ONE WOMAN’S LEGACY OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE Florine Thomas

In a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of education and family, Ms. Florine Thomas has become the proud matriarch of a family deeply rooted in Albany Technical College. Over the years, 18 of her children and grandchildren have walked the halls of this institution, following in her footsteps and upholding the values of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to education that she instilled in them. This incredible achievement not only highlights the strong family bonds and traditions, but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Ms. Thomas's journey began many years ago when, after the untimely passing of her husband, she turned to the Monroe Area Vocational Technical Institute (now Albany Tech) to pursue a major in slipcover and drapery making. Her determination to provide for her ten children through technical education laid the foundation for a family legacy that spans three generations. Today, her descendants include accomplished professionals such as Dr. Latrona Lanier, the Director of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program at Albany Tech, and Mr. Lonzell Fisher, an MRI technologist at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. This family's story is a shining example of how education can transform lives and communities.

The Interview

This interview was documented during a Leadership Albany tour at Phoebe’s Simulation and Innovation Center. During the tour, Albany Technical College was invited to oversee a panel discussion, which included Dr. Lanier and her family. The collaboration highlighted the educational and innovative capabilities of both institutions.

Lisa Harrell (LH): Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It's with great pleasure that I welcome you to today's panel discussion. As we gather here, we embark upon a journey through the rich tapestry of Albany Tech's legacy, woven with threads of affordability, accessibility, and dedication to workforce development.

I'm Lisa Harrell, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Albany Tech, filling in for Lisa Stephens, my Associate Vice President. I am a 2010 graduate of Leadership Albany. Today, I am honored to guide us through this exploration of Albany Tech's enduring impact on individuals, families, and our broader community. Without further ado, let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

LH: Our first panelist is a true embodiment of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Florine Thomas to the discussion today. Ms. Thomas, your story of returning to school after your husband's passing to provide for your family is incredibly inspiring. Will you share a little more with the group? How did Albany Tech or

Monroe Vocational support you during that time? And what role did technical education play in shaping your family's future?

Ms. Florine Thomas (FT): Yes, I'd be honored to. But first, I have something I always do, and that is I thank Jesus. I thank God for bringing me this far. At that time, I was much younger. My husband passed away with little children, and I didn't have enough savings to support my family. But I knew about Monroe Vocational School. I liked going to school, and it encouraged me to see those who did. I decided to enroll in slipcover and drapery making to be home with my children while providing for them.

Through dedication and the support of my teacher, Mrs. Irene Nobles, I learned valuable skills. I worked hard and eventually found a job making draperies and clothes. My children respected and followed my example, pursuing their education at Albany Tech. I'm glad I took that route, and I hope my story encourages others to know they can do it too.

LH: Thank you, Ms. Thomas. Now, Dr. Lanier, you're not a product of technical education but decided to teach in it. What was the driving factor behind making this decision?

Dr. Latrona Lanier (LL): Good morning. The driving force is sitting right next to me. My mom is modest, but she never relied on welfare. She raised ten children on her own, with the support of technical education. I chose to teach at Albany Tech to make a difference in others' lives, just as technical education did for my family.

LH: Congratulations on your program's 100% pass rate on licensure exams. Can you share insights into how the program has fostered such success and its impact on the community?

LL: The success comes from the leadership at ATC and the dedicated faculty members. We meet our students where they are and provide the necessary support. Our graduates are well-prepared, ensuring quality care in the community. When you walk into Phoebe, you can trust that our nurses are competent and well-trained.

LH: Mr. Lonzell Fisher, having graduated from both the radiology and advanced medical imaging programs, how did Albany Tech prepare you for success in multiple specialized fields, and what impact has it had on your career?

Mr. Lonzell Fisher (LF): Albany Tech prepared me to be job-ready from day one. The up-to-date equipment and clinical rotations were crucial. I graduated from the radiology program in 2018 and continued with the CT and MRI programs as Albany Tech expanded. This education helped me secure a job and advance in my career.

LH: Ms. Thomas, as someone who raised ten children as a widow and pursued education at Albany Tech, what message do you have for others facing similar challenges, especially regarding the importance of affordable education and vocational training?

FT: You can do it too. Start from the bottom and build your foundation. It's important to learn and work hard. With faith and determination, you can achieve your goals.

LH: Dr. Lanier, with the nursing program moving to the Living and Learning Community, how do you envision this transition enhancing the educational experience for students and further strengthening Albany Tech's role in workforce development?

LL: We're excited about the Living and Learning Community. It provides students with the opportunity to live and learn in the same building, addressing barriers like finances and housing. This initiative will help produce workforce-ready graduates and support the community's growth.

LH: Mr. Fisher, could you share reflections on how accessible education has shaped your journey, particularly in terms of pursuing multiple certifications and advancing your career?

LF: The online component of the advanced imaging program was crucial. It allowed me to work and study simultaneously, making education more accessible and practical for my situation.

LH: What strategies have you implemented to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have equitable access to education and resources?

LL: We offer individual remediation sessions and consider different learning styles. We meet students where they are and provide the support they need to succeed.

LH: Looking ahead, what do you hope will be the lasting impact of Albany Tech's legacy on future generations of students and the communities they serve?

LL: Albany Tech has made a significant impact on my life and my family's life. I hope it continues to provide opportunities for others to achieve their dreams and give back to their communities.

FT: I agree. Albany Tech's impact will last for generations, inspiring future students to pursue education and achieve their goals.

LH: Thank you all for sharing your stories with us today. It's incredibly inspiring to see the strong educational lineage in your family and the impact Albany Tech has had on your lives. Congratulations to Ms. Florine Thomas and her extraordinary family on this momentous achievement. Your commitment to education and personal growth is truly commendable.

FAMILY TREE - CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF

CHILD 2

Valeta Williams Haire - ATC LPN Graduate

Grandchild

Brian X. Haire - ATC ASN Program Graduate

Child 3

Grandchild

Jessica Williams - ATC Graduate Diploma

Law Enforcement; ATC Certificate - Private Security

Grandchild

Joshua Williams - ATC Graduate CertificateAutomotive , ATC Graduate Certificate - Air Conditioning

Grandchild

Brandon Williams - ATC Graduate CertificateAutomotive Collision Paint & Body

CHILD 4

Velma Williams Taylor –ATC LPN Graduate

CHILD 5

Grandchild

Curtwana Dawson - GED

Grandchild

Charlie Bynum IV –ATC Graduate Diesel Technology

It's incredibly inspiring to see such a strong educational lineage depicted in the family tree of Florine W. Thomas. This visual representation of her descendants' academic achievements - with 18 graduates from ATC across three generations - is a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge that she has instilled in her family. It's a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of so many, guiding them towards a future filled with opportunity and success. Congratulations to Florine W. Thomas and her family on this momentous achievement. Their commitment to education and personal growth is truly commendable and sets a lofty standard for future generations to aspire to.