Access Summer 2014

summer 2014

access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

magazine

ATC/MTSU Agreement: A Win-Win for Students in Electromechanical Engineering Technology

access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. President

Kim Lee, Ph.D.

Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

Shirley Armstrong, Ph.D.

Linda Coston

Executive Vice President Vice President for Academic Affairs

Vice President of Adult Education

Kathy Skates

Joe Najjar

Special Assistant to the President

Vice President of Administration

Lisandra DeJesus, Ed.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Wendy Howell

Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Matt Trice

Judy Jimmerson

Vice President of Center for Business Solutions

Associate Vice President of Career Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

magazine

PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE 2

Growing Agreements

ARBOR DAY 2014 3

Live Oak Planted

ATHLETICS BANQUET 2014 4/5

Titans basketball players recognized for achievements

SPRING COMMENCEMENT 2014 6/7 Pictorial of Spring Commencement

COVER FEATURE 8/9 ATC/MTSU Agreement: A Win-Win

for Students in Electromechanical

Engineering Technology FACES/EVENTS 10-14 Recent happenings at ATC

Baker County Representative

Robert Chester

Early County Representative

ATC OPEN HOUSE 2014 15 Hundreds attend 2014

Open House

Dougherty County Representatives:

Winston Oxford

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 16 DCSS Teacher of the Year:

Jennifer Lewis-Polite

Kent Sanders

Joe Austin, Chair Col. Jeffrey Hooks Ben Barrow Betty White Neil Lowe

Calhoun County Representative

Lee County Representative

Kuanita Murphy

Randolph County Representative

Rhonda Gordon

Terrell County Representative

Clay County Representative

FOUNDATION TRUSTEES

229 430.3500

Celinda Dennison

Cathi Jones

C.W. Grant

Suzanna MacIntosh

SB&T Bank

Retired

Lem Griffin

Community Volunteer

Flint River Services

Kirt Phillips

Alfredia Hampton

Merrill Lynch

Glenn Singfield Artesian Contracting

Katrina Baranko

SunTrust Bank

Ronnie Hinson MetroPower

Jim Wilcox

Merle Norman Cosmetics

WALB-Channel 10

Mike Clark

Cynthia Young

Dr. Willie Adams

Jeanette McDowell

Interstate Warehousing

Retired

Nathaniel Williams Sam’s Club

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS 19/20 Several employees recognized

DOUGHERTY COUNTY CAMPUS:

Joe James

Procter & Gamble

MEMORIAL DAY 2014 17/18 Pictorial of Memorial Day Ceremony

ATC EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS 21 Recent Promotions/Awards

of ATC Employees

Carl Childs, Jr.

Emerson Electrical

summer 2014

ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SENIOR ADMINISTRATION

RANDOLPH COUNTY LEARNING CENTER: 229 732.5280

ONLINE:

albanytech.edu

#myalbanytech Access is a quarterly news magazine published by the Marketing and Public Relations Office at Albany Technical College. Send direct inquiries to Wendy Howell, Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations, at 229.430.3816 or email whowell@albanytech.edu.

Bank of America

Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Albany Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). Inquires should be addressed to the VP of Administration, ATC, 229.430.3524 or email kskates@albanytech.edu.

FEATURES page 3

ATC CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY page 4

ATHLETICS BANQUET 2014

ABOUT OUR COVER: ATC/MTSU Agreement: A Win-Win for Students in Electromechanical Engineering Technology

page 6

page15

page17/18

ATC OPEN HOUSE 2014

MEMORIAL DAY 2014

page16

page19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS

SPRING COMMENCEMENT 2014 page 8/9

COVER FEATURE page 10-14

Faces/ Events

Faces/Events: Recent Happenings Around ATC

Contents

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER

Growing Agreements Our list of articulation agreements is ever growing and we couldn’t be more pleased. It is through these agreements that our students are able to continue their education on and obtain higher degrees.

In this issue, our cover story features one of the most recent agreements with Middle Tennesee State University (MTSU) for our Electromechanical Engineering Technology program. I would like to commend our Electromechanical Engineering instructor, Mr. Chase Mumford, for pursuing this agreement with MTSU and ultimately, creating a path for those students to continue on with their education.

Inside this issue, you will also read about one of our alums from 1989, Ms. Jennifer Lewis-Polite, who was named as this year’s Dougherty County School System (DCSS) Teacher of the Year. It is always a pleasure to see graduates from years ago still doing well. We congratulate Ms. Lewis-Polite on her accomplishments and know she will continue to do great things in the DCSS. We hope you enjoy reading about all the great things going on at Albany Tech in this edition and many more to come.

Thank you for your support.

There is no doubt that students who articulate to MTSU in the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program will be a great asset to the viability of several industries needing these graduates.

We are looking to extend our Engineering Technology agreements soon by signing an agreement with Fort Valley State University. We want to provide as many opportunities to our students as we possibly can and increasing these agreements is just one of the many ways to accomplish that.

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from the President

ARBOR DAY 2014

Live Oak Planted for Arbor Day 2014

Albany Technical College, a Tree Campus USA, celebrated Arbor Day on Monday, April 21st at 10 a.m. on the grounds north of the Nathaniel Cross Health Care Technology Building, by planting a tree.

George Paul, Environmental Horticulture instructor at Albany Tech, selected a live oak, which is the Georgia state tree. The tree was planted in the large span of grounds between the Center for Excellence in Technology and the Nathaniel Cross Health Care Technology building.

Albany Technical College also celebrates another year of being named a Tree Campus USA. The College has been named Tree Campus USA since 2008 for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.

Tree Campus USA, a national program launched by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities and the leaders of the campus and surrounding communities for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is supported by a $750,000 grant from Toyota.

Albany Technical 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 tree-care 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.

Albany Technical College has received the Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation since it began in 2008.

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2014 ATHLETICS BANQUET

Athletics Banquet 2014

Albany Technical College’s Athletics Program held their annual Athletics Banquet for the Titans basketball players and cheerleaders from season 2013-2014 on Friday, April 11, 2014, at 6pm, in the Kirkland Conference Center.

Several players on the men and women’s teams for the Titans, as well as the Titans cheerleaders, received awards and were recognized for their achievements throughout the season.

Speaker for the evening event was Coach Robert Skinner, Head Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball Coach at Albany State University. In his 23rd season as head coach of the Albany State University Lady Rams, Robert Skinner has built one of the most successful college women’s basketball teams in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the South Region Known for his “tough love” standards, Skinner, who was named SIAC Coach of the Year in 1990, and has guided the Lady Rams teams to SIAC championships and appearances in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II playoffs throughout the years.

His 1995-1996 squad won the SIAC cham4 | access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014

pionship and made team and SIAC history by defeating Rollins College, 63-62, in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, but lost a heartbreaker to Delta State, 99-67 in the second round. Skinner’s Lady Rams won the SIAC championship in 1998, and returned to the NCAA playoffs, only to lose to Florida Southern University in the first round. He has been making history ever since with his clever basketball coaching skills and prowess.

Skinner is a 1979 graduate of Murray State University in Murray, Ky. Prior to joining the Albany State University family in 1991, he was head coach at Paine College in Augusta, Ga., where he compiled a 160-125 record during 11 seasons at the helm of the Lady Lions program.

The list of awards for the evening included: Men’s Basketball Awards: Guy Barnes, Loren Hall, Brandon Hudson, Miles Inman, Rawlings Okivie, Dyron Nix, Brandon Quarterman, Lafonzo Smith, Tevin Smith, Jonathan Thomas, Jamal Williams, and Kymon Woods.

Guy Barnes, Defensive Player of the Year; Loren Hall, Offensive Player of the Year; Brandon Quarterman, Most Improved;

Rawlings Okivie, President Scholar Award; Kymon Woods, B.J. Brown Coach’s Award; Guy Barnes and Kymon Woods, Most Valuable Player; and Brandon Hudson, Freshman of the Year.

Lady Titans Awards: Kayla Bowens, Quiondra Darrisaw, Tiara Grier, Toni Grier, Tajai Pearson, Nia Slappey, De’Unna Swift, Ashley Towns, and Shanice Williams.

Nia Slappey and Tajai Pearson, Defensive Players of the Year; Quiondra Darrisaw, Offensive Player of the Year; Toni Grier and Quiondra Darrisaw, Most Valuable Player; Nia Slappey, Most Improved; Toni Grier, President Scholar Award; and Tiara Grier, B.J. Brown Coach’s Award.

The following players were also recognized as having an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher: Tiara Grier, Toni Grier, Miles Inman, Rawlings Okivie, Tajai Pearson, Nia Slappey, and Shanice Williams.

Titans Cheer Squad awards were presented to Patrina Appling, Samayha Hightower, Danelle Jackson, and Angelica Kimbrough.

Samayha Hightower received a President Scholar Award.

XXXX

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SPRING 2014 COMMENCEMENT

Spring Commencement Held May 2nd Albany Technical College held spring commencement exercises on Friday, May 2, 2014, at 7pm, at the Albany Civic Center.

Over 130 received associate degrees; over 400 diplomas; and almost 600 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 Dr. William J. McKinney, President of Valdosta State University (VSU). A nationally recognized teacher, scholar, and academic leader, Dr. William J. McKinney became Valdosta State University’s ninth president on July 1, 2012.

Since joining VSU, President McKinney has established the clear vision that Valdosta State will be the premier university in the United States that educates its students equally well for the world of work and the responsibilities of citizenship. Committed to the belief that America’s public universities serve as sources of opportunity, centers for economic development, and agents of transformational change, McKinney’s vision for Valdosta State will be accomplished through what he has called “Engaged Innovation” – a means by which the creative power of the university serves both individuals and communities.

Under McKinney’s leadership, Valdosta State has opened its I.D.E.A. Center, a faculty-run research and development center dedicated to classroom innovation. In 2014, the university will proudly open its 145,000 square foot Health Sciences and Administration Building, which will serve as south Georgia’s premier center for health care and business education and research. Soon after this building’s opening, the university will begin construction of a new Center for STEM Education designed to improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education throughout our region.

In addition to his leadership on campus, President McKinney serves on the President’s Trust of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the Workforce and Economic Development Committee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trustees of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, and the Economic and Workforce Development Committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Prior to arriving at VSU, Dr. McKinney served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Philosophy at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW).

During his tenure at IPFW, Dr. McKinney 6 | access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014

led the successful regional reaccreditation by the North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission as well as the process that lead to IPFW’s “Engaged University” designation by the Carnegie Foundation. In his four years at IPFW, sponsored research, grants, and contracts increased by 33 percent. Under his leadership, IPFW also had significant increases in full-time tenure track faculty, and the percentage of female and minority faculty.

In 2010, Dr. McKinney was selected as one of the first 25 chief academic officers to spearhead the “Red Balloon Project.” This project, begun by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), seeks nothing less than to fundamentally re-imagine the role, function, and operation of higher education in the wake of post-2008 budgetary challenges. The Red Balloon Project served as McKinney’s inspiration for the development and implementation of the “Re-imagining IPFW’s Academic Future” initiative, an innovative experiment in shared governance where faculty and academic administrators worked collaboratively on strategic priorities ranging from enrollment management to the use of mobile technology.

A firm believer of the value of a liberal education, Dr. McKinney has been actively involved with the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) since 1994. In 2011, he represented the State of Indiana in the AACU’s Quality Collaboratives Project. This collaborative, funded by the Lumina Foundation, seeks to refocus the national higher education dialogue on matters of quality and student learning outcomes by reemphasizing the centrality of faculty and liberal learning.

McKinney has been active in the work of the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi, serving on its board of directors from 2010-2012, and in various volunteer roles since 2005.

He also has been a member of and held leadership positions in a range of local, state, and national organizations, including Northeast Indiana Public Radio, Northeast Indiana Aging and In-Home Services, and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.

McKinney served as the founding Dean of the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania from 2001-08, and as the Chairperson of Philosophy and Religion at Southeast Missouri State from 19972001. He received his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science in 1992 and his M.A. in the History and Philosophy of Science in 1989 from Indiana University-Bloomington. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering and his B.A. in History from Bucknell University in 1986. He has published or presented well over 100 papers, book chapters or reviews in such diverse topics as the philosophical nature of scientific experiments, environmental ethics, liberal education, and civic engagement.

Among the graduates this spring were

two exceptional candidates. Bessie Bolden, who received her associate’s degree in Business Administrative Technology and a native of Eudora, Arkansas, is a retired Marine who achieved the highest enlisted rank (E9). Bolden is also a 2012 graduate from Albany Tech’s Business Logistics Management program and returned to ATC to sharpen her skills. In October of 2013, Bolden was hired to work for CGI Federal. She attributes her success to the instructors at Albany Tech.

“I am proud to say I am a ‘Titan’ and will encourage anyone to continue to push and not to settle, regardless of what challenges may arise,” said Bolden.

Nature Malone is a former student of Albany Tech, who previously earned an associate’s degree in Business Logistics Management and graduated this time with honors with her associate’s in Operations Management. A single mom of two children, Malone continues to work part-time as an Administrative Coordinator for the American Red Cross Flint River Chapter and is a Disaster Relief Volunteer.

Malone credits Albany Tech with grooming her to be “work ready” due to the hands-on applications she received in the classroom and labs. She said that ATC built her confidence with the knowledge and skills to enter her new career in Operations Management to be an asset to any company or organization.

“Through internships and co-op opportunities, I have been able to secure jobs with American Red Cross National Testing Laboratory in their blood service department, Midwood Ambulance and Oxygen Service in Brooklyn, New York,” said Malone.

Malone said the Operations Management online offerings allowed her the flexibility to maintain her family life, while working on her degree. “Instructors lent a great deal of knowledge, considering they had worked in the industry and were able to provide top-notch instruction on what it takes to be successful in the field,” said Malone.

Along with receiving her associate’s in Operations Management, Malone has also earned certification in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt as a Quality Assurance Specialist and Project Management Professional through Albany Tech. Her goal is to eventually complete her Black Belt Six Sigma certification.

“It has been a lot of work, but I have succeeded with the help of my instructors, my supervisor, and the support of my family and friends,” said Malone. “I am a proud Titan and will continue to give back to the college as a two-time alumni.”

Spring

Commencement

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ATC/MTSU Agreement:

COVER FEATURE

A Win-Win for Students in Electromechanical Engineering Technology

Officials from MTSU and Southwest Georgia’s Albany Technical College signed an agreement allowing students who graduate with an associate degree from Albany Tech to transfer to MTSU to earn their bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering technology.

this Georgia college to come to MTSU and articulate their associate degree with MTSU coursework in electromechanical engineering technology for our Bachelor of Science degree. We are honored that Albany Technical College chose MTSU for this 2+2 program.”

With their campuses about 400 miles and six hours apart, MTSU Provost Brad Bartel and Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker signed the 2+2 transfer agreement — two years at Albany Tech followed by two years at MTSU. It marks the first time MTSU has gone beyond the state’s borders to forge such a partnership.

Bartel said four of his community’s 21st century manufacturers “will likely employ graduates with the skills that ATC and MTSU can jointly provide.”

The purpose of the agreement is to facilitate the transfer of Albany Tech students to MTSU; to provide specific advisement for Albany Tech students who intend to transfer to MTSU; and to encourage academic and administrative coordination between the institutions in the electromechanical engineering technology program.

“MTSU welcomes this innovative articulation and transfer agreement with Albany Technical College,” Bartel said. “The agreement satisfies the need for students from 8 | access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014

“The hybrid electrical and mechanical degree will provide skill sets in the exact proportions needed by our region’s manufacturers,” Parker added. “We expect that a number of graduates from ATC’s associate degree program will want the career advancement that a bachelor’s degree can provide. We are grateful to Middle Tennessee State and look forward to a long relationship.”

Albany Tech Executive Vice President and VP of Academic Affairs Shirley Armstrong, dean of Academic Affairs Emmett L. Griswold and electromechanical engineering technology program Chair Chase Mumford also attended the signing, held in the Student Union President’s Executive Conference Room.

Engineering Technology Chair Walter Boles credits MTSU professor Chong Chen and Mumford with “laying the groundwork on the actual academic curriculum.”

“We’re always excited about getting new students in our program,” Boles said. “Safe to say, we are very pleased Albany Technical College searched and found our program. Their desire to have an articulation agreement with us is very rewarding.”

Boles said Albany Tech students wanting to be in the MTSU program will need to ask for in-state tuition when applying.

Albany Tech has about 4,000 students and electromechanical engineering technology is one of many areas of study.

Mumford said there are 50 students in this concentration.

MTSU has about 650 students majoring in the various engineering technology concentrations. This includes about 150 in electromechanical engineering technology and 60 following the first year with a mechatronics engineering technology concentration.

MTSU has four other transfer agreements,

COVER FEATURE

Academic leaders from MTSU and Albany Technical College in Southwest Georgia are shown following the transfer signing agreement between the two schools May 20 in the Student Union President’s Executive Conference Room. Seated, from left, are MTSU Provost Brad Bartel and Albany Tech President Anthony Parker. Standing, from left, are MTSU’s Chong Chen, Saeed Foroudastan, Walter Boles and Bud Fischer, and Albany Tech’s Shirley Armstrong, Emmett L. Griswold and Chase Mumford.

(MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

one with Motlow College (early childhood education), two with Columbia State (nursing and early childhood education) and an agribusiness agreement with the Columbia State-Lewisburg campus.

“The hybrid electrical and mechanical degree will provide skill sets in the exact proportions needed by our region’s manufacturers. “We expect that a number of graduates from ATC’s associate degree program will want the career advancement that a bachelor’s degree can provide.

We are grateful to Middle Tennessee State and look forward to a long relationship.”

-- Dr. Anthony O. Parker ATC President

MTSU Provost Brad Bartel, left, and Georgia’s Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker shake hands following the signing of the 2+2 transfer agreement May 20 in the Student Union President’s Executive Conference Room. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS

The latest campus happenings ...

Albany Technical College Honors Day was held on April 29, 2014 at 12Noon in the Kirkland Conference Center. Almost 50 students received various honors awards ranging from Presidential Scholar, Highest GPA’s, National Technical Honors Society, and more.

Three former Lady Titans players recently signed to play at four year colleges.

Shanice Williams and Ashley Towns signed to play with Albany State University. Toni Grier signed to play with South Carolina State University.

Dianne Lassai Barker, TCSG Secondary Education Initiatives State Coordinator, presented a dual enrollment seminar to faculty and staff members on June 4th in the Logistics Education Center Auditorium.

To the right: Former Titans basketball players recently signed to play at four year colleges. Guy Barnes, Tervin Smith, and Jonathan Thomas signed to play with Concordia College. Lafonzo Smith signed to play with Fort Valley State University.

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Faces/Events

FACES/EVENTS

The latest campus happenings ...

Albany Technical College Health Care Technology division held their spring Capping and Pinning Ceremony on April 30, 2014 in the Kirkland Conference Center. From upper left to right include: Practical Nursing capping candidates, Health Information Technology, Pharmacy Technology, Paramedic Technology, and Practical Nursing pinning candidates.

F/E

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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS

The latest campus happenings ...

Several Albany Tech students took advantage of the Spring Career Fair held on April 23rd in the Kirkland Conference Center. Almost 100 employers had booths at this year’s Career Fair.

Pictured to the left: Marketing Management student and Collegiate DECA member, Cortez Frazier, was recently named the 2014-2015 Georgia Collegiate DECA Vice President. Pictured to the right: Back row: President- Rosemarie Merritt (Southern Crescent Technical College) Vice President - Cortrez Frazier (Albany Technical College); Front row: Reporter/Historian- Eric Mason (Atlanta Technical College) TCSG Student Activities Director – Amy Holloway, Secretary/Treasurer-Shalena Denise Chambers (Georgia Piedmont Technical College).

Pictured on the left: Dr. David Mosely, Superintendent of the Dougherty County School System, commends a graduate of the College and Career Performance Learning Center (CCPLC) - a new partnership between Albany Tech and the Dougherty County School System. The CCPLC’s graduation was held in our Kirkland Conference Center in May. Over 50 students graduated from the CCPLC.

F/E

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Faces/Events

FACES/EVENTS

The latest campus happenings ...

An informational session for the Plus 50 program was held on April 30th and May 1st in the Logistics Education Center Auditorium. The Plus 50 program is part of a grant Albany Tech received from the American Association of Community Colleges targeted at the 50+ population who aspire to go back to college to train for a new career. Students in the National Technical Honor Society recently held a Food Drive for the Albany Rescue Mission collecting a total of 459 food items and 30 bars of soap. Participating members (pictured left to right) included: Gregory Ewings, Melissa Perone, LaShae Dancer (NTHS Program Advisor), Elena Schneider (Secretary for NTHS), and Haley Roberts (President for NTHS). Not pictured are Monique Shirley and Debbra Culbreath (both Vice Presidents for NTHS),

Four Albany Tech students recently received scholarships from the local chapter of Women In Construction. Pictured (left to right): Ophelia Price, Lisa Garcia, and Elizabeth Pollock (members of the Women In Construction local chapter); Matthew Christmas (Welding student); Codey Brown (Air Conditioning student); Justin Cox (Plumbing student); and Jasen Fisher (Drafting student). Each student was awarded $500.

F/E

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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS

The latest campus happenings ...

The Albany Tech Criminal Justice Club held an induction ceremony on April 24th.

Albany Tech Pharmacy Technology students presented their Capstone projects on April 24th in the Cross Healthcare Technology Building.

Albany Tech Practical Nursing students presented their Capstone Projects on April 22nd in the Logistics Education Center. During the event, they also conducted free blood pressure screenings and had information available on health and well-being.

F/E

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Albany Tech hosted an Autism Awareness seminar on campus on April 25th in the Logistics Education Center Auditorium.

ATC OPEN HOUSE 2014

Open House 2014

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ATC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ATC Graduate Named DCSS Teacher of the Year Jennifer Lewis-Polite earned her diploma from Albany Tech in 1989 in the Child Care Program Dougherty County School System (DCSS) 2014 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer LewisPolite, is an Albany Tech alum.

Lewis-Polite completed the Child Care and Development (now known as Early Childhood Care and Education) program at Albany Tech in 1989. She says her love for teaching, learning and working with children were what led her to choose this career path.

“Choosing Child Care and Development provided real world experiences that I could not get through textbooks and research,” said Lewis-Polite. “Working daily with students helped me to become more proficient in the educational field.”

When she was a student at Albany Tech, Lewis-Polite said the Child Care and Development Center (now known as the Child Care Development and Demonstration Center) had an observation window where the instructors could see and hear the interaction between the adult students and the children in the program.

She says this method gave her the opportunity for instant feedback, which was invaluable.

After graduating from Albany Tech, LewisPolite went on to become a full-time Assistant to the Director of Albany State University’s (ASU) Child Care Education Program. She also became a part-time student, which allowed her to complete her bachelor’s degree as a non-traditional student. In her job at ASU, she was responsible for assisting with interviews and hiring personnel, along with ordering any supplies needed, observing interactions between adults and students, and 16 | access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014

providing professional development.

Lewis-Polite says that getting her career start at Albany Tech was the best decision she could make and that on a scale from one to 10, she would rate Albany Tech as a 99.9.

“The reason I rate Albany Tech so highly is because of the knowledgeable and committed instructors who taught me, as well as the hands-on experiences,” said Lewis-Polite. “As a student, I was given the opportunity to interact with parents as well, which was beneficial.”

Now as a teacher, Lewis-Polite said she believes it is very important to have constant contact and communication with parents.

encourage any person who has a love for teaching, learning, and working with young children to give thought to attending Albany Tech.”

Lewis-Polite thanks the instructors who were at Albany Tech at the time she was here (Mrs. Patricia Richard and Ms. Eliza Spurling) for all their support and encouragement. She said they would always comment that she could do great things in the field of education and that stuck with her.

“I am so honored to have been a student at Albany Tech and take great pride, irreplaceable knowledge, and integrity from what I learned at Albany Tech into my present role as a fourth grade Social Studies teacher in the Dougherty County School System,” she added.

“Educators should be honest with comments and other feedback, because we have a large impact on student success,” she said.

Lewis-Polite said the instructors at Albany Tech always stressed that you have to be compassionate when working with students and understanding when communicating with parents.

Considering Albany Tech as an extension of her family, Lewis-Polite said she spent a large amount of time with the instructors, her classmates, and the children while a student here. And, she attributes her success today to what she learned at Albany Tech.

“I think Albany Tech is one of the main reasons that I have grown as an elementary school teacher,” she said. “I would

“The reason I rate Albany Tech so highly is because of the knowledgeable and committed instructors who taught me, as well as the hands-on experiences.”

Memorial Day 2014

Albany Technical College held their second annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Thursday, May 29th, at 10:15am in the Kirkland Conference Center. Keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony was Kim Robins, Cemetery Director for Andersonville National Cemetery.

Kim Robins began her career with the National Park Service in 2005. She is currently the cemetery director for Andersonville National Cemetery and graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science.

Albany Tech began the tradition in 2013 of holding both a Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremony on the campus on the Thursday following the Monday holiday to commemorate our veterans and allow our students, faculty, staff, and the community to recognize and honor those who fought for our country.

The ceremony began with a welcome from Albany Tech’s President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, followed by the presentation of colors by the Young Marines of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and the National Anthem, performed by Frederia Sampson, English and Humanities instructor at Albany Tech.

After the invocation provided by Richard Parker, Radiologic Technology program chair at Albany Tech, and the keynote speaker, Kim Robins, a special video presentation on Andersonville National Cemetery was shown, followed by a Flag Folding ceremony given by Major Lawrence DesJardines, Detachment #1260, Marine Corps League.

This year marked Albany Tech’s second year holding ceremony.

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Keynote speaker, Kim Robins, spoke to the audience on the significance of Andersonville National Historic Cemetery.

The Young Marines of MCLB performed the Color Guard.

A special Flag Folding ceremony was held at the end of the event.

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PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE 2014

Several ATC Programs/Divisions Receive New Presidential Award of Excellence

Top (left to right): Joseph Trumbull, Air Conditioning Technology; Bill Underwood, Automotive Collision Technology; Jill Mash, Design Media Production Technology; Eliott Bonds, Automotive Collision Technology; Eddy Peck, Diesel Equipment Technology; Mark Crawford, Plumbing Technology; Lisa Riddle, Hotel/Restaurant/ Tourism Management; Mattie Buchannon (accepting the award for Radiologic Technology and Practical Nursing programs); and Sandra Sutton, Career Services. access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014 | 19

Top (left to right): Suzann Culpepper, Registrar; Danielle Drayton, Registrar’s Office; Cynthnie Hughes, Registar’s Office, and Teresa Mallard, Registrar’s Office.

Presidential Awards of Excellence (not pictured) Kenneth DeLong Kortney Wilson Anita Edenfield Leona Laster Katrinia Shivers Saketha Silas Richard Parker

Don Rogers Julie Pettway

Presidential Stewardship Award Dennis Courtney Noreen McGee Chinelo Ochie Michelle Lilly-Williams Manuel Hall Chase Mumford Darren Hagler Dan Johnson

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Congratulations!

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE 2014

Service Awards Five Years:

Mark Crawford Drenda Davis-Jackson Richard Shumake Sandra Sutton

10 Years:

Denise Brooks Dan Johnson Phillip Monfort

15 Years:

Marla Fowler

20 Years:

Sarah Spurlin

FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS

Laye Promoted to Dean of Evening Operations Don Laye, previously the Chair of the Fire Science Technology program at Albany Tech, has been appointed to the Dean of Evening Operations and took the helm on May 1, 2014.

Retiring as the City of Dawson Fire Chief in 2006 after 26 years of service to the citizens of Dawson and Terrell County, Laye has been employed by Albany Tech as the Department Chair/Instructor of the Fire Science Technology program for the past nine years. Laye received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia Southwestern State University and his master’s degree in Public Administration from Albany State University. He is an accrediting agent and test proctor for firefighter testing with National

Professional Qualifications, Pro-Board Certification, Quincy, Massachusetts.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to serve the students and faculty/staff of Albany Technical College is this new capacity,” said Laye. “The position will definitely be a change, but one that I have anticipated and well prepared to meet. I feel that past experience in a command position in the fire service, and my teaching experience at Albany Tech, has prepared me for the challenges ahead as Dean of Evening Operations.”

Windom Honored for Success in Education Administration Dietra Windom, Administrative Support for the Dean of Academic Affairs at Albany Technical College, has been recognized by Worldwide Branding for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in her profession.

Windom, who is proud of her listening skills, has nine years of experience and in her current role at the college. Her duties are checking messages and continuing projects that need to be worked on. In the future, she would like to become a teacher.

She became involved in her profession because of her interest in computers, and pursued a

career by building an impressive educational resume. Windom is currently pursuing an MBA, having received a bachelor’s degree in Workforce Management in 2013 from Valdosta State University, and an associate’s degree in Business Office Technology and Business Management in 2005 from Albany Technical College. She attributes her success to family support; she was the first in her family to finish college. She also holds a PBL certification.

In recognition of all her achievements, Windom was recently inducted into Worldwide Branding, and also maintains a charitable affiliation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Austin Appointed New ATC Board Chair Albany Technical College recently announced the new chair for the college’s Board of Directors. Joe Austin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Phoebe Putney Health System, will serve as the new chair beginning this month. Austin succeeds Virginia Parker, who has served as the chair of the Albany Tech Board of Directors since July of 2011.

A native of Dothan, Alabama, Austin has served on the Albany Tech Board of Directors since July of 2009. With more than 34 years of diverse experience in health care, Austin came to Phoebe Putney from North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Georgia, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer. Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer for the Huntsville Hospital System (Alabama) for more than six years.

In his early career, he worked as an administrator in a variety of health care concerns, including rehabilitation hospitals. His Georgia experience is not limited to the Metro Atlanta part of Georgia. Austin had a great introduction to the

Southwest Georgia culture and habits when he worked early in his career at Dooly Medical Center in Vienna.

Since serving as a member of the Albany Tech Board of Directors for a number of years, Austin has become an avid supporter and advocate for the college. His new duties as Board Chair will allow him to be involved on a larger scale.

“Albany Technical College is a growing college in this community and I look forward to helping the college become an even greater asset to Southwest Georgia,” said Austin.

Albany Tech hopes to expand the college in both square footage and the various programs offered. Austin says that it’s an exciting time to be a part of that growth. “Albany Tech is responsible for a large portion of our workforce here at Phoebe and in other needed parts of the community and I look forward to continued service on the board as we serve the workforce needs of our area,” said Austin. access | Albany Technical College | Summer 2014 | 21

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