Insights

Spring 2022 INSIGHTS

SPRING FLING 2022

It was a perfect weather day, March 22, for the annual ATC Spring Fling. This year’s theme was a combination of Mardi Gras & Carnival. There were multiple activities from horseshoes, tricycle races, & tug-ofwar to a Mardi Gras parade with decorated umbrellas by various programs/departments. Students, faculty & staff were also treated to a barbeque meal, ice cream, and popcorn.

This event was sponsored by ATC Student Life. Many thanks to Dr. Mary Richardson, Kimberly Boone, Titerrera Bell and all faculty and staff who volunteered making this event a great success.

ATC WEARS RED ON #WEARREDDAY

The first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation.

ATC Faculty, Staff & Students wore red in support of this cause.

In Remembrance Individuals who have contributed to Albany Technical College’s success and will be dearly missed as we move forward. They were a part of our family and their efforts to the college and our students will never be forgotten.

ELIZABETH ROBINSON

Longtime Trustee, Albany Tech Foundation June 22, 1934 - June 26, 2021 Ms. Elizabeth Wiley Robinson, affectionately known as “Liz,” departed this life on November 6, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born on November 22, 1945, to the parentage of the late Mr. John Amos Wiley and the late Mrs. Annie Mae Burten Wiley. At an early age, Liz professed her love and belief in the resurrected Jesus Christ and joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Warthen, GA. Liz always had a thirst for knowledge. In 1964, at TJ Elder High School, she held the distinction of salutatorian for her graduating class. She went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Morris Brown College thereafter obtaining her Master’s in Business Administration from Albany State College/Georgia State University. Upon graduation, Liz started her career at Lockheed Martin in Atlanta, GA. She later relocated to Albany Ga. where she would spend the next 25 years of her life. During that time, she was a faithful and active member of Cutliff Grove Baptist Church. She was also active in several service-based organizations most notably Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She spent several years as the Word Processing Center supervisor at Albany State College. In 2000, she retired from Albany Technical College as the VP of Instruction. After retirement, Liz returned home to Sandersville ready to work in the community. She was a source of wisdom and encouragement to those around her. Liz was an active leader at Mt Olive Baptist Church, serving in multiple capacities such as Capital Campaign, Missions and Youth Development. She also held leadership positions in many organizations: Sandersville-Tennille Optimist, Washington County Retired Educator Association and Second Washington Missionary Baptist Association. Liz had several hobbies including interior decorating, spending time with her family and travelling. Recently, she travelled to Israel, Jerusalem, and Egypt – the trip of a lifetime. She particularly enjoyed travelling to spend time with her grandchildren whom she affectionately nicknamed “Bob” and “Dill”. They were her pride and joy.

TRANSFER ARTICULATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT

Albany Technical College officially signed a memorandum of understanding with DeVry University on Tuesday, February 8, 2022. The signing was held at 10:00 a.m. on the campus of Albany Technical College in the Carlton Construction Academy building, room 126, with DeVry University joining virtually. The Memorandum of Understanding is a relationship between the two colleges requiring a commitment by both institutions to serve and facilitate a student’s ability for transfer admission to a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management.

This Agreement is intended for Program Participants that earn an associate degree from Albany Technical College and satisfy DeVry University’s admission requirements. Students who meet the requirements will be admitted into DeVry University. Program Participants who earn a qualifying associate degree from the Albany Technical College will receive 59 or 60 credit hours - transfer credits, into the DeVry program as listed below.

Qualifying associate degrees from Albany Technical College include: Associate of Applied Science in Business Management, Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management, and Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology. appropriate admission requirements to attend DeVry University will be ensured that the courses listed in this Agreement earned at Albany Technical College will transfer to DeVry University.

“Albany Technical College is honored to partner with DeVry University expanding the pathways for our students to earn a bachelor’s degree after they have successfully earned an associate degree with us,” stated Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates the pledge that both institutions have made to increase educational pathway opportunities and probable career advancement for our students.”

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Albany Technical College, promoting student success for those who want to earn a higher education degree,” said Scarlett Howery, Vice President, Campus and University Partners at DeVry University. “Together, we can create a sustainable pathway that supports the ease of transferring credits, as well as student success through their academic journey.”

This Agreement is specifically for graduates completing the courses included in this agreement at Albany Technical College who are transferring to complete a baccalaureate degree at DeVry University.

DeVry University and Albany Technical College will enter this Agreement beginning with the Spring Semester of 2022. Albany Technical College graduates may be able to start at DeVry beginning with the March session on Monday, February 28, 2022.

To learn more about the Albany Technical College/DeVry University partnership, contact ATC Admissions at 229.430.6193 - admissions@ albanytech.edu or DeVry University at 866.338.7934. Visit devry.edu for more information on DeVry University.

Congratulations on being named the 2022 GOAL WINNER

for Albany Technical College

JAMES GIBNEY

Paramedicine

Congratulations on being named the 2022 RICK PERKINS AWARD WINNER

for Albany Technical College

IVEY SPEARS

Dental Assisting

FIRST EVER STATE GOAL WINNER IN 1972 VISITS ATC

The first GOAL student who won in 1972 for the state of Georgia was Albany Tech’s very own Mr. Bennie Williams, a graduate in the Electronics program. Mr. Williams was recognized as the very first GOAL winner in the state of Georgia during the leadership conference at the end of April. Mr. Williams came to the Albany Technical College main campus and had the chance to tour the Electronics Technology Program lab and meet the current instructor, Dr. Gamini. Mr. Williams is now retired and living in the area after 28.5 years of service at M & M Mars and later 3 years as a consultant with M&M Mars as a project manager.

“Albany Technical College was really my foundation for my life after I finished in the Marine Corps.” -Bennie Williams

L.E.A.P.

Leveraging Education for Advancement Program

A Program Provided by Albany Technical College

REGINA WATTS

Director of Special Needs L.E.A.P. Director

Albany Technical College, (ATC) located in southwest Georgia, is a public, 2-year institution committed to providing higher education and life-long learning opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, economic development, and community growth and sustainability.

Aligning with the mission of the college, the Leveraging Education for Advancement Program (LEAP) is an Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program (IPSE) that is designed to provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 18 and older, an inclusive college experience. As Georgia’s only technical college with an IPSE program, ATC’s LEAP program focuses on developing academic, personal, and self-advocacy skills that lead to employment self-sufficiency. Along with being afforded the opportunity to enroll in credit-bearing classes, students participate in career development options and social integration.

Virtually all students who enroll come from historically underserved populations, and several of our students are also first-generation college students. This requires careful attention to providing resources that will help us retain students until they successfully complete their programs of study. This includes intensive advisory services, quality contact throughout the semester, and ongoing, individualized services. Through a mentor program, we connect students with peers who share their interests.

LEAP is unique in that it offers for-credit credentials that are approved by the Technical College System of Georgia, which are also available to all Albany Tech students. Students enroll in only one course per semester, and can choose from a list of 15 certificates or one diploma program, which can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Each student receives one-on-one instructional aid from LEAP staff as they engage in college-level courses taught by ATC faculty. In addition to the academics, students participate in hands-on training in their areas of study. Reasonable accommodations, modifications, and services are provided, empowering the students while promoting equal access to educational opportunities. Additionally, Georgia residents attending a technical college earn a college education with no out-of-pocket costs to the student by qualifying for PELL, the Georgia HOPE grant, funding from the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or an annual grant awarded by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In alignment with ATC’s strategic plan, LEAP also partners with high schools and transition specialists, who are a strong referral source. We also participate in a disability-focused community collaborative. These relationships broaden ATC’s community relations efforts and enhance our ability to attract students from all backgrounds.

Since 2016, there have been seven LEAP graduates who received a recognized college credential. Of those graduates, five are competitively employed. Five more students will participate in graduation this spring, and we expect to have 10 students in the program in the fall of 2022.

Our challenges include having to overcome below-average reading comprehension levels and the effects of students’ lack of selfconfidence. Many of the LEAP students were told and believed that there were no options for them after high school. With the

implementation of the IPSE option, however, students with IDD have a restored confidence and hope in the possibilities.

One of the first students to enroll was extremely shy and timid. “This program has given me self- confidence. It makes me feel good to be in the LEAP program,” he said. “I want everyone to know that people like myself can do anything they set their mind to do if they believe in themselves.” Along with four of the other graduates, he has acquired and maintains competitive employment to this day.

The program contributes to the creation of a caring campus community and a productive learning environment that helps the students thrive academically and socially while learning life skills. The students are encouraged to say what is important to them and to build the confidence to voice their needs. “I won’t have to rely on other people (after graduating). I’m being prepared to go into the real world,” said one student who is working on a diploma in early childhood education.

The LEAP program is an option for students who have historically been underserved by our higher education system. It sets the tone for what possibilities are available to this population of students, and shows them that they can achieve greater heights. Students leave the LEAP program determined, self-aware, and better prepared for obstacles they may face. They, too, are future leaders of tomorrow.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE LEAP PROGRAM A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY

The ATC Child Development Demonstration Center presented their program today in recognition of Black History Month for ATC faculty, staff, students, parents and grandparents.

Lab B presented “I Am”

Lab C presented “Honoring Hometown Heroes”

Lab D presented “African American Facts”

Pre-K presented “First in Black History

In addition to the Tiny Titans presentations, O’Brien Arnette, ATC Marketing Management Chair/Instructor, sang “Swing Low Sweet Chariot; Vieliene Ray, former ATC CDDC Director, read a Black History poem; and Expressive Movement was performed by Latrelle Byrd.

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

weConnect

CONNECTING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Albany Technical College has adapted to the needs of the current and future teaching environment using two state of the art interactive virtual classrooms. The weConnect virtual classroom allows for a quickly deployable and easy-to-use real-time distance learning solution. The goal is to reduce the passive watching of one-directional webinars.

Parents can rest assured that Dual Enrolled students can take classes remotely while maintaining the interactivity that is so important in the learning process. This new approach has increased interactivity levels and quality standards for all students across every discipline on campus.

weConnect is a purpose-built platform for teaching. According to Albany Tech officials, the venue was created to respect the basic principle of education: We learn best when there is engagement and interaction. This classroom is an immersive student experience that creates the best learning outcomes and offers students an experience that enables live and active collaboration, just like in a standard class. Analytics give teachers insights into individual engagement levels and learning paths.

“These new virtual classrooms have been designed to deliver instructions remotely,” Albany Tech President Anthony Parker said, “An instructor stands in front of the class and sees their students and can read their expressions and body language. The engagement gives instructor insights into student participation, such as raised hands and poll or quiz results in real-time. Albany Technical College is embracing the new technology to better train our upcoming work forces.”

Scan code to watch the weConnect video

TWELVE STUDENTS

SENT TO ATLANTA TO COMPETE IN STATE LEADERSHIP AND SKILLS CONFERENCE

Twelve students and accompanying faculty from Albany Technical College joined students across the state to compete in the SkillsUSA state competition, February 24-26, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. Winning students will continue to compete in the national competition later in the year in June. The majority of the technical colleges have SkillsUSA chapters. SkillsUSA State competitions are held annually in the spring, and the national competitions are held in June.

Students from eight different programs left the campus Thursday, February 24, and headed up to Atlanta for the competition. Programs the students competed in included Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Care, Early Childhood Education, Welding, Welding Art Sculpture, Auto Collision and Repair, Masonry, and Dental Assisting. One of the students competed under Extemporaneous Speaking.

Skills USA Georgia says that the State Leadership and Skills Conference is the pinnacle event of the year! Featuring the best of the best from across the state of Georgia, the State Leadership and Skills Conference gives students the opportunity to put their technical skills to the test in over 70 career competitions. Simultaneously, students sharpen their workplace and technical skills in leadership training, state officer elections, and more!

SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving middle school, high school, and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. The organization is dedicated to preparing America’s high-performance workers in public career and technical programs.

APRYL CAPERS GOLD WINNER

Early Childcare

JOSHUA HALL SILVER WINNER Welding Art Sculpture

ALIVIA McKINNEY SILVER WINNER Nail Care

JASMINE TYSON GOLD WINNER

Dental Assisting

ELIZABETH FRANCISCO BRONZE WINNER

Dental Assisting

BREANNA JORDAN SILVER WINNER Dental Assisting

JOE SWEET SILVER WINNER Extemporaneous Speaking

TERENCE WILLIAMS GOLD WINNER Masonry