A PUBLICATION FOR FRIENDS & ALUMNI OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SPRING 2018
Waterford Institute, Ireland Visits ATC
International Studies Expansion SEE PAGE 16
access A PUBLICATION FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
SUMMER 2017
PRESIDENT
Dr. Anthony O. Parker VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Kathy Skates
INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Dr.Emmett Griswold
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDNENTS AFFAIRS & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Barbara Brown
VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
Dr. Kimberly Lee
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADULT EDUCATION
Linda Coston
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Evera Moye
Baker County Representative Dougherty County Representatives:
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR CAREER SERVICES
Joe Austin, Chair Col. Eric Livingston Ben Barrow Catherine Hogg Werhner Washington Kenneth Dyer
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Calhoun County Representative
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE CENTER FOR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Matt Trice
Judy Jimmerson
Lorraine Alexander
Neil Lowe
Carl Childs, Jr.
Clay County Representative
Robert Chester
Early County Representative
Winston Oxford
Lee County Representative
Kuanita Murphy
Randolph County Representative
Rhonda Gordon
Terrell County Representative
FOUNDATION TRUSTEES
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PR
Bobby Ellis
Joe James
C.W. Grant
DOUGHERTY COUNTY CAMPUS:
Emerson Electrical
RANDOLPH COUNTY LEARNING CENTER:
Procter & Gamble
Flint River Services
ONLINE:
Kirt Phillips
Alfredia Hampton
Glenn Singfield
Ronnie Hinson
229 430.3500 229 732.5280 albanytech.edu
Cathi Jones
Raymond James
Artesian Contracting
ACCESS is a quarterly news magazine published by the Marketing and Public Relations Office at Albany Technical College. Send inquiries to publicrelations@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.
Katrina Baranko
Retired
Lem Griffin
SB&T Bank
MetroPower
Jim Wilcox
Merle Norman Cosmetics
WALB-Channel 10
Mike Clark
Jeanette McDowell
LMC-Ag
Dr. Willie Adams Retired
Joey Magaddino Peoples South Bank
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
ON THE COVER
9
ATC 2017 VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM
OFFICIALS FROM WATERFORD INSTITUTE, IRELAND VISIT ATC SEE PAGE 16
2
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE
10
3
ATC GOAL/PERKINS NOMINEES/WINNERS FOR 2018
4
ATC EAGLE WINNER FOR 2018
ATC EXPANDS OPTIONS FOR CDL/IOT
11
ATC RN PROGRAM SETS ANOTHER MILESTONE
5
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CHEF VISITS ATC
6
FIRST EMPLOYER OUTREACH EVENT A SUCCESS
12
ATC MAKES MILITARY FRIENDLY LIST
7
ATC FOUNDATION “A TASTE OF IRELAND” EVENT
8
ATC ASN PROGRAM RANKS THIRD NATIONALLY
LOOK INSIDE FOR MORE STORIES!
Contents
*
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER
Benefits of International Studies
As you read this edition of ACCESS, you will take notice that Albany Technical College (ATC) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Study Abroad programs are expanding. Our partnership with the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland (WIT) has proven to be the perfect start to our international studies program. This began last year as several of our technical colleges were able to send Culinary Arts students to WIT for a two-week summer internship. ATC sent one Culinary Arts student and our program chair to WIT last year and their experiences were incredible. Being exposed to WIT and the Irish culture broadened their experience and we plan to increase those partnerships, not only in Culinary Arts, but also in Engineering Technology. With our Foundation fundraising event this year, we were able to expand even further on these student opportunities. We welcomed WIT’s Lorain Walsh to our campus and to our Culinary Arts kitchen, where she worked tirelessly with our program chair, Chef Todd White, and our students to prepare the fabulous meal we served at the Foundation’s first ever “A Taste of Ireland” event.
2 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
Through these and other partnerships, we are continuing to broaden the horizons for our students at ATC and within TCSG. I am proud of this opportunity and look forward to what the future holds for our college and our system. If you do not already donate to our Foundation each year, I want to invite you to help us in our endeavors of consistently increasing our student successes. This will help us both locally in the Albany community and ultimately, throughout our great state of Georgia. We appreciate your support! Sincerely,
Dr. Anthony O. Parker President
from the President
LaShea Dancer
ATC PERKINS WINNER
Julianna Matthews ATC GOALWINNER
Albany Technical College 2018
GOAL/Perkins Winners
Albany Technical College held the annual awards banquet for nominees selected for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) and Rick Perkins Award (Instructor of the Year), for 2018 on November 30, 2017 in the Kirkland Conference Center.
The 10 nominees for GOAL included: Robert Clements (Business Logistics Management); Johnnie Hunter (Business Technology); Jennifer John (Dental Assisting); Alexis Lopes (Law Enforcement Technology); Julianna Matthews (Carpentry); Randi Palmer (Law Enforcement Technology); Marie Perez (Nursing); Tangelia Smith (Accounting); Ty Summers (Professional Firefighter); and Ashanti Terry (Computer Information Systems. The final four GOAL nominees included Johnnie Hunter, Julianna Matthews, Ty Summers, and Ashanti Terry. These four were nterviewed in January 2018 by an Albany Area Chamber of Commerce panel and Julianna Matthews was selected to represent at the State GOAL competition held in April in Atlanta. Matthews served as a finalist at the state competition. The Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year nominees included: Lashea Dancer (General Education); Frank Flanigan (Fire Science Technology); Cassandra Henderson (Computer Information Systems); Emma Johnson (Business Technology); and Theresa West (Business Technology). Dancer was selected as the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year for Albany Technical College and was also a finalist at the state competition held in Atlanta in April.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners! access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 3
Demario Taylor
ATC EAGLE WINNER
Albany Technical College 2018
EAGLE WINNER
Albany Technical College’s Adult Education program chose Demario Taylor as the 2018 delegate for Albany Technical College for the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) competition. A native of Albany, Georgia, Damario Taylor began his journey at Albany Tech in June of this year, earning his GED® in August. He is currently enrolled in Albany Tech’s Industrial Operations Technician technical certificate program with a goal of obtaining employment with Procter and Gamble while working on his associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Residing with his parents and younger sisters, Taylor has overcome many obstacles on his journey. When he dropped out of high school at the age of 16, he ran away from home for two years and found himself with the wrong crowd. Deciding this was not the life he wanted for himself, he returned home to Albany looking for a job, but realized that without a high school diploma or GED®, that was impossible. A friend recommended he enroll in Albany Tech’s GED® program. 4 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
“When I first enrolled, I was behind, but the teachers and even other students took the time to help me,” said Taylor. “Because of their help, I passed the GED® test on my first try. The GED® program at Albany Tech gave me all the support I needed with convenient class hours and excellent instructors. They seemed to really care and want me to succeed. It’s amazing how much that little piece of paper can change your life.” Taylor credits Albany Tech’s GED® program with pushing him further and opening up doors for him that he didn’t know existed. “Now when I talk to people, I no longer say I’m a high school dropout,” said Taylor, “I say I am an Albany Tech graduate with a job waiting on him and want to encourage anyone who has dropped out of school to not wait, just do it.” Taylor represented Albany Tech at the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) 2018 EAGLE competition during the month of March with an opportunity to compete for the state winner title.
Congratulations Demario!
Nationally Recognized Chef
Visits ATC
Chef Airis Johnson, a nationally recognized chef and food blogger, and Chopped Food Network winner, visited with Culinary Arts students and Program Chair and Chef Todd White on January 11th in the Culinary Arts kitchen in the Logistics Education Center on the Albany Tech campus.
Farm fresh food to prepare the dishes was donated by Ag-First Community Cooperative, which represents farmers in southwest Georgia.
For 14 years, Chef Johnson has worked in many genres of the food industry for notables such as Danny Meyer (Shake Shake), Gordon Ramsay (Gordon Ramsay at the London, NYC), and Sue Torres (Suenos). She was also featured in the April 2016 edition of Essence Magazine.
Johnson will be arrived in Albany and visited several locations throughout southwest Georgia to promote healthy eating. The purpose of the event was to educate the community about the importance of eating farm fresh produce and meats to reduce the incidences of diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure among African American populations in southwest Georgia. The series of programs, co-sponsored by Albany State University, Albany Technical College, and Ag-First Community (Farmer) Cooperative, also introduced students to careers within the food and restaurant industry, while also exposing them to a renowned chef and entrepreneur. With the help of Chef Johnson, the Culinary Arts students at Albany Tech helped to create health conscious dishes named for Albany Civil Rights leaders, such as Attorney Mary Young Cummings, Erma Wilburn, Rutha Harris, Rev. Samuel B. Wells, and Attorney C.B. King. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 5
Employer Outreach Designed to
Connect Students & Employers Albany Technical College (ATC) held its first Employer Workforce Outreach event on February 6th in the Kirkland Conference Center. ATC programs had various displays with admissions representatives available to answer questions in advance of the meeting. ATC realized the need to connect employers with ATC students and graduates and the community to discuss what area employers look for in hiring potential employees. This first forum will focus on the areas of Construction, Transportation, and Public Safety, where a panel discussion of employers will discuss the desired qualities and traits they are looking for in potential employees, as well as the workforce demand within the industry. “We are hoping that this event will serve as a platform for employers to share employment information with job seeking individuals and will encourage those individuals to consider one of the many programs ATC offers that will prepare them for an entry level position within the industry,� said Dr. Emmett Griswold, Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Academic Affairs for the Carlton Construction Academy at ATC. 6 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
The employer panel for this event included: Gerry Dozier, Human Resource Development for LRA Contractors, Inc.; Clay Griffith, President of the Georgia Electric Association; Jim Larson, Corporate Training Manager for Yancey Brothers Company; Jimmy Johnson, Service Manager for Miracle KIA; Steve Ray, Manager of Driver Development for Raven Transport; Lee Epply, Co-owner of Central Plumbing; Michael Persley, Chief of Police for the City of Albany; Sebon Burns, Fire Chief for the City of Albany; and a representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Programs offered by ATC in the Construction, Transportation, and Public Safety divisions include: Carpentry, Air Conditioning Technology; Automotive Collision Technology; Automotive Technology; Building Maintenance; Carpentry; Commercial Truck Driving; Diesel Equipment Technology; Electrical Construction; Electromechanical Engineering Technology; Industrial Systems Technology (now Mechatronics Technology); Masonry; Welding and Joining Technology; Cyber Crime Investigation; Fire Science Technology; and Criminal Justice.
ATC plans to host this event bimonthly throughout the year, focusing on various employment fields. The next event is expected to focus on Business, Technology, Personal and Public Services industries.
Albany Tech Foundation Presents
“A Taste of Ireland” Fundraiser The Albany Tech Foundation, Inc. held a fundraising event entitled, “A Taste of Ireland,” on Thursday evening, March 15th, with a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. in the college’s Kirkland Conference Center. Designed to raise funds for an International Study Abroad program, the event celebrated the Irish St. Patrick’s Day holiday and Culinary Arts students at ATC had the opportunity to work with guest chef from the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in Ireland, Chef Lorain Walsh. A lecturer and course leader in Culinary Arts at the WIT, Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Culinary Arts, and a double master’s degree in both Science (Culinary Innovation and Food Product Development) and Education. Her research interests include gastronomy; foot product development; ethical issues pertaining to food production, technologies, the environment, and Earth’s natural resources; and the promotion of life-side learning and creativity.
rating with WIT on several projects and the strategic partnership was formalized in 2017 when former TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and WIT President Professor Willy Donnelly, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Atlanta. Later in 2017, Corbin led a mission to WIT, which included ATC President, Dr. Anthony Parker. The evening’s menu included Ham Hock Terrine, Potato and Thyme Veloute, Roulade of Wild Salmon with Shellfish Broth, Loin of Lamb, Champ, Spinach, and Apple Crumble Brown Bread with Guinness Ice Cream. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Free Spirits Trio of Savannah, Georgia. All proceeds earned from the event went toward sending several Culinary Arts and Engineering Technology students from ATC to WIT this summer.
Walsh is an active member of Terra Madre Networking Community of Universities, Euro Toque Ireland, and the Cork City Branch of the Slow Food Movement in Ireland. She has also been involved in student training for the National Skills Competitions (Pastry and Confectionary) and internationally, at the European Association of Hotel and Tourism Schools. She is an external examiner of culinary programs within other Irish Institutes of Technology. In 2012, the International Affairs division of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), began collaboaccess | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 7
Albany Tech ASN Program Ranks #3 in
National Ranking
Albany Technical College’s Associate of Science (ASN) in Nursing (RN) program was recently ranked number three by a ranking conducted by RegisteredNursing.org. The ranking was based on the student pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam. The NCLEX-RN exam is used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure. Also, many state boards of nursing use the total overall NCLEX-RN pass rate for a school as one of the main ways to approve a school’s ability to provide a nursing education in the state. The pass rates are one of the best ways to determine a nursing program’s student preparedness. Obtaining five years of information from 2013 to 2017, RegisteredNursing.org’s methodology began with collecting NCLEX-RN exam pass rates for all RN programs (ADN, BSN, Direct-Entry MSN) state by state through several methods, including making a number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Once the data was 8 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
obtained, they filtered out the programs with the following characteristics: • Programs that have closed or will be closing at the time of data collecting • Programs with no pass rate data available for the previous one or two years, depending on the state and number of years of data available • Programs with only one year of pass rates In the state of Georgia, 51 schools were analyzed and Albany Technical College ranked third. Other sister technical colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) ranked at the top of the list, including Southeastern Technical College at number one; Wiregrass Georgia Technical College at number four; Chattahoochee Technical College at number six; Gwinnett Technical College at number nine; and Columbus Technical College at number 10. Albany Tech started the RN program in 2013 with just 24 students in the first cohort and graduated the first class in 2015 with 100
percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. “To be voted as the number three Nursing program in the state of Georgia is truly an honor,” said Dr. Latrona Lanier, Chair of the ASN Program at Albany Tech. Lanier attributes these achievements to the devoted nursing faculty, who she says are driven to ensure ATC students succeed and they also motivate students who are eager to learn. The spring semester has brought substantial increase since the program’s inception, with 56 students currently enrolled in the program. With added faculty, the program has been able to expand and add more students to the roster, which has doubled the program’s enrollment numbers over a span of two years. For more information about the ASN program, contact Dr. Latrona Lanier at 229.430.3698 or email llanier@ albanytech.edu.
Albany Tech Holds 2017
Veteran’s Day Ceremony
Albany Technical College (ATC) held their annual Veteran’s Day Program on November 9th in the Kirkland Conference Center. Keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony was Representative Darrel Bush Ealum. Elected to represent Georgia House District 153 in 2014, Representative Darrel Bush Ealum is from Albany, Dougherty County, Ga. He is a retired Marine Officer; holds a master’s degree from Pepperdine University; and is Chief Executive Officer of Ealum Estates, Inc. He also taught as an Associate Professor at Miami University and served on the Dougherty County School Board for four years. Born 1948 in the family farmhouse in south Alabama, Ealum is one of six siblings who worked on the farm picking cotton, cropping tobacco, and hoeing peanuts. At age 43, their mother earned her teaching degree from Troy State Teacher’s College, and they moved from their farm, which had no indoor plumbing, to a small brick house with two indoor baths in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Influenced by his mother’s determined quest for an education, Ealum soon enrolled at Troy University, graduated in three years, and later earned his master’s degree from Pepperdine University, Malibu, California. Ealum served 20 years as a Marine Infantry Office, Reconnaissance Officer, Logistics Officer, Aviation Observation Officer, and Program Manager, Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade (NALMEB). His twin brother Carrel was killed in Vietnam.
As a young Marine Captain in 1980, Ealum was assigned to the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, where he and his wife Linda settled. Married 35 years, the couple have four children (Lydia, Jo, Susie, and James) and eight grandchildren. Jo and Susie served four years as active duty Marine Officers and are presently Marine Captains in the inactive and active reserves, respectively. In the early 1980s, the Ealums began buying, managing, and selling personally owned real estate. Today, Darrel and Linda are Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, Ealum Properties and Ealum Estates. Inc. They personally own and manage their houses, apartments, and mobile home estates in four surrounding counties. Active in the community, Ealum is a member or the Albany Rotary Club, Past President of two Kiwanis Clubs, Past Lt. Governor of Kiwanis, Division 3, and Past Vice-President of the Albany Symphony Board. While on active duty, the Ealums served as Base Chapel Youth Directors and are currently members of Porterfield United Methodist Church.
community. The college also holds an annual Memorial Day Ceremony each May. The purpose of the programs is to educate ATC students on what the day commemorates.
After a welcome from ATC President, Dr. Anthony Parker, and an invocation, Monroe Comprehensive High School ROTC conducted the Presentation of Colors, followed by the National Anthem, performed by WALB-News 10 Anchor, Karla Heath-Sands, and special patriotic songs performed by the Albany Technical College Pre-K Class. This marked Albany Tech’s fifth year holding an annual Veteran’s Day for faculty, staff, students, and the Albany access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 9
Albany Tech Expands Offerings for
Industrial Operations/CDL
Albany Technical College increased enrollment opportunities for students pursuing certifications in two programs. Beginning Spring Semester 2018 in January, the number of students accepted to the Commercial Truck Driving and Industrial Operations Technician programs increased by one third. By adding an additional section each semester, the number of seats in Industrial Operations will increase from 240 to 260 annually and seats in Commercial Truck Driving will increase from 150 to 225. Both programs are part of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s HOPE Career Grant, which provides additional financial aid for students enrolled in these programs. In partnership with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission’s Industry Roundtable, Albany Tech launched the Industrial Operations Technician program in 2015 in an effort to better prepare potential employees in the area for positions with local industries such as P&G, MillerCoors, the Marine Corps Logistics Base, SASCO Chemicals, and several other industries on the roundtable. So far, 28 students have received certification in the program and are employed 10 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
with 17 different companies within the region. The Commercial Truck Driving program at Albany Tech has been a part of technical education for decades. With a shortage of commercial truck drivers, the need for more graduates of the program is ever increasing.
Graduates of Albany Tech’s program goes to work for trucking companies such as Southern Ag, Averitt Express, Benny Whitehead, and many others. For more information on both programs or to enroll, visit albanytech.edu.
Albany Tech Nursing Program Reaches
Second Milestone
Albany Technical College’s Associate of Science (ASN) in Nursing program set a second milestone in August with graduating a record number of graduates in the program.
Nearly 30 students were pinned at the evening ceremony. Guest speaker for the ceremony was Mattie Buchannon, who has served as a registered nurse for more than 40 years and also served as a nursing instructor and the Dean of Academic Affairs for the Healthcare Technology division at Albany Tech.
A graduate of Dougherty Leadership Council, Buchannon received her associate’s degree in Nursing from Albany Junior College (Darton), a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southwestern State University, and a master’s degree from Albany State University.
She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Liberty House and is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.
Buchannon began her career as a charge nurse in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Sumter Regional Hospital. She later served as a Nurse Manager of the CCU/ MICU of Phoebe Health Systems, as well as a Medical Floor Nurse Educator with Phoebe. After working for 17 years with Phoebe, she accepted a nursing instructor position with Albany Tech in the Practical Nursing program. During her time at Albany Tech, Buchannon served as program chair, SkillsUSA Lead Advisor, Albany Tech’s Safety Committee, and numerous others. She retired from Albany Tech as the Dean of the Healthcare Technology division in December of 2016.
access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 11
Albany Tech Named on National Listing
Military Friendly Schools 2018
With a mission of making life better for veterans and their spouses by setting the standard for higher education institutions to provide positive opportunities, Victory Media, has released the 2018 Military Friendly Schools list. Albany Technical College in Albany, Georgia, was named at the Bronze level. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. For the first time, student survey data was taken into consideration for the designation. More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation. 12 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Victory Media with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans. Victory Media’s Chief Product Officer Daniel Nichols stated, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that
encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for veterans.”
More than 1,300 schools participated in the 2017-2018 survey with 849 earning the designation.
Albany Tech/Albany State Ink Agreement Expansion Provides Student Opportunities Albany State University (ASU) and Albany Technical College (ATC) held an articulation agreement signing ceremony on December 12, 2017, in the Student Center Building (C, Room 252) on the ASU West Campus. The agreement established a pathway for students in several programs, such as Accounting, Marketing, Business Management and Technology, Logistics Management and several others, who complete an associate of applied science (AAS) degree from Albany Tech to be able to continue on to earn a bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree from Albany State University. Although the two institutions have had agreements in the past in these programs, the new agreement favors more general core classes that transfer as a result of an agreement made between the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia (USG).
transfers from previous agreements as well. This agreement is another example of Albany Tech and the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) partnership with the University System of Georgia (USG). The objective is to create a seamless transition for technical college students in Georgia to complete an associate’s degree with the technical college and move on to earn a bachelor’s degree with a university within USG. “This partnership signifies the strength of our institutions both in the Technical College System and the University System,” said Anthony O. Parker, president of Albany Tech. “We look forward to enhancing these
programs in our list of pathway partnerships already in place with Albany State University.” “ Albany State University is proud to partner with Albany Technical College to provide more opportunities for students to further their education,” said Art Dunning, president of Albany State University. “Expanding access to higher education is one of our guiding principles. Collaborations like this allow us to offer the flexibility and versatility needed for student success.”
Under the new agreement, ATC students can transfer courses to more programs, including Business Healthcare Technology courses transferring to a bachelor of science program in Healthcare Management, as well Cybersecurity, Fire Science and Business Logistics now transferring to a bachelor of applied science in Technology Management. The agreement continues to have access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 13
Albany Tech/GMC Partnership Satellite Campus Provides Easy Transition Albany Technical College (ATC) and Georgia Military College (GMC) are pleased to announce their collaboration to expand educational opportunities for students in Southwest Georgia. Both institutions held a joint press conference to announce GMC’s new extension center on September 18, 2017, in the Executive Board Room of Albany Tech’s Logistics Education Center. The goal of this collaboration is to fill a need in the community by providing Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates of select ATC programs with an opportunity to enroll with GMC and earn their Bachelor of Applied of Science (BAS) degree. An articulation agreement is already in place establishing this educational partnership between both institutions. GMC was invited by ATC and the surrounding community to offer this service and continue ATC’s impact in the community. GMC’s extension center will allow ATC graduates to conveniently pursue their BAS degree in Supply Chain Management & Logistics or Business Management, as well as, any Associate of Science degree not currently offered at ATC. This partnership will be beneficial to students at both institutions, especially given ATC’s close proximity to GMC’s Valdosta campus and the common communities to which both institutions provide educational services. 14 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
“We are proud to join with Georgia Military College in a new role for both institutions,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, president for Albany Technical College. Albany Tech has been in search for a partner to bridge the opportunities the college provides through the Operations Management associate’s degree program to a bachelor’s degree. The joint degree and certification partnership will demonstrate to industry throughout the United States that the two colleges can provide the leadership needed to expand opportunities. “Together, both on campus and online, ATC and GMC will provide a two-plus-two opportunity to include leadership and certified project management,” added Parker. “The joint industry opportunity will be promoted throughout the state of Georgia and most importantly, it’s the first of several mutually beneficial project that will benefit our region and our state.” GMC’s extension center will be under the direction of Albany native Ms. Melanie King, GMC/ATC’s Extension Center Director. GMC will establish operations in the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) in rooms 113 and 110. GMC will offer classes beginning January
6, 2018. This collaboration formally recognizes that Albany Technical College and Georgia Military College are committed to the establishment of an educational partnership to better serve currently enrolled and future students at both institutions, as well as, support economic and workforce development in the communities served by these educational institutions. “We are thrilled to launch this partnership with Albany Technical College to serve the students of Southwest Georgia,” said Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, president of Georgia Military College. “Our BAS degrees are designed to build upon the occupational/technical education provided by an associate of applied science (AAS) degree program and provide an excellent pathway toward completion of a bachelor degree. Our BAS degree programs prepare students for career advancement opportunities, management, and supervisory roles in their technical or occupational field. This partnership with ATC is another step in providing greater opportunities and a brighter future for all citizens of Georgia and is consistent with Gov. Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia initiative designed to provide an improved educational pipeline from high school through college graduation.”
Albany Tech/Andrew College Ink Agreement
New Agreement Creates Opportunities Albany Technical College (ATC) and Andrew College (AC) held an articulation agreement signing on October 23, 2017, in the Executive Board Room of Albany Tech’s Logistics Education Center.
earned at Albany Tech will transfer. A minimum grade of “C” or above in certain core courses and any other courses designed by specific majors will be required in accordance with other program requirements.
The goal of this collaboration is to provide Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates of select ATC programs with an opportunity to enroll with Andrew College and earn their bachelor’s degree. ATC graduates in accounting, business technology, business management, and marketing management, will have the opportunity to transfer to Andrew College to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration.
“We are looking forward to our students exploring their options at Andrew College as a place of choice to continue their education,” said Dr. Tanjula Petty, vice president for academic affairs at Albany Tech.
Andrew College President Linda R. Buchanan expressed her gratitude to Albany Tech for initiating the agreement and said, “We greatly value this partnership with such a quality institution as Albany Tech and look forward to serving their students in our new era of baccalaureate programs.”
“We are proud to extend the articulation signings in our region to include Andrew College and look forward to the continued partnership,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, president for Albany Technical College. Albany Tech students completing the degree programs listed in good standing at ATC, and who meet the appropriate admissions requirements to attend Andrew College will be ensured that all courses in the agreement access | Albany Technical College |Spring 2018 | 15
Waterford Institute Officials Visit ATC
Partnership Expanding Internationally Albany Technical College (ATC) hosted two officials, Professor Walter O’Leary and Dr. Sara Kennedy, for a campus visit from the Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland on Thursday, February 22. Professor Walter O’Leary, Lecturer in Law and Criminal Justice and Coordinator for North American strategic partnerships and summer programs for Waterford Institute of Technology, visited ATC, along with Dr. Sara Kennedy, Lecturer Health Sciences, Nursing & Healthcare and Coordinator of international partnerships for Nursing and Applied Healthcare. The visit was scheduled by the International Center for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), who works to focus TCSG’s international programming to align with Georgia’s strategic international partnerships and to globalize technical and vocational education and training, by aligning with Georgia’s strategic industry and business sectors, top foreign direct investment and trade partners and encourage internationalization of learning for teachers, students and apprentices. International Affairs for TCSG began working with the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in 2012. After collaborating on several projects, the strategic partnership between WIT and TCSG was recognized and formalized in January 2017 when former TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin and WIT President Professor Willy Donnelly signed a Memorandum of Understand in Atlanta. Later in 2017, Corbin led a mission to WIT, which included Albany Technical College 16 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018
President, Dr. Anthony Parker. “TCSG and WIT have focused their collaboration to add international learning in strategic sectors including engineering technology and advanced manufacturing, hospitality and culinary arts, nursing and allied health professions,” said Dr. Ian Bond, Executive Director, International Center for TCSG.
The focus of Dr. Kennedy and Prof. O’Leary’s visit will be to explore opportunities for WIT students at ATC in nursing and allied health professions. Professor O’Leary will also be promoting opportunities for ATC engineering technology and mechatronics students and culinary arts students to participate in WIT summer programs. He also assisted with preparations for the St. Patrick’s Day Gala at ATC held in March of this year.
Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
On January 25th, The Albany Tech Foundation was presented with a check for $2,500 from the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. to help fund equipment to expand the college’s STEM program labs. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College; Jay Smith, Area Manager for Georgia Power, and Glenn Singfield, Chair of the Albany Tech Foundation.
Albany Technical College hosted a High School Partners breakfast on January 25th in the Kirkland Conference Center on campus. The purpose of the event was to educate high school counselors within Albany Tech’s Service Delivery Area (SDA) of dual enrollment and other academic offerings at the college.
Albany Technical College and the ATC Engineering Preparatory Academy (ATCEPA) celebrated Engineering Week February 19-23, by holding a number of events on campus for the high schools, middle schools, and the community.
Educators from around the state gathered at Albany Technical College’s Kirkland Conference Center on March 8th for a Non-Traditional in Action conference, which was a non-traditional career conference sponsored by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Special Populations division.
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Albany Technical College held an Honors Day Program for Fall 2017 graduates on November 28th in the Kirkland Conference Center. Nearly 115 students were recognized during the event.
On December 18th, Harry Wilson, Human Resources and Environmental Safety Manager for American Proteins, Inc., presented Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech, with a check for the Foundation’s scholarship funds in the amount of $4,000. This marked the twelfth year in a row American Proteins has given the donation to the Albany Tech Foundation.
Albany Technical College’s Career Services and Special Populations programs teamed up to host a Self-Sufficiency Pre-Career Fair Workshop Series on October 12th in the college’s Kirkland Conference Center. Keynote speaker was Karla Heath-Sands, Anchor for WALB-News 10 Albany.
Nearly 50 southwest Georgia employers participated in the Nineteenth Annual Fall Career Fair at Albany Technical College on October 19th at the Kirkland Conference Center.
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Albany Technical College held an Honors Day Program for Fall 2017 graduates on November 28th in the Kirkland Conference Center. Nearly 115 students were recognized during the event.
Albany Technical College held the Fall Work Ethics Special Recognition Program on October 24, 2017 in the Kirkland Conference Center. Almost 70 students were recognized at the ceremony.
Albany Technical College held the annual Fall National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Induction Ceremony on October 10, 2017. Sixteen Albany Tech students were inducted into the society.
A few ATC Faculty and Staff, including the ATC Tin Man crafted by the Welding Technology program, got dressed in pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness in week in October.
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Albany Technical College’s Healthcare Technology division held the fall 2017 Capping and Pinning ceremony on November 15, 2017 in the Kirkland Conference Center. Seventy-five students were capped and pinned in the following programs: Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing, Pharmacy Technology, Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Health Information Technology and Paramedicine.
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Albany Technical College Athletics hosted the annual “Titans Holiday Classic” on December 1st and 2nd, 2017. The December 1st games were played at Albany State University’s West Campus (formerly Darton State College) and the December 2nd games were played at ASU’s East Campus HPER Gym.
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The Albany Tech Titans officially kicked off the 2017-2018 basketball season and a decade of basketball with the Homecoming events and the first home game on November 1, 2017, at Albany State University’s HPER Gymnasium. Several events leading up to the first home game were held this week.
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FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS
Three Albany Tech Faculty & Staff Receive NISOD Award for 2018
Jason Beaver
Chair, Computer Engineering & Electronics Technology
Suzann Culpepper Registrar
Judy Jimmerson
Associate Vice President, Career Services
Congratulations! Albany Technical College Head Chef and Culinary Arts Program Chair Named as a 2018 Georgia Grown Executive Chef was created by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association, to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers. A native of Albany, Georgia, Todd White comes from a long line of farmers with nearly 20 years of experience in the culinary business. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Culinary program and training at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, White relocated to Savannah and began a 15-year career with Marriott, traveling around the country as one of their Senior Chefs.
Freight Depot in Atlanta. This event will be attended by 300 state legislators and staff, Georgia Restaurant Association members and restaurateurs. Governor Nathan Deal and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black will also be in attendance to honor the new class of Georgia Grown chefs.
Moving back to his hometown of Albany in 2011 with his wife and children, White wanted to share his passion and knowledge of food throughout Southwest Georgia by being involved with community events, as well as teaching and sharing his knowledge with the students at Albany Technical College. Albany Technical College Head Chef and Chair of the Culinary Arts program, Todd White, was recently named as a 2018 Georgia Grown Executive Chef. The honor
With his new designation as a Georgia Grown Executive Chef, White will have the opportunity to be honored in the new class of Georgia Grown chefs at the Taste of Georgia event on February 21st at the Georgia Railroad access | Albany Technical College |Spring 2018| 23
Albany Technical College Director of Continuing Education Promoted to Dean of Continuing Education and Off Campus Programs Tracy Wallace, Director of Continuing Education at Albany Technical College, recently received a promotion to Dean of Continuing Education and Off Campus Programs in the college’s Center for Business Solutions. Her new
served as part of a ten-person management team, directing the operations of a $2 million organization serving 6,000-plus members and thousands of program participants. Creating and implementing the communications plans for the association and various programs, activities, and events, she has worked in conjunction with other department managers to develop services, programs, activities, and events designed to actively engage members and volunteers, and create a sense of community.
Wallace came to Albany Tech in March of 2016 after serving as the Director of Marketing and Resource Development for the Albany Area YMCA. With over 24 years of experience in management, strategic planning, marketing, communications, teaching/training, customer service, event planning, and economic development, she will be able to effectively reach out to various groups to create training partnerships statewide for economic development programs such as Lean Six Sigma (Green and Black Belts), Operations and Project Management, Industrial Operations, and Business Logistics Management, as well as continuing education opportunities for area businesses and industries.
Wallace has also served as a part-time adjunct instructor at Albany Tech for two Public Speaking classes since 2014. Prior to her time with the Albany Area YMCA, she worked for the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) at Georgia Southwestern State University, where she planned, directed, and oversaw all communications and marketing efforts of the organization, including website maintenance, directed marketing efforts to a variety of stakeholders, and the general public. From 2004 to 2007, she served as the Marketing Director for the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, where she collaborated with Marines and Civilian Marines on the installation to plan and implement activities and events aimed to actively engage personnel stationed at MCLB, military family members, and civilian employees.
While employed with the Albany Area YMCA, Wallace
For 15 years, Wallace was self-employed as a Marketing
duties began on January 1, 2018.
Consultant/Freelance Writer and Editor for her company, AdTeam South, Inc. of Albany, where she devised and implemented effective marketing/communications strategies for a variety of clients, including retailers, manufacturers, banks, schools, and political candidates. She also wrote newspaper advertorial articles and quality of life articles for publication, as well as corporate video scripts and editing services. Wallace holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a concentration in Advertising and a minor in Marketing from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Communications from Valdosta State University, where her non-thesis track was focus on research in business communication, advertising effectiveness, communication theory, organizational communication, small group communication, persuasive communication, and conflict management. A graduate of the Class of 2015 for Leadership Lee and a member of the Leadership Albany Class of 2018, she also serves as current president of the Junior Woman’s Club of Albany; program chair for the Rotary Club of Dougherty County; member of the Albany Chamber of Commerce Education Committee; member of the Lee County High School Career/Technical/Ag Advisory Committee; member of the Albany Tech Professional Development Institute Committee; member of the Georgia Adult Education Association; and a member of Albany First United Methodist Church.
New Faculty Program Chairs Named for Automotive Technology and Medical Assisting at Albany Technical College
James Miller
Chair, Automotive Technology
LaTonya Harris
Chair, Medical Assisting
Albany Technical College (ATC) has appointed two new program chairs. LaTonya Harris will serve as the new program chair for the Medical Assisting program, while James Miller will serve as the chair of the Automotive Technology program. Beginning her education in Albany Tech’s Medical Assisting, LaTonya Harris received a diploma in Certified Medical Assisting and an associate’s degree in Health Studies from ATC in 2007. She began her career as a Registered Phlebotomy Technician with Phoebe Health Systems in 2006 and served through 2010. Prior to her time with Phoebe, she worked as a Medical Assistant at Medical Associates of Albany. Harris returned to Albany Tech in 2008 to serve as an instructor in the Medical Assisting program. In this role, she assisted students and the former program chair in ensuring optimal medical assistant training and education in preparation for them to become certified, 32 || access 24 access || Albany AlbanyTechnical TechnicalCollege College || Summer Spring 2018 2017
as well as many other duties within the program. In 2014, she left ATC to take a position with the Naval Branch Health Clinic at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, where she assisted physicians with physical exams, vision screenings, and performing electrocardiograms. She also entered data into electronic medical records, restocked exam rooms, and pulled medical records. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Valdosta State University in 2016. “I am ecstatic with the opportunity to return to where I initially began with my career in education,” said Harris. “As the program chair, I will prepare our students to become certified medical assistants through quality curriculum, instruction, practice, and assessment.” Stressing the importance of engaging student learning in the program, Harris said that she plans to embrace collaborative learning and will establish a positive teacher-student relationship. She went on to say that her goal is to make student learning more meaningful and foster a sense of competence, while maintaining the consistency of the philosophy and mission of the college. Also a graduate of ATC, James Miller received his diploma in Automotive Technology from ATC in 2011, as well as his diploma in Welding and Blueprint in 1998. He worked as a Loom Technician for
Flint River Textile from 1989 until the plant closed in 2003, where he operated and performed maintenance on various types of looms, including air jets and sour looms. From 2003 to 2009, he was employed by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company as an Extrusion Operation, where he operated machinery to fabricate parts used in tire assembly, among other duties. In 2009, he worked at Bill Chambers Motors in Albany as a part-time mechanic inspecting engines, transmissions, and other automotive components, as well as performing diagnostic testing to resolve issues and assisting with repairing mechanical issues. Prior to coming to ATC as the new program chair of Automotive Technology, Miller worked as a Maintenance Mechanic on the Humvee, LAV and LVSR lines for the URS Federal Services division at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, where he was responsible for all stages of the build-up of vehicles in addition to repairing and modifying vehicles after identifying causes of malfunctions, among other duties. “I want to energize the automotive program at Albany Tech by partnering with local experts in our community,” said Miller. “My teaching method will be a mixture of textbook, hands-on, and real world experience to produce highly qualified graduates going into the industry motivated and willing to put their knowledge to use.”
New Faculty Program Chairs Named at Albany Technical College for Health Information Technology, Drafting Technology and Radiologic Technology Programs
Dr. Angela Leverett
Edrian Mallory
Albany Technical College (ATC) recently appointed three new faculty program chairs to head up academic programs. Dr. Angela Leverett for Health Information Technology program; Edrian Mallory for Drafting Technology; and Lisa Stephens for Radiologic Technology.
program and add more business partnerships.” Edrian Mallory is no stranger to the Albany Tech family. As a 2012 graduate of Albany Tech’s Drafting Technology program, with specializations in both architectural and mechanical drafting, she comes back to her alma mater to serve as new Faculty Chair of the Drafting Technology program. Formerly a drafting teacher at Monroe Comprehensive High School, she spent much time as an Albany Tech student working on drafting projects for Chehaw Park and Habitat for Humanity.
Chair, Health Information Tech
Prior to joining ATC, Dr. Angela Leverett has served as the Executive Director of the Web Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro since 2010. In this position, she provided strategic leadership in developing, expanding, and enhancing the university’s online bachelor’s program by working closely with senior academic administrators and stakeholders to promote online teaching excellence and leveraging technology to optimize student learning. Leverett served at Georgia Southern University as Assistant Director of Graduate Studies, instructor in the College of Business Administration, and as an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Specialist. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration in both Management and Finance from Georgia Southern University (GSU); two master’s degree in Business Administration and Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from GSU; and a Doctorate of Ministry in Theology from United Theological Seminary. “My goal is to eliminate barriers to education for all,” said Leverett. “The Health Information Technology program at ATC offers students a thriving career in both Health Information Management and Health Information Coding and is 100 percent online, offering classes to certify students in-field, and assist with job placement. I also hope to increase enrollment in the
Chair, Drafting Tech
Redesigning Chehaw’s flamingo exhibit and creating new and interesting floor plans for Habitat homes, Mallory has also designed floor plans for a small contracting company and assisted with renovation and interior design work for several Phoebe Health System locations. “One of my goals is to increase enrollment in the drafting technology program at a minimum of 30 percent per semester, as well as increase the program’s visibility with business partners throughout the city and surrounding counties,” said Mallory. “I hope to be able to introduce the community to 3D printing and all of its possibilities on a large scale.” Mallory holds two associate’s degrees from Albany Technical College – one in Architectural Drafting and one in Mechanical Drafting. Prior to her time with Monroe High School, she worked as a draftsman for Metro TPS and served as the CAD technician on projects such as Phoebe Putney Endoscopy, Data Center, Carlton Breast Cancer Center, and Surgicare unit. She was also in charge of space planning and design for these and several other areas for the hospital. Besides work completed for both Chehaw and Habitat, she has also worked on a lobby remodel project for the Flint Riverquarium.
Lisa Stephens Radiologic Tech
Lisa Stephens has joined Albany Tech as the new Program Chair for Radiologic Technology. Coming to ATC from a sister technical college, Central Georgia Tech in Macon, as a Radiologic Technology instructor, she is no stranger to Southwest Georgia. Graduating from Terrell High School in 2002, she went on to earn associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology from Central Georgia Tech, where she also completed an additional associate’s degree in Advanced Medical Imaging. She continued on to Emory School of Medicine to earn her bachelor’s of medical science degree in Medical Imaging and is currently working toward completing her master’s of business administration in Health from Mercer University. “As a career and technical education instructor, I have to teach essential skills that our workforce will continue to need in the near future,” said Stephens. “In order for these skills to be honed in on, students need to possess both knowledge and confidence to demonstrate these skills and as an instructor, I bring an open mind, high expectations, sociable atmosphere, but yet a safe and caring environment into the classroom.” Serving as Clinical Coordinator at Central Georgia Tech since June of 2016, Stephens previously has served as an MRI Technologist for Radiology Associates of Macon; CT Technologist for the Medical Center/Navicent Health of Central Georgia; MRI Technologist for Coliseum Medical Centers, Macon; and a Radiologic Technologist for Medical Center/ Navicent Health of Central Georgia. She is credentialed by the American Registry Radiologic Technologists in Radiography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Stephens replaces veteran ATC instructor and chair of the Radiologic Technology program, Richard Parker, who recently retired from ATC after 25 years of service. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2018 | 25
A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia 1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, Georgia 31701
Dougherty County Campus: 229.430.3500 | Randolph County Learning Center: 229.732.5280 www.albanytech.edu As set forth in its student catalog, Albany Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Kathy Skates, Vice President of Administrative Services, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701. Phone 229.430.3524 and Section 504 Coordinator, Regina Watts, Special Needs Coordinator, Albany Technical College, 1704 S. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701, 229.430.2854 or rwatts@albanytech. edu.