spring 2014
access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
magazine
Kristen Lord: Albany Tech GOAL Winner Talks About Her Journey
access
spring 2014
ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SENIOR ADMINISTRATION
FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D.
Kim Lee, Ph.D.
President
Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
Shirley Armstrong, Ph.D.
Linda Coston
Executive Vice President Vice President for Academic Affairs
Vice President of Adult Education
Kathy Skates
Special Assistant to the President
Lisandra DeJesus, Ed.D.
Director of Public Relations & Information
Joe Najjar
Vice President of Administration
Wendy Howell
Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Judy Jimmerson
Matt Trice
Associate Vice President of Career Services
Vice President of Center for Business Solutions
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kent Sanders
Baker County Representative Dougherty County Representatives:
Virginia Parker, Chair Col. Jeffrey Hooks Joe Austin Ben Barrow Betty White Neil Lowe
Calhoun County Representative
Carl Childs, Jr.
Clay County Representative
Robert Chester
Early County Representative
Randolph County Representative
Rhonda Gordon
Cathi Jones
C.W. Grant
Suzanna MacIntosh
Lem Griffin
SB&T Bank Retired
Community Volunteer
Flint River Services
Kirt Phillips
Alfredia Hampton
Glenn Singfield
Ronnie Hinson
Katrina Baranko
SunTrust Bank MetroPower
Jim Wilcox
Merle Norman Cosmetics
WALB-Channel 10
Mike Clark
Cynthia Young
Dr. Willie Adams
Jeanette McDowell
Interstate Warehousing Retired
Nathaniel Williams Sam’s Club
ATC FIRST ANNUAL VETERAN’S DAY 3
Albany Tech Honors Veterans
DUAL/JOINT ENROLLMENT FORUM 4 Forum a Success for Students/Parents
HORTICULTURE CAMPUS PROJECT 5
Students Give Back to Their Campus through Service
FALL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 6/7 A Pictorial of Fall Commencement COVER FEATURE 8/9 GOAL Winner Kristen Lord, Talks About Her Journey FACES/PLACES 10-14 Recent happenings at ATC GOAL/PERKINS/EAGLE BANQUET 15 ATC’s Finest are Honored ATC ATHLETICS 16 Men’s Coach Talks 100th Win
ATC PRESIDENT’S AWARD 19 ATC President Receives Distinguished Excellence Award
Celinda Dennison
Artesian Contracting
Off to a Great Start!
Kuanita Murphy
Lee County Representative
Joe James
Merrill Lynch
2
ALBANY TECH FOUNDATION 17/18 ATF’s 2014 “Roast”
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
Procter & Gamble
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
Winston Oxford
Terrell County Representative
Emerson Electrical
magazine
Bank of America
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
PEOPLE 18 Recent Promotions/Awards of ATC Employees
DOUGHERTY COUNTY CAMPUS:
229 430.3500
RANDOLPH COUNTY LEARNING CENTER: 229 732.5280
ONLINE:
www.albanytech.edu Access is a quarterly news magazine published by the Public Relations and Information Office at Albany Technical College. Send direct inquiries to Wendy Howell, Director of Public Relations and Information, 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
Albany Tech’s First Annual Veteran’s Day page 4
Dual/Joint Enrollment Forum a Success page 5
ABOUT OUR COVER: Albany Tech GOAL Winner talks about her journey.
page15
page17/18
ATC’s Finest are Recognized
Albany Tech Foundation 2014 “Roast”
page16
page19
Titans Men’s Coach Talks About 100th Win
ATC President Receives Excellence Award
Horticulture Students Give Back to Campus page 6/7
Fall Commencement Exercises page 10-14
Faces/ Places Faces/Events: Recent Happenings Around ATC
Contents
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER
Off to a Great Start! Since the first of the year, we have been busy here at Albany Tech with various events on campus. You can say that we are certainly off to a great start! One of the most important events is selecting our annual Student of the Year and Instructor of the Year, or what we call our GOAL and Perkins winners. Every year, our winners are more and more impressive and it becomes harder and harder to narrow down our finalists, and ultimately, our winners. Our GOAL winner this year, Ms. Kristen Lord, has not only served her country, but she has set some impressive goals in her chosen field of Medical Assisting and we are proud of her. Our Perkins winner, Mr. Clifford Singleton, has been an instructor now for a few years in the Masonry program. I remember when we were searching for a masonry instructor to launch this program and wanted someone with much experience to teach and train our students. We could not have found a
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better person to teach this program than Mr. Singleton. Hats off to him in being named our Perkins Instructor of the Year. We know that both our GOAL and Perkins winners are going to continue to do great things and we wish them both luck as they head to Atlanta in late April to compete for the state titles. As you flip through the pages of this edition of Access, you’ll see several events highlighted. One of which was our Foundation’s 2014 “Roast.” We were honored that Dr. T. Marshall Jones agreed to be the subject of our Roast this year. We had a great evening - one that we will all remember for years to come. And, we thank Dr. Jones for all he has done and continues to do for the Albany community. Be on the lookout for our next edition in June and for more great things happening right here at Albany Tech.
from the President
VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY 2013
ATC’s First Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony Albany Technical College held their first annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at 10am, in the Kirkland Conference Center.
personnel, as well as business development, marketing, and implementation of Booz Allen Hamilton’s diversity and volunteerism initiatives.
Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Daniel J. Gillan, current President/Chief Executive Officer of the Albany Area YMCA. Gillan served over 32 years as a United States Marine, retiring in 2009 after serving two years as CEO and Commander of the Maintenance Center Albany at MCLB. At MCLB, Gillan led a workforce of over 2000 Marines and Civilian Marines providing maintenance, repair and overhaul of Marine Corps ground combat equipment while managing an annual budget with revenue of over $375 million.
In addition to his many career accomplishments, Gillan is also a fitness enthusiast who is certified as a Personal Trainer and Aquatics Fitness Professional. His relationship with the Albany Area YMCA began in 2008 as a member and then again January 2011 when he began leading Y members in Boot Camp fitness classes four days a week. Gillan is very active in community activities and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Knights of Columbus, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Boy Scouts of America, Youth Ministry and Albany Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.
Following his career as an active duty Marine, Gillan served as Defense Consultant, Senior Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton, a consultant group that provides strategy and technology analytical support of Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany. In this position, Gillan managed an annual budget of $2.1 million. He was responsible for career management, hiring and mentoring of
~ Special Thanks to the Westover High School ROTC, the Albany High School Chorus, and Mr. Daniel J. Gillan ~
Color Guard was provided by Westover High School ROTC. Three students from Albany High School performed the National Anthem. A special video tribute was presented, as well as an Albany Tech student who wrote a winning essay about Veteran’s Day. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014 | 3
DUAL/JOINT ENROLLMENT FORUM
Dual/Joint Enrollment Albany Technical College held a dual/ joint enrollment forum for area high school students and their parents on Thursday, November 7, 2013, in the Kirkland Conference Center. The purpose of the forum was to educate students and their parents in the Southwest Georgia area about the options available to high school students through Albany Tech’s dual/joint enrollment programs. These programs provide an opportunity for high school students to enroll in college while pursuing their high school graduation requirements. Through dual/joint enrollment opportunities, students can transfer elective credits back to their high schools, as well as gain the self-confidence in their ability to attain that next level of education and realize that they can be a successful college student. “It is important for the parents in our communities to understand the importance of this opportunity and to fully 4 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014
Forum A Success
support and motivate their children to take advantage of the awesome cost savings that comes with the high school dual or joint enrollment,” said Drenda Davis-Jackson, Director of Admissions at Albany Tech.
Albany Tech President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, and Dr. Butch Mosely, Interim Superintendent of the Dougherty County School System, both shared remarks on dual/joint enrollment opportunities and spoke on the topic of completion rates. In addition, Dianne L. Barker, Secondary Education Initiatives State Coordinator for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), spoke on the importance and impact of dual, joint, and all high school programs in Georgia. Dr. Ufot Inyang, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction with the Dougherty County School System, spoke on the benefits of dual/ joint enrollment for Dougherty County School System students with academic difficulties and talked about a new
partnership initiative between the Dougherty County School System and Albany Technical College designed to benefit these students. Neal Shorthouse, President of Communities In Schools in Georgia also spoke on behalf of CIS’s involvement in this initiative. Students who are currently enrolled in dual/joint programs at Albany Tech also gave their testimony on their experiences. A short video was presented to discuss dual/joint enrollment benefits within technical colleges in Georgia. Through dual/joint enrollment opportunities, students can transfer
elective credits back to their high schools, as well as gain the self-confidence in their ability to attain that next level of education and realize that they can be a successful college student.
ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE CAMPUS PROJECT
Student volunteers in the Albany Tech Environmental Horticulture program proudly display the Tree Campus USA in front of some of the live oaks on campus they helped to inventory in their service project.
Horticulture Students
Give Back to Their Campus Through Service Albany Technical College Environmental Horticulture students recently completed a Tree Campus USA Service Learning Project on campus. Twelve students in the program (Matthew Evans, Evelyn Evans, Christy Lane, Verdelle Mathis, Carletha McCray, Casey Millard, Nea Permenter, Perry Reeves, Russell Timley, Allen White, Joe White, and Daniel Young) volunteered to complete a Campus Tree inventory. The project began by students counting trees by building and variety throughout the Albany Tech campus. Data was entered into a spreadsheet for future use. The campus inventory goal has been set by the Tree Campus USA Advisory Committee in previous years and is still followed. Student volunteers have worked toward its completion annually for the past three years.
the leaders of the campus and surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. It is supported by a $750,000 grant from Toyota. Albany Tech has been named in the Tree Campus USA since 2008 for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship. The college met the required five core standards of tree care and community engagement in order to receive Tree Campus USA status. Those standards are establishing a campus tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus treecare plan; verification of dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan; involvement in an Arbor Day observance; and the institution of a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
Students counted trees on campus by building, entered data, and measured against Tree Campus USA Advisory Committee goal. Student volunteers in the program have worked toward its completion annually for the past three years.
Tree Campus USA is a national program launched by the Arbor Day Foundation honoring colleges and universities and access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014 | 5
FALL 2013 COMMENCEMENT
Fall Commencement
Albany Technical College held fall commencement exercises on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at 7pm, at the Albany Civic Center.
Over 170 candidates received associate degrees; over 500 diplomas; and almost 300 received technical certificates of credit. In addition, over 130 graduates received their General Education Diplomas (GED®). Almost 100 students graduated with honors with such recognitions as highest scores on the GED®; Presidential Scholar; Honors with Distinction; National Technical Honor Society; Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL); Student Government Association; Phi Beta Lambda; and Skills USA. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Cynthia C. George, owner of Artesian Consulting, LLC, and current Chair of the Albany Chamber Board of Directors. A native of Leesburg, George has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience in Marketing and Planning for Southwest Georgia’s largest healthcare facility, Phoebe Putney Health System. From 2006 to 2011, she served as Vice President of Strategy and Government Affairs, overseeing the 6 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014
System’s strategic planning and business development, corporate giving, public affairs, and government affairs.
bany and served as President of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Lee Utility Authority.
Prior to assuming this position at Phoebe, George served as Vice President of Marketing and Planning. Serving in this role since 1997, she was responsible for public relations, advertising, membership programs, physician recruitment and planning. Under her leadership, the Marketing division helped earn the organization the prestigious Foster McGaw Prize in 2003 for excellence in community health. George has also been instrumental in the creation and development of Phoebe’s Community Vision Program for corporate giving.
Currently, George is the owner of a public affairs and public relations consulting business, Artesian Consulting, LLC, located in Albany, and serves as the Chair of the Albany Chamber Board and is the cofounder of Strive2Thrive, an anti-poverty initiative. She also serves on the Economic Development Commission and is a member of the Dougherty County Rotary Club. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University.
When George joined Phoebe in 1986, she developed and led a new Women’s Centre. In 1991, she was named Assistance Vice President of Marketing. Prior to her tenure with Phoebe, George hosted a public affairs television program on WALB-TV and served as Marketing Director for the Albany Mall. She was the first woman elected to the County Commission in Lee County and served two terms in public office from 1992 to 2000. She is also a graduate of both Leadership Lee and Leadership Al-
Among the graduates was AAmir Greene, who served as the 2013 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) student for both Albany Tech and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Greene received his associate’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering Technology and plans to further his education in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree with Southern Polytechnic State University. A retired Marine, Greene has also served at Albany Tech as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA).
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COVER FEATURE
Albany Tech GOAL Winner, Kristen Lord, Talks About Her Journey K
risten Lord, Albany Tech’s 2014 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner, said that Albany Tech has provided her with the educational foundation she needed to be successful in her career. Lord, the mother of two, orginally started out at Albany Tech in the Surgical Technology program. Completing that program with her diploma in 2012, Lord wanted more and decided to enroll in the Medical Assisting program at Albany Tech. “When I started my first semester in the Medical Assisting program, it was like an epiphany,” said Lord. “It all became clear that not only could I go into an operating room from the Surgical Technology program, but I could also help out in a doctor’s office doing almost 100 percent of what an LPN would do, half of what an RN would do, but so much more.”
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Lord says the program is very tough and you have to adhere to your own studying, your own style of learning, and sometimes it takes tuning others out. But, every day is different. Sometimes you have to tune others back in and do group learning. Either way, she says when you leave classes, learning doesn’t stop.
helps you decide your discipline,” said Lord. “Right now, I’m interested in Cardiology and Obstetrics, but my options are open.”
“You have to spend extra time coming into the classroom and labs and practicing your hands-on skills, so either way, you are having to put forth that extra effort and I enjoy challenging myself,” said Lord.
Although Lord will obtain her associate’s degree in Medical Assisting in August, she said her education will not stop here. Through one of the many articulation agreements Albany Tech holds with Valdosta State University (VSU), Lord plans to continue on to earn her bachelor’s degree. And, since the program is 100 percent online, Lord can go ahead and secure employment and work on her bachelor’s degree at the same time.
One of the best things Lord says she enjoys about the program is the handson aspect. With having opportunities for clinicals at various sites, whether it’s the hospital, or doctor’s offices, Lord says the variety of experiences you get in the different disciples is invaluable.
“Moving from the Surgical Technology to the Medical Assisting program has taught me that I can be open to anything,” said Lord. “Something I even have in the forefront of my mind is to even possibly become a Physician’s Assistant.”
“Being able to do the different clinicals
Lord says it’s all about figuring out a
COVER FEATURE
schedule and plan and sticking to it. She says that while it can be difficult juggling school, kids, work, dinner, and everything life throws your way, it’s up to us and we can do what we want to do if we challenge ourselves. “You have to figure out a schedule and sit down and say to yourself ‘what am I really going to do,’ ‘where am I going with this,’ ‘what will I do when I’m too old to work and have no money to support myself,’ we do what we want to do,” said Lord. Lord said she really wanted to do something that mattered and something that she enjoyed, which is why she chose Medical Assisting. “I want to wake up every morning and say I am going to work today and really enjoy my career field and place of employment,” said Lord. Being chosen as the GOAL winner for Albany Tech has challenged Lord even more. She says that when she was nominated, it didn’t really hit her until she was named in the list of the four finalists. “I was confident, but wanted to also show humility,” said Lord. Lord said the best experience with GOAL thus far has been the time spent with the other finalists. “We became great friends and I hope we are always great friends,” she said. When her name was called as the winner during an announcement in January at Doublegate Country Club by Chamber Director, Chris Hardy, Lord says she was shocked and it was a very emotional experience for her.
“Winning this was the culmination of everything I have been working for. “I am so proud of myself and I’m ready to head to Atlanta the end of April to represent Albany Tech and our region very well.”
“Winning this was the culmination of everything I have been working for,” said Lord. “I am so proud of myself and I’m ready to head to Atlanta the end of April to represent Albany Tech and our region very well.” Lord said she is ready to claim the state spot and wants all of the faculty, staff and students at Albany Tech to be as confident and excited as she is. “I want to leave a legacy everyone can strive for,” she said.
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Faces/Places FACES/PLACES
The latest campus happenings ...
(Right): Norman Barber, Human Resources and Safety Manager for American Proteins, Inc., presented Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech (left), with a check for $8,000 for the Foundation’s scholarship funds on November 25, 2013. Forsyth County business and civic leader, Tommy Bagwell and his wife, Chantal, established the $500,000 Bagwell Family Scholarship Endowment to provide scholarships for students attending technical colleges located near their family business locations. The family business, American Proteins, Inc., currently has five locations, including one in Cuthbert, GA. Scholarship recipients are chosen using the following criteria: financial need, proximity to the company’s operation sites and the likelihood of their success.
Albany Tech’s Horticulture Program hosted the sixth annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Floriculture Team Challenge Competition on November 21, 2013. The Floriculture Team Challenge is a competition of area FFA Floriculture Junior and Senior level teams. The Team Challenge is conducted using the same criteria as local and state FFA Floriculture CDE’s with each team competing in plant identification, problem solving, general knowledge and plant disorders. The event is geared toward providing practice and preparation for teams to compete on the local and state level.
Albany Technical College held the fall Honors Day Program for December graduates on December 2, 2013. Keynote speaker for the program was Dr. Kim Lee, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at Albany Tech. Almost 100 students who graduated in Albany Tech’s Fall Commencement Ceremony held on December 5th, were honored during the program. They were recognized for such awards as: Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), Honors with Distinction, National Technical Honors Society (NTHS), Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Presidential Scholar, SkillsUSA, Student Government Association (SGA), and General Education Development (GED).
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Faces/Places
FACES/PLACES
The latest campus happenings ...
Albany Technical College held a special press conference on November 19, 2013, recognizing Albany Tech Design Media Production Technology student, Robyn Malone, for the 50th Anniversary seal she recently designed for the Junior League of Albany, Ga., Inc. (AJLI). The seal was designed in collaboration with Kristi Baranko, a member in the Junior League, and also chairperson for the marketing management program at Albany Tech. It was officially revealed at the Junior League’s October General Membership Meeting.
On November 21, 2013, Albany Technical College’s Student Fellowship for Christians (SFC) organization held their annual Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Kirkland Conference Center. Guest speaker for the luncheon was Lieutenant Commander Charles H. Goodson, United States Navy (retired), Nurse Corps.
Several members of the local clergy attended Albany Tech’s Ninth Annual Faith-Based Luncheon on February 20, 2014.
Albany Technical College held their annual fall National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) induction ceremony on November 12, 2013. Keynote speaker was Virginia Parker, Albany Technical College Board of Directors Chairperson. Sixteen Albany Tech students were inducted at the ceremony. Students eligible for induction into the NTHS must be enrolled at Albany Tech; must have completed two consecutive quarters of coursework, a minimum of 24 credit hours; must have at least a 3.5 GPA overall and must have made no lower than a B on any course exam. Eligible students must also exemplify the personal qualities of an honor student: safety conscious; working well with others; dependable; trustworthy; responsible; honest; takes pride in work; exhibits good citizenship; and makes a neat and clean appearance. In addition, the student must be recommended by his/her advisor and must maintain the required grade average to remain a member of NTHS.
The Albany Technical College Foundation was presented with a $2,500 scholarship donation check on December 3, 2013, by AT&T District Director, Courtney Brinson. AT&T presented Albany Tech Foundation with a scholarship donation of $3,000 just last July. The college has received almost $70,000 from AT&T in the past five years. The money goes toward the college’s general scholarship fund to help Albany Tech Law Enforcement students in need. Technology student, Jarrod Savage, participated in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser for the Lily Pad on Saturday, March 22, 2014.
F/P
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Faces/Places FACES/PLACES
The latest campus happenings ...
The Albany Tech Titans and Lady Titans held their Second Annual Holiday Classic Tournament on November 22nd and 23rd at the Albany Civic Center. Several colleges played in this year’s tournament, which also benefitted the local Toys for Tots.
The Albany Technical College Criminal Justice Club recently took a trip to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Supreme Court. The learning experience was informative to the group made up of students in the Law Enforcement Technology program.
TCSG Board Member, W. Jackson Winter, Jr., visited Dr. Parker and Albany Tech for a brief tour in October of 2013.
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Albany Tech 2014 GOAL Winner, Kristen Lord (left), and Rick Perkins Winner, Clifford Singleton (right), attended the GOAL/ Perkins Regional Competition on March 10, 2014, at Moultrie Tech’s Tifton campus.
On February 20th, the Dougherty Rotary Club (District 6900), presented Haley Roberts, Albany Tech A.S. Nursing Student, with a scholarship check for $500. Roberts was also a finalist this year for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) recognition. She is slated to graduate in the summer of 2015.
In January, the Albany Tech Robotics Team, “Titan Mechs,” travelled to Valdosta and participated in the Lowndes High School VEX Robotics Competition Qualifier. The students fought long and hard throughout the day, successfully making it through all rounds. The team received an honorable mention from the judges for presenting one of the “Best Engineering Notebooks” at the competition.
Faces/Places
FACES/PLACES
The latest campus happenings ...
Albany Technical College’s Health Care Technology Division held fall Capping and Pinning Ceremony on December 3, 2013. Guest speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Dorothy King Garner, who retired from Albany Tech after serving as the Dean of the Health Care Technology division for 32 years. More than 50 students will be presented in the following program areas: Health Information Technology, Paramedicine Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Practical Nursing, and Surgical Technology.
Pharmacy Technology candidates
Surgical Technology candidates
Health Information Technology candidates
Paramedicine Technology candidates, with Paramedicine Technology Chair, Randy Williams (pictured centered).
Practical Nursing Capping candidates
Practical Nursing Pinning candidates
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Faces/Places FACES/PLACES
The latest campus happenings ...
During a ceremony held on March 20, 2014, nine Albany Tech students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Pictured (left to right): Monique Shirey, Elena Schneider, Haley Roberts, Melissa Perone, Shayla Favors, Gregory Ewings, Debbra Culbreath, and Jamie Bridges. Not pictured: Sam Mango.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle paid a visit to Albany Tech in October for a campus tour. Pictured (left to right): Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech; State Representative Freddie Powell-Sims; and Virginia Parker, Chair of the Albany Tech Board of Directors.
Several educational members of area high schools attended Albany Tech’s annual Education Partners Workshop on February 21, 2014. The purpose of the workshop was to share information with high school principals, vice principals, counselors and instructors on dual and joint enrollment opportunities that exist through Albany Technical College. Visitors had an opportunity to tour classrooms and labs during their visit.
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Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) student members recently brought home first and second places at a District Competition held in Cordele on March 7th. Johona Jackson won First Place in Sports Management and Marketing; Molly Nixon-Loving won Second Place in Word Processing; and Breshaun Benton won Second Place in Business Communications. Pictured (left to right): Johona Jackson, Breshaun Benton, Sherronda Green, Molly Nixon-Loving, Bettye Bryant and Mary Gay.
Left: Aujaneia Alexander recently won Second Place in the SkillsUSA State Competition for Nail Care; Right: Zachariah King won First Place in the competition for Masonry. Left: Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech, addressed the Dougherty County Board of Education during a monthly board meeting on March 26th. He spoke to the board about the new partnership between Albany Tech and the Dougherty County School System known as the “College and Career Performance Learning Center.” He also urged members to continue to promote dual enrollment for high school students to gain college credit.
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GOAL/Perkins/EAGLE Banquet Honors Albany Tech’s Finest
Albany Technical College held the annual awards banquet for nominees selected for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), Rick Perkins Award (Instructor of the Year), and the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) for the upcoming calendar year on December 10, 2013.
21-25 in Atlanta. The state winner is the official spokesperson for technical education in Georgia for 2014. The Albany Tech winner also had an opportunity to compete at the Regional Competition for GOAL, which was held for the Southwest Georgia consortium on March 10, 2013, at Moultrie Tech’s Tifton campus.
The ten nominees for GOAL included: Brittany Battles (Cosmetology); Kanava Carter (Early Childhood Care and Education); Kayla Lashley (Dental Assisting); Kristen Lord (Medical Assisting); Kayla McMillan (Cosmetology); Mark Peavey (Electronics Technology); Frances Peterson (Medical Assisting); Napolean Preston (Design Media Production Technology); Haley Roberts (Nursing): and Sherrita Wimberly (Accounting).
The Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year nominees included: Clifford Singleton (Masonry); Joseph Trumbull (HVAC/Building Maintenance); and Kevin White (Civil Engineering Technology).
The final four GOAL nominees included: Kanava Carter (Early Childhood Care and Education); Kristen Lord (Medical Assisting); Mark Peavey (Electronics Technology); and Haley Roberts (Nursing). These four were interviewed in January by an Albany Area Chamber of Commerce panel and one was selected to compete at the State GOAL competition to be held April
The Rick Perkins winner was Clifford Singleton and the EAGLE winner was Jordan Seymore. Kristen Lord was named the winner by the Chamber Panel to represent Albany Tech at the regional competition and state competition to be held in Atlanta in late April.
The Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) nominees include: Joyce Avirett (Calhoun County); Gloria Morris (Baker County); and Jordan Seymore (Lee County.
Kanava Carter
Kristen Lord
Mark Peavey
Haley Roberts
Clifford Singleton
Jordan Seymore
GOAL Finalist
GOAL Finalist
GOAL Finalist
GOAL Finalist
Rick Perkins Winner
EAGLE Winner
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ALBANY TECH ATHLETICS
100th Win! ATC Titans Head Men’s Coach Sylvester Patterson Talks About His ...
And Other Successes for the ATC Basketball Program
Since Albany Technical College began its first men’s team in 2007, it has been a road of progress to get the basketball program to where it is today. Men’s Head Coach, Sylvester Patterson, attributes the success to the support of the community, the ATC President, Dr. Anthony Parker, and many enhancements to the program.
The image of the college in the community has also improved and Patterson said he attributes that to the success and reputation of the basketball program. In past years, Patterson said “vo-tech” was still being used when referring to Albany Tech. That transitioned into “Tech College” and now the reference is “The Tech.”
Patterson says that when the program first started, the players did not have scholarships or housing. The program now offers full scholarships and housing through Albany State University. This alone has brought in players from the Virgin Islands, New York, Maryland, California, and other places.
Over the years, a total of 19 players have moved on to universities to continue their education and play, two of which moved on to Division I universities. Patterson says the players do well academically with most holding as high as a 4.0 GPA.
“The program has literally become international,” said Patterson. Patterson said that the support of Albany Tech’s President, Dr. Parker, has made a huge difference to the program and the players each year. “Dr. Parker is definitely our biggest fan,” said Patterson. 16 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014
“ASU’s best player this year came from ATC,” said Patterson. Adding the women’s team has also had an impact. Although the women’s team wasn’t added until the 2009 season, Patterson said they are now well known with the women having a local rivalry with Darton’s women’s team. Another change the program has seen over the last few years is the recruitment of
younger players, particularly those coming right out of high school. Patterson said that with being able to offer housing at ASU, these young students are able to be on the campus of a four-year university while attending a two-year college. “It’s a win-win,” said Patterson.
Patterson said that his best recollections over the last years with the program is the Titans defeating four ranked teams and these players moving on to continue to do great things in the college basketball arena. Patterson’s goals are for the team to get better and better and the program to grow even more as the years go on. Coach Patterson actually achieved his 100th Win on November 9, 2013 against Georgia Gwinnett College. At the time, the Titans Men were currently 6-4.
Patterson said that his best recollections over the last years with the program is the Titans defeating four ranked teams and these players
An Evening of Fond Memories ...
Albany Tech Foundation’s Annual “Roast” Honored Guest: Dr. T. Marshall Jones, Retired Chair/Professor, Music and Fine Arts, Albany State University The Albany Foundation held its annual “Roast” event on Friday, March 14, 2014, at 7pm in the Kirkland Conference Center, with a Silent Auction beginning at 6pm in the atrium of the Kirkland Conference Center. This year’s honored guest was Dr. T. Marshall Jones, retired Chair/Professor of the Music and Fine Arts department at Albany State University.
and Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
Corps, Special Services, of the United States Army.
Dr. T. Marshall Jones is a native of Orange,Virginia and received his formal education in the public schools of Orange County, Virginia. He graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Rapidan, Virginia.
“Roasters” for this year’s event included: Clift E. Felton, retired educator and administrator, Terrell County School System; Patsy Martin, Realtor, Coldwell Banker/Walden and Kirkland Realtors; Dr. James L. Hill, Professor of English and Chair of the Department of English, Modern Languages, and Mass Communications, Albany State University; Dr. Leroy E. Bynum, Jr., Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, and Professor of Voice and Opera, Albany State University;
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music from Virginia State University (Petersburg); a M. Mus. Degree from the University of Michigan School of Music (Ann Arbor), and earned a Doctorate of Music Education Degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Music at Norman. Other studies include Eastern Michigan University, Northwestern University and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. He also served two years in the Adjutant General
Dr. Jones served as Band Director at the Lapeer State Training School – Lapeer, Michigan, before assuming the position of Director of Bands at Albany State University (College) in 1963. Over a period of six years, he built the band from about 32 members to 125+ before taking a leave of absence to pursue a doctorate degree at the University of Oklahoma. During his tenure there, he served as a Graduate Assistant in the University Band Program and as a Teaching Assistant in the School of Music. Dr. Jones has served as Guest Conductor/ Clinician/Adjudicator in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and South Carolina. He has also presented lecture-performances at the State, access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014 | 17
Regional and National Music Educators Conferences in Nashville, Atlantic City, Miami and Anaheim, California. As Founder and Performer with the ASU Jazz Quartet, Dr. Jones has presented Lectures/ Concerts all over the State, and toured with the “First Georgia Festival of the Arts in Italy” during 1977. He also performed on four occasions on the Governor’s Arts Program at Symphony Hall in Atlanta, and on two occasions for the Georgia Legislators at the Governor’s Mansion. Dr. Jones has served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Arts Federation, National Assembly of State Arts agencies; appointed to a three-year term (1985–87) to the National Endowment for the Arts, serving as Co-Chair (with Ellis Marsalis) of the Jazz Fellowships Music Panel; served as Vice-President and President of the Albany Area Arts Council; Vice-President and President of the Albany Symphony Association, Board member of the Concert Association and Board Member of the Easter Seal Society, where he served as Chairman of the 1984 Easter Seals Telethon. He is past Board Member of the Albany Museum of Art, Charter Member and Past-President of Leadership Albany. He was appointed as the first African-American President of the Georgia Council for the Arts by Governor Joe Frank Harris in 1985–87. Honors, Awards and Appointments include: “Teacher of the Year” (1976 & 1983), Albany State University; cited by the Georgia General Assembly for “Outstanding Performances and Contributions” promoting Jazz as an Authentic Art Form (1978); Chairman of the University System of Georgia Fine and Applied Arts Academic Advisory Committee (1980–81); Southern Division Representative to the National Committee on Instruction of MENC (1979–82); received the “Golden Deeds” Award from Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he has served as Minister of Music and Director of the (Senior) Sanctuary Choir since 1974; Southern Representative on the Board of the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music (formerly National Black Music Caucus) serving as Southern Region Membership Chairman. He was honored by the Albany Symphony Orchestra for services rendered as a Board Member and first AfricanAmerican President of the Association. He is the recipient of numerous plaques, citations, resolutions, and certificates. Dr. Jones is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, International Association of Jazz Educators, Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, Kappa Phi Kappa Education Society, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society, Alpha Phi Omega, Charter Member of Sigma Pi Phi Boule, and Life Member of Albany State Univer18 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014
Roasters for the evening included (from left to right): Dr. James Hill, Dr. Anthony Parker, Mr. Clift Felton, Mrs. Patsy Martin, Dr. T. Marshall Jones (honored guest), and Dr. Leroy Bynum.
sity National Alumni Association, Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Life Member University of Michigan Alumni Association and Life Member of University of Oklahoma Alumni Association. He is also the recipient of a 1990 Governor’s Award in the Arts. In 1998, 2001 and 2008, Dr. Jones was chosen by Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as “Alpha Man of the Year.” In November 2013 in Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Jones was awarded the Charles W. Green Award of Merit by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Georgia District Convention. In March 2014, he represented Georgia at the Regional Convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Jones was employed for thirty-three (33) years at Albany State University, where he served as Director of Bands, Chairman of the Music Department and Professor and Chairman of the Fine Arts Department until his retirement in June of 1996. Dr. Jones served as an Adjunct Professor of Music at the University and recently retired (for the second time) on May 1, 2010 – rendering a total of 47 years to the University. On April 2, 2011 Dr. Jones was honored with a banquet in which the Lyceum Series at Albany State University was renamed The T. Marshall Jones Fine Arts Performance and Lyceum Series. Dr. Jones coordinated the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s (Gamma Omicron Lambda Chapter) Mentoring Program (Go To High School/Go To College) from 1998 to 2009 for about 50 to 60
boys at Southside Middle School. After over twenty years of service on the Georgia Council for the Arts (under Governors George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris, Zell Miller, Roy Barnes, and Sonny Perdue), Dr. Jones was appointed to the Georgia Humanities Council in 2003. He was recently re-appointed to a new three-year term through 2014 under Governor Nathan Deal. Dr. Jones has been associated with the Celebration Concert Series by the Albany Symphony Orchestra at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, which showcases the music of African-American composers and performers. He has served as Master of Ceremonies since its inception in 1998. Dr. Jones is married to Mary Watson Jones, a retired Reading Specialist from the Dougherty County School System. She is currently an Instructor serving as Reading Coordinator in the Department of English, Modern Languages and Mass Communication at Albany State University. They are the parents of Reverend Brian Marshall Jones (Stephanie), a 1999 Graphic Art and Design Major from Georgia State University and now Youth and Collegiate Pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Albany, and Mrs. Stephanie Harrison-Dyer (Ken), Assistant Athletic Director at Albany State University and Doctoral Candidate at the United States Sports Academy in Mobile, Alabama. All proceeds from the Roast go to benefit Albany Tech students in need of financial assistance through the Albany Tech Foundation.
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS
Albany Technical College President Awarded League for Innovation’s John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award Parker was only recipient in Georgia to receive distinguished award
The President of Albany Technical College, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, was presented with the League for Innovation’s John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for his long tradition of excellence in community college teaching and leadership at a ceremony held the week of March 10, 2014, in Anaheim, California. A native of South Carolina, Parker is the offspring of two educators, one who served as a high school principal in rural South Carolina. He has served as the President of Albany Tech since July 1995. Since his arrival, Albany Tech has completed a capital campaign, doubled enrollment, and taken responsibility for adult literacy. New facilities have been constructed or renovated on the Dougherty County Campus, and a learning center in Randolph County, among many other endeavors. Parker said that although times are different from when he was growing up, his philosophical worldview still does include the provision of opportunities afforded to him without regard for ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, or religious affiliation. “For nearly 40 years, I have had the fortune of working in education as a teacher, administrator, and chief executive officer to promote the vision of an educated and highly skilled com-
munity,” said Parker. “Reflective of the John and Suanne Roueche Award criteria focusing on innovation in community college instruction and leadership, I am humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of the faculty and staff of Albany Technical College.” Parker noted that Albany Tech maintains one of the highest job placement rates in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). He credits this to strategies such as the college’s implementation of the Academic Achievement Center. In addition, he believes the Career Development Center has set a precedent by “starting with the end in mind.” Lastly, through the seven articulation agreements Albany Tech maintains with several universities, as well as the recent partnership with the Dougherty County School System, he believes the educational partnerships continue to strengthen the college and the community and he hopes to build on these relationships in the years to come. Parker received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from South Carolina State University, a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from South Carolina State University, a specialist in education in educational administration from Augusta College, and a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. He also graduated from the Institute of Educational Management at the
Harvard University Graduate School and graduated from the Executive Leadership Institute at the League for Innovation in the Community College and also served as a faculty member on four occasions. A member of the President’s Council of TCSG, Parker was appointed by former Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue, in 2006 to serve on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission. He was also recently appointed to serve on Governor Nathan Deal’s Education Funding Commission to examine how funding formulas for the University System and the Technical College System should be changed in order to improve higher education outcomes in Georgia. He serves on numerous committees in the Albany community and in the state.
“Reflective of the John and Suanne Roueche Award criteria focusing on innovation in community college instruction and leadership, I am humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of the faculty and staff of Albany Technical College.” -- Dr. Anthony Parker access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014 | 19
FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Janet Hayes Completes TCSG Administrative Services Executive Academy Janet Hayes, Fiscal Analyst for Albany Technical College, was recently recognized for completing the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Administrative Services Executive Academy. Hayes was presented with a certificate of completion for demonstrating professional education and commitment to their profession by TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, TCSG Assistant Commissioner Lisa Eason, and TCSG Deputy Commissioner Josephine Reed-Taylor at the Vice Presidents of Administrative Services meeting in Atlanta, recently. The TCSG Administrative Services Executive Academy was established in 2013 to provide college business officers training in four 8-hour sessions that encompasses all the areas involved in the Administrative Services departments of the Technical Colleges. Such training topics included financial accounting and budgeting management, PeopleSoft accounting software,
Janet Hayes (shown second from the right) of Albany Technical College recently completed The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Administrative Services Executive Academy. Shown (l to r) are TCSG Assistant Commissioner Lisa Eason, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, Janet Hayes, and TCSG Deputy Commissioner Josephine Reed-Taylor.
human resources, various reports to state and national offices, insurance, business office functions, etc. Only 30 individuals were recognized for completing the Executive Academy in 2013. “This is the very first time that our TCSG system has ever done this, and it is a very important internal training for our upper level accounting staffs. We want to thank Janice W. Davis, Vice President at South
Georgia Technical College, for leading the effort in coordinating this training,” said Assistant Commissioner Lisa Eason to the group. Albany Technical College President Dr. Anthony O. Parker also congratulated Hayes on her completion of the Administrative Services Executive Academy: “Mrs. Hayes is an asset to our College, and we are very fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
Judy Jimmerson Promoted to Associate Vice President of Career Services Judy Jimmerson, Director of Career Services at Albany Tech, was recently promoted to Associate Vice President of Career Services.
A native of Albany, Georgia, and a graduate of the Dougherty County School System, Jimmerson received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Albany State University School of Business and her master’s degree in Management from Troy University. Jimmerson began her career with Albany Tech in 2006 as the Director of Career Services. She holds over 13 years of dedicated service to the State of Georgia, including former employment with the Georgia Department of Labor, Albany Career Center, where she served as a Job Developer for the Albany Youth Opportunity Program, and later as an Employment Specialist for the Georgia DOL Vocational Rehabilitation Program where her focus was assisting persons with disabilities to find and 20 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014
maintain competitive employment.
In her position with Albany Tech, Jimmerson manages the College’s first fully functional Career Development Center, which is also the only one of its kind in the Technical College System of Georgia. She was also instrumental in the development of Albany Tech’s first online job search site for ATC students. Jimmerson holds strong collaborations and partnerships with many area employers in the Southwest Georgia region. She and her staff maintain a college job placement rate of 98 percent and oversee the mandatory Career Portfolio development process for ATC students. The host of Albany Tech’s Titan Career Network, which is designed to inform the community of the opportunities and benefits of matriculating at ATC, Jimmerson also facilitates career-related events and workshops for Albany Tech’s students and graduates, and serves as Chairperson of Albany Tech’s Loan Default Management committee. She is a certified Resume Writer and Global Career Facilitator. “ATC is a leader in both graduation and placement and Mrs. Jimmerson allows
us to place more emphasis on quality outcomes, especially as we continue to start with the end in mind,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech. An advocate of community service, Jimmerson currently serves as Treasurer for the Albany Area Employers Committee Executive Board. She is also an active member of the Georgia Association of Colleges and Employers, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the National Career Development Association, the Advisory Council for the Dougherty County School System’s Youth Apprenticeship Program, and a graduate of Dougherty Leadership Development Institute. Jimmerson holds a passion for helping others succeed. “My goal is to provide services that increase the career competence of students at Albany Tech and equip them with the tools necessary to succeed in the real world workforce,” said Jimmerson. The daughter of Mitchell and Josephine Farrell, Jimmerson is married to Melvin and they have two daughters, Ashley and Andrea.
Albany Tech Executive VP/VP for Academic Affairs Earns Ph.D. from Florida A&M University of the knowledge I have gained and feel very confident in what the future holds for me,” said Armstrong
Shirley Armstrong, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albany Technical College, recently completed the requirements to earn her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. “The program was exhilarating, but arduous, nevertheless, I am very appreciative
Dr. Armstrong has been a member of the Albany Tech family for over 30 years. She previously served as Dean of Academic Affairs for the Technology, Business and Public Services division at Albany Tech. Prior to this position she was the Clinical Coordinator for the Radiography Program and then Program Director for the Radiologic Technology program for Albany Tech. After graduating from Terrell County High School, Armstrong started her formal education at Wiregrass Technical College, formerly Valdosta Technical College in Valdosta, where she grew in the field of technical education and gained valuable training in the field of Radiography. Dr. Armstrong’s passion for technical adult education runs deep. A member of the American Technical Education Association, the Georgia Society of Radiologic Technolo-
gists, and the Dougherty County Development Authority, Armstrong received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Trade and Industrial Education from Valdosta State University. Armstrong believes that every student can learn, but it takes a great teacher to get the information across in a logical and comprehensible manner. She further believes that, students don’t care how much a teacher knows until they know how much the teacher cares about them. Her professional affiliations include: Dougherty County Rotary Club, United Way Education Impact Solution Team, Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Committee, Leadership Albany, Dougherty County Developmental Authority; as well as other professional societies, including Georgia Society of Radiologic Technologies. She has been a registered radiologic technologist for more than 35 years.
Albany Tech VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Earns Doctorate from the University of Florida Lisandra De Jesus, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Albany Technical College, recently completed the requirements to earn her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, by successfully defending her dissertation on March 11, 2014. Dr. De Jesus holds a Master’s of Arts in Education from Norfolk State University and dual baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration and Spanish Literature from the State University of New York-College at New Paltz. She is also a 2011 National
Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) leadership program alumnae. “It is an honor and a privilege to join the ranks of illustrious educational leaders like my mentors in post-secondary education leadership. My most immediate professional goal is to work with my team to help remove potential barriers to college enrollment while helping students Achieve their Dream of graduating from college and becoming employed immediately after graduation,” said De Jesus.
Congratulations Dr. Armstrong and Dr. DeJesus! access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2014 | 21
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