Beginning a New Age of
Growth, Relevance & Tradition in Southwest Georgia
Albany Technical College
Annual Report 2010
As Albany Tech continues a trend of growth in enrollment and campus expansion, a 50th anniversary is also on the horizon.
Dear ATC Supporter: Albany Technical College is experiencing several facets of growth in Southwest Georgia. Besides enrollment growth, the campus is expanding with a new Logistics Education Center, a Career Development Center, and many site improvements. In addition to signs of growth, Albany Tech continues its 98 percent job placement rate and is beginning a yearlong schedule of events to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Enrollment growth at Albany Tech has been at an all-time record high since 2009. With over 4,600 students registered for fall quarter and more than 9500 for winter, Albany Tech anticipates the growth to continue to spill over into spring and summer quarters. The Albany Tech campus is not only expanding with increased enrollment and new buildings and renovations, but programs continue to be developed and expanded. The College’s continuous partnership with the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany has driven the need for more ATC graduates even higher. The newest building on campus, the Logistics Education Center, is slated to open in the spring. This facility will house a new Student Center, Culinary Arts facility, online learning with a mini-auditorium, and a new Media Center. The Logistics Education Center is certain to be the most highlighted building on campus. In addition to the Logistics Education Center, a donated building on campus will be renovated to house the new Career Development Center. The Career Center will allow Career Services to improve upon and expand their current operations. Students will have the advantage to meet with prospective employers in the Center to explore career opportunities. Several new programs are in the works, one of which includes Civil Engineering Technology. Expansion of the Building Maintenance Technician from a technical certificate to a diploma has also been put into place. Both of these programs serve to further enhance the College’s Carlton Construction
Academy, which opened Phase I in November 2009. New Health Care Technology programs such as an LPN to RN Bridge program, as well as a Dietary Technician program are currently underway. Curriculum is still being planned and the program developed, but the College anticipates possible implementation in another year. The Georgia Work Ready initiative is alive and well at Albany Tech. The College’s Economic Development Program continues to work in partnership with area industries such as Tara Foods, Mars Snackfoods, and many others to get all employees certified. Economic Development is not only making strides through the Georgia Work Ready initiative, but they have also established a Lean Six Sigma program. Through a partnership with The Quality Group in Atlanta, the Six Sigma program is the only one of its kind in the state. With Green and Black Belt training, potential students will appreciate that the program can be completed 90 percent online with only one week of in-classroom training at Albany Tech. In addition to the constant enrollment growth and campus expansion, Albany Tech is also beginning a yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary. The kickoff began with a convocation ceremony at the Albany Civic Center on February 18th. With an event taking place every month of 2011, the College has everything from a Business After Hours sponsorship and fall gala, to the planting of a time capsule and a tree on campus. Several events will be centered around annual events such as the Foundation Roast, Community Family and Friends Day, and a homecoming week for the Titans basketball teams. Albany Tech welcomes its growth and embraces the challenges faced in the New Year with the 50th Anniversary and the Quarter-to-Semester conversion process. The College is well-prepared for the tasks ahead and continues to progress as an ever-growing hub of technical education in Southwest Georgia.
Katrina Robinson “I am a 2000 Computer Information Systems, 2002 Criminal Justice, and 2008 Management and Supervisory graduate of Albany Tech. I am still an active Alumni. I sing in the chorus on campus and attend campus events. I can say that Albany Tech changed my life as a single mother of two working part-time. Getting the training I needed was a great experience. That’s why I came back several times to advance my training skills. Now, I am a full-time employee at Albany State University as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Alumni Affairs.”
Albany Tech Students Help Flint River Habitat Design Homes Using guidelines and standards of residential housing provided by Flint River Habitat for Humanity, Albany Technical College architectural drafting students designed plans for three, four and five bedroom homes. The designs were drafted by Edrian Mallory, Aaron Morris and Raychel Price. Plans were utilized in three designs in Flint River Habitat for Humanity construction projects. When home plans become reality, other Albany Tech students enrolled in the College’s Carlton Construction Academy programs will get real work experience. They will actually help build homes for families who could not afford them without the help of an organization like Habitat.
Weekend Classes Begin On January 8th, Albany Technical College began offering another way for students to attend college. This is merely a small step to keep up with the growth with anticipations of more programs and students in the future.
A New Year = Increased Record Enrollment Over 4,000 students enrolled for Albany Tech’s winter classes. Albany Technical College started off 2011 with even more students. With the increase, several programs including Diesel Technology and Automotive Repair, and several others, had to be capped. This was a 25 percent increase from the previous year.
ATC Plants Tree for Arbor Day On February 25th, Albany Technical College, a Tree Campus USA since 2009, celebrated Arbor Day on the grounds east of Prosperity Hall, Building A, where a new tree was planted on campus. Mr. Chuck Norvell, Urban Forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission, enlightened attendees on the history of Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our environment. In addition, Ilisi Malone, City of Albany Arborist, spoke on the importance of preserving and protecting trees.
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Construction Causes Albany Technical College to Close Main Entrance to Campus On February 15th, Albany Technical College permanently closed its South Slappey Boulevard entrance to campus in preparation of creating the new entrance between the new Logistics Education Center and the Department of Labor. The closure was a necessary move in order to keep construction on track for the College’s Logistics Education Center, a 38,000-square-foot facility that is scheduled to open in the spring of 2011.
Jerona Edmonds ATC-ASU Partnership Agreement Graduate I enrolled at Albany Technical College to major in early childhood education,” Edmonds said. “The staff at ATC always encouraged the students to further their education. They spoke of a possibility of getting an agreement with Albany State, but by the time I graduated, there was not an agreement in place. When I received (information about) the agreement for the joint program, I was elated.” That’s when Edmonds enrolled as an early childhood education major at ASU in January 2007. “I had a smooth transition from ATC to Albany State,” Edmonds said. “I did not have any trouble being admitted into the College of Education. The admissions department, along with Dr. Beard, worked very diligently to make sure that I received credits for my course work from ATC. Dr. Burgess, my advisor, advised me every semester to make sure that I was on the right path.” Edmonds completed her bachelor’s degree in three years while working full-time at North Mitchell County Elementary School in Baconton, Ga. She is currently beginning to work on her master’s degree in early childhood education at ASU.
Albany Technical College hosted Fifth Annual Informational Luncheon for Clergy
Albany Tech Student Wins “Name the Bus” Contest for Mobile Recruitment Lab
Albany Technical College hosted the fifth annual workshop and luncheon for area clergy on February 25, 2010 in the Kirkland Conference Center. The theme for the luncheon was “Strengthening the Community ~ One Family at a Time.” The purpose of this event was to provide information to clergy in our community about educational choices at Albany Tech, financial aid options and employment opportunities available to graduates. The Reverend Andrew Garrett, the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Albany, was the keynote speaker. “We understand the important role ministers play in the lives of our students,” said Pamela Heglar, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “It is these people who shape our students’ character and encourage them to take advantage of education and better their lives. With the help of our local clergy, we can strengthen the Southwest Georgia community – one family at a time.”
Albany Tech held a “Name the Bus” contest among our students during the month of February asking for name suggestions for our newly renovated Mobile Recruitment Lab. Albany Tech unveiled the student winner and new name of our recruitment vehicle at an announcement ceremony held in the Carlton Construction Academy. Edrian Mallory, a drafting student at Albany Tech, chose the name “Career Cruiser.” Mallory told the story about how she came up with the name and said she thought about it and realized that it was a mobile outlet for a new career. “I just thought the name would be catchy. The bus is used for recruiting, and you are cruising around town to do it,” said Mallory. The Career Cruiser, which spans more than 30 feet in length, is designed for doorstep delivery of Albany Tech academic program information. Ten laptop computer workstations allow the recruitment team to provide admissions and testing services on-site to high schools and businesses in the Albany Tech service delivery area. Visitors can also take in a virtual campus tour on the lab’s high-tech display screen.
Harry Named Student of the Year Albany Technical College named Medical Assisting student Ashley Harry the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) College winner during an Albany Tech Faculty and Staff meeting on March 2. Harry was nominated by Medical Assisting instructor, Cathy Garmon. “Technical College education delivers work ready employees. It is taught on a highly complex collegiate level, with hands on know-how,” said Harry. A native of Preston, GA, Harry graduated with a diploma in the medical assisting program later in the year. She is currently employed by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and is pursuing her registered nursing license, followed by a Nurse Practitioner license with a specialization in Psychiatry.
ATC Fire Science Instructor Receives NISOD Award Don Laye, Fire Science instructor at Albany Tech, was awarded the 2010 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award by The University of Texas at Austin. “Workforce development is the primary objective of the Technical College System of Georgia. I have introduced what we have termed: On the job training, a different approach,” said Laye. Laye’s concept of “On the job training, a different approach” is a concept of what started out in a small classroom in Dawson, Georgia. This approach serves as a career ladder for those in fire science careers where Laye and his staff go on-site and teach fire science classes. This could include required staff development, serving dual purposes of training and offering degrees and technical certificates of credit. Additional support has also been provided by Albany Fire Chief, James Carswell, and City Manager, Alfred Lott. “We could not have come as far as we have without the support of these individuals,” said Laye. The City of Americus is also benefiting from this approach. Americus Fire Chief
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Erkhart and city managers in outlying areas are beginning to see the value of furthering their employees’ education. “Continuing education is the key component for fire personnel in cities seeking lower Insurance Services Organization (ISO) ratings,” said Laye. “We have helped the City of Albany increase their rating with this initiative and hope to help others.” In addition to providing job training, many individuals are able to earn their degree in Fire Science. “Most of these individuals never dreamed of being able to do that, so it’s a win-win situation for all involved,” said Laye. “Providing continuing education, as well as a career development pathway for fire personnel, is a rewarding experience.”
Eidson Named Instructor of the Year Business Logistics Management instructor, Dr. Edward “Steve” Eidson, was named Albany Technical College’s 2010 Instructor of Year. The Albany Tech Foundation presented Dr. Eidson a $500 check for his excellence in teaching and devotion to his students. Dr. Eidson, of Albany, joined the ATC faculty in 2002, but was also a part-time instructor for ATC from 1991 to 1999,
teaching customized customer service classes, as well as Certified Manufacturing. Prior to his career in technical education, Eidson was a minister in Illinois and Georgia for 31 years. He earned an Associate of Applied Technology from Southwest Georgia Technical College with an emphasis in Applied Business Technology; a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries from Atlanta Christian College; a Master of Divinity in Philosophy from Lincoln Christian Seminary in Lincoln, Illinois; and a Doctor of Ministry in Conflict Management from Trinity University. “I chose to teach in a technical college to give something back to our community, to help individuals change their lives so that they can meet their own needs and better provide for their families. The greatest joy I receive is seeing the moment when a student “gets it,” when a concept is grasped or a decision is made that changes and creates growth in that person’s life,” said Eidson.
Gillespie roasted at Albany Tech fundraiser - Albany physician also honored by Marine Corps and Department of Navy On April 25th, Albany Technical College’s Kirkland Conference Center was the place to be as Dr. Charles Gillespie was “roasted” by friends and colleagues in a fund-raising event for the Albany Technical College Foundation. A longtime friend and supporter of ATC, Gillespie taught the first Emergency Medical Technician course in Southwest Georgia at the school in 1972. Roasters included Albany Tech President Anthony Parker; Charles Proctor, First Responders director at ATC; former practice partner Dr. Duncan Marsh; Elaine Ellington, EMP-P and first female EMT student at Albany Tech; John Culbreath, Phoebe Putney Hospital board member; and Dr. George Chastain. At the end of the evening, Gillespie was honored with the U.S. Marine Corps and Department of the Navy’s 2009 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.
Titans All Conference Player Signs with ASU
ATC Spring Enrollment Nearly 4200
On April 15th, Albany Technical College sophomore, Wilbur Lake, who played for the Titans the last two seasons, signed to play with Albany State University in the Albany Tech Presidential Board Room. While playing for the Titans, Lake averaged 12.5 points per game and made 78 three-pointers. He was also named All Conference Player. Lake graduated from Albany Tech last summer with an associate degree in Pharmacy Technology. He is currently a major in Chemistry at Albany State. Lake is a native of Albany and a graduate of Monroe High School.
Albany Tech enrollment for spring quarter spiked at nearly 4,200 students - the largest spring quarter enrollment in the college’s 49-year history. ATC’s winter quarter student population hit the 4,000 mark and continued to rise over the previous fall quarter, which came close to breaking that record. “We believe the lagging economy is continuing to motivate many students to increase their education and skill level in hopes of landing a better career,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President. Spring quarter brought the option of many new programs now being offered at Albany Technical College, including digital photography, industrial air, general maintenance mechanic, and many others.
Albany Tech adjusts to changing expectations Albany Technical College’s President told Rotarians today’s workforce must be able to read, write and do math. Speaking before the Dougherty County Rotary Club on May 26th at Doublegate Country Club, Albany Technical College President Anthony Parker said technical schools were adapting to a changing workplace. “An auto mechanic from 10 years ago would open a car hood today and have a hard time because of advances in the automotive industry,” Parker said.
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Albany Technical College Introduces Lean Six Sigma Training On May 21st in an introductory press event, Albany Technical College, in response to need from area business and industry, announced new programs in Lean Six Sigma that were available summer and fall quarters. Representatives from Albany Technical College, and our partner, The Quality Group, were on-hand to formally sign an educational agreement and to highlight program specifics. At the conclusion of each certificate, the participant will be ready and eligible to sit for the Green Belt or Black Belt certification and those certification exams will be offered at Albany Technical College. Both certificate programs are a combination of classroom and online instruction.
Both programs are HOPE Grant eligible as college credit. If an individual qualifies for the HOPE Grant, tuition and books for both certificate programs are covered. The only out-of-pocket expense to the participant is a $15 application fee and a $37 technology fee. Albany Technical College has taken the lead in Lean Six Sigma certification training in this area and has further strengthened its offering by certifying instructors for the program as Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts. This allows participants in the program to be led and instructed by instructors with the highest of qualifications. Albany Technical College is the first post-secondary institution in the State of Georgia to offer Lean Six Sigma as college credit and continues to demonstrate its leadership as THE premier workforce development college.
Tajuannia Woods After graduating from high school in 1994 with the intentions of going into nursing, Tajuannia Woods realized nursing was just not her calling. After being a shampoo assistant, she realized she loved doing hair. The young lady she shampooed for encouraged her to enroll in the Cosmetology program at Albany Tech. She enrolled in the night class in 1997 and graduated in 1998 with her Cosmetology diploma. While in school, Woods received a permit to work in a local salon. After graduation, she continued working as a booth renter. Eight years later (2006), she opened her own salon (Treasures Salon). “I’ve always had a desire to teach Cosmetology, but the program was not offered at Albany Tech, so in 2008, I enrolled in the Instructor Training Program at Albany Tech,” said Woods. “I was the first student to enroll in this program. After graduating from Albany Tech, I learned that the Dougherty County School System was opening a Cosmetology Instructor Program. I applied August 2010 and I am presently the Cosmetology Instructor at Dougherty Comprehensive High School. I am very grateful to Mr. Hawkins and Ms. Wright for preparing me educationally and mentally for the workforce. They are still a great resource to me and my Cosmetology Program at Dougherty High. Both programs are outlined with an outcome of success. The hands-on activities and great learning environment are excellent tools of preparation for any student choosing to attend Albany Technical College. Because of these programs, I have been gainfully employed as a booth renter, salon owner and presently as a Cosmetology Instructor. I attribute my success to God, hard work, an excellent program and awesome instructors.”
Enrollment up at Georgia technical colleges, including ATC Spring quarter enrollment at Georgia’s 28 technical colleges was up by 19 percent over the same time last year. Recession forces people back to school. Spring enrollment of just over 107,000 students is about 18,500 more than in the previous spring quarter. VP of Academic Affairs Joe Dan Banker says enrollment is up because of lost jobs during the recession. “As long as we are responsive to the local area and industries and their needs, then I think we’ll always have enrollment and we’ll stay up there,” said Banker. Albany Tech’s credit enrollment increased nearly 1,000 students from last year.
Bishop challenges students at Albany Tech’s spring graduation Hundreds of Albany Technical College students accepted diplomas, certificates and degrees May 1st. U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, congratulated and challenged students graduating from various programs of study at Albany Technical College to take their knowledge and leave a lasting mark on the world during his commencement address. The son of the first president of Bishop State College in Mobile, Ala., Bishop told the students of the value of their education while pointing to the future
and the roles he said they were poised to take in moving the country forward. “How will anyone ever know that you were here on Earth?” Bishop asked. “What indeed is, or will be, your footprint?” Bishop thanked the families, friends and faculty that guided the students, and urged the students to take the tools they had been given by those people. “No matter what your area of study, you have been empowered; you have been given tools to advance yourself,” he said. Hundreds of students crossed the stage in front of a packed gymnasium at Albany State University. Students were awarded in 16 different degree fields from Accounting to Radiologic Technology; 34 different diploma fields including Business Logistics and Management and Early Childhood Care and Education; and 18 different certificate fields. Also recognized were students who completed coursework to obtain their General Educational Development certificates (GED). “Each of you has an opportunity to make a positive difference wherever you go, and each of you has been given the tools here at Albany Technical College to better yourself and lead the world,” Bishop said.
Albany Technical College STARS Program Earns League of Innovation in the Community College Award The Albany Technical College Student Tracking and Retention Services (STARS) program earned the League of Innovation Award for 2010. Headed up by Pamela Heglar, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Albany Tech, each of the STARS team members received individual awards at an employee luncheon held on campus. The STARS Program supports students in building long-lasting skills they need in order to succeed and get the most out of their education. By working with a number of departments throughout the College, the team develops initiatives to support the program’s overarching goals by assisting first-quarter students. Although it is aimed at first-quarter students, its benefits are intended to spread far beyond
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those students it helps individually. The STARS Team regularly uses class time to reinforce strategies for studying and reducing stress. By approaching student success from different angles, the team is able to meet a greater number of individual student needs, such as talking to students about their study habits, work schedule, motivation, career goals, and much more.
Albany Technical College Holds “Topping Off” Ceremony for Logistics Building
On June 23rd, Albany Technical College held a “topping off” ceremony at the construction site of the new Logistics Education Center. This ceremony commemorated the installation of the final beam of the building. During the ceremony, Quillian Powell Construction Co. allowed Dr. Anthony Parker, President of the College, and
others to put their signatures on the final beam before it was raised and put in place. “The center will give Albany Tech the opportunity to enhance an already successful distance education program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. In addition, the facility will house our culinary arts program, including a new chef’s assistant option. A student center will also be located on the ground floor where students can relax between classes or get a hot snack. The facility will house a new library media center and boardroom on the second floor. This new facility improves the quality of student life and we are excited to be able to mark this milestone in its construction,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech. Albany Tech’s Logistics Education Center will be the new home for our student center, online learning, library, and culinary arts. The Center is slated to open sometime in Spring of 2011.
Ashley Harry, ATC GOAL Student of the Year, Receives iPad
Albany Tech Opens New Main Entrance
Albany Tech Opens New Health Information Technology Lab
On June 22nd, Albany Technical College Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) student, Ashley Harry, was presented with an iPad in the Albany Tech Board Room in the Kirkland Building. “This iPad will be very helpful as I continue to complete my education,” said Harry. Harry is currently employed as a Representative 1 at Inpatient Medicine Specialists at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where she completed her Albany Tech externship. “Having completed my externship at the same place where I am now working made my transition from Albany Tech to work very smoothly. In fact, I got the job about two weeks prior to graduating with my diploma in medical assisting from Albany Tech,” said Harry.
Albany Technical College held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 11th to officially open its new main entrance at Slappey and Industry Boulevard. The former main entrance to the campus off Slappey officially closed in February as part of the construction of the new Albany Tech Logistics Education Center. The new main entrance at Slappey and Industry will offer two-way traffic in and out of the campus and will be a shared drive for the Department of Labor. Albany Tech students will benefit from the additional parking available behind the new Logistics Education Center.
In preparation for the Health Information Technology associate degree program launch, which began summer quarter, Albany Technical College held a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3rd in the Nathaniel Cross Health Building to officially open the Health Information Technology lab. The Health Information Technology program combines health care with information technology. Health information technicians are responsible for maintaining and analyzing data crucial to the delivery of quality patient care. The new virtual lab, sponsored through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), offers 3M software for coding and practice fusion for electronic health records. “The students are provided with a virtual learning experience just as if they are in a hospital working,” said Victoria Mills, instructor for the Health Information Technology program at Albany Tech.
MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP Under 21 2,480
21-25 3,701
26-30 2,746
36-40 1,462
MOST POPULAR AGE GROUP Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring
Total
Under 21
447
743
683
607
2,480
21-25
783
986
956
976
3,701
26-30
555
681
735
775
2,746
31-35
436
454
541
565
2,087
36-40
309
363
396
394
1,462
Over 40
476
644
759
775
2,654
30-35 2,087 Over 40 2,654
GRADUATES EMPLOYED IN FIELD
397
GRADUATES EMPLOYED IN RELATED FIELD
173
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AWARDS TCCs 1,664 Diploma 773 Degree 118
Baker Calhoun Clay Dougherty Lee Randolph Terrell
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS THROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
55 Companies Served through Economic
Development Programs
1,102 Number of People Trained in Economic
Development Programs
RECORD ENROLLMENT WINTER DUAL HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLED
4,068
JOINT HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLED
SPRING
6 29 216
TECH PREP STUDENT ENROLLED
STUDENTS RECEIVING HOPE
5,547
STUDENTS RECEIVING PELL
4,335
SUMMER
4,091
3,718
FALL
4,497
KIA Donates 2011 Sorento to Albany Technical College Albany Technical College President, Dr. Anthony Parker, received a KIA “key to the future” during a special event held on July 28th, at the KIA Georgia Training Center in West Point, Ga., when KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia Inc. (KMMG) donated 20 of the all-new KIA Sorentos to the Technical College System of Georgia. The colleges receiving the cars were chosen based on the size of enrollment in their automotive programs. “The Technical College System of Georgia and Albany Technical College are proud that our agency could support KIA Motors start up of production in West Point. KIA builds a product that we can take pride that is manufactured in Georgia. Sorentos like the one donated to Albany Tech are assembled in Troup County are sold and serviced in Albany. This new KIA will give our students an opportunity to practice repairing and trouble shooting on a world class product. We are honored to receive our new KIA Sorrento and our automotive faculty and students will put it to very good use,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech.
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Albany Tech’s Career Cruiser Goes on Library Tour in Southwest Georgia
Albany Technical College Presents Maintenance Center Albany with Manufacturer of the Year Award
Albany Tech’s Career Cruiser went on the road on July 28th, taking several stops at area libraries. The first stop on this Library Tour was at Clay County Library in Fort Gaines on July 28th. The tour continued on July 30th at Randolph County Library in Cuthbert; July 31st at Calhoun County Library in Edison; and the final tour was at Terrell County Library in Dawson on August 19th.
Albany Technical College presented the Marine Corps Logistics Command Maintenance Center Albany (MCA) with a Manufacturer of the Year award on July 26th, at the Maintenance Center facility. As a vital educational partner in Southwest Georgia, Albany Technical College has developed diploma and degree programs in Business Logistics Management to provide employees for MCA. In addition, Albany Tech ramped up training in their welding program when MCA needs professionals who are specifically trained with skills to retrofit war-fighting equipment. “Albany Technical College is pleased to provide this honor to MCA and looks forward to our continued partnership in years to come. With this honor, we hope to demonstrate the level of support we should all share in this community for this vital partner,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College.
Albany Technical College Recognized as a Vital Partner with Radium Gardens Grand Opening Several members of the Albany Technical College faculty and staff attended the grand opening of Radium Gardens at the 11:30 ceremony on July 12th. County Commission Chairman, Jeff Sinyard, recognized Horticulture instructor, George Paul, and Albany Tech as a vital partner of the project. Justin Powell, a 2008 graduate of the Horticulture program at Albany Tech, is the supervisor for the project through the Dougherty County Public Works Department. “Albany Technical College helped me gain the knowledge and skills I needed to make my career dream a reality. With convenient classes and field experience, I got the training I needed. Now, I’m helping to improve our community using the skills I learned,” said Powell. Paul’s horticulture students will be able to serve as interns at the Gardens. “This project will allow my
students to get real experience in the field. There are several in line for internships and one who is planning to volunteer at the Gardens,” said Paul.
Albany Technical College Reaffirmed for Accreditation by SACS/COC The SACS/COC committee visited Albany Tech last fall to ascertain that the College was in compliance with the core requirements and comprehensive standards prior to reaffirmation. Part of the initiative for this period was the implementation of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which was a first for Albany Tech. A QEP committee was formed well in advance of the SACS/COC visit, which resulted in the “DREAMS” theme development. The QEP committee developed DREAMS (Develop Reading Excellence And Maximize Success) in an effort to focus on the importance of reading in student success. As part of the QEP DREAMS initiative, the Albany Tech Academic Achievement
Center was formed on campus to provide an outlet for those students needing help, not just in reading, but in other academic subjects as well. The Center even offers sessions on effective note taking, study skills, and more. Reaffirmation is an indication of the college’s commitment to the highest levels of learning and to excellence and continuous improvements in teaching. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (SACS) on Colleges is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. The Commission’s mission is the enhancement of educational quality throughout the region and it strives to improve the effectiveness of institutions by ensuring that institutions meet standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students.
Albany Tech Overcoming Economic Circumstances
ATC Randolph County Learning Center Holds Open House
Anthony Parker, President of Albany Technical College, presented an update of the institution at a State of the College address on campus August 25th in the Kirkland Conference Center. As economic doldrums send more and more workers back into the education system, Albany Technical College is feeling the impact. Albany Tech, which offers services in college credit programs, adult literacy services, customized training and continuing education - saw an enrollment of 3,017 for summer 2009, an increase of more than 700 students from the same time last year. “This is the largest summer enrollment we’ve ever had,” Albany Tech President Anthony Parker said. “I think we are going to grow this year.” In part, the rapid growth can be attributed to the role the institution has in redeveloping the workforce in a time when economic circumstances are encouraging workers to go back to school. “We are essential to improvement of the region,” Parker said. “Workforce development is our purpose. If you can get people the economic utility to get a job, then they can get themselves out of poverty.”
In observance of National Literacy Week, Albany Technical College’s Randolph County Learning Center hosted an open house for its service delivery area on September 17, 2010. Over 40 people were on campus during the open house. Visitors met Hattie Chappell, Adult Education Instructor and Tocarro Davis, Student Services Coordinator, at the Center. After visitors toured the facility, Adult Education literature and mementos were distributed, as well as information about upcoming dates for orientation.
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Albany Technical College, TCSG, Adult Education Programs Celebrate 2010 Literacy Week On September 8th, the nation and the world celebrated International Literacy Day, a declaration first proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1965. Governor Sonny Perdue is joining others across the nation in extending this day into a week by designating September 13-18 as Literacy Week. Albany Technical College and its Adult Education Program, along with its sister technical colleges in Georgia
and its parent system office, The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), were pleased to be a part of this week-long celebration. One-fifth of the adult population of the U.S. cannot read well enough to cope successfully as workers, parents, and citizens. Congress approved a resolution to designate the week of September 13 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The proclamation handed down by Governor Perdue provides us with a new opportunity to elevate adult education and family literacy throughout Georgia with policymakers, the media, and the community. It gives us the opportunity to call attention to the need to eradicate illiteracy, a primary concern of Georgia’s Office of Adult Education where nearly 1.24 million Georgians need adult education services. At Albany Technical College, we are pleased to serve those in need of Adult Education in our seven-county Service Delivery Area (SDA). We have offices of Adult Education located in each of the counties we serve, which includes Dougherty, Lee, Calhoun, Clay, Baker, Terrell, and Randolph Counties.
Albany Tech awarded 2010 Georgia Challenge Recognition During an awards ceremony on October 18th, Albany Technical College was honored for successfully completing Step Two of the four-step Georgia Oglethorpe Awards Process. The Georgia Oglethorpe Award is modeled after the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award – now in its 21st year and arguably the most difficult award in the world for an organization or business to attain. Georgia Oglethorpe is a non-profit public-private partnership that provides services to Georgia’s business, industry, government, education, healthcare, and non-profit organizations. It promotes both strategic and tactical organizational performance improvement and excellence. This is achieved by offering education, assessment, feedback, and recognition based on defined criteria for performance excellence - the same criteria used to determine recipients of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Albany Technical College was one of five Georgia organizations recognized for reaching one of the steps of the award. No organizations achieved the final step this year and therefore, none attained the Georgia Oglethorpe Award. In the past 12 years, only 14 Georgia
organizations have achieved the award. “Earning Step-Two, the Challenge Award, is a great honor for the College,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, ATC President. “The recognition shows that we are continuing to work to improve our business practices from admissions to academics to continued education. The Oglethorpe assessment team gave us clear-cut ways to improve services to our customers.”
ATC’s Dean of Admissions Awarded GA Trend 40 Under 40 Award Albany Technical College Dean of Admissions, Lisandra De Jesus, accepted her 40 Under 40 award from Georgia Trend magazine at their annual banquet on October 20, 2010 at GreyStone at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed. During her tenure at Albany Tech, De Jesus has increased collaborations between academic and student affairs, coordinated customer service training for all full-time faculty and staff, and been instrumental in reactivating English as a Second Language classes offered by the Adult Education Division. Community service includes Girls, Inc. of Albany ‘Committee of 100’ and assisting with Latino population
outreach for 2010 Census as part of the ‘Complete Count Committee.’ “It’s a privilege to be acknowledged for doing something that I love doing – helping individuals enroll in postsecondary education and subsequently helping with the development of their communities. I enjoy helping future Titans navigate the College’s enrollment process, but I also hope they value the opportunity to go to college. My personal experiences have taught me we should not take opportunities for granted! I believe individuals should set higher expectations and diligently work to achieve them; their futures and the future of Southwest Georgia depend on it,” said De Jesus.
Albany Technical College | Annual Report 2010 | 16
ATC and Georgia Tech EII Partner for Work Ready Initiative
ATC Carpentry Students Build Doghouses for Habitat
Albany Technical College and Georgia Tech’s Enterprise Innovation Institute teamed up to offer “Career Pathways for the Future Day” for high school students in Early, Lee, Randolph and Terrell Counties. The event was held on Monday, November 8, 2010, in the Albany Technical College Kirkland Conference Center. Supported under the Georgia Work Ready Regional initiative, this event was designed to give high school students the opportunity to learn how Georgia’s Work Ready program can help them to prepare for future careers in Georgia. Through power-packed interactive sessions, students gained knowledge on how Georgia’s Work Ready program guarantees workers have the talent necessary for existing jobs and the skills necessary to master the innovative technologies that tomorrow’s jobs will require in the fields of Food Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Bioscience, and STEM occupations. In addition to the interactive sessions, students had the chance to tour Albany Tech’s facilities and take plant tours of agri-business companies.
On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, in the Albany Tech Carlton Construction Academy, Albany Technical College’s carpentry program students presented several doghouses to the Flint River Habitat for Humanity. Through Albany Tech’s continuous partnership with Flint River Habitat for Humanity, the students built about nine doghouses to be raffled off. Materials were donated by ProBuild. “The doghouses were built from a practical standpoint with a flat roof to allow the dog to get on top of the house, which isn’t an option with a sloped roof,” said Wayne Barnette, Carpentry instructor for Albany Tech. “We are very excited about our continued partnership with Albany Tech,” said Stacey Odom Driggers, Executive Director for Flint River Habitat for Humanity. “The doghouses are coming at a perfect time of the year when people are getting new puppies,” she added.
17 | Annual Report 2010 | Albany Technical College
Justin Powell “Albany Technical College helped me gain the knowledge and skills I needed to make my career dream a reality! With convenient classes and field experience, I got the training I needed. Now, I’m helping to improve our community using the skills I learned.”
2008 Graduate, Albany Technical College Horticulture Program, Supervisor for the Radium Gardens Project, Dougherty County Public Works
ATC Child Development Demonstration Center Receives NAEYC Re-accreditation The Albany Technical College Child Development Demonstration Center received the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) re-accreditation through 2015. The NAEYC accreditation is the highest credential available for childcare programs in the Nation and a widely recognized mark of high quality. The Center scored 100 percent in Program Standards. Commendations received from the NAEYC included promotion of positive relationships among children and adults to encourage each child’s sense of individual worth and belonging as part of a community, as well as fostering each child’s ability to contribute as a responsible community member. Other areas of commendation included the program’s usage of ongoing, systematic, formal and informal assessment approaches of providing information on
children’s learning and development. The NAEYC also commended the Center on its promotion of nutrition and health of children and protecting children and staff from illness and injury, as well as employing and supporting a teaching staff that has the educational qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning and development and to support families’ diverse needs and interests. Several other areas were assessed and many commendations were provided.
Albany Tech Titans Kickoff Season on November 2nd The Albany Technical College Titans and Lady Titans kicked off its 20102011 basketball season on November 2, 2010 at Albany State University’s HPER gymnasium. The Titans played the Central Georgia Tech Cougars from Macon. A member of the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association (GJCAA) conference, the Titans began their fourth season,
while the Lady Titans began their second. ATC biomedical electronics instructor, Sylvester Patterson, serves as the men’s coach. Mathematics instructor, Kenneth Williams, serves as the ladies coach. The men’s team made it into the playoffs last season. The coaches are looking forward to really stepping it up this season and making it even further into the playoffs in hopes of leading the two teams to a conference victory. With three returning players, Jerry Lewis, Rahaem James, and Duran Blue, the men Titans have an upper hand this season with experienced players. “We want to play with a lot more depth this season,” said men’s Coach Sylvester Patterson. “We want to press and play for a more up-tempo style of basketball this year, which is what we have been seeking since the Titans began.”
ATC Kicks Off 50th Anniversary with a December Celebration Albany Technical College is celebrating 50 years of technical education in 2011. To kickoff the planned events for 2011, a Kickoff Celebration was held on December 7th in the Kirkland Conference Center. Albany Tech invited its faculty, staff, students, and community partners to join in for this prelude to a yearlong schedule of events. 2011 events kicked off with a dedication ceremony on January 13, 2011, for a police car, ambulance, and fire truck donated by Dougherty County, the City of Albany, and the City of Dawson. On February 18, 2011, at the Albany Civic Center, there was an official convocation held with guest speaker, Lt. General Willie Williams, Director, Marine Corps Staff and Chief of Staff to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Several other events will be held throughout the year to commemorate this milestone in Albany Tech history. In addition, a special section about the 50th was published in the Albany Herald on February 13, 2011.
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ATC Makes Top Four for Governor’s Technical College of the Year Albany Technical College was one of four technical colleges out of 26 technical colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to be nominated for Governor Sonny Perdue’s Technical College of the Year Award. Judging for the award is based on almost two dozen performance criteria, including enrollment numbers, graduation rate, student retention, job placement rate, cost efficiency, completions in adult education programs, and trends in specialized workforce training. “Our attention to placement, enrollment, and stewardship has taken us to the top four,” said Dr. Anthony Parker, President of Albany Tech. “Early indications for fiscal year 2011 predict that we will perform well again in those areas. The work of our enrollment management committee, strategic planning, and program audits have served us well. “Our technical colleges in Georgia are critical components of our overall economic development strategy,” said
Governor Sonny Perdue. “Georgia’s technical colleges are emerging from this downturn stronger and ready to meet the advanced, high-tech workforce demands of today’s global economy.” Wiregrass Technical College was the finalist for the award. However, Albany Tech did receive a governor’s proclamation for its nomination. “I am very proud to be a part of the ATC team and am extremely proud of our accomplishments,” said Dr. Parker. “I look forward to again being evaluated as a part of the best faculty and administrative team in TCSG.
A Bloom or Two AlbanyElectric/MetroPower Albany Police Department and City of Albany Albany State University Albany Tech Construction Program Albany Tech Cosmetology Program Albany Tech Environmental Horticulture Program Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous AT&T Bagwell Family Foundation
Bank of America Burch Farms Carlton Foundation Central Monitoring Charles B. Gillespie, M.D. Christopher Finnicum Dawson Fire Department/ City of Dawson Dougherty County Dougherty County Retired Educators Association Emerson Electrical Foundation Flint River Services Georgia Power Co.
Heritage Bank of the South Jane Willson John Ross Jewelers KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. Mars Chocolate North America Oxford Construction Co. Pellicano Construction Co. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Richardson/Fitzgerald Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo SB&T Bank TCSG Foundation WALB
Thank you for helping make 2010 a successful year!
JOE AUSTIN
ROBERT CHESTER
Dougherty County Representative Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Early County Representative Retired
CARL CHILDS, JR. Clay County Representative Retired
VIRGINIA PARKER
COL. TERENCE REID
WALTER MATTOX
Board Chairman Dougherty County Representative Dougherty County Representative Randolph County Representative Retired Maintenance Center Albany SWGA Consortium
RICHARD WEST Calhoun County Representative West Foods
21 | Annual Report 2010 | Albany Technical College
BETTY WHITE
STEVE HIGHSMITH
ALFRED LOTT
Terrell County Representative IPM Realty
Dougherty County Representative City of Albany
KENT SANDERS
JAY SMITH
Baker County Representative Retired
Lee County Representative Georgia Power
TRACY WILLIAMS
Dougherty County Representative Dougherty County Representative Georgia Department of Labor Dougherty County School System Albany Career Center
C.W. GRANT
MAYOR WILLIE ADAMS
KATRINA BARANKO
MIKE CLARK
CELINDA DENNISON
City of Albany
Merle Norman Cosmetics
Interstate Warehouses
SB&T Bank
LEM GRIFFIN
ALFREDIA HAMPTON
RONNIE HINSON
JOE JAMES
CATHI JONES
Flint River Services
SunTrust Bank
MetroPower
Retired
Procter & Gamble
JEANETTE MCDOWELL
KIRT PHILLIPS
GLENN SINGFIELD
JIM WILCOX
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Applied Fibers
Artesian Contracting
WALB-Channel 10
SUZANNA MACINTOSH Community Volunteer
NATHANIEL WILLIAMS
CYNTHIA YOUNG
Sam’s Club
Bank of America
Retired
1704 South Slappey Boulevard Albany, Georgia 31701
A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Albany Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Institution