ACCESS Magazine Spring 2021

Meeting

The Nursing

Demand

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Celebrates

64

“A Tradition of Success”

High School Students

Albany Technical College

An Anniversary

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NEW

®

Dual Enrolled

Graduate

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PROGRAMS OF STUDY A high school diploma of GED is required for admission, except when noted in red. Minimum ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Writing, Reading, and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics scores are also required.

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS Writing: Reading Comprehension: Arithmetic: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics: Accounting Air Conditioning Tech.

Automotive Collision Repair Tech.

Automotive Technology Barbering Building and Facilities Maintenance Business Healthcare Technology Business Technology Business Logistics Management Business Management Computer Information Systems • Computer Support Specialist • Computer Programming • Cybersecurity • Networking Specialist Cosmetology Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Dental Assisting Tech.

Design and Media Production Tech.

Diesel Equipment Technology Early Childhood Care and Education Electrical Construction Technology Electronics Fundamentals Electronics Technology EMS Professions Engineering Graphics Technology Environmental Horticulture Firefighter/EMSP Fire Science Technology Green Building Technology Health Information Coding Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management Industrial Electrical Technology Information Technology Professional Marketing Management Mechatronics Medical Assisting NCCER Carpentry Technology NCCER Masonry Technology NCCER Plumbing/Pipefitting Technology Paramedicine (Paramedic) Pharmacy Technology Practical Nursing Precision Manufacturing Professional Firefighter Professional Fire Officer Residential Energy Efficiency Sustainable Renewable & Alternative Energy Welding and Joining Technology

236 224 229 237

Alg. 237

236, 232, 235

236,224,229,237 Alg. 237 Alg. 237 236, 232, 235 Alg. 237

236, 232, Alg. 237 236,224,229,237 Alg. 237 236, 232, 235

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAMS Writing: 249 Reading Comprehension: 236 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics: 245 Accounting Advanced Medical Imaging Business Technology Business Healthcare Technology Business Management Business Logistics Management Civil Engineering Technology Computer Information Systems • Computer Support Specialist • Computer Programming • Cybersecurity • Networking Specialist Criminal Justice Culinary Arts Cyber Crime Investigation Design and Media Production Tech.

E-Commerce Early Childhood Care and Education Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Electronics Technology Engineering Graphics Technology Environmental Horticulture Fire & EMS Fire Science Technology Health Information Technology Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management Information Technology Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Marketing Management Mechatronics Technology Medical Assisting Nursing Operations Management Paramedicine (Paramedic) Technology Pharmacy Technology Precision Manufacturing Radiologic Technology Surgical Technology Technical Studies

TESTING HAS BEEN WAIVED FOR EVERYTHING EXCEPT MEDICAL AND ENGINEERING DEGREES THROUGH THE SUMMER 2021

236, 232, 235 236, 232, 235 236, 232, 235

Programs in red do not require a high school or GED credential for admissions, but do require the credential to graduate.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

recruiter@albanytech.edu 229.430.3500

Please visit albanytech.edu for updates.

Admissions information is subject to change. Additional admissions criteria may apply.

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

Revised: February 2021

WELCOME

Spring 2021

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Welcome to the latest issue of ACCESS!

Each spring I take the opportunity to remind regional employers of the confidence that the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) has in graduates from all 22 colleges. We teach, and hopefully model, good work ethics for our students. Each student earns a work ethics grade that’s included on their transcript. We encourage employers to review and to consider each graduate’s work ethics grades.

When graduates have comparable academic achievements, we encourage hiring managers to give graduates with better work ethics grades a higher priority.

to document the deficiency using a warranty claim form before retraining will be considered. If agreed that a warranty claim is justified, the graduate will be retrained at no direct cost to the employer or the graduate. However, the student must be a graduate in order for the warranty claim to be a valid remedy.

Confidence in graduate quality is usually gained through the application and interview process. TCSG colleges provide additional information concerning a graduate’s qualifications. Employers can request a transcript that indicates the graduate’s demonstrated work ethic.

Further, if the graduates do not meet We also warrantee the skill sets acquired standards for a critical competency, by program graduates. If a graduate an employer can request graduate does not meet an agreed-upon industry retraining. Our faculty understands that standard, the quality of their instruction correlates Albany with the success of our graduates.

Technical We embrace the opportunity to have College will our students’ talents and competence re-educate evaluated. It’s our intention to continue the graduate improvement in teaching pedagogy to in the make it more likely that our graduates deficient will meet or exceed industry standards. areas. The Albany Technical College stands ready employer to help local employers meet their Dr. Anthony O. Parker President is required employment goals.

FEATURE STORIES

Read insights about the following areas at Albany Tech.

Lisa Stephens

Dean, Business & Healthcare Technology

Mollie Walls

Retired, Executive Assistant to the President

Dual Enrollment Graduates

Follow us online 03 Feature Story

Meeting

The Nursing

Demand

p.3

Celebrates

64

“A Tradition of Success”

Graduate

Albany Technical College

An Anniversary

p.16

NEW

Dual Enrolled High School Students

p.26

Meeting the Nursing Demand

09 Insights Titans Pantry

16 Cover Story 60th Anniversary

®

23 Insights

Carlton Construction Academy Phane II Ribbon Cutting

25 Insights

Medical Assisting Refresh

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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Spring 2021

FEATURE

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NATIONAL NURSES WEEK May 6-12, 2021

Photo taken 2020, Pheobe Putney Health System State-of-the-art lab

The Nursing Program at Albany Technical College gains momentum heading into the Summer and Fall semesters

Expansion of the associate degree in nursing at Albany Technical College is now underway and plans to increase night classes have been arranged. A full-time biology instructor and a full-time nursing instructor have been added to the faculty to handle the growth going into the summer, fall, and next spring. Phoebe Putney Health Systems was instrumental in working with Albany Technical College to implement a plan to graduate more nurses in the region in the next two years.

Albany Technical College has a longstanding relationship with Phoebe Putney Health System. Many graduates from Albany Tech work with Phoebe, one of the top ten employers in the community.

An agreement was signed in November 2020 between Albany Technical College and Phoebe Putney Health System to enhance nurse education and training. By working together to address a growing nursing shortage, the goal is to increase graduates from the Associate of Science Nursing (ASN) Program at Albany Tech.

Phoebe will provide access to clinical rotations for Albany Tech ASN students and provide access to the Phoebe Simulation and Innovation Center, an advanced training facility recently completed at Phoebe. Training at the center ensures staff and students have the competencies required to provide safe, high-quality care.

The nursing shortage is a national issue which continues to get worse. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 176,000 openings for registered nurses every year for the remainder of this decade. There aren’t enough nursing graduates to fill those positions.

An admissions package for the summer and fall semesters for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) can be found under academics on Albany Tech’s website at AlbanyTech.edu. There is also an ASN Nursing Student Handbook available for download.

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Spring 2021

FEATURE

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LISA STEPHENS

Dean of Business and Healthcare Technology

“Here at Albany Technical College, it’s all about getting our graduates into the field, working locally, and meeting the needs of our community. “

Our Nursing Program has consistently graduated nursing graduates every spring semester since its inception here at Albany Technical College. This past year, which would have been spring of 2021, in spite of the pandemic, we were still able to produce 6 graduates for our local service area that are now working in the field.

In terms of our goals for the future, we are looking to enroll more nursing students so that we can meet the demands of the current industry and ensure that we’re supplying our workforce with what we need. We do have some things coming down the pipeline to help increase the graduates that we’re putting out.

We recently entered into an agreement or partnership with Phoebe Planning Health Systems in which they are supplying our programs with some resources, by means of financial and human resources. They are going to assist us with faculty, and we were able to hire an additional nursing faculty member which will

in turn allow us to increase our enrollment. Not only are we able to increase our enrollment, but we’re also going to be able to offer a different entry options.

Starting in the next academic year we will have a day program implemented. We will still keep our original evening and weekend program that starts every fall semester, but the daytime opportunity will now become available for students as well.

In addition to that, Phoebe Putney Health System is also assisting us with the hiring of a science instructor specifically for our nursing students. As a program, we’ve identified that there are some gaps with entry level knowledge in the sciences and maths of our nursing students, and this is one of the ways that we’re going to try and tackle this deficiancy.

In addition to the financial and human resources Phoebe is generously offering our program, we also have the opportunity to utilize their simulation lab to assist with some of our lab skill demonstrations with some of the newer technology they have on site. We’re very appreciative they’re extending that to our program so our students can in turn complete some of those simulated skills at their facility.

Our Nursing Program is growing and expanding, and

we are offering the day option going into effect during the next academic year.

Additionally, we still have our evening and weekend rotation which starts every fall semester, but with the assistance from Phoebe, we’re going to be able to hire another instructor which in turn allows us to increase our enrollment. In addition to that, our Nursing program will soon be undergoing some renovations so we can accommodate a large group, and that’s on track to start this year as well.

It is our goal here at Albany Technical College to continue to graduate nurses at a steady rate as we’ve always done. Additionally, not only do we want graduates from our program, but we would also like to retain them locally to meet the needs of our local workforce in our community.

Our focus is to continue to increase enrollment, and to continue to offer our different entry options for students.

We want to also make sure we’re continuously focusing on ways we can retain those students who start the program as well as complete the program.

A CHAT WITH THE NURSING DIRECTOR

DR. LATRONA LANIER Associate of Science Nursing Director

It is an Associate of Science in Nursing Program. It is a twoyear program that takes five semesters, 69 hours to complete.

Our first semester is devoted entirely to core classes. Students take nursing classes for the last four semesters. It is a rigorous program, just like any nursing program. But we have individuality.

We show special attention, individual attention, to each of our students, and I think that’s one of the program’s strong aspects.

Our program is an evening program. You don’t see many of those. At program inception, it was developed for students who work, and so classes start at 5:30 PM. We’re here until 10:00 or 10:30 at night. However, they only come to class two nights per week. And, they do clinical one day on the weekend, sometimes on a Wednesday or Thursday. That’s where we stand out, that we are an evening program. With that being said, we just got approved for a day program, a traditional program. It will begin in the next academic year, and it will be held during traditional hours; you know your 8 to 5 for those students who desire to come here to Albany Technical College but didn’t want to complete the evening program. They can now do it during traditional hours: same curriculum, same requirements, just a different time.

You don’t have to complete core classes. That is a big program misconception that you have to have all of your core classes done. You do not. But with that being said, you do have to take what we call the TEAS entrance exam. Earn a 60% better on that, and you have to have a nursing GPA of 2.75. The nursing GPA is a little bit different than the average GPA. The nursing GPA takes into account every class that the student has taken. For example, if you’ve taken Anatomy three times, it’s going to calculate it three times. But those are the main requirements to get in.

If you’ve taken the TEAS, passed the TEAS, and you have that GPA, then you’re eligible to apply.

“

We just got

approved for a day program, a traditional

“

program. It will

begin in the next academic year.

The nursing program has a competitive admission process. What does that mean? Because we generally get more applicants than spaces that we have available,

then we take the top of the crop. The better you do, the better your chances of getting in. With the traditional day program coming soon, you would also have the option of going into that program if that’s feasible for the student.

The nursing program is rigorous. The biggest concern students have once they enter the program is the amount of time it takes to meet the requirements for the class. There’s a lot of reading involved. There’s a lot of studying involved. You have to come to the lab, so when they walk in the door, they feel like they’ve hit a wall because generally, you know, core classes may be 3 hours.

However, in nursing classes, their first nursing class is 6 hours, and then they get into some of our classes that are 7 hours, so it doubles with what a typical class would be, and the work for that doubles as well.

One of the things we like for students to know is that there is a lot involved when you start the program. Most of the time, nursing students have been considered intelligent students anyway, and so when they come in, you’re that “A” student, and then you make your first “B” or “C” and that kind of floors them a little bit, and that’s typical. I tell students all the time a “C” in nursing is like an “A” in core classes. It is a rigorous program, but I believe that if I could do it, other students have done it, then they can do it too.

Our community partner Phoebe Putney recently allotted Albany Technical College assistance with getting a new instructor. As we know, particularly since the country, the world, is going through this pandemic with COVID 19, the need for nurses has increased substantively again. We were already in need, but that need is even more at the forefront of healthcare now. With that being said, Phoebe came in and offered us assistance to get a new instructor. They are going to provide us with a biology instructor specifically for nursing students. You say, well, why do nursing students need their own biology instructor. Well, again, the content.

We go in-depth into the body, the anatomy, and physiology, and so to have someone there to tutor the students or to reach out to the students when they say that they are just not entirely understanding the blood flow through the heart or they can’t understand the valves or whatever the situation may be, to have someone there specifically for those students to come into the classroom and remind them or cover that content again is incredible. We’re excited about that. Having an anatomy instructor just for the students and bringing in an additional nursing instructor will allow us to take an additional 20 students in our program, thereby assisting us in meeting the community’s needs.

When a student leaves this program, the first thing they have to do is sit for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam, which is a national exam. If they pass the exam, they become a registered nurse, and they can go and work as a registered nurse. Their path is limitless at that point.

It depends on what they want to do with nursing. The majority of our students go into acute care. We do have some that go ahead and pursue further degrees. We have some who’ve already gotten their bachelors and their masters. We have some graduates working on their Nurse Practitioner, FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), right now. The sky is the limit, and wherever they want to go, they can. They can go all the way up to the doctoral level if that’s what they choose to do.

They never have to retake boards. They take it one time. So, once they graduate from this program and they take and pass the NCLEX exam; they never have to retake it. Now there may be some certification exams they may need to take as they move forward, but never NCLEX. We have a six-bed simulation lab with state-of-the-art equipment. We have a Meti-Man which is a 3G simulator manikin. I can get Meti-Man to do anything that we can do. He can talk, he can breathe, he can cough. I can get him to cry. He can even ask for pain medicine. We can change his vital signs, make him have high blood pressure or low blood pressure. He’s an awesome guy. We also have Juno. With Juno, we can draw blood and insert a Foley catheter. We have another mannequin that can give birth. We have the equipment, state-of-the-art equipment, for our students.

We complete clinicals. Some are called simulation, done here on campus in our simulation lab, and of course, we go into our community partner institutions. That would be like Phoebe or some of the long-term care facilities or the mental health facilities in our community.

The students get an array of experiences. They get hands-on into each nursing area, whether that be Maternal Child, whether that be Mental Health, whether that be Med Surg. They’re going

SPOTLIGHT

Spring 2021

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to get that hands-on experience during their clinical hours.

I want students to know that our program offers that special attention.

Because of our numbers, we can do that. We can take a student in our office, one who didn’t pass an exam, and say to them come sit down with me. Let’s see what’s going on. Why did you not pass this exam? It’s not like you fail an exam, and no one reaches out to you to speak to you.

We talk to every student who fails an exam. I think that’s crucial because it shows that we care. Even more than that, we have an open-door policy, so if students have an issue, they can always schedule an appointment with the instructors or with me. We will provide that individual attention if it’s needed.

The other thing I want students to know, it’s is not easy. Don’t come in thinking, ‘Oh well, this is going to be a breeze. I made “A’s” in all of my sciences. I made “A’s” in all of my core classes.’

Nursing can be a little challenging. It is challenging. But if you think about what you’re going to be doing, as far as dealing with people’s lives, it should be somewhat difficult.

Lastly, I want students to know that the sky is the limit when they complete this program and earn that RN degree. You’re always going to have a job for sure, and I think one of the things that people need to know is that here in our community, students come out of our program starting anywhere between $24 to $26 an hour, which I think is a very nice salary to come out of college earning. Some people do it for the money, but some people do it because they love it. It is easy to fall in love with Nursing.

So, come out, see what we have to offer. I would recommend everyone come to Albany Technical College because I think it’s the best.

“I want students to know that our program offers that special attention. Because of our numbers, we can do that. We can take a student in our office, one who didn’t pass an exam, and say to them come sit down with me. Let’s see what’s going on.”

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Special Populations Receives a donation from

“On My Mother’s Shoulders”

Claudia Phillips, founder of “On My Mother’s Shoulders,” and Mona Williams delivered hundreds of items to Albany Technical College (ATC). “On My Mother’s Shoulders” is a 501(c) 3 organization that was established to help college students who are homeless and experiencing housing insecurities by establishing and continuously stocking toiletry pantries on campuses for their hygiene needs. The vision statement of the organization is “Smell good, feel good, achieve greatness.”

Claudia Phillips began the organization in 2017 when it was brought to her attention there are students attending colleges who are homeless. With the rising cost of college tuition and books, students are sometimes left in need. Over the past three years, the organization has reached out to 20 different colleges and donated 66,535 toiletries which includes 43,923 to students experiencing hygiene insecurities. Albany Technical College is the fourth Technical College to receive donations from this organization.

The organization was named in honor of Claudia Phillips mother, who grew up in Jamaica. Claudia stated “Mom was a school teacher which made summer traveling to the United States together easy. So when we traveled she would often load up on goodies and toiletries taking them back to our friends and neighbors who didn’t have the privilege to travel as we did. I can still hear her voice calling to deliver toiletries and other treats to our neighbors, once we were home. As I got older I knew that there was more that needed to be done.”

“We are so thankful to “On My Mother’s Shoulders” for this generous donation. Claudia Phillips traveled over 3 hours from Marietta to personally deliver the donations to ATC. The donations will be used to establish the Titans Pantry. “These toiletry items will assist our students who are experiencing hygiene insecurities,” stated Quanta Bell, Special Populations Coordinator. The Titans Pantry is located in the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC), office 114B and will be open every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. Students can call 229-430.6144 for entry into the pantry at any time or email Quanta Bell, Special Populations Coordinator, at qbell@albanytech.edu.

Spring 2021

INSIGHTS ®

A VISIT FROM AIRVAC LIFETEAM

Albany Tech EMT Students were able to view an AIRVAC Lifeteam Helicopter, an air ambulance or HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. The helicopter landed on the ATC Campus between the CEIT building and Child Development.

HORTICULTURE PROGRAM ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY

On Saturday, February 27, 2021, Dougherty County, in collaboration with Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful (KADB) and Dougherty County Public Works Parks Division, planted 49 trees at the Radium Springs Trailhead area off Skywater Boulevard.

Several volunteers, including Environmental Horticulture students from Albany Technical College, came out to help plant the trees and celebrate Arbor Day 2021. Chuck Norvell from the Georgia Forestry Commission was also in attendance to demonstrate the proper way to plant the trees.

New Cab for CDL Pictured is Nathan Childs Chair/Instructor of Commercial Truck Driving in front of the new vehicle that is used to train future CDL drivers at Albany Technical College. The 8-week course is in very high demand. Drivers are needed in multiple industries. For more information email nchilds@albanytech.edu or call 229.430.1732

FIRST GRADUATES OF FIRE AND EMS DEGREE PROGRAM

On Monday, November 16, Albany Technical College President, Dr. Anthony Parker presented the first two graduates of the Fire and Emergency Services Occupation Associate of Applied Science Degree with a special Challenge Coin to recognize their superb achievement. On hand for the presentation were Tracie Naylor-Griffin, Chair/Instructor, Paramedicine Program, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College, Teancum Millerd, Challenge Coin Recipient (currently employed with the Albany USMC Logistics Base Emergency Services), Joseph Stodola, Challenge Coin Recipient (currently employed with Lee Co. Fire & Emergency Services), and Frank Flanigan, Chair/Instructor, Fire Science Technology. This is the first degree of this kind in the state of Georgia. These students took advantage of an opportunity to sign up to be dual certified. It gives a student both components ‒ Fire and EMS. Plus, it also is a degree designed for promotional purposes at the occupational level.

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INSIGHTS

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SNIPPETS

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE (MCLB) ALBANY INTERNS SELECTED Albany Technical College and MCLB Albany, signed a Paid Internship Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Seven ATC students have been selected to participate in paid internships. These interns will work 12 weeks side-by-side with highly trained professionals at MCLB Albany. This partnership is a great opportunity for students to acquire knowledge from experts and to demonstrate their technical skills. This internship began on March 1, 2021 and work up to 35 hours a week. The application dates for the summer semester’s paid internship opportunities will be announced in April. Contact Judy Jimmerson, Associate VP for Career Services for more information.

STUDENTS AND PROGRAMS OF STUDY INTERNSHIP POSITION TOP ROW, RIGHT: Tanesha Tumblin, Computer Support Specialist Public Affairs (Web Content) MIDDLE ROW, L-R: Lorenzo Thomas, Computer Support Specialist Public Affairs (Web Content); Tora Williams, Business Management Program Assistant; William Sandefur, Engineering Graphics and Drafting Engineering Tech (Electrical) BOTTOM ROW, L-R: Rateque Waters, Accounting Financial Technician; Oscar Conley, Air Conditioning Technology Maintenance Mechanic; Kateria Taylor, Business Management Program Assistant

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Summer 2021

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Quote Source: Everyday Life, The New York Times, Artificial Intelligence page 38. March 2020.

Spring 2021

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Turns 60 Albany Technical College

“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 Albany Technical College celebrating 60 years in service to the community and kicks feel somewhat moreisvulnerable.”

®

THE 60TH ANNIVER S AR Y CELEBR ATION BEG AN MARCH 202 1

off the official celebration this in March. The college decided that the theme for the 60th Anniversary would be “A Tradition of Success,” symbolizing Albany Tech’s service to the region for 60 years.

Albany Tech will celebrate this momentous occasion through stories. The college is asking community members, alumni and current students, faculty, and staff to share success stories and milestones from our 60-year history. Albany Tech will share some of these stories on our website, through social media, and other media.

SOME HISTORY Albany Tech traces its roots back to 1961 when it was established as the Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School, enrolling 175 students. Soon after, the Albany Area Vocational-Technical School was built. In 1972, the two schools merged in the current south Albany location.

In July 1988, the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE), now the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), was formed and the newly named Albany Technical Institute came under its direction. Albany Tech was charged with providing technical education to the residents, businesses and industries within a seven county service delivery area.

These counties include Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Lee, Randolph and Terrell.

From 1995-2005, Albany Tech also operated a satellite campus in Early County. The flood of 1994 severely damaged many buildings on the Albany campus, and equipment and resources were lost. Faculty and staff volunteered to help clean up. On the upside, many of the buildings were renovated and new technology was installed to improve curriculum.

With the passage of House Bill 1187, the Georgia Legislature approved the changing of DTAE technical institutes’ names to “college,”

A Tradition of Success ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

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COVER STORY

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providing they offered associate degrees. Albany Technical Institute became Albany Technical College on July 6, 2000.

TODAY

A STAT E M E N T F R O M T H E PRESIDENT:

DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER President

Dr. Anthony Parker has served as Albany Tech President since 1995. He stated, “The history of the college will always be about the people and their stories. Without exceptional faculty, staff, board members, students, and alumni, we would not have been as successful as we have been. We have worked hard in my time here at the College, and we have tripled the number of programs we had from 25 years ago. We’ve graduated thousands of students over the years and helped shape this community.

Albany Technical College now has over 4,000 students a year full-time and part-time, and 98 percent of our graduates go to work in field or a related field.”

Approximately 4,300 unduplicated students were enrolled full-time or part-time in programs at Albany Technical College in academic year 2020. 89% of all students took online or web enhanced classes in that same period.

Albany Tech also operates adult learning centers in seven counties. In a 5-year period from 2016 to 2021, an average of 963 adult education students per year were served, with 1,466 students earning GEDs from 2016-2021.

Since 1961, Albany Tech has continued to offer new programs and courses. Now, the college offers more

than 170 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate of credit programs. ATC has experienced growth in online students, with 232 unduplicated online courses offered fully online. The campus consists of twelve buildings including, but not limited to, the Charles B. Gillespie Center for Emergency Responders, the Manufacturing Technology Center, the George Kirkland Administration Building, the Nathaniel Cross Health Care Technology Building, which is named after former ATC President Nathaniel Cross, the Carlton Construction Academy and the Child Development Demonstration Center. ATC also operates a Randolph County Learning Center.

Albany Tech employs over 464 faculty and staff fulltime and parttime.

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GET INVOLVED EMAIL US You can get involved in the story telling with a simple statement or a whole story with several pages of information. Emails can be sent to publicrelations@albanytech.edu.

PHOTO SCAN AND DROP US A QUOTE From your cell phone, open the camera and scan this QR code and you will be asked to provide your full name along with a simple statement about anything you want to say. We might just use your comments in social media or our college magazine. We look forward to hearing from you.

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A RETIREE’S PERSPECTIVE ON ALBANY TECH’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY Mollie Walls was one of the longest standing employees at Albany Technical college with over 50 years of service before she retired in 2017. She worked under 6 Presidents. We asked her a few questions and she was gracious enough to fill us in on yesteryear at Albany Technical College.

Albany Tech has been through a lot over our 60 years – flood, tornados, hurricane, now Covid-19. Can you tell us about an experience when Albany Tech really showed it’s strength and resilience in a bad situation?

Albany tech showed strength and resilience during the flood. That was a tough time for Albanians and Albany Tech. President Cross and the staff came together and saved records, equipment, and other items of importance. During the flood, some areas were unusable, so everyone met in Building D, which is now Artisan Hall. The entire faculty staff worked together to restore the college so we could bring the students back in a timely manner.

You worked with a lot of different Presidents.

Was it difficult to adapt to different

Presidents’ styles? What changes did you see in the administration over the years?

I worked for a total of 6 presidents but was directly supervised by two: Nathaniel Cross and Dr. Anthony Parker. However, during my tenure at ATC, I had 8 different direct supervisors. Everyone’s management style was different, but I was able to adapt very easily by being a keen observer and asking questions before tackling a project. I only offered details on how things were done in the past if I was asked, that was the key.

As an assistant and spokesperson for the president, my main agenda was to be sure things were handled the way they preferred and that if fit their style of management. The individuals noted in bold were my direct supervisors over the 50 years of working at ATC:

Howard Waters, Director Bob Crates, Director Wayne Israel, Director Nathaniel Cross, President Dr. Alvin Anderson, President Dr. Anthony Parker, President Liz Robinson, VP Adella Russ, VP Byron Henderson, VP Phillip Henry, VP BB White, Director John White, Counselor

One of the biggest changes in the administration was transitioning from a small management team to a larger one. In the 70s we operated with a director/president, a vice president, a counselor, and a financial aid director. Presently we have a president, executive vice president and a vice president for each department. In addition, we have academic deans, directors, and coordinators. This is a drastic change; however, many new programs and additional classroom and office space have been added that would likely contribute to the changes.

Why do you think Albany Tech is so important to our community?

Albany Tech is vital to this community in many ways: The community benefits economically from spending that is, directly and indirectly, related to Albany Technical College. Millions of dollars are likely spent in this community ias a result of ATC. Residents desiring college education, updating skills, etc. have an additional educational option in ATC. Classes are so arranged that an individual can work a full-time job and attend traditional or online classes at a reasonable cost, much less than the cost of a 4-year college or university.

The college can adapt to the needs of non-traditional students more easily than a four-year college.

ATC PRESIDENTS

ATC has a good relationship with employers in the community, which opened the door for our graduates to be placed in the same

community where they live or within a 50-mile radius. Also, the college serves the community by providing training for companies at a reasonable cost and at the same time receive a tax break from the state.

Graduates leave with hands-on training under their belt. Because of the hands-on training, most companies, especially local companies prefer ATC graduates over 4-year graduates.

High School students have the option of receiving a technical college degree at the same time they receive their high school diploma at no cost to their parents.

Do you have funny, poignant, amazing or inspiring stories about your time at Albany Tech? If so, let us hear some of them.

This may not be such a funny story, but Dr. Parker uses his camera many times to relay messages. When work or changes needed to be done around the campus, Dr. Parker takes photos of it and sends the same to the individuals responsible so that they can handle any required repairs or changes. During my tenure, an administrator asked me to steal Dr. Parker’s camera and that they were tired of getting photos of jobs to do. With a chuckle, I said NO, I will never do that.

There was another time when I worked as an administrative assistant for the VP of Academics. I was then called the gatekeeper. One of the directors made this statement: “If Mollie had worked for President Clinton, Monica Lewinsky never would have gotten through.”

INSIGHTS

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INSIGHTS

RIBBON CUTTING FOR CARLTON CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY PHASE II The official Ribbon Cutting of Carlton Construction Academy Phase II was Thursday, March 11 at 10:00 AM on the corner of Lippitt Drive and Slappey Boulevard in Albany. A group of faculty, staff and the Carlton Family were on hand to cut the ribbon. The event was live on Albany Technical College’s official Facebook page. A virtual tour video link was provided on the college’s Facebook page for those interested in seeing the inside of the new facility.

Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida panhandle near Panama City on October 10, 2018, as an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane. The storm’s eyewall swept northnortheast still as a Category 3 storm. Winds were more than 115 mph at times. Albany, Georgia experienced the devastating storm, Hurricane Michael, and it impaired much of the city. One of the buildings on Albany Technical College’s campus, Carlton Construction Academy, suffered extensive damage to the roof. As a result, six programs were affected, involving over 200 students. The six programs include Air Conditioning Technology, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Electrical Construction, Masonry, and Plumbing Technology. These programs were temporarily located around the campus at Albany Technical College. Classes resumed for all students Monday, January 7, 2019.

Repair of the Carlton Construction Academy facility was expected to take less than one year with anticipation of reopening the Carlton Construction Phase I by Fall 2020. Albany Technical College worked closely with the Technical College System of Georgia to secure the financing and oversee the project.

Repair on the damaged Academy began in February 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of plans to shift. Phase II of the Carlton Construction Academy was completed in the fall of 2020.

HISTORY In 2003, Albany Tech acquired the Carlton Construction Academy site through a donation from the philanthropic Carlton Family. The facility housed classroom space and labs for such programs as carpentry, construction management, industrial air conditioning technology, masonry, and plumbing. At the time of the donation, the facility was valued at $2 million dollars.

Phase II of the facility renovation centered on an extensive overhaul of the site’s industrial warehouse space. These renovations provide additional classroom space and lab upgrades for programs like electrical construction and civil engineering technology. There is now space to add several new disciplines to the curriculum, including green building technology, residential energy efficiency, and renewable, sustainable energy.

The $4.9 million project, which added 28,633 square feet of useable space to the Academy, also called for HVAC and architectural upgrades needed to house a modern teaching facility. During the renovation, the facility’s facade was modified to reflect the architectural design of other campus buildings that face Slappey, one of Albany’s major thoroughfares.

Summer 2021

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CARLTON CONSTRUCTION JANUARY 2021

PROGRAM AREAS

Programs 11

Air Conditioning Technology

Engineering Graphics

Building & Facilities Maintenance

Civil Engineering Technology

Carpentry NCCER Industrial Electrical/Electrical Construction

Sustainable Renewable & Alternative Energy

Masonry NCCER

Residential Energy Efficiency Technology

Degrees 2 Diplomas 10 Technical Certificates of Credit

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Plumbing Technology Green Building Technology

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INSIGHTS

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MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM REFRESH

Projected employment growth for Medical Assistants is 19% in 10 years Albany Technical College held a special refresh presentation highlighting the Medical Assisting Program Wednesday, February 24, at 10:00 AM in the Nathanial Cross Health Technology Building (HCT), room 128. This event was live on Facebook. A small group of College leadership and faculty and students or graduates were on-hand to comment and discuss the Program.

Several factors are creating a brighter outlook for the Medical Assistant job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected employment growth from 2019 to 2029 is expected to be 19%, much higher than the average for all occupations in the United States. Baby Boomers will be affecting this twofold. There are currently millions of boomers employed in the medical industry, and their retirement will mean fewer healthcare workers. As these boomers get older, they will require more medical care. The average life span is 75 years now and will continue to increase with better technology and medical advancements. With these longer lifespans comes the need for improved and affordable managed healthcare.

Latonya Harris, Program Director, Medical Assisting Chairperson/ Instructor at Albany Technical College, stated, “I like to look at the Medical Assisting Program as a gateway career because it provides the foundation for a lot of the medical programs that we offer. This Program has a clinical and an administrative portion. In the clinical portion, the students learn to draw blood, and they learn to give injections, learn to perform a urinalysis, assist patients, and check vital signs. In the administrative portion, they learn to communicate with the insurance companies, help the patient to fill out insurance papers, schedule appointments and things of that nature.”

The Medical Assisting Program currently offers a degree in applied sciences and also a diploma. Graduates that finish the Program are allowed to sit for the certification exam. Graduates even can sit for the Phlebotomy certification as a part of completing the Medical Assisting Program. The Medical Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Harris goes on to say, “We do have an externship. The final semester, the students get to go out to various clinics here in Albany, and they can perform the skills they have learned here in labs. The students do not get paid, but they receive a grade. Depending on how well the students do at their clinical setting, most of the time, they are offered a position before they graduate.”

FEATURE

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VIRTUAL DUAL ENROLLMENT RECOGNITION CEREMONY A special Albany Technical College (ATC) Live YouTube event took place Thursday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. honoring the Dual Enrollment graduates from Albany Technical College. 64 students at ATC attending as Dual Enrolled high school students graduate with either an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a diploma, or Technical Certificate of Credit. COVID-19 has changed how we can recognize these students in person. We wanted 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.

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 talk to their parents, and to take advantage of this opportunity. Albany Technical College offers a chance to accelerate high school students into careers right here locally,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College.

For more information about Albany Tech’s Dual Enrollment program and pathway agreements that Albany Tech holds with several four-year universities, visit albanytech.edu.

The following students have completed the required courses to be recognized as they graduate high school:

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BAKER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BENTRAVIOUS BENTON

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Bentravious Benton is a senior at Baker County High School and is dually enrolled in the Design & Media Production program at Albany Technical College. Benton was on the basketball, baseball, and track & field team. He enjoys drawing and listening to music during his spare time. Bentravious plans to attend Albany Technical College in the fall of 2021 and complete his Associate of Science degree in Design and Media Productions and then enlist in the United States Military. Bentravious Benton is the son of Bennie and Mary Benton.

JAMES BRUMBLEY

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit James Brumbley Jr. is a senior at Baker County High School and is dually enrolled in the Business Management program at Albany Technical College. James has received Honor Roll recognition during his enrollment at Baker County High School.

He enjoys reading as a requirement and as a hobby. He plans to attend Albany Technical College in the fall of 2021 and complete his Associate of Science degree in Business Management. James is the son of James and Melba Brumbley, Sr.

DE’SHANASTY GEORGE

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit De’Shanasty George is a senior at Baker County High School and is dually enrolled in the Early College Essential program at Albany Technical College. De’Shanasty has received honor roll recognition while enrolled at Baker County High. She is an active member in the 4H, band, volleyball, basketball, and softball. De’Shanasty enjoys spending time with her family. De’Shanasty has been accepted to Georgia Southwestern University and plans to start in the fall and major in Nursing. De’Shanasty is the daughter of Natasha George.

A’LONDRIA GIBSON

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit A’Londria Gibson is a senior at Baker County High School and dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials program at Albany Technical College. As a high school student, she will be graduating number one in her high school class. She has been an honor student all four years of high school and received the Presidential Scholar award at Albany Technical College. She is an active member of 4-H Club, National Beta Club, and National Honors Society for High School Scholars. She is in the band, on the softball team, and serves as captain on the varsity basketball team at Baker County High School.

A’londria is currently enlisted in the United States Army as a dental specialist. She has applied and been accepted into over 30 colleges and plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Biology. A’Londria Gibson is the daughter of the late Lisa & Jimmy Gibson, Sr., and the niece of Shirley Burns.

TYKISHA COE

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Tykisha Coe is a senior at Baker County High School and is dually enrolled in the Early College Essential program at Albany Technical College. Tykisha is an active member of 4-H Club, National Beta Club, band, volleyball, and softball team. She has received honor roll recognition at Baker County High School. She has been accepted into the Biology program at Savannah State University and plan to start classes in the fall. Tykisha’s goal is to become a Dermatologist. Tykisha is the daughter of Wesley Coe and Shirley Freeman.

IN JUST 2 YEARS, YOU COULD BE READY FOR A CAREER IN A LUCRATIVE FIELD YOU LOVE. P.S. IT’S DEBT FREE SUCCEED SOONER

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

DUAL ENROLLMENT GRADUATES ZAYNIAH HUDSON

ECCE Basics Technical Certificate of Credit Zayniah Hudson is a senior at Baker County High School and is dually enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Albany Technical College. She is a member of the 4H club, National Beta club, band, and serves on the Yearbook committee.

Zayniah volunteered her time for three years managing the Lady Bears basketball team. She has been accepted to Albany State University and plans to continue her education in Criminal Justice in the fall. Her goal is to become a Georgia State Patrol officer. Zayniah is the daughter of Melaneze Hudson. to detail and maturity in decision-making has prepared her for the role of Top Sales Associate/Manager at Rue 21. Her ability to build rapport with peers, adults and customers is a strong attribute and one that is often recognized in her pathway of choice. She would like to further her education and plans to enroll in the Radiology Technology program. Kelsea’s ultimate goal is to one day own and operate her own Diagnostic and MRI Imaging Center.

AIDAN WALKER

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Aidan Walker is a senior at Baker County High School and dually enrolled in the Early College Essential program at Albany Technical College.

Aidan has received honor roll recognition at Baker County School. Aidan enjoys photography, reading, and creative writing during her spare time. Aidan’s goal is to attend Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida and major in Film and Television. She hopes her creative writing skills in screenwriting will impact her audience positively. Aidan is the daughter of Troy and Christie Walker.

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CALHOUN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

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AIRY HIGHTOWER

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Airy Hightower is a senior at Calhoun County High School and is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Degree program at Albany Technical College. Airy is set to graduate as Valedictorian of her class. She was a member of the National Beta Club for four years. She is an active member of Calhoun County’s Literacy Team. Airy became a dual enroll student in her freshman year of high school. Airy states that the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Albany Tech has helped her realize that the medical field is her true passion. “I love everything about it especially being able to help others and save lives”. Airy is a member of the Krystle’s Kindness Foundation of Edison, Georgia. She volunteers at Calhoun Nursing Home and at Willow Wood Personal Care Home. She will be graduating with an associate degree and her high school diploma. After Airy graduates high school in May 2021, she plans to attend Columbus State University in the fall as a Nursing major. Airy’s goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. Airy is the daughter of Gala Hightower.

DOUGHERTY COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL CINNAMON BURROUGHS

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Cinnamon Burroughs, daughter of Tijuana Burroughs and Glenny Burroughs, is a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School and is dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials Certificate Program at Albany Technical College. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. This organization helps today’s scholars become tomorrow’s leaders through recognition, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career connections, personal development events, and leadership opportunities. She is also a member of HOSA, where she develops the skills and leadership that are vital in meeting the needs of the health care community. As a member of HOSA for many years, she earned a 1st place international award in Public Health. Cinnamon has been awarded a scholarship to attend Tuskegee University in the Fall of 2021, where she will major in nursing and pursue a career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

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TYLER GUEST

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Tyler Guest, son of Mary Guest and Demetrius Loud, is currently a sophomore at Dougherty Comprehensive High School and is dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials Certificate Program at Albany Technical College. He is in the top 10 percent of his high school graduating class. Tyler also attends the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy where he acquires the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in Healthcare and Engineering. Tyler is a well-rounded honor student who dedicates his mind to his school work. He is a potential graduate of the class of 2023 from Dougherty Comprehensive High School. He then plans on applying to Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, Clark Atlanta University, and Duke University. He plans to major in Biology and Biomedical Engineering at his college of choice.

ZIKEYA HAYES

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Zikeya Hayes, daughter of Tony Green, is a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School. She is dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials Certificate Program here at Albany Technical College. She is an honor student and was top 10 in her class during her sophomore year. She will be taking a gap year and getting a job to build up work experience. Then she will be going to college to get her degree in finance.

KEYMAYAH JOYNER

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree KeyMayah Joyner, daughter of Keith and Ursula Joyner, is currently a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School and dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Degree program at Albany Technical College. She was a member of Delta Gem of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and also a member of the National Beta Club for 2 years. She has received several awards and accomplishments during her twelve years of school and beyond.

She is also an honor student athlete and has played four years of softball at Dougherty High school. She attends Antioch Baptist Church where she is acting Vice President of the youth choir, praise dancer, and provide other services for the church. She has been an honor student since first grade. She has offers from Kennesaw State University, Columbus State, Valdosta State, GA Southern, and Mercer University.

She plans to major in Nursing at the school of her choice. She is the youngest of three children and her parents are so proud of all her accomplishments.

LOCKEILIA LOCKETT

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Lockeilia Lockett, daughter of Detra and Alston Lockett, is a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School where she is in the top 10 percent of her class. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Degree Program at Albany Technical College. Through the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Albany Tech, she has been afforded the opportunity to take part in clinical simulations at a local nursing facility and physician’s office. She said, “The best part of my program has been the clinical simulations because those experiences allowed me the opportunity to discover my passion in healthcare.” She serves as a volunteer in her community to feed the homeless and she also takes part in fundraisers to help support organizations. Lockett is a member of Student Council and National Beta Club where she serves as treasurer. She has received many awards and certificates including, Georgia Certificate of Merit from the University of Georgia, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence. She plans to attend the University of California and would like become an OBGYN. Her parents are immensely proud of how far she has come in receiving honors and awards.

JA’NIYA WILCOX

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Ja’Niya Wilcox, daughter of Courtney Barnes, is a senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School. She is dually enrolled in Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Degree Program at Albany Technical College. She has been a dual enrollment student since her freshman year of high school. She is an honor student athlete and serves as one of the captains of the Dougherty High School cheer team. She has participated in the National Beta Club, Secretary of State, Student Ambassador, and Student Council. She was also chosen to participate in the process of becoming a 2020-2021 debutant. One of her short term goals is to graduate high school with honors and she currently has a 3.6 GPA. Being a member of the Secretary of State has allowed her to pursue her passion for helping people and being a part of multiple fundraising events. She has applied to Clark Atlanta, Georgia State, North Carolina A&T, and FAMU. She has received acceptance from both Clark Atlanta and Georgia State. At her school of choice she plans to major in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, where she plans to start her own practice. She also aspires to obtain an Accounting degree and become a real estate agent. She would like to thank Albany Technical College for this amazing opportunity and God for helping her make it through this journey.

DUAL ENROLLMENT GRADUATES

LEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL DAVID GOODWIN

Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree David Goodwin Jr., son of David Goodwin Sr. and Patricia Martin, is a senior at Lee County High School. He is dually enrolled in the Business Management Associate Degree Program at Albany Technical College. David was Valedictorian of his 8th grade class.

In middle school he was active in the Drama Club, JRTC, and Robotics Club. He continued to be an active captain of his football, basketball and track team through middle school. He served as captain of the football team his 11th and 12th grade year. David has been a college student at Albany Technical College since the 9th grade. Currently, David has applied and been accepted into six different Universities. He has chosen Valdosta State to complete his Business Management degree. He has set a goal to own his own shoe business by the age of 24. David’s favorite quote is from Edgar Allen Poe, “See It Through”. His favorite verse is, “When you’re up against a trouble, Meet it squarely, face to face; Lift your chin and set your shoulders, Plant your feet and take a brace. When it’s vain to try to dodge it, Do the best that you can do; you may fail, but you may conquer, See it through!”

MITCHELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GABRIELLEN BATTLE

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Gabriellen Battle, daughter of Cassandra Williams and Eric Battle, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Gabriellen has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University.

She has been a valuable leader in the FFA during her high-school years where she was also extremely active in sports: softball, volleyball, and basketball. Playing sports is her favorite hobby which drives Gabriellen’s ultimate future goal to further her education at Columbus University to study sports medicine.

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DAMARION BELL

Design & Media Production Technology Diploma Damarion Bell, son of Jennifer Robinson, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Design and Media Production Technology program at Albany Technical College where he will be prepared for employment in a variety of media production industries. Damarion’s interests include being on both the football and wrestling team at MCHS. FFA, 4-H, and New Salem Church Youth Ministry. Damion’s service in these organizations has helped him to incur awards such as perfect attendance, highest science average, and third place in an Atlanta essay competition. His altruism is demonstrated while volunteering for the needy during Hurricane Michael to clean up debris, to give out food, and to plant seeds.

Damarion adores video games, football, and cleaning. He plans to return to college after Spring Graduation 2021 to further his education and become a graphic designer.

JAMARION BELL

Computer Support Specialist Diploma Jamarion Bell, son of Jennifer Robinson, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Computer Information Systems Computer Support Specialist program at Albany Technical College. Upon graduation, he will be a qualified computer support specialist. Jamarion’s interests include being on both the football and wrestling teams at MCHS; he placed third in the 160-weight class. His altruism is demonstrated as a Salvation Army volunteer as well as helping with Hurricane Michael cleanup in his church and community. Jamarion adores video games, exercise, and anime. He plans to return to college to further his education after Spring Graduation 2021 to earn a degree in business management.

ZANTREAL BELL

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Zantreal Bell, Lakeshia Butler and Trans Bell, is a senior at Mitchell County High School.

She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Zantreal has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University where she was awarded the prestigious distinction of being on the Dean’s List. She participated in volleyball in high school and loves to read and do puzzles in her spare time. Zantreal’s ultimate goal is to further her education and eventually become an obstetrician gynecologist.

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LAURA ESQUIVEL

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Laura Esquivel, daughter of Marisol Gonzalez and Eduardo Esquivel, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Laura has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University.

Her future goal is to further her education at Georgia Southern University to become a Registered Nurse.

ROBERT GARDNER

Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma Robert Gardner, son of Earlene and Freeman Gardner, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Diesel Equipment Technology diploma program at Albany Technical College where he will earn a diesel diploma. Robert has been an active participant in both Future Farmers of America as well as wrestling during the 9th-11th grades. His favorite hobby is taking his 4-wheeler for long rides. That feeling of freedom has steered Robert towards the desire to attend ATC again after Spring Graduation 2021 to join the Commercial Driver’s License program and earn his CDL.

AMYAH FRAZIER

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Amyah Frazier, daughter of Matilda Hurst and Cornellius Frazier, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Amyah has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University where she was awarded the prestigious distinction of being on the President’s List.

Her favorite hobby is reading books which helps with her future goal to further her education and attend Augusta University to become a dental hygienist.

KANIJAH GARDNER

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Kanijah Gardner, daughter of Candra Keaton and Andy Gardner, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Kanijah has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University where she was awarded the prestigious distinction of being on the President’s List and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

She has been a valuable leader in both FFA and the Leo Club during her high-school years. She was also extremely active in sports: track and field, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Her favorite hobbies include drawing and playing the trumpet. Kanijah’s ultimate future goal is to further her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

SHANIAH GREEN

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Shaniah Green, daughter of Shanna Green and Anthony Green, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. She is also a part of the cheerleading leadership team in Mitchell County for Football and Basketball of the Varsity Team. Shaniah is already a few steps closer to receiving her Nurse Aid Certification. She has also already received an AA degree of Science at Albany State University. Shaniah has applied and been accepted into many colleges. The college she has chosen to pursue her career in is Georgia State University. Go Panthers! She will attend this college in the Fall of 2021. Shaniah has made plans to graduate in 2024 with a nursing degree.

ASHANTI HAYNES

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Ashanti Haynes, daughter of Latresa Harvey and Roddrick Haynes, is currently a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is dual enrolled in nursing at Albany Technical College.

Even though Haynes is only 17 She is getting certification in Nursing, Thanks to Albany Tech! Ashanti has applied to Georgia State University, Savannah State College, Fort Valley State University, and More. She has decided to attend Fort Valley State University in the fall of 2021 to major in nursing and graduate in 2024.

DUAL ENROLLMENT GRADUATES

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TA’KYIA KNIGHT

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Ta’Kyia Knight, daughter of Toccara Golden, is a senior at Mitchell County High School.

She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. She has been a member of FFA during her highschool years where she was also extremely active in sports: softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. Ta’Kyia’s ultimate goal is to further her education and become a traveling Registered Nurse.

DAVID ROBINSON

Air Conditioning Technology Diploma David Robinson, son of Felicia Lucas and David Robinson, Jr., is a senior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Air Conditioning Technology diploma program at Albany Technical College where he will earn an air conditioning diploma with the qualification of an air conditioning technician. David earned the prestigious EPA Universal Certification which allows him to work on virtually all appliances that contain refrigerants. After Spring Graduation 2021, David wants to join his grandfather’s air conditioning business where he will use his expertise to eventually become the owner.

KEIRSTIN LAWSON

Nail Technician Technical Certificate of Credit Keirstin Lawson, daughter of Carrie and Elmer Lawson is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is dual enrolled in Nail Technician Certificate Program. Keirstin activities involve looking after her elderly grandmother and my disabled mother. Along with looking after her niece and nephew sometimes as well. In the future if she decides to further her education, she will go back to college to become a nurse.

TRENTON MCNEAL

Automotive Technology Diploma Trenton McNeal, son of Chanel Turner, is a junior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Albany Technical College where he will earn an automotive diploma as an entry-level technician. Some of Trenton’s interests include art, music, and boxing.

His well-rounded personality is what drives him towards the desire to attend ATC again after Spring Graduation 2021 to join the Commercial Driver’s License program and earn his CDL as well as furthering his mechanics repertoire by signing up for the Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma program to focus on diesel engines.

LUIS SOTO-ESQUIVEL

Welding & Joining Technology Diploma Luis Soto-Esquivel, son of Margarita Esquivel and Alberto Soto, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. He is currently dual enrolled in the Welding and Joining diploma program at Albany Technical College where he will have the qualifications of a welding and joining technician. In fact, Luis’s welding skills and work ethics have so impressed the welding instructors that they have asked him to join the ATC welding team. Luis also keeps busy by helping his father remodel houses. His well-rounded and determined personality is what motivates him towards the desire to further his education by attending ATC again after Spring Graduation 2021 to join the HVAC program.

CAMYA WHITE

Business Healthcare Technology Diploma Camya White, daughter of Shametrius Davis and Corey White, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Her favorite hobby is being a makeup artist, but she also enjoys watching movies and TikTok. Camya’s future goal is to further her education in both nursing and cosmetology.

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JANIYA WHITE

Nurse Aide Technical Certificate of Credit Janiya White, daughter of Shametrius Davis and Corey White, is a senior at Mitchell County High School. She is currently dual enrolled in the Nurse Aide Technical Certificate program at Albany Technical College. Janiya has already earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Albany State University. Her favorite hobby is styling hair. Janiya’s future goal is to further her education to become an ultrasound technician.

MONROE COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL

JAIDEN BROWN

Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree Jaiden Brown, daughter of Demond and LaTosha Brown is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School, where she is in the top five percent of her class. She is currently dual enrolled in the Business Management Degree program at Albany Technical College. She was a member of Monroe’s Tennis Team. She is a member of the National Beta Club and a member of Monroe’s Student leadership board. She is a member of Evangelical Faith Vision Ministries, where she serves as the community liaison for Amazing Women’s Ministry. Through this organization, she gives back to her community by having shoes, socks, and gloves giveaways, and having food drives for the homeless. Throughout Jaiden’s education, she has maintained A Honor Roll and a 4.0 GPA in College for the past 3 years. In April, she will graduate with an associate degree in Business Management. Jaiden’s top three colleges include, FAMU, Kennesaw State University, and Georgia Southern University once she decides which college she will attend in the Fall she plans to major in Marketing.

A’LIYAH ADAMS

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree A’Liyah Adam She is the daughter of Mr. Anthony and Ms. Janeika Adams, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School where she is in the top 3% of her class. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program at Albany Technical College. She is a member of the National Beta Club and a member a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). She received a Georgia Certificate of Merit from the University of Georgia. Her freshman year she became a member of Stepping Out Organization and is actively involved in the community.

She was a member of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program, known as STEM. She was awarded 2nd place in the Robotics competition held at Albany Technical College. She was also a member of the Monroe Varsity Basketball and Football Cheerleaders for three years.

She was named Miss Junior Varsity Cheerleader her freshman year.

A’Liyah was enrolled at Commodore Conyers College and Career (4C) Academy for three years and a dual enroll student at Albany Technical College She earned membership to the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) for her high-ranking grade point average at Albany Technical College. She also participated in the Work-Base Learning program and is currently employed at Walmart in Albany, Georgia. In April 2021, A’liyah will graduate from Albany Technical College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science as a high school senior. She has been accepted to several colleges but is undecided on which one she plans to attend. Her goal is to become a Dental Hygienist and to become an Orthodontist.

JORDAN BROWN

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Jordan Brown is the daughter of a senior Demond and Latosha Brown, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School where she is in the top 5% of his class. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program at Albany Technical College. She played on the Monroe’s tennis team. She serves as the President of the National Beta Club and on the student Advisory Board at her local high school. Through the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Albany Tech, she has been afforded the opportunity to participate in clinical environment which has prepared her for the real world. “The best part of being a dual enrolled student at Albany Tech is knowing the classes have prepared her for the four-year University.

Jordan gives back to her community by volunteering in community service projects such as a “Shoe and Sock Giveaway” and “Hearts of love Toiletry Giveaway”. In April, Jordan will graduate from Albany Tech with an Associate Degree as a high school senior. She plans to attend a 4-year University and earn her bachelor’s degree.

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DE’ANDRE HARVEY

E-commerce Associate of Applied Science Degree De´Andre Harvey is son of Bridgette Smith, a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School and the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy. He is ranked in the top five percent of his graduating class and has been a member of the National Beta Club. He was also a recipient of the State of Georgia’s Merit Scholarship.

Upon graduation, De’Andre will have received two pathway certificates of completion from the CCCC, one in Entrepreneurship and the other in Engineering.

Mr. Harvey is on track to receive a second degree from Albany Tech.

He completed his first Associate Degree in Marketing Management with an embedded certificate in Entrepreneurship 2020. He will complete him second Associate degree in E-Commerce in April 2021.

Earning two associate degrees while in high school is an outstanding accomplishment!

De’Andre has made history; he is the first Monroe High School dual enrolled student to earn two associate degrees from Albany Technical College. He is also the first student to graduate from Albany Tech’s new E-Commerce Degree Program.

De’Andre has been accepted at 14 colleges and universities but plans to attend Kennesaw University in the fall, where he plan to major in Marketing Management. He chose Kennesaw University because of their articulation agreement with Albany Technical College, this agreement will allow De’Andre to earn is bachelorette degree in two years. Later he plans to pursue his master’s degree and a doctorate in Engineering. De’Andre’s long career goal is to open his own engineering firm.

ALANESSA HUBBARD

Early Childhood Care & Education Associate of Applied Science Degree Alanessa Hubbard, daughter of Ms. Altrasey Hubbard, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School where she is in the top 5% of her class. She is dual enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Care program at Albany Technical College.

She is actively involved in Academic Decathlon Club, National Beta Club, AFJROTC, Student Advisory Board , Future Business Leaders of America , National Honors Society , GCAPS , Flint Community Bank Junior Board , FCCLA , Robotics team , and the Commodore College and Career Academy Junior Board of Directors . Alanessa has been on the Varsity Soccer team for three years and serves as co-captain and captain. In the community Alanessa volunteers with Foundation Setters and is a proud employee at Kidsville USA Daycare and Learning center. Alanessa is a member at Arcadia Missionary Baptist Church. She plans to attend Georgia State University and Major in Business Administration. Upon receiving her degree from Georgia State University, she plans to enlist in the United State Air Force as an officer.

CHARMANEISE LASTER

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Charmaneise Laster, daughter of Edwin Laster Sr. and Cynthia Laster, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Associates Degree Program. She served as vice president of the national beta club and a member of the national society club. She has received many honor awards in academics and has earned a certificate in audio video technology. She is also apart her schools chorus and drama club. Charmaneise plans on attending Albany State University in the Fall and will be majoring in nursing. She also plans on working on her singing and acting career by marketing herself and doing YouTube videos. She loves to sing, dance, reading books, and spending time with her family and friends. Charmaneise feels that the dual enrollment program has been a blessing and it has opened many doors for her to start working on her goals. There were some challenges along the way but she was able to overcome them and turn it into motivation to get to where she’s at today. She is a person that never gives up on anything even if it is challenging and will do her best until she succeeds. The dual enrollment program has allowed her to finish some high school classes early and increase her GPA. This experience has been an honor and she would definitely recommend this program to others.

TRINITY PIKE

Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree Trinity Pike, daughter of Pamela Edmonds and Christopher Pike, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School. She is dual enrolled in the Business Management Program at Albany Technical College. She is a National Beta Club representative. She is an honor student, who is a National Society of High School Scholar selectee. She plans to launch a clothing brand using the knowledge she obtained in the Business Management program. She enjoys designing and creating art and clothes. The Dual Enrollment Program has allowed me to grow and develop as a young adult. I have become more independent and disciplined in my work and as a person. I am thankful for the opportunity the dual enrollment program and Albany Tech has given me. Trinity will graduate with a Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree from Albany Technical College in April as a high school senior.

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OLUFUNBI WILLIAMS

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Olufunbi Williams is the daughter of Victor and Folashade Williams, is a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School and is dual enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program at Albany Technical College. She is an honor roll student at Monroe Comprehensive High School and a member of the Albany Art Museum Junior Board Member. Olufunbi is an active member of the Beta Club. She completed the Georgia Nurse Aide training at Albany Tech. In April 2021, she will graduate with an Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree. She has been accepted to Albany State University and plans to attend in the fall.

TERRELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

MASHAYLA KENDRICK

Accounting Diploma MaShayla Kendrick, daughter of Sheron and Veronica Kendrick, is a senior at Terrell High School and is dually enrolled in the Accounting program at Albany Technical College. She is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In this organization, she has attended the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, an event that assists individuals with Alzheimer’s by accumulating money for treatments. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. She has earned the title of being a Certificate of Merit Scholar, which means she is in the top 5% of students in the entire state. She has the class rank of 1 out of 78 based on a grade calculation conducted on January 13, 2021.

She plans to continue at Albany Tech to obtain her Accounting degree after graduating high school. She plans to take a gap year so she can exercise for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and Professional Officer Courses. During this gap year, she will also learn Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish. She plans to apply to Valdosta State University, University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and Mercer University, all of which have AFROTC divisions. As her college of choice, she plans to major in economics, accounting, or finance so she can become a finance officer in the Air Force.

KAYLA JENKINS

Early Childhood Care & Education Associate of Applied Science Degree Kayla Jenkins, daughter of Kaneshia Wafford, is a senior at Terrell County High School and is dually enrolled in the Early Childhood Care and Education program at Albany Technical College. During her freshman and sophomore year she was a member of the girls’ basketball team. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and gifted program. She is currently ranked number 5 in her senior class averaging all A’s. Her plans are to attend either the University of Georgia or Georgia State University to major in Elementary Education.

WESTOVER COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL JAZMYNE BLOCKER

Human Resource Management Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit Jazmyne Blocker is currently a senior at Westover High school where she is in the top 10 percent of her class and currently has a 3.7 GPA. She is dually enrolled in the Human Resource Management Specialization course at Albany Technical College. She is a senior in high school, she has been doing dual enrollment since her 9th grade year and has a maintained an A/B grade average all years. She received a plaque in her 10th grade year for being in the academic top 10 sophomores. Jazmyne has always loved business, so in her 9th and 10th grade year she helped run her school store every week which helped her learn how it feels to run a business. During her 11th grade year she participated in the Work Based Learning program to learn about business and real world jobs.

She interned at United Way and she also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of America. Jazmyne has received many emails from different colleges wanting her to apply but she will be finishing up her Business Management degree at Albany Tech in the Fall. She plans to get her real estate license and eventually open her own real estate agency.

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MARQUEZ BROWN

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Marquez Brown, son of Mark and Belinda Brown, is currently a Senior at Westover High School. He is a dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials Certificate Program here at Albany Technical College. Marquez plays varsity 2nd team all-Region as a defensive tackle for Westover High Football Team. He was a member of DECA his 11th grade year. He will attend Savanna State University in the Fall and will major in Electrical Engineering.

SAVION BRUTUS Early Childhood Care & Education Associate of Applied Science Degree Savion Brutus son of Daa’iyah Salaam and the late Erwin Brutus, is currently a senior at Westover High School, and is dually enrolled in the Computer and Electrical Engineering Associate’s Degree Program. Savion is a varsity soccer player, and is also a member of the TOGETHER Organization where he currently serves as historian. While taking dual enrolled classes at the 4C academy, Savion completed the Aviation pathway.

Savion has received numerous soccer awards, TOGETHER Organization awards, and an honors award in the subject of Biology and is an inductee to the National Society of High School Scholars. Savion has applied to Tuskegee University, Georgia Tech, Mercer, and Kennesaw State. Recently, Savion was invited to participate in Mercer University’s Engineering Scholarship challenge and has subsequently received a $10,000 scholarship from the College of Engineering. Savion has already been accepted to the Aerospace Engineering Program with Tuskegee University and has been given an Academic Achievement Scholarship with the university. He plans to pursue his engineering goals in the fall of 2021. Savion anticipates graduating from his chosen university in 2024.

KENDALL COLEMAN

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Kendall Coleman son of Willie and Kenosha Coleman, is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. He is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Albany Technical College. Kendall played basketball at Westover in 9th and 10th grade. He also was a member of the National Honors Society at Westover. Most recently, Kendall participated as a Beau in the 2020 Jack and Jill Beautillion Militaire. He plans to attend Georgia State University in the Fall of 2021 where he plans to major in Computer Science. He is a member of the Second Mount Zion Baptist Church Youth Choir. Kendall has volunteered with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Department CHAMPS summer program. Kendall’s parents are super proud of him. He overcame obstacles his senior year that could have stood his way of obtaining his degree. He worked hard and refused to give up on what he started.

MEKHI DAVIS

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Mekhi Davis, son of Levitta Davis, is currently a senior at Westover. He is dual enrolled in the Early College Essentials Certificate program here at Albany Technical College. Mekhi Davis is apart of the Westover Marching Patriots. He plays Tuba and he’s currently the section leader. He was also a member of Skills USA his sophomore and junior years. He applied to Georgia Southern University and was accepted to begin Fall 2021 majoring in Music Education. He plans to create music, own a clothing brand, and hopefully, create a new record label.

PEARLIE GREEN

KEAGAN CARSON

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Keagan Carson is the daughter of Dr. Lorenzo Carson and Mrs. Sharon Carson, is a senior at Westover High School and is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at Albany Technical College. Keagan participated in soccer and FBLA. Keagan has applied to Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and Savannah State University. When she decides where she will attend, she will major in Nursing and wants to be a NICU nurse.

She is also considering following in her father’s footsteps by allowing Albany Technical College to be the foundation and a stepping stone for achieving and expanding her future career.

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Pearlie Green daughter of Lonnie Green and late Ruby Green is currently a senior at Westover comprehensive High school. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program at Albany Technical college. Pearlie Green was a varsity basketball cheerleader in her 9th and 10th grade years of high school. Pearlie was an honor scholar and also participated in SkillsUSA and DECA. After high school, Pearlie plans to attend Kennesaw State University to pursue her dreams in the healthcare field as a pediatric surgeon. Pearlie is thankful for the support of her father, Lonnie Green and is proud to complete her degree in loving memory of her mother Ruby Green.

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ALEXANDRIA HALL

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Alexandria Hall is currently a senior at Westover high school. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program at Albany Technical College. Alexandria will be attending Kennesaw State University in the Fall.

BRE’NAZA HARDY

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Bre’naza Hardy is currently a senior at Westover High School. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program at Albany Technical College. In the Fall of 2021 Bre’naza will attend Kennesaw State University. She looks forward to furthering her education wants to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

In the next five to six years, she sees herself as a cardiac surgeon.

Bre’naza thanks all of her teachers for helping her get to this moment.

KIRSTEN HAYES

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Kirsten Hayes daughter of Terron and Connie Hayes is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. Kirsten is dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials program at Albany Technical College. Kirsten Hayes is a varsity softball player (9th-12th), captain of the varsity tennis team (12th), and a member of the golf team (10th-12th). She is an honor student athlete, is the Battalion Commander in the MCJROTC program (9th-12th) at Westover High School, and is a member of the Westover Marching Patriot Band (11th-12th). She was also the recipient of the Governor’s Honor award.

Kirsten Hayes is a 2020-2021 State Ambassador for Georgia 4-H. Kirsten has received 20 offers from universities and colleges and has received two full ride scholarships and five partial scholarships. On November 21, 2020, she made the profound decision to attend the illustrious Tuskegee University in the Fall of 2021 and major in Agribusiness.

HALEY HOFFPAUIR

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Haley Hoffpauir daughter of Michael and Keisa Mansfield and Michael Hoffpauir Jr. currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program at Albany Technical College.

Haley was a varsity softball and basketball athlete for three years. She also participated in the intermediate band. Haley is also receiving her certification as a healthcare office assistant at Albany Tech. She would like to further her education and pursue a Bachelors in Public Health Education and a Masters in Health Care Administration. She would like to pursue a career in Population-Based Community Health Care at the Centers for Disease Control.

ASHANTI HOLSEY

Early Childhood Care and Education Basics Technical Certificate of Credit Ashanti Holsey is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. Ashanti is dually enrolled and earned her certificate in Early Childhood Education at Albany Technical College. Ashanti serves as first-chair violist in the illustrious symphony orchestra of the Dougherty County School System. She’s been playing the viola for 6 years. Ashanti has been a part of the Delta GEMS for 4 years and the overall program for 8 years.

Outside of school, she serves as vice-president of Salvation and Praise International Mission’s Team, where she works diligently giving back to her community. She has applied to Alabama State University, Valdosta State University, and Kennesaw State University. She will reveal her choice in April 2021. Her goal is to major in Business and to one day own and operate her Real Estate Company while teaching others what it takes to become homeowners in low income based communities.

MADISON JACKSON

Early Childhood Care and Education Associate of Applied Science Degree Madison Jackson daughter of Odell and Yalonda Jackson, is currently a senior at Westover High School. She is dually enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree program. She was a member of the Marching Patriots at Westover High School for two years. She serves as a junior usher at Christ Harvest Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

She has taken steps to begin her journey in the field of Early Childhood by volunteering at a local childcare facility. She has been accepted to Valdosta State University and will continue her education in Early Childhood Education this fall.

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EBONY JENKINS

Early Childhood Care & Education Business Management Degree Ebony Jenkins is the daughter of Clara LaVonna Brown, a senior at Westover High School. She is dually enrolled in the Business Management Degree Program at Albany Technical College.

In April, Ebony will graduate with her high school diploma. Throughout Ebony’s education, she was an A/B Honor Roll and Principal’s List recipient. During her junior year, she was a member of the Art Club.

Ebony enjoys drawing especially fashion design sketches of formal gowns. She also loves discovering new genres of music from various time periods. Ebony especially enjoys listening to Al Green, BB King, and other soul artists in remembrance of her grandpa. She also enjoys listening to her newest favorite band, Five Finger Death Punch, which is an alternative metal and groove band. The different methods of selfexpression taken by artists and musicians has always fascinated her.

Ebony really enjoys the summer time; she likes going to the beaches, swimming, and relaxation. Ebony plans to attend a 4-year college and majoring in either International Business/Global Business or Business Administration & Management. She has applied to Wesleyan College for Women (Macon, GA), Johnson & Wales University (Providence, RI), and Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA). She plans on selecting a school no later than June 2021.

AMARI JONES Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Amari Jones is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School where she is in the top 10% of her class. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program at Albany Technical College. At her high school, Amari was a member of SkillsUSA, an organization where the moto is preparing for leadership in the workforce. After being an active member for a year, Amari became the SkillsUSA President. She was also a member of the Westover Basketball Cheerleaders and Westover Auxiliary team. She participates in her church choir, as well as, a group called The Next Generation Leaders at New Birth Fellowship Church where they are called with the purpose to serve, to conquer, and to win. At the age of 17, Amari has a certification in CPR and First Aid, and is working towards her Certification in Nurse Aid. She was able to engage in clinical rotations as part of Albany Tech’s Interdisciplinary Students program. In April, Amari will graduate from Albany Tech with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science as a high school senior.

BRIAN KEITH

Criminal Justice Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Brian Keith son of Lisa Keith and the late Brian L. Keith, is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. He is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Associate’s Degree Program at Albany Technical College. Brian is a Trumpet Section Leader in the Westover Marching Band. He is an honor student at Westover High School. Brian is a 2019-2020 Beautillion Participant of the Albany Chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc. He will attend Kennesaw State University in the fall and will major in Accounting.

KELSEA MCCULLAR

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Kelsea McCullar is currently a senior at Westover High School. She is dually enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Studies Applied Science Degree Program. She is an honor studentathlete and served two years as a cheerleader and one year as Captain of the Westover Comprehensive Marching Band Auxiliary Dance Team.

She was a 2-year member of HOSA where she was able to acquire the knowledge and skills as a leader and develop in public speaking. Kelsea received Third Place in the Junior HOSA Interviewing Skills Competition at the Fall Leadership Conference. In addition to the academic leadership roles and honors earned, Kelsea displays her artistic side by crafting candles and designing cosmetic wigs as an entrepreneur. Her attention to detail and maturity in decision-making has prepared her for the role of Top Sales Associate/Manager at Rue 21. Her ability to build rapport with peers, adults and customers is a strong attribute and one that is often recognized in her pathway of choice. She would like to further her education and plans to enroll in the Radiology Technology program. Kelsea’s ultimate goal is to one day own and operate her own Diagnostic and MRI Imaging Center.

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ISAAC MOODY

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Isaac Joe-Nathan Moody son of Jimmy and DeHavilland Moody, is currently a senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. He is dually enrolled in the Early College Essentials Program at Albany Technical College. Isaac is a Varsity Football Player at Westover. He is also a leading discus and shot-put thrower for the Patriots Track and Field teams. Isaac is a member of SkillsUSA where he was a member of the first place winners of the Regional Quiz Bowl Finals in 2019-2020. Isaac serves his community by volunteering and assisting with various service projects. He is a member of the Together Organization – a brotherhood devoted to leadership and excellence.

Isaac is a devoted member of the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church where he serves as the President of the Youth Ministry, Youth Choir, serves on the usher ministry, photography and videography ministries.

Isaac plans to continue his education by attending the unsinkable Albany State University and Major in Health and Human performance with a minor in art with a focus in photography.

ANDREW SADLER

Early College Essentials Technical Certificate of Credit Andrew Sadler son of Andrew George Sadler Jr., is a sophomore at Westover High School. He is currently one of the top students in most of his classes. Andrew is expected to graduate from high school in 2023. He is a member of the Westover High School band and has earned A/B honor roll and perfect attendance/citizenship awards. He is involved in his community and is also a part of the TOGETHER Organization where he has participated in community service projects. The goal of the organization is to help build up young men despite any challenges or barriers. He hasn’t decided on a college to attend once he graduates; however he would like to continue his studies while finding a suitable career in Agriculture.

SHA’MOIRE STARLING

Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree

MICAYLA TAYLOR

Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degre Micayla Taylor is the daughter of Cecilia Taylor and the late Reginald Taylor, a senior at Westover High School. She is dually enrolled in the Business Management Associate’s Degree program at Albany Technical College. In high school, Micayla was a member of the journalism club and SkillsUSA. She is also certified in Microsoft Office which she gained at the 4C Academy. Micayla’s hobbies are reading and writing short stories. She is also interested in real estate and wants to gain more knowledge and experience in the real estate industry. Eventually, she wants to earn her degree in Journalism. After she graduates, Micayla will take real estate courses and prepare for her future career.

TA’LEEI TRENT

Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Ta’leei Trent is the daughter of Rashan Johnson and Travious Trent, is a senior at Westover Comprehensive High school. She is dually enrolled at Albany Technical College in the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program.

Ta’leei is a four year football cheerleader, three year basketball cheerleader, one year tennis player, and three year track and field member. Ta’leei is a member of SkillsUSA and the Secretary of State Ambassadors at Westover. She ranked 1st Place in quiz bowl, 3rd place in public speaking, and she has earned an academic scholarship to Alabama State. Ta’leei is the first in her family to graduate college before high school. Ta’leei will be graduating from Albany Tech in April of 2021, and Westover in May of 2021. Ta’leei has decided to attend Alabama State University in the Fall of 2021. She would like to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in biology and attend dentistry school to pursue her dream of becoming an orthodontist.

DUAL ENROLLMENT GRADUATES

Spring 2021

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INSIGHTS

NEW HIRES ®

BRANDI BROWN

Admin. Asst. III – Institutional Effectiveness Start Date: 3/15/21

VINCENT HOLLIS

Technical Support Specialist Start Date: 3/15/21

KAYCEE EVERSON

Practical Nursing Instructor Start Date: 02/01/21

KIM RAKESTRAU

Administrative Assistant to VP of Adult Education Start Date: 02/01/21

PERRY FORD

DR. BANDARA GAMINI Chair/Instructor of Electronic Tech & Engineering Start Date: 12/01/20

ATCEPA Academic Coordinator Start Date: 01/11/21

KIERRA SPARKS

KATHERINE SPRAGGINS

KEONNA STRAFFORD

Math Instructor 01/26/21

Assistant Financial Aid Director Start Date: 02/01/21

Computer Info System Instructor Start Date: 2/16/21

KEISHA GEORGE

RCLC Admissions Assistant Start Date: 3/01/21

PROMOTIONS NICOLE WASHINGTON

Online Student Success Coach Start Date: 3/01/21

LUCRETIA WILLIAMS

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor Start Date: 12/01/20

TORA LEMON

Project Manager PBI Grant Academic Advisement Center Start Date: 2/15/21

CHEDLEY YAHYA

Sustainable Renewable & Alternative Energy Chair/ Instructor Start Date: 01/04/21

TERESA MCDONALD Admin Asst III President’s Office Start Date: 3/08/21

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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.