New & Newsworthy... Wilson Returns as Financial Aid Director
Mr. Kenneth Wilson came on board with Albany Tech as director of Financial Aid on Jan. 2. Having worked in the financial aid arena for 17 years, Wilson is no stranger to Albany Tech. He served in the position at Albany Tech from April 2001 to August 2006. Most recently he was the director of student financial aid and scholarships at Elizabeth City State University in the University of North Carolina system. Wilson holds two bachelor’s degrees (computer science technology and mathematics) from Savannah State College. He also completed graduate level coursework in public administration at Savannah State University. While employed with Elizabeth City State University, Wilson implemented and
...Staff & Student Success
managed Ellucian’s Banner Student Financial Aid module. In addition, he conducted ongoing statistical reviews and reconciliation of all financial aid programs, while managing $40 million in federal, state and institutional funds. Prior to his position with Elizabeth City State University, Wilson served as the systems analyst in the Enrollment Management office at Savannah State University. “My goals for the financial aid department at Albany Tech are to speed up the processing of student loans, reduce the default rate and simplify the verification process,” said Wilson. “This should allow staff to be more focused on counseling students and spend less time on processing paper.”
Two ATC Grads Build Butterfly Gardens Below, left-right: Thomas Bruce, Cecil Fordham and horticulture instructor George Paul
Davis Named 2012 Employee of the Year ATC named Angela Davis, grants coordinator/ compliance officer its 2012 Employee-of-theYear. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Davis has been employed with Albany Tech for a little over two years. In her position, Davis has worked to identify grant funding and to write grant proposals for college programs and services. So far, Davis has been successful in securing more than $5 million in grants for ATC. Davis originally moved to the Albany area to work as a finance specialist for the City of Albany’s Community Development Department. Davis then took her skills and experience to Americus where she accepted a position as
assistant community development director. A short three years later, Davis was promoted to director of Community and Economic Development, where she was responsible for the management of various departments (transit, GIS, downtown development and cemeteries). “I am greatly honored to be chosen as Albany Tech’s 2012 Employee of the Year,” said Davis. “It is a privilege and honor to be chosen and I am truly grateful. Words cannot express the gratitude I have that someone thought so highly of me to nominate me. I am truly blessed.” Davis received her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Alabama State University.
ATC College of the Year Finalist
(l-r): Ron Jackson, TCSG Commissioner, Lynn Cornett, TCSG Board Chair, Dr. Sandra Reed, TCSG board member and Dr. Anthony Parker, ATC President
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The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recognized Albany Tech as one of three finalists for the 2012 Perdue Award for Technical College of the Year. Atlanta Technical College was the board’s choice for the top award, and Athens Technical College was the other runner-up for the award. Dr. Anthony Parker accepted a resolution from TCSG Board Chair Lynn Cornett honoring the college’s
record of achievement during the past year. Each year, the TCSG State Board evaluates the system’s 25 technical colleges based on almost two dozen performance categories, including enrollment in technical and adult education programs, student retention and graduation rates, licensure pass rates, national awards, and administrative efficiencies. The award is named for past Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Cecil Fordham retired from Delphi and went to work at Cooper Tire. When Cooper closed, the company paid for retraining for its employees. That’s when Fordham decided to pursue a hobby: horticulture. Fordham graduated from Albany Tech’s Environmental Horticulture program in January 2011 — the same day his son graduated from ATC in Automotive Collision Repair and, more importantly, his grandson was born. In spring 2012, the Master Gardeners of Albany approached Thomas Bruce, Fordham’s supervisor at Dougherty County Public Works’ Parks Department, and asked if Bruce and his crew would consider installing a Monarch Butterfly Garden at the Radium Springs park. Bruce is a graduate of ATC’s horticulture program also. Bruce agreed, bringing Fordham into the project, and a dedication ceremony was held in June. The gardens have traditional butterfly bushes, as well as milkweed (the Monarchs’ main feed staple), rosemary, black-eyed Susans and zinnias, among other flowers the winged wonders enjoy. While the Monarchs are beautiful, Fordham says the gardens attract a lot of other types of butterflies too.
Rucks Says ATC-to-ASU Works! Terry Rucks knows a good thing when he hears about it. That’s why upon his graduation from Albany Tech in 2010 with an associate of applied science degree in Business Administrative Technology, he took advantage of the articulation agreement between the two schools and matriculated at Albany State University where he completed his bachelor of science degree in December.
Rucks’ goal is to work in business administration, especially as it pertains to accounting, financial management and entrepreneurship. He was very active in clubs on both campuses; while at Albany Tech he received honors for membership in Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. In 2009, Rucks was an honorary recipient of the Georgia Fiscal Management Council Scholarship. In 2011, he received $5,000 from the Dr. Jerome E. Bartow Scholarship of the National Urban League.
Mr. & Ms. ATC... Nena Simpson was crowned Ms. Albany Tech on Nov. 10 at ATC’s Homecoming. Nena is a Law Enforcement Tech major and also works in ATC’s Academic Achievement Center. At the same ceremony, Tony Fears was named Mr. Albany Tech. He is a Law Enforcement Tech major.
Mr. is Now Mayor Wright Mr. Christopher Wright, a recent Business Administrative Technology graduate, elected mayor of the City of Dawson in November. Wright was a 2012 GOAL student nominee. Wright is one more example of how Albany Tech’s students go on to do stellar things in the community and in business. Congratulations Mayor Wright!
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