access FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SPRING 2016
magazine
Teraycia Lovett, 2016 Graduate, ATC Electronics Technology Degree Program, credits MOWR with enhancing her learning and helping her to experience new avenues
ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE SENIOR ADMINISTRATION Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. President
Tanjula Petty, Ed.D.
Kim Lee, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President/Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Linda Coston
Vice President of Adult Education
Kathy Skates
Vice President of Administration
Lorraine Alexander Special Assistant to the President
Pamela Heglar
Acting Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Matt Trice
Wendy Howell
Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Vice President of Center for Business Solutions
Judy Jimmerson
Associate Vice President of Career Services
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Evera Moye
Baker County Representative Dougherty County Representatives:
Joe Austin, Chair Col. Jeffrey Hooks Ben Barrow Betty White Werhner Washington Dr. David Mosely Neil Lowe
Calhoun County Representative
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 Joe James
Celinda Dennison
Cathi Jones
C.W. Grant
Emerson Electrical
Procter & Gamble
Suzanna MacIntosh
SB&T Bank
Retired
Lem Griffin
Community Volunteer
Flint River Services
Kirt Phillips
Alfredia Hampton
Glenn Singfield
Ronnie Hinson
Merrill Lynch
Artesian Contracting
Katrina Baranko
MetroPower
Jim Wilcox
WALB-Channel 10
Mike Clark
Jeanette McDowell
Dr. Willie Adams Retired
Joey Magaddino SB&T Bank
FOR THE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBANY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Spring 2016
magazine
PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE 2 Securing a Powerful Future GOAL FINALISTS 3 Finalists Presented at Albany Rotary
ATC RANKS NO. 1 4 “Best Community Colleges in Georgia” Listing ATC FOUNDATION 2016 ROAST 5 Robert “Bobby” McKinney ATC COVER FEATURE 6/7 Teraycia Lovett ATC/EGSC SIGNING 8 ATC/EGSC FSC Agreement ATC TREE PLANTING 9 ATC Plants for Arbor Day EAGLE/PERKINS 10 Isom/Courtney Represent ATC/GMC SIGNING 11 ATC/GA Military Sign Agreement in Programs CULINARY COMPETITIONS 12 Albany’s Next Titan Chef/ Chopped Competition 3D PRINTING DEMO 13 ATC Drafting Program FACES/EVENTS 14-19 Recent Happenings at ATC MCSC CONTRACTOR 20 BLM Student Feature ATC LEAN SIX SIGMA 21 ATC Employees Join Ranks 2016 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 22/23 TCSG Commissioner, Keynote ATC FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY 24 FESHE Certification FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS 25 Lorraine Alexander Tracy Wallace
DOUGHERTY COUNTY CAMPUS: 229 430.3500
RANDOLPH COUNTY LEARNING CENTER: 229 732.5280
ONLINE:
albanytech.edu
#myalbanytech
SB&T Bank
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Interstate Warehousing
access
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
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. 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
GOAL FINALISTS PRESENTED AT ALBANY ROTARY page 4 ABOUT OUR COVER:
Lovett credits MOWR dual enrollment with enhancing her learning and helping her experience new avenues. pages 6-7 page 11
ATC NAMED #1 IN “BEST COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN GA” LISTING page 5
ATC/GMC SIGNING 2016 ATC FOUNDATION ROAST
page 12
page 8
ATC/EGSC SIGNING page 9
ATC TREE PLANTING
ALBANY’S NEXT TITAN CHEF/CHOPPED COMPETITION pages 14-19
Faces/ Events
Contents Faces/Events: Recent Happenings Around ATC
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DR. ANTHONY O. PARKER
Securing a Powerful Future. We definitely kicked spring off right here at Albany Technical College. From signings held with four-year universities, to tree planting and more successful stories we are sharing with our Move On When Ready graduates, we are continuing to secure our Powerful Future.
Finally, I’m particularly proud of the ATC Faculty and Staff who branched out to earn their Lean Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts through our program. This program is helping to ensure that the functions of the college will be secure for years to come.
I’d like to note how proud I am of ATC for several recent accomplishments. One is the Best Community Colleges naming us as #1 in Georgia. We work hard to maintain our job placement rates and other criteria we are graded on and to be recognized for these efforts is refreshing.
We hope that you will enjoy reading about all the exciting happenings taking place on our campus in this edition of Access, and as always, thank you for your continued support of Albany Technical College.
Another great accomplishment is the FESHE accreditation received for our Fire Science Technology program from the National Fire Alliance. With this accreditation, our students can continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree through a pathway agreement we recently signed with East Georgia State College, who is also FESHE accredited. Speaking of Pathway agreements, we also recently signed with Georgia Military College for several of our academic programs. These pathways continue to secure powerful futures for our graduates who wish to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree.
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Through your support, we will continue to secure ATC’s Powerful Future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Anthony O. Parker President
from the President
ARBOR DAY 2014
Pictured (left to right): Jill Peterson, Brittani Whitehead, Norman Stringer, Evelyn Jenkins, and Kozman Barnum.
GOAL Finalists Recognized at Albany Rotary The 2016 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner for Albany Technical College was announced during the Albany Rotary Club lunch on January 28th by Interim Albany Area Chamber President, Barbara Rivera-Holmes. This year’s winner is Kozman Dwayne Barnum, Environmental Horticulture student.
During a banquet held in November, twelve nominees for GOAL were presented: Jeremy Baumgartel (Civil Engineering Technology); Kozman Barnum (Environmental Horticulture); Jameisha Copeland (Practical Nursing); Mary-Katherine Fowler (Dental Assisting); Wyllen Jackson (Pharmacy Technology); Evelyn Jenkins (Culinary Arts); Melinda Medley (Accounting Technology); Ndubuisi Okeze (Computer Support Specialist); Anissa Pait (Medical Assisting); Jill Peterson (Practical Nursing); Norman Stringer (Electronics Technology); and Brittani Whitehead (Medical Assisting). The final five GOAL nominees that were interviewed by a panel comprised by the Albany Chamber of Commerce earlier in January included: Kozman Barnum (Environmental Horticulture); Evelyn Jenkins (Culinary Arts); Jill Peterson (Practical Nursing); Norman Stringer (Electronics Technology); and Brittani Whitehead (Medical Assisting). Barnum had an opportunity to compete at the Regional Competition for GOAL, which was held for the Southwest Georgia consortium on March 8th at Southern Regional Technical College’s Tifton campus. He also competed at the State GOAL
Kozman Barnum (left) accepts congratulations as the 2016 Albany Tech GOAL winner by Barbara Rivera-Holmes, Interim President of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. competition that was held April 18-21 in Atlanta and was among nine finalists from across the state of Georgia. “It’s my goal to start my own landscaping business in Albany, Georgia, and utilize the skills and practices that I’ve learned through my course load,” said Barnum. “I want to work alongside city officials to redesign and help beautify the city that I call home.” Barnum stressed in his speech how technical education is more personal and offers hands-on training. He said he knew that once he completed his degree that he would have the skills needed to succeed in his career. “My education at Albany Technical College has impacted my life substantially,”
said Barnum. “Although I’m still working towards my degree, I’ve been offered several jobs in and outside of my field of expertise. I chose to complete my education before taking a full-time job load, however, I know there are options available when I’m ready,” he added. Working for iHeart Media, Barnum was named Radio Personality of the Year by Black Albany Magazine in 2013. He has also completed volunteer work as Concert Host for Albany State Rams in the Roses Campaign; float decorator in a winning float for Albany Tech in the 2015 Homecoming Parade for ASU; volunteer for Charity Carwash for Dougherty County Extreme; Volunteer, C-H-Y Foundation; Turkey Giveaway for the Steve Harvey Foundation; and Volunteer DJ services for local schools. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 3
Albany Technical College Ranks Number One in “Best Community Colleges in Georgia” Listing by Schools.com Albany Technical College (ATC) was recently ranked the number one technical college of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) in the “Best Community Colleges in Georgia” listing by Schools.com. Albany Tech earned the ranking by offering reasonable tuition costs, life experience credit, weekend/ evening degree plans, and on-campus daycare. ATC was also noticed as being number one in distance education participation, with its 58 percent online enrollment rate earning it the distinction of being the only technical college in the state to have more than half of its students taking distance education courses at least part-time. Ranking methodology that Schools.com scored each college on included percentage of students enrolled in distance education; cost of attendance; student-to-faculty ratio; average retention rate for full- and part-time students; graduation rate in 200 percent of typical time over a two-year rolling average; job placement in relevant fields for the class of 2013; and flexibility score, based on three data points from the National Center for Education Statistics. “Albany Technical College feels privileged to be recognized as the best technical college in Georgia,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College. “We have worked hard to assist our graduates to have the best possible outcome after graduation. Matching talented, technically educated graduates to employers is the most important thing that we do.” For more information and for the full listing, visit http://www.schools.com/articles/top-communitycolleges-in-georgia#Methodology.
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Albany Tech Foundation 2016 “Roast”
Honored Guest: Robert “Bobby” McKinney, Chair of Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau The Albany Foundation held its annual “Roast” event on Friday, March 11th at 7pm in the Kirkland Conference Center, with a Silent Auction at 6pm in the atrium of the Kirkland Conference Center. This year’s honored guest was Robert “Bobby” McKinney, Chair of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Roasters” for this year’s event included: Ben Barrow, President and Co-owner of LRA Constructors; Rashelle Beasley, Director of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ken Boler, General Manager of the Albany Herald; Jim Deal, General Manager of Albany Communications, Inc.; Walter Kelley, Senior Partner, Kelley, Lovett & Blakely, P.C.; and Jim Leek, Chairman and Owner of JLA Global.
the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce in 2012; President of the YMCA; and Past Chairperson of the Dougherty County Board of Registrations and Elections. McKinney received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia. He was self-employed in Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting from 1993 to 2010 and was employed by Home/Georgia Federal Bank from 1971 to 1993. All proceeds from the Roast will go to benefit Albany Tech students in need of financial assistance through the Albany Tech Foundation.
Robert “Bobby” McKinney has been a supporter of Albany and Dougherty County for many years. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is also a current member of the Dougherty Rotary Club, Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, Flint Stakeholders and the ACF Transition Coordinating Council, as well as a member of the Albany State University Real Estate Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Retired since 2010, McKinney has served the Albany community as Chairperson of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005; Interim President and CEO of access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 5
Teraycia Lovett, 2016 Electronics Tech Grad Lovett credits MOWR dual enrollment with enhancing her learning and helping her to experience new avenues Little did Teraycia Lovett know that she would be walking in a college graduation receiving her associate’s degree two weeks before receiving her high school diploma from Dougherty High School. Lovett is one of many students in Dougherty County who took advantage of the Move On When Ready program at Albany Tech and says that the program not only enhanced her learning, but helped her to experience new avenues. “Prior to dual enrollment, I was lacking and struggling in high school,” said Lovett. “Dual enrollment allowed me to take college classes, and get one-on-one help, which helped me to understand my work more and boosted my GPA.” Enrolling in the Electronics Technology program, Lovett had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the lab to gain a better understanding of the field she was interested in and she says it gave her a real life experience as if she was already working. 6 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016
“If I was to go into the workforce now, I would already be well prepared because of the hand-on training,” said Lovett.
nomenal,” said Lovett. “The instructors are great and not only do they teach, but they inspire you and push you to do more.”
Graduating from Albany Tech with an associate’s degree in Electronics Technology with a biomedical specialization, Lovett will enter Columbus State University this fall as practically a junior on her way to earn a bachelor’s degree. She won’t stop there, though. After graduating from Columbus State, she plans to continue on to graduate school to study prosthesis.
Lovett also credits her parents for introducing her to such a great program at Albany Tech and encouraging her to obtain her associate’s degree while still in high school. She also said her mentor and some of her instructors helped her and didn’t let her quit.
“My career choice was inspired by my internship at Limb Care,” said Lovett. “I learned a lot about prosthetics and became very interested in the field.” Lovett credits Albany Tech with giving her the jumpstart she needed and says it’s a great choice, whether you want to be workforce ready, or if you just want to start off at a small college prior to moving on to a university. “My experience at Albany Tech was phe-
“I hope that Albany Tech continues to prosper and increase the number of lives they change daily,” said Lovett.
“My experience at Albany Tech was phenomenal. The instructors are great and inspire you and push you to do more.”
“If I was to go into the workforce now, I would already be well prepared because of the hands-on training received at Albany Tech.�
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Albany Technical College and East Georgia State College Sign Articulation Agreement in Fire Science Technology Albany Technical College and East Georgia State College held an articulation agreement signing ceremony on May 19th on East Georgia State College’s Swainsboro campus. The goal with the articulation agreement is to provide Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates of Albany Tech’s Fire Science Technology program with an opportunity to continue on with East Georgia State College to earn their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration. East Georgia State College is the only Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) approved college in the state. Albany Tech recently received the FESHE accreditation at the associate’s degree level. FESHE recognition certification is the acknowledgment that a collegiate emergency services degree program meets the minimum standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the National Fire Academy (NFA). These regionally, or nationally accredited colleges and universities have demonstrated a commitment to the nationally recognized model of 8 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016
standardized professional development education criteria, which concentrates on degree programs that emphasize firefighting response, fire prevention, fire administration, and Emergency Medical Services management. “The FESHE aspect of this agreement is a win-win for fire science students and creates a true bachelor’s degree pathway in Fire Administration,” said Frank Flanigan, Chair of the Fire Science Technology program at Albany Technical College. Accordingly to Dr. Lee Cheek, Dean of the School of Social Sciences at East Georgia State College, “Our new relationship with Albany Tech will benefit both institutions, and especially our students, in many ways. It is also important to consider how the training of these new public service professionals will also advance the quality of service for all South Georgians.” EGSC’s Bachelor of Science degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration began this Spring, and offers online classes to provide upper level courses. The program is designed to create a career pathway for firefighters, emergency services personnel, and others interested in public affairs management. Fire service,
emergency service, disaster preparedness and public management courses are blended into a vibrant and exciting degree program that will advance students’ knowledge and professional expertise. The online schedule serves to meet the complex schedule demands of emergency service and aspiring public management professionals. No other bachelor’s program in Georgia offers such a unique combination of vital coursework in fire and emergency services administration, public management, organizational behavior and professional development.
ATC Celebrated Arbor Day with Tree Planting Albany Technical College, a Tree Campus USA, celebrated Arbor Day on March 24th on the grounds south of the Nathaniel Cross Health Care Technology Building, by planting a tree. The first 100 attendees to the tree planting received dogwood and redbud tree seedlings. 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 celebrated 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 college 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 servicelearning project aimed at engaging the student body. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 9
Helen Isom - ATC 2016 EAGLE WINNER
Helen Isom, ATC’s 2016 EAGLE winner, had the opportunity to compete at the state level the week of March 14th. Pictured (left to right) from the state awards are Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Helen Isom, and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.
Dennis Courtney - ATC 2016 RICK PERKINS WINNER Dennis Courtney is ATC’s 2016 Rick Perkins winner. He also competed at the state level in Atlanta the week of April 18th. Courtney is an Engineering Technology instructor at Albany Tech.
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Albany Technical College and Georgia Military College Sign Articulation Agreement in Several Academic Programs on May 4th Albany Technical College (ATC) and Georgia Military College (GMC) held an articulation agreement signing ceremony on May 4th in the Executive Board Room of Albany Tech’s Logistics Education Center.
The goal with the articulation agreement is to provide Associate of Applied Science (AAS) graduates of select Albany Tech programs with an opportunity to continue on with Georgia Military College online to earn their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree. Under the agreement, any Albany Tech student graduating from Albany Tech with their AAS degree and has at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) of technical/occupational credit accepted as transfer credit by GMC, is guaranteed admission into one of GMC’s BAS degree programs. Academic programs included for ATC students earning an AAS degree that will transfer to a BAS in Business Management include: Accounting, Business Logistics Management, Business Management, Marketing Management, and Operations Management. For ATC students earning an AAS that will transfer to a BAS in Supervision and Management, academic programs include: Business Administrative Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Programming, Computer Support Specialist, Culinary Arts, Design and
Media Production Technology, Drafting Technology, Early Childhood Care and Education, Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Fire Science Technology, Health Information Technology, Hotel/Tourism/ Restaurant Management, Industrial Systems Technology, Information Security Specialist, Law Enforcement Technology, Medical Assisting, Networking Specialist, Paramedicine, Pharmacy Technology, and Radiologic Technology.
“The articulation agreement between Albany Tech and Georgia Military College Online is another example of the great opportunities being afforded to our students,” said Dr. Tanjula Petty, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albany Tech. This agreement 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. Further, this articulation agreement is consistent with Gov. Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia initiative designed to provide an improved educational pipeline from high
school through college graduation. “We are thrilled to launch our BAS degree programs and look forward to serving the students of Albany Technical 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 and management roles in their technical or occupational field. GMC has an annual enrollment of over 12,000 students at eleven campuses throughout the state and online.” Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, IV, President of Georgia Military College, noted. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 11
Albany Technical College Culinary Arts Program Held “Titans Next Chef” and “Chopped Competition” April 21st and 22nd Albany Technical College’s Culinary Arts program held an Albany “Next Titans Chef” and “Chopped Competition” on April 21st and 22nd, in the Logistics Education Center Auditorium. On Thursday, April 21st, the competition, “Next Titans Chef,” was comprised of Albany Tech Culinary Arts students in a race to create an appetizer, entrée, and dessert within
a certain time frame for each. With four students competing, there were three rounds with one eliminated after each round.
each high school that are dually enrolled at their high school and Albany Tech in the Culinary Arts program.
During Wednesday’s event, “Chopped Competition,” students from Lee County High School and Randolph-Clay High School competed against each other in preparing an appetizer, entrée, and dessert with a time frame. There were four students from
The competitions provide a fun, but “real world” experience for the students to understand time restraints they are under in the workforce to complete orders in restaurants, while still learning to prepare the finest quality cuisine for customers.
Pictured (left): Students from the Culinary program at Lee County High School and Randolph-Clay High School; and right: Albany Tech Culinary Arts students who competed for the Albany “Next Titans Chef” competition. 12 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016
Albany Technical College Drafting Technology Programs Held 3D Printing Open House Albany Technical College’s Drafting Technology Program held a 3D Printing Open House on April 12th in the Drafting Technology Lab in the Center for Excellence in Information Technology Building. In order to prepare students for employment in the 3D printing world, Albany Tech has added 3D curriculum to the existing
drafting program. This is the first of its kind in the Albany and surrounding area and will be closely aligned with the current drafting and computer-aided designed courses. Graduates of the program will meet the anticipated workforce demand that will be brought about by the 3D revolution in Architecture, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Telecommunications, Fashion,
Business and Medical Industry. 3D printing and rapid prototyping is an emerging field that uses technologies to model and construct physical threedimensional objects by assembling thin layers of material under computer control. This technology is destined to revolutionize our world as we know it today.
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Albany Tech was part of the “Albany Go to College” event held on Saturday, February 20th, at Darton State College. Several potential students came out and visited our booth.
Several area students participated in an FFA Nursery Landscape competition held on February 16th in Albany Tech’s Environmental Horticulture labs.
Nine Albany Tech students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society Spring Induction Ceremony held on March 17th. Students inducted were: Kozman Barnum, Thomas Bernard, Rosie Brown, D’Ari Butler, Brooke Colllins, Jeffery Fordham, Christina Masakilija, Ndubuisi Okeze, and Shameka Williams.
Several commercial truck driving industry officials were invited for “Pastries with the President” on March 9th. ATC President, Dr. Anthony Parker, spoke with the group about our CDL program and welcomed questions on local industry needs in the field.
Three ATC students competed and placed at the SkillsUSA State Competition in Atlanta on March 18th and 19th. Pictured (left to right): Tamiko Marshall (Second Place in Medical Terminology, Health Information Technology program); Theresa BarbosaWeston (First Place in Masonry, Brick Masonry program); and Britaineous Smith (Second Place in Nail Care, Cosmetology program). 14 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016
Former ATC Titans men’s basketball guard, Gary Clemons, was recently recognized as a 2016 Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar in the April 21, 2016 edition of Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. Pictured above: Gary Clemons is presented with an award during the Titans Athletics Banquet held in April by ATC President, Dr. Anthony Parker.
Faces/Events
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ATC National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) students recently held a fundraiser by selling raffle tickets for a prize basket to support Albany’s local Strive2Thrive (S2T) organization. On February 25th, the students provided the meeting meal and served it to the families that benefit from the S2T organization.
ATC Culinary Arts faculty and students had the opportunity to help out with the Albany Museum of Art’s “Supper Series” with Chef Lara Lyn Carter on April 15th.
Two Albany Tech students competed in the Georgia Student Government Association/National Technical Honor Society Winter Conference at Callaway Gardens February 26th-28th. ATC’s Gregory Ewings earned Second Place out of 11 competitors in the Prepared Speech category. He also placed First for the NTHS Citizenship Award, which recognizes students for outstanding community service. In addition, he was selected to serve as a State Officer for NTHS for the upcoming year. ATC’s Evelyn Jenkins earned First Place in the Prepared Speech category.
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Pictured on the left: ATC Titans Alliance Team #5536 attended a Georgia First event at the International Center in Atlanta on December 5th to learn more about how to compete in FIRST robotics. These same students constructed robots (center and right) that competed at the ATC/GAFirst Robotics “Stronghold” competition held on March 18th and 19th at the Albany Civic Center. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 15
Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
Albany Tech’s Healthcare Technology programs held Spring Capping and Pinning on April 19th. Students were capped and pinned in Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technology, Paramedicine Technology, and Radiologic Technology. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Arvelta Brown, LPN, and Regional Education Nurse Coordinator for Ethica Health and Retirement Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Left: Several Albany Tech Titans and Lady Titans were recognized for their performance during basketball season 2015-2016 at an Athletics Banquet held on Friday, April 8th.
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Albany Tech held its annual Faith-Based Luncheon on March 30th. Keynote Albany Tech held the annual Spring Career Fair on April 21st. Over 50 employers were set up in the Conference speaker for the event was Rev. Daniel Simmons, Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Center. Church in Albany.
F/E
Nearly 75 students were recognized during the Spring 2016 Honor’s Day ceremony held on April 26th. Students were recognized in award categories such as American Criminal Justice Association Club, ATC Ambassadors, Collegiate DECA, Engineering Club (E-Club), Honors with Distinction, Mr. and Miss ATC, National Technical Honors Society (NTHS), Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Presidential Scholar, SkillsUSA, Student Fellowship for Christians (SFC), Student Government Association (SGA), and General Education Development (GED). Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Sharon Subadan, City Manager for the City of Albany, Georgia.
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Faces/Events FACES/EVENTS
The latest campus happenings ...
ATC students had a blast at the 2016 Spring Fling held on March 24th with a Carnival theme.
F/E The ATC Titan Alliance Robotics Team participated in the 2016 GeorgiaFirst Stronghold Robotics competition held at the Albany Civic Center on March 18th and 19th. The team won “The Gracious Professionalism” Award. 18 | access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016
Albany Tech held a S.W.E.E.T.S. Women’s Workshop on May 24th in the Kirkland Conference Center. S.W.E.E.T.S was a workshop targeted toward the female student population at ATC to assist in eliminating barriers. A panel was led by the ATC Healthcare Technology division, along with input from internal panelists and community partners.
Faces/Events
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The local Albany chapter for Women In Construction donated over $37,000 to the Albany Tech Foundation scholarship fund on March 21st with a check presentation to Albany Tech President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College; Martha Myers, Melba Howard, and Joanne Jamison, representing the Albany Chapter for Women In Construction; and Lorraine Alexander, Special Assistant to the President at Albany Technical College.
Nine ATC students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society during the Spring Induction Ceremony held on March 17th. NTHS is the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement and technical education. Keynote speaker for the evening ceremony was Albany Tech President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker.
Carlos Beverly, #15, who played with the Albany Tech Titans 2014-2015 basketball team, signed to play with Valdosta State University on May 26th. Congratulations Carlos!
The Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner, Gretchen Corbin, attended the Marine Corps Logistics Command Spring Graduation at Albany Tech on April 28th. Pictured (left to right): Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Tech; Major General Craig C. Crenshaw, Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Logistics Command; and Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
Left: The Albany Tech Special Needs Program held a Transition Extreme Workshop for high school students on May 10th. The informational session was designed to educate these students on assistance that is available when transitioning from high school to college and the services Albany Tech provides. Keynote speaker for the event was Larry Milledge, Owner of Gladiator Services.
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MCSC Contractor Applies BLM Program Knowledge in Current Job Currently enrolled in Albany Tech’s Business Logistics Management degree program, Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) contractor, Virginia Engle, says that the program has enhanced her knowledge and equipped her with skills she can apply in her current position in the workforce. With the hopes of securing a permanent government position in order to provide more stability for her family, Engle says the online option and affordability of the program has made it much easier. “I have had a very good experience at Albany Tech,” said Engle. “My experience with the faculty and staff has been very
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professional with everyone being always willing to help and accommodate.”
efficient in helping students to prepare for the job market.
Engle particularly likes the Pathway options offered by Albany Tech so that once she completes her associate’s degree, she can easily continue on to earn her bachelor’s degree.
“Even if you are already in the workforce and experienced at preparing resumes and interviewing, everyone has room for improvement,” said Engle. “The ATC Career Center offers tools that are valuable to all students.”
“Albany Tech works very diligently to provide their students with the pathway to transition to other schools to pursue bachelor’s degrees,” she said. Other resources Engle has taken advantage of while a student at ATC is the Career Development Center on campus. Through workshops, interviewing skills, and job fairs, Engle said that the center is
Engle is slated to complete her degree in the Business Logistics Management program this summer and will continue on in the fall to work on earning a second associate’s degree in Operations Management by December. After that, her plans are to continue on to earn her bachelor’s degree through Albany Tech’s pathway agreement with Georgia Military College.
Albany Tech Employees Are Among Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Ranks Nearly 40 Albany Technical College employees have completed the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Quality Assurance Specialist) certification offered by the college and are using it to help improve their respective areas. Four ATC employees have gone even further and have become Black Belt (Quality Assurance Professional) certified in Lean Six Sigma through the college’s program. Two employees completed their certification prior to coming to Albany Tech. Linda Coston, Vice President for Adult Education at Albany Tech, completed her Black Belt certification this spring and credits the Six Sigma methodology “DMAIC” with helping her to improve student retention and persistence. “Many Adult Education students start classes, but fail to attend on a regular basis or persist to completion of the GED, transition to post-secondary education, or employment, which are factors that impact student and program success,” said Coston. “This methodology helps to define the problem, measure, analyze, improve, and
control it. DMAIC is a structured, statistically focused, data driven approach that can help create the business case for the project (improve retention/persistence), measure the cost of not retaining students, identify potential causes of the issue, verify root causes, determine the solution, and develop/implement an action plan to improve the problem,” she added. Bruce Hopkins, Director of Information Technology at Albany Tech, says that Lean Six Sigma allows you to determine the root causes of inefficiencies in your processes and allows you to mathematically determine how proposed improvements will affect those processes prior to implementation. “This allows you to eliminate biases in assumptions and determine improvements with the minimal risk to current operations,” said Hopkins. Daa’iyah Salaam, Data Analyst at Albany Tech, says that ATC’s Black Belt to helping her to better understand various departments’ processes and capabilities. “With this knowledge, we are building a
measurement tool that allows the college to consistently and effectively monitor our improvement efforts in order to optimize production and service to our students,” said Salaam. Lavon Ackley, Director of Campus Operations at Albany Tech, says that from a facilities perspective, the Lean Six Sigma methodology is utilized to improve operational effectiveness through data collection and having the skills and knowledge to interpret the data in order to make necessary adjustments. “The results drive cost savings, as well as provide better use of resources, improve safety and reliability and enhance customer satisfaction through improved environmental conditions,” said Ackley. Steve Eidson, Dean in the Center for Business Solutions at Albany Tech, oversees the instruction of the program for the college. “The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt provides you with the statistical tools to determine if process is performing effectively and to evaluate the effectiveness of any improvement that is made,” said Eidson. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 21
Spring Commencement 2016
Albany Technical College Spring 2016 Commencement Keynote Speaker: TCSG Commissioner, Gretchen Corbin
Albany Technical College held Spring Commencement Exercises on April 28th at the James H. Gray Civic Center in Albany.
“Can Do” card and placed it on her desk. It reminded her of God’s word and gave her the strength she needed to push forward.
More than 120 candidates for associate degrees, more than 300 candidates for diplomas, and more than 750 candidates for technical certificates of credit graduated. Among these graduates, nearly 80 students were honored at an earlier ceremony on the Albany Tech campus on the Tuesday prior to graduation with such distinctions as General Education Development highest test scores, Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), Presidential Scholar, Honors with Distinction, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), ATC Ambassadors, American Criminal Justice Association Club, Collegiate DECA, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Student Government Association (SGA), and SkillsUSA. In addition, over 100 high school students graduated with college credit through Albany Tech’s Move On When Ready program. Over 80 students graduated with their General Education Development (GED®) diplomas.
“On this journey, there have been times when I have pulled aside to acknowledge that if it had not been for the Lord on my side, I would not have made it,” said Jenkins. “I wanted to quit and just throw in the towel, but I remembered that I could do this and strength would come.” Jenkins said the chefs in the Culinary Arts department at Albany Tech were always helping to bring out the best in her and were determined that all students would leave the program successful. She credits them with all the knowledge she has gain and vows to take all she has learned and use it to be a productive and profitable citizen in her community.
Among the list of graduates for Thursday evening’s ceremony was Evelyn Jenkins, one of five finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) competition held in February. After almost three years of being unemployed, Jenkins knew that she needed to reinvent herself, but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. After praying and asking God what He wanted her to do, Jenkins said she heard two words – Culinary Arts – and began to seek information about the field, which led her to Albany Tech. She had graduated from Albany Tech 11 years ago with honors and remembered the doors that technical education opened for her and knew she had to come back to tackle her new journey. Although there were a few financial aid obstacles Jenkins had to overcome, the news that she qualified for the Zell Miller Grant because of her 3.88 GPA, made it possible for all of her tuition to be paid. As an already high achiever, her goal was to maintain A’s in all her classes. With God’s help and Albany Tech’s Academic Achievement Center, she was able to get some tutoring to help her through some of her difficult courses. With the help of a message from her pastor, Jenkins said his “Can Do” message inspired her and gave her fuel she needed to help propel her through college and every time she faced a challenged, she pulled out her
While at Albany Tech, Jenkins was actively involved with the college’s chapter of the National Technical Honors Society (NTHS), where she served as President. She has also received several awards at NTHS competitions. She will be graduating Thursday evening with high honors. “I am now here at the end of my journey and have achieved so much,” said Jenkins. “God has ordered my steps and led me in some very outstanding places … what a journey,” she added. Another notable Albany Tech graduate was Norman Stringer, who was also one of the five finalists for the GOAL competition. Stringer was enrolled in the Electronics Technology program at Albany Tech and credits technical education with giving him the solid foundation needed to help him climb the career ladder. “I feel as though technical education is a very versatile type of education that has well prepared me, whether I decide to continue on at a four-year institution, or enter the workforce now,” said Stringer. Stringer said that coming to Albany Tech has opened many doors for him. With the practical application received in the classroom, to being a part of the college’s robotics team, Albany Tech has allowed him to even more application of what he has learned. It also helped him to become President of the college’s Engineering (E) Club and participate in activities that helped him narrow his career choice and determine his path to become an engineer. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner for the Tech-
nical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Sworn in as commissioner for TCSG in January of 2015, Corbin oversees the state’s 22 technical colleges, including Albany Tech, as well as adult literacy programs, and a host of economic and workforce development programs, including Georgia Quick Start, the nation’s number one workforce training program. Corbin has assisted Georgia Governor Nathan Deal with his top priority, job creation in Georgia, in her previous roles as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Executive Director of the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, and Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce at the Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). As Commissioner of DCA and the state’s chief community developer, Corbin was responsible for 65 programs in community infrastructure and development, workforce housing, downtown development and economic development financing. She oversaw more than $71 million in investment in Georgia communities through deal-closing financing, housing tax credits and community development block grants. During her 15 years at GDEcD, Corbin was responsible for economic development at global, statewide, regional and local levels. She served in a wide variety of roles, including Division Director for International Operations, Director of Project Industry and Recruitment, and most recently, as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce. In this role, she led the Global Commerce team to great success in locating and expanding companies throughout the state, growing Georgia’s exports and supporting its small businesses. Corbin oversaw 11 international offices and has marketed Georgia’s workforce, logistics and other business assets around the world. Under her leadership as Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce, GDEcD brought nearly 69,000 jobs and over $13 billion in capital investment to Georgia. A native Georgian, Corbin is involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, including Leadership Georgia, where she serves as Chairman. In 2014, she co-chaired Georgia’s annual State Charitable Contributions Program. She is a member of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute External Advisory Board, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and has twice been named one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 100 most influential Georgians. She, her husband David, and their two daughters, reside in Rome, Georgia. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 23
Albany Technical College Receives National Fire Academy FESHE Recognition Recognition marks ATC as only technical college in Georgia to receive recognition Albany Technical College recently received the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Recognition certificate by the National Fire Academy (NFA). This recognition is acknowledgment that the college’s emergency services degree program meets the minimum standards ofexcellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the NFA. The designation marks Albany Tech as the only two-year college in Georgia to receive the recognition, with East Georgia State College (EGSC) in Swainsboro being the only four-year institution in Georgia to be recognized. Albany Tech recently signed an articulation agreement with EGSC for a pathway in Fire Science Technology, which creates a first-time partnership in the state. “When firefighters are searching for FESHE recognized colleges, ATC will be listed as the only two-year college in Georgia on the FESHE website,” said Dr. Tanjula Petty, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Albany Tech. Regionally, or nationally accredited colleges and universities receiving this recognition have demonstrated a commitment to the nationally recognized model of standardized professional development education criteria, which concentrates on degree programs that emphasize firefighting response, fire prevention, fire administration, and Emergency Medical Services management. “This accreditation allows current and future firefighters to have a designated pathway – from high school, to firefighter certification, to employment, to a college degree – these are all available at Albany Tech,” said Don Laye, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Fire Science program and former chair of the program at Albany Tech. “To receive the FESHE accreditation speaks of the quality of the program that we offer to our students at Albany Tech and is also the first Fire Science program within the Technical College System of Georgia that has received this accreditation,” said Dr. Petty.
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FACULTY/STAFF RECOGNITIONS Albany Technical College President, Dr. Anthony O. Parker, has appointed a new Special Assistant to the President. Lorraine Alexander began her new position at Albany Tech on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Currently serving as the Community Impact Director for the United Way of Southwest Georgia, Alexander comes to Albany Tech with over 30 years of experience in community relations. At the United Way of Southwest Georgia, she has acted as a liaison between United Way and more than 20 regional non-profit organizations, including communications, allocations, and other community initiatives. She also coordinated the FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program for a seven-county region and co-managed United Way’s VISA project. Her accomplishments with United Way include involvement in strategic planning with the organization’s Board of Directors to focus their business plan and proactively address health and human service needs facing the community; worked with United Way agencies to achieve community impact, while streamMatt Trice, Vice President of the Center for Business Solutions at Albany Technical College, appointed a new Director of Continuing Education. Tracy Wallace began her new position at Albany Tech on Monday, March 14, 2016. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Resource Development for the Albany Area YMCA, Wallace brings over 24 years of experience in management, strategic planning, marketing, communications, teaching/training, customer service, event planning, and economic development. In her current role with the Albany Area YMCA, Wallace has 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.
lining the allocations and reporting process; improved agency and community relations through communications outreach, such as newsletters and other media; and supervised several community events, such as the Summer Youth Volunteer Program, The Volunteer Center Awards Program, Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway, VITA Income Tax Preparation Super Saturdays, and Emergency Planning Workshop for United Way agencies. Prior to her time with United Way, Alexander served as the Public Affairs Manager for 24 years at Merck & Co., Inc., Manufacturing Division, Albany. In her position at Merck, she designed and managed the public relations and employee relations functions for the plant. She wrote and edited an employee newsletter, conducted creative and effective communications initiatives for the community, including environmental impact outreach, and acted as the media contact and plant spokesperson in proactive and crisis situations. “Lorraine brings a skillset to Albany Tech that will greatly benefit the college and our Foundation,” said Glenn Singfield, President and Owner of Artesian Contracting and Chair of the Albany Tech Foundation Board. “Mrs. Alexander has served our community well, from both the corporate and philanthropic environment,” said Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College. “She supported higher education as the Director Wallace is no stranger to Albany Tech as she has also served as a part-time adjunct instructor 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. For 15 years, Wallace was self-employed as a Marketing 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. “We are looking forward to having Tracy onboard, along with the experience she brings in sales and marketing as we look for opportunities to enhance the area workforce through our continuing education programs,”
of Community Relations at Merck and in that capacity, she also supported a proposal that was partially responsible for the startup of the ATC Pharmacy Technology program. At United, she played a role in implementing the annual campaign and her skillset fits our needs. We welcome her to the Titan family.” Alexander holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Broadcasting from Brenau University and a Certificate in Corporate Community Involvement Management from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. She currently serves on the advisory committees for A Place 4 Hope and Albany-Dougherty Coalition to End Homelessness. She is past Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Girls Incorporated of Albany’s Board of Directors, where she also served as both Chair and Co-Chair of the Mistletoe Market. She was a member of the Junior League of Albany from 1995 to 1997. “I am honored to be joining the dynamic team at Albany Technical College,” said Alexander. “I look forward to bringing a diverse skillset to the work that the college does in our community and with my years of experience in the corporate world and non-profit sector, I feel that combining best practices from both of these areas will be my objective as we move forward at Albany Tech.” Alexander replaces Joe Najjar, who has served the college for 21 years and retired at the end of March. said Matt Trice, Vice President of the Center for Business Solutions at Albany Technical College. “Tracy will be immediately tasked with working with the business and industry community to determine needs that exist and how the Center for Business Solutions can assist companies in delivering world class training to their employees,” he added. “I look forward to being a part of the Center for Business Solutions team,” said Wallace. “My goal is to partner with area employers to create and deliver customized training and workforce development programs. Our programs will enhance the quality of life for residents in our service area by providing lifelong learning opportunities to advance careers and enrich personal lives.” 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. She is a graduate of the Class of 2015 for Leadership Lee and a member of the Junior Woman’s Club of Albany, Dougherty County Rotary Club, and serves as the Nurture Coordinator in the Ark Sunday School Class at Albany First United Methodist Church. access | Albany Technical College | Spring 2016 | 25
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.