vast careers, education and experience in the field of policing, probation and parole. Still, none of us have had extensive experience within cyber crime investigation. Our Cyber Crime program is growing and has the potential to get even more significant. We, as instructors within the area of Cyber Crime Investigation, want to build upon our knowledge base within the field to better serve our students and, ultimately, our community stakeholders. These employers require a competent workforce.
Typical One-Man Cell
Spring 2020
06 ÂŽ
Depiction of linear cell block design, which Alcatraz was built, with cells aligned down a long corridor and stacked on top of one another. Photos provided by Lynn Miller
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Spring 2020
INSIGHTS
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NEW HIRES DIALISA CLARK
Medical Assisting Instructor Start Date: 01.21.2020
KATHRYN DANIELS
Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator Start Date: 02.15.2020
DERWIN LANIER
Financial Aid Technician Start Date: 01.06.2020
Consider your next career in education. We are committed to creating a positive supportive and diverse work
ERIKA JOHNSON
Administrative Assistant to the VP of Adult Education Start Date: 03.02.2020
environment in
JILL MOORE
which faculty and
Property Accountant Start Date: 01.06.2020
PROMOTIONS
staff can excel, and hope you will consider joining us as we strive to become a renowned first choice for technical education.
EMMETT GRISWOLD
Executive Vice President & Vice President of Academic Affairs Start Date: 01.01.2020
CAROL HARRELL
Quality Enhancement Director Start Date: 01.13.2020
albanytech.edu KIM PURVIS
Office Manager Start Date: 12.01.2019
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ARTICULATION AGREEMENT SIGNING
Nursing RN to BSN Completion Program The agreement formally recognizes that Albany State University (ASU) and Albany Technical College (ATC) are active educational partners in providing educational opportunities for currently enrolled and potential students of both institutions. Agreement to this partnership requires a commitment by both institutions to serve and facilitate a student’s ability to transfer into a degree program without jeopardizing the intended mission and stated goals of either institution. ASU and ATC are committed to expanding educational opportunities for Registered Nurses.
GEORGIA POWER FOUNDATION PRESENTS CHECK
Georgia Power Foundation presented a check for $5,000 to the Albany Tech Foundation on December 20, 2019. Pictured below are Dr. Anthony Parker and Georgia Power’s Jay Smith. Thank you Georgia Power for all the support for Albany Technical College through the years. You are a great community partner!
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY
January 9th was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. ATC was pleased to recognize our own campus police and thank them for their service and offer a token of respect. ATC Criminal Justice Instructors, Lynn Miller, Lakesha Bryant & Ken Singleton, presented gifts & “crime fighting biscuits” (doughnuts), to our officers Chief Roychard Hill, Santos Ruizgonzalez & Lolita Jackson.
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.