access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE Fall 2014
magazine
2014 ATC STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS
President Parker Shares Successes and Challenges for FY2015
ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. President
Kim Lee, Ph.D.
Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
Shirley Armstrong, Ph.D.
Linda Coston
Executive Vice President Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vice President of Adult Education
Joe Najjar
Kathy Skates
Special Assistant to the President
Vice President of Administration
Lisandra DeJesus, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Wendy Howell
Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Matt Trice
Judy Jimmerson
Vice President of Center for Business Solutions
Associate Vice President of Career Services
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kent Sanders
Carl Childs, Jr.
Baker County Representative
Clay County Representative
Dougherty County Representatives:
Robert Chester
Joe Austin, Chair Col. Jeffrey Hooks Ben Barrow Betty White Werhner Washington Dr. David Mosely Neil Lowe
Calhoun County Representative
Early County Representative
Winston Oxford
Lee County Representative
Kuanita Murphy
Randolph County Representative
Rhonda Gordon
Cathi Jones
C.W. Grant
SB&T Bank
Retired
Lem Griffin
Community Volunteer
Flint River Services
Kirt Phillips
Alfredia Hampton
Merrill Lynch
Glenn Singfield Artesian Contracting
Katrina Baranko
SunTrust Bank
Ronnie Hinson MetroPower
Jim Wilcox
Merle Norman Cosmetics
WALB-Channel 10
Mike Clark
Jeanette McDowell
Interstate Warehousing
Dr. Willie Adams Retired
Nathaniel Williams Sam’s Club
2
Strong Tradition. Proven Success. Powerful Future.
PEREZ TELECONFERENCE 3
ATC, CGTC meet with U.S. Labor Secretary Perez
FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY 4/5
ATC FSCT Providing Pathways
ALBANY/DOUGHERTY ED SUMMITS 6/7
Making Progress in Albany
PRESIDENT OF AT&T GA 8
Beth Shiroishi visits ATC
COVER FEATURE 9 2014 STATE OF THE COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS FALL 2014 COMMENCEMENT 10/11 ATC 2014 Fall Commencement FACES/EVENTS 12-21 Recent happenings at ATC NEW ATC BOARD APPOINTMENTS 22 Mosely, Washington Join Board STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS 23/24 Rosalie Clements/ Jeanetta Miles ATC FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS 25 Scott, Robinson, Fowler
229 430.3500
Celinda Dennison
Suzanna MacIntosh
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
DOUGHERTY COUNTY CAMPUS:
Joe James
Procter & Gamble
magazine
Terrell County Representative
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES Emerson Electrical
Fall 2014
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
RANDOLPH COUNTY LEARNING CENTER: 229 732.5280
ONLINE:
albanytech.edu
#myalbanytech Access is a quarterly news magazine published by the Marketing and Public Relations Office at Albany Technical College. Send direct inquiries to Wendy Howell, Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations, at 229.430.3816 or email whowell@albanytech.edu. A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Albany Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Inquires should be addressed to the VP of Administration, ATC, 229.430.3524 or email kskates@albanytech.edu.
FEATURES page 3
ATC, CGTC TELECONFERENCE page 4
ATC’S FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM page 6 ABOUT OUR COVER: 2014 STATE OF THE COLLEGE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
page 9
page 10
COVER FEATURE
FALL COMMENCEMENT 2014
page 23
page 25
ALBANY/DOUGHERTY ED SUMMITS page 8
AT&T GA PRESIDENT VISITS ATC page 12
Faces/ Events
Faces/Events: Recent Happenings Around ATC
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Contents
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER
Strong Tradition. Proven Success. Powerful Future.
If an organization holds true to its word, there is much truth in that organization’s slogan. At Albany Technical College, our Strong Tradition. Proven Success. Powerful Future. slogan speaks volumes of what we have done and continue to do in southwest Georgia for more than 50 years now.
For those of you who had the opportunity to attend our State of the College address in September, you see that the numbers speak for themselves. You see that Albany Tech is truly making an impact on not just the Albany community, but the State of Georgia. Our Strong Tradition is providing workforce ready graduates to this community. We continue to prove our success through this legacy and as a result, our future has never been more powerful. We look forward to serving the community so that we can share a Powerful Future.
Strong Tradition. Proven Success. Powerful Future.
Thank you for your support.
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from the President
ARBOR DAY 2014
U.S. Labor Secretary Perez met with ATC, CGTC officials in August Officials from Albany Technical College and Central Georgia Technical College held a teleconference in Atlanta, Albany, and Macon with U.S. Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez, on August 22nd at Central Georgia Tech and Albany Tech.
Albany Tech President Dr. Anthony O. Parker, Central Georgia Tech President Dr. Ivan Allen, Congressman Sanford Bishop, and other officials presented to Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez, in Atlanta, on the impact of the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCT) Grant has had on their colleges. In September of 2012, Albany Tech, as a member consortium, was awarded the three-year TAACCT Grant, along with Athens Technical College and Atlanta Technical College, which was named the ATCx3 Consortium. The purpose of the grant was to meet the educational or career training needs of workers who have lost their jobs or who are threatened with job loss as a result of foreign trade. The ATCx3 Consortium has been working together to increase access to and completion of associate degree programs in engineering technology. The project incorporates stacked and latticed credentials, transforms instructional delivery, and provides students with “wrap around” support ser-
vices designed to increase retention and completion of associate degrees that lead to employment in the engineering field. At Albany Tech, the focus programs include Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, and Industrial Systems Technology. Through these programs, a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) component has been developed and implemented in an effort to shorten the time to completion for students who meet eligibility criteria such as military occupational specialties, industry certificates, and corporate training. Since the grant’s inception, a total of 163 students have been served with 35 graduating with a mean GPA of 3.0. These graduates have been placed in jobs at Southwest Georgia industries including MARS Chocolate North America, City of Albany, Marine Corp Logistics Base (MCLB), MillerCoors, Coates & Clark, SRJ Architects, Inc., Technical Associates, Dougherty County School System, and Fabrication Solutions. Job types include city engineer, workflow design, machinery repair, drafting instructor, and mechanical drafter. Additional support services are also provided through the grant. With two academic coaches that connect with STEM students and encourage them through completion of the program and to job
placement, there are also additional opportunities for students who want to further their education to move on from Albany Tech and earn a bachelor’s degree with Southern Polytechnic State University or Middle Tennessee State University through articulation agreements.
Currently, the grant primarily focuses on the engineering portion of STEM occupations, however, to better serve the community and local employers, Albany Tech is interested in expanding the scope to include additional sciences and technology occupations, including healthcare fields. With large medical facilities in the region such as Phoebe Putney Health Systems, expansion would be a win-win for students and the community. In addition to Albany Tech’s local population, the VA Medical Clinic and Naval Clinic on the Marine Corps Logistics Base has an active duty and veteran population, including wounded warriors, who could take advantage of the PLA program and provide experienced and well-educated applicants for local employers. “The TAACCCT Grant has afforded Albany Tech the benefit of having achievement coaches in Engineering Technology on staff, who work in conjunction with faculty to assist students in enrollment, retention, and completion,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech. access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014 | 3
XXXX
Fire Science Technology at Albany Tech Albany Technical College is one of only two technical colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia offering Fire Science Technology associate degree options. And, the only technical college in the entire system to have a partnership with the local fire department.
In fact, many of the adjunct instructors for the program, which is about 90 percent online, work for the Albany Fire Department. One of those instructors, Captain Eugene Anderson, actually completed the program himself when he first moved to Albany a few years ago.
Approximately 70 percent of the Albany Fire Department’s new hires are coming out of Albany Tech’s firefighter program and many return to Albany Tech to complete their associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology.
Today, the Fire Science program is chaired by Frank Flannigan, former employee of the Albany Fire Department, who is wanting to take the program to the next level.
Through an articulation agreement Albany Tech holds with Albany State University, graduates of the associate degree program in Fire Science can even complete a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration. Former chair of the Fire Science Technology program at Albany Tech, Don Laye, pioneered the program and said it’s been a win-win for both ATC and the Albany Fire Department. “I wanted to start the program to provide a way for firefighters to move up and it has really taken off since we started,” said Don Laye, former chair of the Fire Science Technology program and current Evening Dean of Administration at Albany Tech. 4 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
Flannigan said he envisions a more comprehensive firefighter program in the high schools and is working to make that happen. “My goal is to incorporate a pathways option to include dual enrollment at the high schools with the fire science program,” said Flannigan. Albany High School is the pioneer of such a dual enrollment program and Flannigan says he hopes to expand to more high schools in 2015. Albany Tech’s firefighter technical certificate and diploma provide job readiness and is a perfect opportunity for those wanting to be volunteer firefighters.
For more information about the Fire Science Technology associate degree program, or the firefighter diploma and technical certificate program at Albany Tech, contact
“ I wanted to start the program to provide a way for firefighters to move up and it has really taken off since we started.” -- Don Laye
Former Chair and Evening Dean of Administration, Albany Tech
ATC FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
“ My goal is to incorporate a pathways option to include dual enrollment at the high schools with the fire science program.” -- Frank Flannigan
Chair, Fire Science Program, Albany Tech
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ALBANY-DOUGHERTY EDUCATION SUMMIT KICKOFF
Education Leaders Held Albany-Dougherty Education Summit on July 1st To expand collaborative efforts of K-16 institutions in Albany-Dougherty County, the presidents of Albany State University, Darton State College, Albany Technical College and the Dougherty County School System superintendent, hosted the first ever Albany-Dougherty County Education Summit on July 1st, at the Monroe Comprehensive High School Cafeteria. Representatives from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development and Carl Vinson Institute of Government facilitated the event, as well as a series of community listening sessions, focus groups, and interviews. The long-term goal is to develop collaborative sustainable solutions that lead to increased high school graduation rates and a more skilled labor force in Southwest Georgia. “The City of Albany is fortunate to have four educational institutions working in unison to leverage their strengths for the purpose of increasing economic development in the region,” said Albany State University President Dr. Art Dunning. “A skilled and educated workforce is attractive to corporate leaders considering 6 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
where to relocate their companies; and a more diversified industrial base increases the tax base in the region.” A listening session is the first step toward the development of a strategic plan that focuses on education. Participants engaged in candid discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of the K-16 system that will result in identifiable action steps to boost student achievement, college enrollment and graduation rates. “This level of leadership is important and we are acutely aware of our responsibility to the community. The stakeholders are deserving of the rewards this ongoing effort is expected to yield,” said Darton State College President Dr. Paul Jones. “I am positive that we will develop a process that serves our community’s need for wealth creation and economic development. I believe that the consortium will be a transforming agent in Southwest Georgia. We will be a ‘work ready’ community because of the percentage of citizens with high school diplomas or GED’s and specific qualifications demonstrated by earned degrees,” said Albany Technical College President Dr. Anthony O. Parker.
“We began meeting last year to find common solutions to the challenges we all face,” said Dougherty County School System Superintendent Dr. David C. Mosely. “Our community’s leaders in higher education are providing opportunities for our students to succeed after high school and they are now focusing efforts on helping students stay in school through graduation. This Education Summit will involve community leadership in the work of making sure students become better educated and our system graduates more students fully prepared for college and career options. The future success of Albany, Dougherty County, and Southwest Georgia depends on the success of our education systems.”
“ I am positive that we will develop a process that serves our community’s need for wealth creation and economic development.” -- Dr. Anthony O. Parker
President, Albany Tech
Second Albany-Dougherty Education Summit Held on December 11th In a continued effort to expand collaborative efforts of K-16 institutions in Albany-Dougherty County, the presidents of Albany State University (Art Dunning), Darton State College (Paul Jones), and Albany Technical College (Anthony Parker), along with the Dougherty County School System Superintendent Butch Mosely, held the second Albany-Dougherty County Education Summit on December 11th. Representatives from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development and Carl Vinson Institute of Government presented findings from a series of community-wide listening sessions, focus groups, and interviews which were conducted over the last few months.
ing the collaborative forward and the important role of community engagement. There was also an opportunity for community comments or questions.
Pictured to the right: Dr. Maritza Soto Keen, Senior Public Service Associate, University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, shares report findings with attendees.
The long-term goal of these efforts is to develop collaborative, sustainable solutions that lead to students being better prepared for post-secondary education and the workforce. Following the presentation of major findings, the four Albany education leaders discussed next steps in movaccess | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014 | 7
President of AT&T Georgia Visits Albany Tech Albany Technical College was the host college for a visit from the new President of AT&T Georgia, Beth Shiroishi, and the leaders of Southwest Georgia’s institutions of higher learning, on October 2nd. Shiroishi, an advocate for higher education, had lunch with ATC President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, and leaders from several area colleges and universities. Representatives from the following colleges and universities are expected to attend: Albany Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, Andrew College, Thomas University, and Moultrie Technical College. In addition, Dr. David Mosely from the Dougherty County School System was also in attendance. Appointed President of AT&T Georgia in December 2013, Shiroishi is responsible for the company’s government relations, public policy and community relations ini8 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
tiatives across the state. In this role, she works closely with community and business leaders and elected officials to help bring new technology and jobs to the state and to create stronger communities for all Georgians. Shiroishi and AT&T Georgia are committed to strengthening communities and creating shared value throughout the state by investing in the infrastructure needed to keep Georgians and their business connected, as well as by providing volunteer and philanthrophic support, particularly in the area of education. From 2010 through 2012, AT&T invested nearly $3.9 billion in its Georgia wireless and wireline networks. And, in the same time period, AT&T and its employees contributed more than $23.9 million through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs in Georgia. Most recently, Shiroishi was involved in the creation of the company’s corporate sustainability group, which worked across the company’s signature charitable program, AT&T Aspire. Under this initiative, over $100 million has been invested in programs that help underserved youth
succeed in high school and go on to postsecondary education or meaningful employment, and in 2012, the company announced an additional $250 million towards these same goals. Albany Technical College has benefitted from donations given to its Foundation by AT&T. Annual contributions have ranged from $1,000 to $4,500 each year. In 2009, AT&T awarded Albany Tech a $50,000 grant to help the college get to a state of wireless access. They have also been supporters of Foundation events, including the annual golf tournament and Roasts.
ATC has benefitted from donations given to its Foundation by AT&T throughout the years.
2014 STATE OF THE COLLEGE:
President Parker Shares Successes and Challenges for FY2015 The numbers speak for themselves and Albany Technical College has definitely had a successful fiscal year 2014 and plans to share those same successes in fiscal year 2015. During the annual State of the College address held on September 24th, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech, shared all the stats with attendees from faculty, staff, and students, to local and state legislators and members of the community. Parker presented to attendees on not just how Albany Tech compares in enrollment, retention, and graduation to our counterparts in the region, but how we rank in the State of Georgia with our sister technical colleges. While we do have challenges, our successes far outweigh those challenges. He emphasized how we produce 32 percent of the region’s technical college graduates, and 35 percent of the region’s awards. When compared to other technical colleges with larger service delivery areas than Albany Tech, those percentages are phenomenal. Albany Tech has already met many of the challenges that other colleges have
not met and the college continues to grow and thrive. One area of tremendous growth is Albany Tech’s dual enrollment. Last year, the college had an overall academic year total of just over 200 students. This fall, the college has over 200 this term.
Albany Tech is more than prepared to meet the challenges of Complete College Georgia and Complete College America and as Parker indicated, the college is well on its way to meeting the goal for 2020. For the full State of the College address, visit albanytech.edu. access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014 | 9
Fall Commencement
FALL 2014 GRADUATION
2014
Albany Technical College held Fall Commencement Exercises on December 4th at the James H. Gray Civic Center in Albany. More than 200 candidates for associate degrees, more than 900 candidates for diplomas, and more than 1700 candidates for technical certificates of credit graduated. Among these graduates, over 100 students were honored at an earlier ceremony on the Albany Tech campus with such distinctions as General Education Development highest test scores, Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), Presidential Scholar, Honors with Distinction, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), ATC Ambassadors, American Criminal Justice Association Club, Collegiate DECA, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Student Government Association (SGA), and SkillsUSA. In addition, nearly 65 high school students will graduate with college credit through Albany Tech’s dual/joint enrollment programs. Almost 40 students will graduate with their General Education Development (GED®). Among the list of graduates for the fall ceremony were two students with outstanding stories. Jeanetta Miles, candidate for an associate’s degree in Drafting Technology, never knew she would find herself just one class away from graduating. Just four years ago, she finally earned her high school diploma after being away from school for nine years. During those nine years, Miles found herself struggling in life. She had put her life and dreams on the back burner while she cared for her children and mother. Her life up to that point had been full of challenges and hardships that seemed too overwhelming to conquer. However, one day, while looking at her children she realized she had to 10 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
make a better life for herself. She realized that if anything happened to her parents or herself, there would be nothing for her children and they could face the same hardships she had to endure. In 2010, Miles reached out to Even Start, a program that helped her to complete the requirements to earn her high school diploma. Once she had overcome that hurdle, she enrolled in the Strive to Thrive program where she successfully completed and became a volunteer to help others succeed. “I realized I had to change my situation, break old habits, and change my mindset,” said Miles. “It is through the grace of God and my children that I am here today.” That decision to change brought Jeanetta to Albany Technical College, where she came across Chinelo Ochie, Albany Tech’s Drafting Technology instructor. Ochie had been Mile’s drafting teacher at Dougherty High School and she was surprised to see her at Albany Technical College. Ochie remembered Miles fondly and proceeded to show her the drafting lab and encouraged her to pursue a degree in drafting. Miles had always enjoyed drawing, creating something new, and helping her community. It was a perfect fit and she has been enjoying her drafting courses immensely since the day she enrolled in the Drafting Technology degree program. With Ochie’s support and belief in her abilities, Miles is successfully employed as an intern at a local architectural company. She is working each day in a field she loves with a team of architects who make a difference in their community. She is also looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity where she can
continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Miles’ future goals include earning her bachelor’s degree and continuing to work in the field of architecture and working to improve her community. She is just one of many students who are benefiting from the Drafting Technology program at Albany Technical College. Another graduate is Torrey Holmes, who is currently employed in the Material Management Division at the Marine Depot Maintenance Command. Holmes, a candidate at this evening’s graduation in the Business Logistics Management program, attributes her current success to her decision to enroll in the program. Moving to Albany in 2006 from Virginia, Holmes said her love for God and ministry brought her and her family to move here, but she had no idea the job assignment would only last two years. When the ministry could no longer afford to keep her on staff, she began working at the Albany Symphony Orchestra as the office manager, and eight months later, she was offered a position at Albany Tech in the Adult Education office before later moving to a position in the Center for Business Solutions at Albany Tech. While working in the Center for Business Solutions at Albany Tech, she took an interest in Business Logistics Management and later enrolled in the program. She said this was a wise decision on her part, because it afforded her the opportunity to participate in the Co-op program at the Marine Depot Maintenance Command. Through the program, she learned how to apply management principles on a daily basis, which she says is a must in her current position.
“The logistics operations principles I have learned enable me to be efficient and effective as I manage the many aspects of my job,” said Holmes. Holmes said she would recommend the program to anyone who is looking to reinvent themselves in a new and rewarding career. “This program will challenge them to be better personally and professionally,” she said. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Arthur N. Dunning, Interim President of Albany State University. Appointed Interim President of Albany State University by the University System of Georgia’s Chancellor Hank Huckaby in November of 2013, Dunning is a veteran administrator scholar and lecturer with a distinguished track record in higher education. Serving as Vice Chancellor for International Programs and Outreach for the University of Alabama System in Tuscaloosa, Dunning advised the Chancellor on opportunities to build international programs, strengthen the base of academic and research partnerships, expand economic development initiatives and developing strong linkages with emerging economies around the world, specifically India and Argentina. Additionally, he assisted in developing and communicating a strategy for commercialization and innovation of UA System faculty and research. He also served as chair of the UA System committee on Strategic Initiatives. At the University of Alabama, Dunning was a professor and senior research fellow in the Education Policy Center. His work included service on state and national boards, as well as teaching responsibilities. He served for seven years in administrative and faculty positions on the Tuscaloosa campus before embarking on a 27-year career in higher education in the state of Georgia where he was Vice President for Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia. His responsibilities included institutional leadership
for public service and outreach activities across the campus, around the state and internationally. The tenured professor impacted the lives of students in the Institute of Higher Education on the Athens campus. Prior to joining UGA in 2000, Dunning served as Senior Vice Chancellor for Human and External Resources, acting Executive Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Services at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. At the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, he was Chief Executive Officer; and at Kennesaw State University, the administrator was Dean of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research, and Associate Professor. A native of Alabama, Dunning earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees at the University of Alabama and is recognized for his work in international programs, economic development initiatives, and innovative research partnerships. He served on the board of directors for the Latin American Association and has worked with the Carter Presidential Center and United Nations in Vienna, Austria. Dunning has lived in more than 30 countries, including Ghana, Tunisia, China, India, Thailand, and Brazil and worked internationally in positions related to the military, higher education, and the non-profit sector. As a lecturer, his topics focus on higher education trends, leadership, reform, economic development, campus security and diversity.
Fall Commencement 2014
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
The Health Care Technology division held their Summer Capping and Pinning Ceremony on July 30th. Programs participating included: EMT, Nursing, Pharmacy Technology, and Dental Assisting. Left: Mrs. Helen Koneri, Dougherty High School Science teacher, recently won a drawing for a PlayStation 4 held by Team Titan Alliance. Dennis Courtney, Albany Tech Engineering instructor (right) presented her with the award. When she claimed her prize, she and her husband also graciously donated $200 to Team Titan Alliance. The Titan Alliance Team is a competition robotics team formed in 2014 and participates in the First Robotics Competition League. The team is made of up dual enrolled High School and “Engineering Club� students who attend Albany Technical College. FIRST Robotics is a charitable foundation led by Inventor Dean Kamen to promote STEM fields and careers benefitting our youth. 12 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
Faces/Events
FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Health Care Technology programs Capping & Pinning (Summer Semester) Medical Assisting candidates.
Albany Tech held a dual/joint enrollment forum with parents and students in the Service Delivery Area on July 19th. Dianne Barker, TCSG State Initiatives Coordinator, presented dual/joint enrollment options available to attendees.
Albany Tech held an Accountability Summit on September 4th with sister technical colleges in TCSG to share data research methods.
F/E
Senator Jack Hill, Representative Freddie Powell-Sims, and Melody DeBussey, Senate Budgets Director, were given a tour on September 4th by ATC President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker.
Student Activities held a Club Day on September 16th in the Student Center in the Logistics Education Center.
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Dr. Yolonda Turner, Superintendent of the Calhoun County School System, recently visited Albany Tech on August 28th with a tour given by ATC President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker.
Virginia Parker (center) was recently presented with a Board Emeritus resolution by ATC President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, and Board Chair, Joe Austin, for her service to the Albany Tech Board of Directors.
Albany Tech was the hosting site for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission’s State of the Community address held on August 28th.
ATC Board Member, Ben Barrow (center) was recently presented with his Board Certification by ATC President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, and Board Chair, Joe Austin.
F/E
Left: Several community members attended the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development’s High Workforce Demand Initiative held on Albany Tech’s campus on October 8th.
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Faces/Events
FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Eighth through twelfth graders from Albany area high schools had the opportunity to explore construction and energy career options by attending Albany Tech’s annual Careers In Construction event held on September 25th.
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Carpentry, Electrical Construction, and Horticulture instructors and students recently performed a Live Work Project for the Albany Advocacy Resource Center (AARC), in conjunction with Keep Albany Beautiful. Electrical Construction students installed outlets and exterior ceiling fans; Horticulture students worked on landscaping; and Carpentry students built and installed planter boxes.
Albany Tech held its annual Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), Rick Perkins, and EAGLE Awards Banquet on November 24th. Pictured on the left are Albany Tech instructors nominated for the Rick Perkins Award. The winner was Lisa Riddle, Chair of the Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management program. Pictured on the right are GOAL and EAGLE students, who if are chosen to win at the state level, will be given a brand new car compliments of Chevrolet. 16 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
Faces/Events
FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Left: AT&T donated $40,000 to Communities In Schools (CIS) on November 17th, while (right), Courtney Brinson with AT&T also presented Albany Tech Foundation with a donation of $2,500. The CIS donation will go to benefit the partnership Albany Tech holds with the Dougherty County School System and CIS to help students enrolled in the College and Career Performance Learning Center (CCPLC) housed at Monroe Comprehensive High School.
During Georgia Literacy Week, held October 6th through 10th, Albany Tech’s Child Development Demonstration Center’s Pre-K class had visits from Pam Simmons, President of SB&T Bank (left) and State Representative Winfred Dukes (right).
Albany Tech’s Special Populations program hosted a “Think Pink” Health Fair on October 6th..
Lee County High School dually enrolled students in Culinary Arts held a competition on October 23rd. Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech, served as one of the judges.
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Over 20 students were inducted into the National Technical Honors Society (NTHS) during an induction ceremony held on October 16th. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College; and Norman Barber, Human Resources and Safety Manager for American Proteins, Inc. American Proteins donated an $8,000 scholarship to the Albany Tech Foundation.
Albany Tech held an Active Shooter Training Exercise on campus on November 14th. This is the kickoff of an annual drill to be held on Albany Tech’s campus, as well as all campus within the Technical College System of Georgia.
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Three Design Media Production Technology students recently won first, second and third place for a Photography Exhibit. Pictured (left to right): Alisa Johnson (first); Paula Gullige (second); and Brooke Geissler (third).
Faces/Events
FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Hundreds of students and members of the community attended Albany Tech’s Fall Career Fair on October 23rd.
Mr. and Miss ATC (Jamal Garrett and D’Ambriele Rollins) were crowned at the Titans Homecoming Game on November 5th. Garrett is a Building Maintenance student at ATC and ambassador. Rollins is an Early Childhood Care and Education student at ATC.
Albany Tech held Homecoming Week on November 3rd through 5th with several activities on campus, such as a Culinary Competition, Wing Eating Competition, Fashion Show, Dance Competition and a Tailgate the day of the home game.
The Albany Tech Titans and Lady Titans had several victories during the 2014 Titans Holiday Classic held on November 15th and 16th at ASU’s HPER Gym.
Three Cosmetology students recently won first, second and third place for a project on hair follicles. Pictured (left to right): Lisa Kilgore (first); Palak Patel (second); and Katrina Peterson (third). access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014 | 19
Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Over 50 students were honored during Fall Honors Day Ceremony held on December 2nd. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was retired Dean of Health Care Technology at Albany Tech, Dr. Dorothy Garner.
Albany Tech was recently named a finalist for the 2014 Technical College of the Year Award. Pictured (left to right): TCSG State Board Chair, Joe Yarbrough, Albany Technical College President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, and TCSG Commissioner, Ron Jackson.
Cedrick Ward, Albany Tech Culinary Arts student, was named winner of the first ever “Albany’s Next Titan Chef” competition held on December 12th in the Culinary Arts department.
Left: ATC Summer Robotics Enrichment (SREA) Camp student, Kimon Jefferson, had a blast during this year’s camp. Currently a junior at Monroe Comprehensive High School, Jefferson is dually enrolled in the Electronics Technology program at Albany Tech this fall and is looking forward to a bright future in the field of Engineering Technology. He credits the SREA Camp for opening his mind up to ideas, especially all he learned at the camp, as well as the site visits to such places as the Kia Plant and the Marine Base.
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Faces/Events
FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Several Albany Tech Pharmacy Technology students presented during a PT Capstone Project on November 21st.
ATC Robotics students had a chance to compete on October 4th at the Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament & Showcase (GRITS) off-season first robotics event held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Albany Tech’s Health Care Technology division held fall Capping and Pinning on November 19th. Programs participating in this ceremony included Paramedic Technology, Practical Nursing, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, and Surgical Technology.
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ALBANY TECH BOARD OF DIRECTORS ... NEW APPOINTMENTS
Albany Tech Board Appoints Two New Dougherty County Board Members Albany Technical College has appointed new members to fill two vacant seats for Dougherty County on the Board of Directors. Dr. David C. Mosely, Superintendent of the Dougherty County School System, and Werhner V. Washington, Plant Manager for Procter & Gamble, began serving on the Albany Tech Board of Directors at the September meeting. Currently serving as the Superintendent for the Dougherty County School System (DCSS), Dr. David C. Mosely has served in the interim capacity in three Georgia school systems and with board conflict resolutions for the past year. He retired as superintendent of the Glynn County School System in 1999 completing 34 years of full-time service in public education, distinguishing himself with many recognitions, including being honored as the Georgia Association of Educators Leadership State Superintendent of the Year in 1999.
Dr. David C. Mosely
Dougherty County School System
Prior to being named to his first superintendent post for Decatur County Schools in 1985, Mosely served as a classroom teacher, varsity basketball coach, assistant principal, and principal. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member of NOVA University teaching in the Education Leadership program, where he earned his doctorate degree in 1996. He received his specialist degree from Valdosta State University and both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Georgia. He also holds the Georgia L-7 Leadership Certification. In civic and community activities, Mosely has served as Chair of the Decatur County Board of Commissioners and provided leadership on the boards of the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, the Climax Community Club, the Decatur County Library Board, the Climax United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Church Children’s Home. Recently appointed as the new Plant Manager at the Albany Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), Werhner V. Washington is a focused executive with an established track record. He has served in numerous positions within P&G, including Associate Director of Human Resources in the Cincinnati, Ohio location; Plant Human Resources Manager in the Hunt Valley, MD location; and Supply Chain Management in both Albany, Georgia and Mehoopany, PA. Prior to coming to the Albany P&G, Washington’s position with the P&G Global Hair Care and Color Business Unit allowed him to lead the Organizational Capability Plan for the Global Product Supply Organization and renewed the organizational design to meet the company’s productivity goals and improved collaboration across the Seamless Technical Community. He also led the Executive Talent System to include staffing and succession planning, diversity planning, productivity planning and top talent development leveraging P&G’s State-of-the-Art Talent Development Systems.
Werhner V. Washington Procter & Gamble
In his role in Supply Chain Management for the Albany and Mehoopany, PA P&G Paper Sector, Washington was assigned to various manufacturing positions in two of the largest manufacturing plants in P&G. He developed skills in High Performance Manufacturing Work Systems, Process Reliability (PR) Daily Management Systems, TQA, Supply Chain Management, and Labor Relations. In his recently appointed role as Plant Manager for P&G Albany’s Global Family Care Business Unit/Product Supply, he leads a manufacturing plant with 1200-plus employees and contractors who produce over $40MM cases annually of Bounty Kitchen Towels and Charmin Bathroom Tissue. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Tuskegee University, Washington has served on the Tuskegee University Department of Chemical Engineering Advisory Board; United Way of Central Maryland Fund Raising Campaign – P&G Campaign Leader; Valley Brook Community Church, Columbia, MD, Board of Trustees President; and Howard High School (Ellicott City, MD) PTSA Black Parent Group President. He was also the recipient of United Way’s “The Spirit of Community” Award for leading the best annual corporate campaign.
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ATC STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
ROSALIE CLEMENTS
Rosalie Clements Graduate, ATC Law Enforcement Technology Associate Degree Program/Current Student in Bachelor Degree Criminal Justice Program at Mercer University
ATC Law Enforcement Technology Grad Follows Her Dream When she received her associate’s degree in Accounting from Albany Technical College in 2012, little did Rosalie Clements realize that she would go on and pursue a second associate’s degree in Law Enforcement Technology to follow her dream of pursuing a career in forensics. A native of Leesburg, Georgia, Clements’ original plan was to possibly become a Forensics Accountant, but after watching true crime shows on television and researching the many unsolved homicides in Georgia, one in a nearby county, she was heartbroken. With so many family members who were left with unanswered questions, Clements found herself wanting to give those family members the answers they needed and she wanted to be that person to help solve a cold case. Clements received her associate’s degree in Law Enforcement Technology from Albany Tech in May of this year. She said that she couldn’t have asked for better instructors than Kenneth Singleton and Lynn Miller and that learning the ins and outs of being a police officer, the techniques of investigating crimes and what questions to ask benefitted her greatly. Completing her internship with the Dougherty County Coroners Office, Clements said Coroner Michael Fowler taught her what it is like to be a coroner and she was able to use her skills and knowledge learned in the program at Albany Tech to open her eyes to forensic pathology as a possible career path. However, Clements said that most of all, she knows now that it takes someone with a heart and dedication to work in the criminal justice field.
face that fear and not let it control you. Currently, through an articulation agreement Albany Tech holds with Mercer University, Clements is enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Mercer working toward her bachelor’s degree. She is in her second semester to earn a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Leadership (Criminal Justice track) with a minor in Psychology. “I am not going to sit here and say it was easy transitioning from ATC to Mercer, because it was far from it,” said Clements. Due to an admissions error, Clements was accidentally accepted to Mercer Law School, and by the time the mistake was corrected, she had very little time to prepare herself to begin her program. However, she is off to a successful start and is currently maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher in the program. Clements says that she owes much of her success in her educational journey to her husband, John, who without his love and support, she was not be able to focus the amount of time she is able to devote to her school work. “He has been my rock,” said Clements. “There have been many times I wanted to just say forget it, but he kept encouraging me and taught me that it was okay to not make an A on every assignment or test. Just do my best and that is all that matters.” Going back to her instructors at Albany Tech, Clements said that Singleton taught her that it was okay to be afraid, but to
“He told me that there is always going to be someone that will try to knock me down and tell me I can’t do it, but instead of trying to prove them wrong, that I should let my fear be my strength,” she said. With all her classes being completely online, Clements said many people ask her what it takes to do an online program and she always tells them the same thing. “I look at my online classes like a full-time job and my advice to anyone wanting to take online classes is dedication, perseverance, and motivation,” said Clements. With the support of her ATC instructors, her husband, and her personal dedication, Clements has been successful and is well on her way to making her dream of working in forensics come true.
“I look at my online classes like a full-time job and my advice to anyone wanting to take online classes is dedication, perseverance, and motivation.” - Rosalie Clements
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JEANETTA MILES
ATC STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Jeanetta Miles Associate Degree Candidate, ATC Drafting Technology Program
Drafting Technology Program Taking Jeanetta Miles to New Heights Jeanetta Miles, Drafting Technology student at Albany Technical College, never knew she would find herself just one class away from graduating. Just four years ago, she finally earned her high school diploma after being away from school for nine years. During those nine years, Miles found herself struggling in life. She had put her life and dreams on the back burner while she cared for her children and mother. Her life up to that point had been full of challenges and hardships that seemed too overwhelming to conquer. However, one day, while looking at her children she realized she had to make a better life for herself. She realized that if anything happened to her parents or herself, there would be nothing for her children and they could face the same hardships she had to endure. In 2010, Miles reached out to Even Start, a program that helped her to complete the requirements to earn her high school diploma. Once she had overcome that hurdle, she enrolled in the Strive to Thrive program where she successfully completed and became a volunteer to help others succeed. “I realized I had to change my situation, break old habits, and change my mindset,” said Miles. “It is through the grace of God and my children that I am here today.” That decision to change brought Jeanetta to Albany Technical College, where she came across Chinelo Ochie, Albany Tech’s Drafting Technology instructor. Ochie had been Mile’s drafting teacher at Dougherty 24 | access | Albany Technical College | Fall 2014
High School and she was surprised to see her at Albany Technical College. Ochie remembered Miles fondly and proceeded to show her the drafting lab and encouraged her to pursue a degree in drafting. Miles had always enjoyed drawing, creating something new, and helping her community. It was a perfect fit and she has been enjoying her drafting courses immensely since the day she enrolled in the Drafting Technology degree program. With Ochie’s support and belief in her abilities, Miles is successfully employed as an intern at a local architectural company. She is working each day in a field she loves with a team of architects who make a difference in their community. She is also looking forward to working with Habitat for Humanity where she can continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Miles’ future goals include earning her bachelor’s degree and continuing to work in the field of architecture and working to improve her community. She is just one of many students who are benefiting from the Drafting Technology program at Albany Technical College. The Drafting Technology degree and diploma programs prepare you for a variety of positions in the drafting field, such as drafter, CAD operator, or civil technician based on the area of specialization you choose. Drafting Technology graduates have also found employment in many Albany companies, including MetroPower, SRJ Architects, Dougherty County School System,
Technical Associates, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, World Class Aviation, Fabrication Solutions, and Unlimited Control. Drafting education prepared them to be to be creative designers and problem solvers in these industries, which span the building, mechanical, manufacturing, electrical, construction and civil arena.
“I realized I had to change my situation, break old habits, and change my mindset. It is through the grace of God and my children that I am here today.” - Jeanetta Miles
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FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Albany Technical College 2014 Employee of the Year Albany Technical College named the 2014 Employee of the Year in August. Mitchell “Mitch” Scott, grounds maintenance keeper in the Campus Operations department at Albany Tech, was named the 2014 Albany Tech Employee of the Year at a faculty/staff luncheon. Scott has been a consistent face of the facilities and maintenance crew of Albany Tech since the summer of 2000. Although he is listed as the grounds maintenance keeper, he does much more for the campus than simply maintaining the grounds. Being known as one of the hardest working individuals on the campus, Scott can be counted on to do much more than maintain grounds.
Without being prompted to do so, Scott is always the first among his peers to roll up his sleeves and pitch in for jobs outside of campus operations. He’s a self-starter who is willing to help out wherever he is needed on campus.
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Robinson Named New Dean of Early Childhood Program Albany Technical College appointed a new Associate Dean of the Early Childhood Care and Education Program. Angela Robinson, who has previously served as the Director of the Early Childhood Care and Education Child Development Demonstration Center at Albany Tech, was recently appointed to the position. A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, Robinson is the daughter of Ms. Jacquelyn Robinson and the late Mr. Harry Handsford. She was initially hired at Albany Tech as the Program Chair for the Early Childhood Care and Education program and has also served as the Director of the Early Childhood Care and Education Child Development Demonstration Center. She came to Albany Tech from the Sumter County School System, where was served
as a teacher for 17 years, teaching kindergarten for 12 years and science in kindergarten through second grade for five years. She also served as an adjunct instructor with South Georgia Technical College. Robinson holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Specialist of Education degree from Troy State University. “I am very appreciative to have this wonderful opportunity to serve in this new role,” said Robinson. “It will be an honor to work with and lead the hardworking team of the Early Childhood Care and Education department as I embrace the mission and purpose of Albany Technical College.”
Fowler Receives ASU’s 50 Under 50 Award Dr. Marla Fowler-Jackson, English and Humanities instructor at Albany Technical College, recently received the “50 Under 50” award, which honors the rising stars of Albany State University’s alumni family who lead with excellence and serve as passionate, loyal and committed Golden Rams. Jackson-Fowler received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and an additional master’s degree in Public Administration from Albany State University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Walden University and has authored two books, Climbing the Ladder to Love and Going Down the Ladder of Love.
Teachers, the Georgia Association of English Teachers and the National Association of Public Administrators. She is the wife of Rev. Roderick Fowler and has four children and one grandchild. 50 Under 50 Award candidates are nominated by other ASU alumni. An annual publication and a banquet given for the honorees to honor their outstanding roles as true Golden Rams is part of the recognition.
a Congratulations! A freelancer writer and editor, Fowler-Jackson is a member of the National Association of English
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1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, Georgia 31701
SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS JANUARY 7TH
My Future, My Career, My Albany Tech Jeanetta Miles Future Architect
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