A new scholarship at Enterprise State Community College is helping students complete their education and training this spring.

Through ESCC’s Community Scholarship, eligible students will be entitled to six free credit hours for the Spring 2021 semester when they pay for six credit hours. The scholarship is available to students in any college program. The Community Scholarship will cover only tuition cost and fees will not be included.

The scholarship is aimed to help new students who wish to enroll in college for the first time and those who want to return to college and are not currently enrolled at the College. Additionally, the scholarship will target skilled workers displaced by the virus who want to complete training and receive industry-recognized credentials to increase their competitiveness in the workforce.

“The Community Scholarship is a continued effort on our part to support our community during a difficult time,” ESCC President Rodgers said. “During this pandemic, we increased our institution scholarship offerings to provide more financial assistance to students affected by the virus. Additionally, with great support from our Foundation, we were able to provide a similar BOGO scholarship over the summer to make sure our students did not put their education on hold.

“We’re proud to offer this new scholarship and open another path to those who want to jumpstart or continue their education and training.”

The community scholarship will also serve as an incentive for select workers to come back to college for additional training. For businesses or industries who wish to partner with ESCC and help send their workers to the College for additional training, contact Workforce Development and Adult Education Director Leigh Shiver at (344) 347-2623 ext. 2209 or email lshiver@escc.edu.

“The ESCC Community Scholarship is a great asset to help students wanting to start or return to college in the spring,” Shiver said. “This scholarship also provides a great opportunity to develop partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders who want to see their employees receive a college education or training. At ESCC, we are always happy to make those connections and provide those opportunities to those in our community.”

In addition to funding training opportunities for workers, students who were previously enrolled in any program prior to Fall 2020 and those who will enroll in any program in the spring will be eligible to receive the Community Scholarship. A full list of programs can be found at escc.edu/programs.

“We’re looking forward to a great spring semester,” Vice President/Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “Whether virtual or in the classroom, our spring class schedule will continue to meet the educational and training needs of our students. Our faculty and staff will continue to offer their best instruction to our students and provide the essential support our students need. As an institution, we’re also planning to help our students with their technology needs through a laptop loaner program that will have over 260 available laptops available.”

ESCC purchased 260 laptops for all students to be able to access their assignments for their classes. Laptops will be available for students to check out and use only for school-related purposes. To request a laptop, students must complete a laptop request form at escc.edu/laptop.

“With the availability of our various forms of student support and the addition of the Community Scholarship, I would encourage those individuals who want to start their college education, return to college or who want to receive additional technical training to apply and register for the spring.”

To apply for the Community Scholarship, the student must enroll at ESCC, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and complete the additional Community Scholarship form at escc.edu/communityscholarship. Any student who meets the qualifications will receive the scholarship, which will only be applied after all other grants and scholarship funds have been exhausted. The deadline to apply for the Community Scholarship is Dec. 10.

Students interested in applying for the Community Scholarship can access the application now, just in time to be ready for spring semester registration. Open registration begins Nov. 9.

For more information on the Community Scholarship, visit escc.edu/communityscholarship. To apply to ESCC/AAC, visit escc.edu/admissions.

Cutline: For new students or previously enrolled students, a new ESCC Community Scholarship makes the Spring 2021 semester the time to join ESCC. Pictured, from left, are Jeff-Edward Bell, Madisen Grimsley, Bridget Glover, Jasmin Hurtado, Gwen Mitchell, Zamaya Arnold.

Leigh Shiver is returning to Enterprise State Community College as its Director of Workforce and Adult Education. 

“Enterprise State Community College wanted to create a seamless transition between workforce development and adult education,” ESCC Vice President/Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “Hiring one director for both programs would help unify the efforts of these departments and allow greater opportunity for Adult Education students to participate in apprenticeship programs, non-credit training opportunities, certification programs, credit-bearing programs, and degree pathways.

“Ultimately, the objective remains the same for both departments, and that is to provide training and educational opportunities to the community. Mrs. Shiver brings a wealth of knowledge of career and technical education, cooperative education, and career/degree pathways to the position. Needless to say, I am excited to see how these two areas will work cohesively to increase the opportunities for our students.”

Shiver taught office administration courses in the College’s Computer Information Science & Business Division from 2002-09. She still serves ESCC as a member of the College’s Office Administration Advisory Committee. 

Shiver also previously served as the director of Career and Technical Education for Enterprise City Schools and principal of the Enterprise Career Technical Education Center where she developed curriculum for several high school CTE programs and collaborated with local business and industry partners to ensure programs met local workforce needs. 

At Enterprise High School, Shiver served as the work-based learning coordinator, where she increased student participation in work-based learning programs and a business education teacher. 

“Our Adult Education Program has consistently been recognized throughout our state as an exemplary program,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “Under the leadership of Mrs. Shiver, I am confident that we will continue to see great opportunities being offered to our adult education students to not only acquire their GED but also advance and build their careers. 

“Her experience with work-based learning will also be essential to our efforts with workforce development, and she previously established relationships with our business and industry partners will be an asset to our team as we grow the College and our community.”

Shiver said she was happy to return to ESCC in her new role. 

“I am excited to join Enterprise State Community College as the Director of Workforce Development and Adult Education,” Shiver said. “President Rodgers and his team have done a tremendous job of meeting the needs of our community, and I am committed to providing our business and industry partners with a highly skilled workforce.”

She said some of her goals as the new Adult Education and Workforce Director are to meet with current business and industry partners to determine their needs, learn ESCC’s program offerings and certifications in order to create future training opportunities for the College’s business and industry partners, provide opportunities for adult learners to acquire the skills they need and help them transition into further post-secondary training so they can achieve their career goals, and ultimately make ESCC a pipeline to train the local workforce for high-wage and in-demand occupations.

“Whether students in our region want to learn a new trade, enhance their skills, or earn credits to transfer to a four-year university, I want them to know ESCC can meet their needs,” Shiver said. “College is for everyone.”

Shiver officially started in her new role at Enterprise State on Oct. 14. 

Cutline: Leigh Shiver is returning to ESCC to serve as its Director of Workforce and Adult Education. 

Enterprise State Community College is moving forward with plans for a hitting facility that will benefit the College’s baseball and softball teams.

The covered hitting facility will have lighting and two lanes for athletes to practice hitting and pitching. The facility will be enclosed with fencing, and plumbing and electrical will be placed for future additions to the building.

According to Baseball Coach Samuel “Bubba” Frichter, the hitting facility will be an asset to the ESCC Athletic Department and the community.

The indoor facility will allow coaches to keep practices scheduled on weather days while players will have a place to hit and pitch later in the day or during rain. ESCC athletic staff will also be able to use the facility to host development camps.

“I can’t begin to explain the importance of how beneficial this facility will be to our baseball/softball programs,” he said. “This will allow our recruiting process to flourish and add a whole new dimension to how we develop our players.”

Frichter called the hitting facility “an essential tool” in the Athletic Department’s focus on overall athlete development.

“At the end of the day, we are a program that prides itself on player development,” he said. “This is an essential tool that will help our players develop in order to reach a four-year or professional level. We want our players to have every advantage possible and to be able to utilize their time effectively while here at Enterprise State.”

Frichter said the facility will also be a great tool in increasing the College’s ties to the community with community teams that will be able to use the building for practices during rainy weather.

The addition of the hitting facility will help with current athletes and recruitment of future athletes, according to Softball Coach Traci Harrison.

“I am super excited for our softball program to be getting a hitting facility,” she said. “Our program has been waiting for something like this for a long time. As our softball field went under renovations this past year, having the hitting facility just completes the puzzle. One of the mottos that I preach about is, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ I am excited about our team and future recruits to get to experience this in our program.

“My goal in this program is to bring in top softball players from the surrounding communities or another state. We want to be successful, and I thank our Athletic Director Jeremaine Williams, our president Matt Rodgers, Dean Kassie Mathis, and all our administration members who believe in our softball program to make this happen. I believe that the best is yet to come for our baseball and softball programs. This is just the beginning.”

ESCC President Matt Rodgers thanked state legislators, including Senator Jimmy Holley, and the Coffee County Commission for their support for the project.

“Thank you to our state legislative delegation for their support of all our projects, including this facility,” Rodgers said. “I also want to say thank you to the Coffee County Commission for providing the foundation soil where the facility will be located. These groups have been instrumental in helping us bring a first-class facility to our campus that will benefit not only our student athletes but also our community. We are so thankful for their support.

“Our goal is to make our campus facilities better each day for our students and instructors,” he said. “We want our students to develop in all areas while they are here at ESCC. Our coaches and players spend countless hours on the field and in the gym, so we want to give them the best chance to be successful. I am excited that our coaches will now have the chance to better develop our student athletes.”

Rodgers said the facility could see more features added over time.

“While we are excited to take these first steps forward with this project, we are just getting started on bringing a first-rate facility to our campus,” he said. “There will be more to come in the future.”

Future plans for the facility include adding additional lanes, restrooms and a concession stand as well as stands and parking areas for spectators.

Work on the hitting facility is expected to begin in early 2021.

Cutline: The two-lane hitting facility will be covered and enclosed with fencing. The facility will include lighting, and plumbing and electrical elements will be installed for future additions to the facility.

Enterprise State Community College has added two new members with skills in recruitment and the aviation industry to its recruitment team.  

Ashley Barajas will take over the reins as the recruiter for the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State.  

Barajas’ skills include event planning, social media, and marketing. She is familiar with the military and its communities. She has previously worked as a marketing assistant for Design Leatherworks and an aviation underwriter for Hallmark Financial Services.

A native of Pennsylvania, Barajas received her bachelor’s degree in aviation from Baylor University and recently completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Dallas Baptist University. Barajas also attended Texas State Technical College where she received her Instrument Related Pilot Certification.

“Combining my knowledge of aviation with my MBA has been an end goal for me,” Barajas said. “Finding a position with AAC has given me the opportunity to spread my love for aviation to others and introduce them to a niche industry. I am ready to start with ESCC/AAC and join a team with like-minded individuals.”

Alicia Payne comes to ESCC from Alabama State University, where she served as a district recruiter for the Wiregrass and social media coordinator. Prior to her recruiter role at ASU, Payne served as the social media and recruiting specialist for ASU’s football team. 

Payne is a graduate of Houston Co. High School in Columbia. She received her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from ASU.

“I’m so excited and ready to hit the ground running,” Payne said about her new role at ESCC. “Being granted the opportunity to work for ESCC means so much to me. I know that taking this position will not only challenge me but also help me grow, and that’s always the goal. I have a passion for helping people, especially high school students, and I’m looking forward to doing just that.”

Barajas and Payne are joining current ESCC Recruiter and Career Coach Emily Baker. Both recruiters started in their new roles on Oct. 1. 

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said both Barajas and Payne will be great additions to the ESCC team.

“I am thrilled that Ashley Barajas and Alicia Payne will be joining us at the College,” Rodgers said. “From the beginning, it was evident that Ashley would be a great recruiter for the Aviation College. With her passion for all things aviation, I know she is excited about the opportunity to help recruit future students to the Aviation College and make an impact on the local workforce influenced by Fort Rucker and the aviation industry. 

“Alicia came to ESCC highly recommended. With her three years of experience recruiting in the Wiregrass, she is already well established in this region and connects very well with students. Her recruiting experience will be a great asset to our College. 

“I know both Ashley and Alicia will work well with our other recruiter, Emily Baker, and I can’t wait to see all the great things that will come from this great group.” 

Cutline: Ashley Barajas, left, and Alicia Payne joined ESCC and AAC as recruiters on Oct. 1.

Enterprise State Community College’s Mechatronics program was named an NC3 School on the Rise for September, highlighting the program’s growth since its first class was held in August 2019. 

NC3, or the National Coalition of Certification Centers, provides industry-recognized certifications that meet national skills standards. These certifications are created through partnerships with business and industry leaders as well as educational institutions.

According to Mechatronics Instructor Aubri Hanson, ESCC’s program was nominated for the recognition by the College’s Festo Program Manager Lisa Marshall. NC3 chose ESCC’s program out of 900 to be recognized. 

“NC3 is looking for schools that are steadily increasing their number of certifications every month which is an indication of a growing program,” Hanson said. “Schools are typically chosen by NC3 leadership, but ESCC was the first to be nominated by our program manager.

“We are excited to receive the September School on the Rise recognition from NC3, as it validates a lot of the hard work ESCC has put into developing our new Mechatronics program. In the first year since opening in August 2019, this program has awarded 326 industry certifications to both students and working professionals in our service area. 309 of those were NC3 certifications. I believe that the publicity we will receive as a result of this recognition will give us greater visibility in our local area and beyond.”

Offered at the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State, the Mechatronics program provides training in electronics, motors, automation, robotics, and other advanced manufacturing processes for students interested in industrial automation jobs.

Since its start, ESCC’s Mechatronics program has quickly grown. In addition to the associate degree in Mechatronics, Hanson has added a short-term certificate to the program to help students enter the workforce sooner. Similarly, local high school students can now join the workforce pipeline thanks to the creation of the College’s Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician certification course that uses the Mechatronics curriculum.

Hanson works with business and industry leaders to offer business and industry-sponsored scholarships to Mechatronics students, and through the program, students also have the opportunity to work directly with local businesses through a new internship program with Wayne Farms. 

Additionally, Hanson offers NC3 certification training to employees of local businesses, including a new addition: the mikeroweWORKS certification.  

Hanson applied to serve as one of 21 schools to offer the new certification worldwide. The certification consists of 12 classes that coincide with the Mike Rowe SWEAT Pledge, which focuses on soft skills like work ethic, having a positive attitude, and taking personal responsibility. 

“This is unlike the other certifications we are offering in Mechatronics, which are related to technical skills, but I believe it goes hand in hand with what we are already doing in that it gives the students tools they need to find personal satisfaction in their chosen careers,” Hanson said.

Dean of Instruction Danny Long said the NC3 recognition and the addition of a new certification show the leadership of Hanson and the great growth of the program. 

“Aubri has done a fantastic job with this program at our Ozark campus,” Long said. “When we developed this program, we knew we wanted to offer a program unique to the area that would provide needed training. Every possible step has been taken to expand this program to continue with our mission to meet the needs of our local and state workforce, whether that is offering more NC3 certifications or developing internship opportunities with local businesses to create a workforce pipeline.

“We are a community college, and our mission is to see our students and community be successful and grow. I would say we are well on our way to accomplish our mission, and I’m proud that NC3 sees the great work and potential of our program.”

Cutline: Three students recently completed NC3 certifications in electricity and pneumatics through the Mechatronics program led by Aubri Hanson, right. Pictured, from left, are certification recipients Jabriel Pryor, Brandon Shinaberry, and Daniel Pruitt. 

Aiming to improve student enrollment, retention, and completion, Enterprise State Community College has moved forward with a reorganization that will make Dean of Instruction Danny Long the new Vice President of ESCC.

President Matt Rodgers said the title change better aligns with Long’s current duties and responsibilities and recognizes his contributions to the College.

“Dean Long is actively involved in every aspect of the College,” Rodgers said. “He has worn multiple hats during his time at ESCC, and his dedication to the College shines through his work.

“He has absolutely earned the trust of the faculty and staff. His determination to offer our students the best training and educational opportunities is clear, and he is always available to assist our instructors and division chairs however he can. Thank you, Dean Long, for your hard work and unwavering support of our faculty, staff, and students at ESCC and AAC.”

Long has worked in education for 25 years, with his career beginning in 1996 as a special education teacher in Ozark. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, Long holds a master’s degree in Education, a master’s certification in Educational Leadership, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.

Previous to joining the Enterprise State family, Long served as the director of secondary education for Enterprise City Schools and assistant principal at Enterprise High School. During his career, he has also held such titles as special education coordinator and career technical education director.

“I am certainly honored to be named the Vice President/Dean of Instruction for Enterprise State Community College,” Long said. “It was evident from the time I started at the college that I was getting to work with a team of faculty and staff who put their students and their community at the forefront of their work.

“The community college has the potential and flexibility to create opportunities for any individual or organization that walks through our doors, and that is not a responsibility we take lightly. I am excited about the future of our college and the limitless impact we will have on the community we serve.”

Long has served as Dean of Instruction at ESCC since November 2017, overseeing all instruction on the Enterprise and Ozark campus and the College’s Andalusia site. He will continue to serve the College under both titles.

Cutline: Danny Long now holds the dual-title of Vice President/Dean of Instruction of Enterprise State Community College.

Despite pandemic restrictions and a transition to a new student information system, Enterprise State Community College saw an increase in the Fall 2020 student enrollment.

From Fall 2019 to Fall 2020, ESCC saw a 2.6 percent increase in student enrollment, following a trend of enrollment increases at the College since Fall 2016. In addition to an increase in enrollment numbers, more students are taking online general academic and dual enrollment classes.

Face-to-face instruction on the Enterprise campus is the only area that saw a decrease in student numbers this fall. More online and hybrid class offerings were established as part of the College’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

Though there are fewer students taking classes on campus at ESCC this fall, instructors have made sure the same educational experience found in a traditional classroom can be found in the College’s online classes, according to English, Foreign Languages, and Communication Division Chair Dr. Anna Head.

“Since March, instructors have strived to create unique learning experiences for students who are pursuing their education under challenging circumstances,” Head said. “Within the Division of English, Foreign Languages, and Communication, faculty members have employed innovative technologies and honed their skills in the intricacies of virtual instruction in order to retain and perhaps even exceed the pre-pandemic level of instruction.

“Instructors are also dedicated to offering multiple course formats in order to accommodate the greatest possible number of students. Traditional online courses provide an excellent option for those students whose out-of-class responsibilities necessitate flexibility while online lecture courses with a virtual face-to-face component bring the classroom environment to students in remote locations at familiar times and with friendly faces. For students eager to return to the traditional classroom, the division is also offering hybrid courses that allow for face-to-face instruction in a safe, socially distanced environment with additional online instruction to promote a successful educational opportunity.

“As a higher education institution that is dedicated to serving its community, ESCC is constantly seeking multiple avenues through which to deliver quality education, a characteristic that has been invaluable in recent months as the College has continued to offer solid academic instruction amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic,” Head said.

In addition to online courses, technical courses offered on the Ozark campus and dual enrollment classes offered on both campuses saw an increase in students.

“A tremendous amount of work went into maintaining momentum and increasing our fall enrollment,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “This is a testament to the staff. They continued to reach out to our students during a difficult time. They answered questions, provided support, and made every effort to help our students every step of the way to enrollment and registration. Everyone at the College has risen to the occasion, and I am so proud of this amazing group of people.”

During the summer, ESCC and AAC transitioned to a new system, Banner. This transition meant students could not register for classes during May, June, or part of July. This, in addition to no or reduced face-to-face interaction, led to new recruitment and registration efforts.

Recruiters hosted “Admissions Mondays” on Instagram and Facebook to answer incoming and current student questions about classes at ESCC or AAC. Additionally, all seniors in the ESCC and AAC service area were contacted to help with applications and registration, and if a student had applied to the College but had not registered for classes during the week of their scheduled virtual orientation session, he or she received an emailed reminder.

During the last few days before classes began Aug. 24, ESCC also offered extended weekend hours to ensure that schedules were finalized and financial aid was settled. Any students who were awarded financial aid but had not registered were also personally contacted, and students who needed to complete financial aid forms were assisted by admission staff.

According to Registrar Jennifer Olsen, the obstacles created by the transition to a new system and the pandemic made every member of the ESCC/AAC work harder together.

“For me, the hardest part was not being on campus altogether and launching Banner with fall enrollment,” Olsen said. “It made it hard to communicate and make sure information was being shared accurately, but I think this is where our team especially excelled. Our marketing department worked to make sure accurate information was being put out, our financial aid department worked overtime to help students ensure aid was in place and classes were paid for, and our admissions and advising departments came together to make sure students got the service they needed.”

She also highlighted the help Student Support Services offered with schedule planning and registering first-time freshmen as well as the support from Recruiter Emily Baker to help facilitate the ESCC orientation sessions, which were offered virtually this year.

“It was truly a team effort, and we have a great one,” Olsen said.

While it is too late to register for the full Fall 2020 semester, ESCC’s next five-week mini-term begins Oct. 14,  and it’s not too late to register for classes. Students can find mini-term class offerings at escc.edu/schedule and register through their MyESCC account at escc.edu/myescc. For any questions, call (334)347-2623 to speak to an admission representative

“I want to personally thank all our students for choosing to join us this fall,” Rodgers said. “This semester may look different, but our mission is still the same. No matter if our students are online or in the classroom, we are continuing to provide the same first-class education and training while also offering the proper support they need to be successful.”

Cutline: Many ESCC classes are offered online this semester, but some classes are offered both in-class and online in a hybrid format, like the 2D Comprehension class led by Instructor Leslie Gibson. Gibson, right, meets with art students Karrie Jinwright, left, and Matthew Johnson during their hybrid class. 

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About Enterprise State Community College

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

Students in the CDL program offered at the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State Community College, receive both written and on-the-road training that will lead them toward a successful career in the trucking industry.

The six-week Class A CDL license program was brought to the AAC campus in Fall 2018 to address the need for drivers locally and across the state. The first three students completed the program on Dec. 13, 2018. To date, 75 students have completed the program.

The program, led by Odie Thompson and Kemmie Williams, begins in the classrooms and ends with students receiving hands-on training using trailers donated by Transport Trailer Center and Wiley Sanders Truck Lines. Throughout the six weeks, students study various facets of the trucking industry, like safety in and around trucks and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

“During the six weeks of our program, we start out with initial classroom activities that include pre-trip inspection instruction; Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules; hours of service regulations; extreme weather driving; backing techniques; and Truckers Against Trafficking, as mandated by the State of Alabama,” Williams said. “We move out onto the skill field and begin practicing some of the techniques we learn in the classroom. The last three weeks, we begin highway driving and continue to work on our pre-trip inspections and backing skills.”

With ESCC’s Class A CDL training, students are able to operate an 18 wheeler (tractor trailer), a tank vehicle, livestock carrier, flatbed and other vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.

During the six weeks, every student also has the opportunity to meet with recruiters for businesses in need of drivers. By the end of the program, each ESCC CDL student receives at least one job offer either from a recruiter or through a company of his or her choice.

According to Williams, trucking jobs are at “an all-time high,” with many companies offering great pay and benefit packages to their employees, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities. He said many of these companies are locally headquartered or have local terminals.

The cost to participate in the program is $3,500, but students can contact their local Alabama Career Center to ask about eligibility for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to cover 100 percent of the cost of the program.

The next six-week class starts Monday, Sept. 21, and applications are being taken now. To join the program, complete the online application at escc.edu/cdl or contact Assistant Financial Aid Director Laticia Dubose at (334) 347-2623 ext. 3610 or ldubose@escc.edu.

Cutline: Since the first class began, 75 students have completed the CDL program, and every student in each class has received a job offer. The next class begins on Sept. 21.

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About Enterprise State Community College
Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

The Enterprise State Community College campus saw big changes over the summer.

“Providing green space for people to get outside, breathe some fresh air and be able to socially distance is so important during these times we are living,” EVP of Landscape Architecture & Planning for Goodwyn Mills & Cawood John Bricken said about the importance of the College’s courtyard project, which started on May 18.

According to Bricken, the courtyard areas only needed to be enhanced with landscaping and irrigation. The goals of the overall project were to provide green space for students, faculty and the general public to use; give students a place to meet, study and enjoy being outside; provide open lawn space for school functions; and cover all landscaped areas with underground irrigation.

The courtyard areas and other green spaces at ESCC were upgraded just in time for students to return to campus for the Fall 2020 semester. Changes included an updated social area near the Student Center. Sod and other greenery were placed to provide green spaces throughout the year, and a new irrigation system was installed to maintain the grounds.

These upgrades were made in the green space in between Sessions and Snuggs Hall and Wallace Administration Building as well as the courtyard area at the center of ESCC’s campus.

The entire ESCC family and community helped influence the planning of this courtyard project. Administration held meetings with ESCC faculty, staff and students as well as community leaders to receive input.

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said he believes every person who visits campus will fall in love with the new look of the campus.

“We are really excited about our newly renovated courtyards on the ESCC campus,” Rodgers said. “It is our goal to improve every area on both campuses. We hope our students, faculty and staff will enjoy this area.

“I am really proud of how the project turned out, and I hope that when our students and faculty return to campus they will appreciate the beauty of our campus. I think they are going to love it even more.”

Cutline: A new seating offers outdoor seating for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to enjoy.

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About Enterprise State Community College
Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.

Enterprise State Community College students returned to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 31, for the first face-to-face academic instruction held on campus since March. 

“Monday was a great day,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “I was so excited to see our students and faculty back on campus. ESCC is a special place because of the people. The pandemic has certainly made us all appreciate our students more and the people we get to work alongside.

“I am not only proud of our students but of our faculty and staff also. Everyone has handled the last few months well and continued to excel. We will continue to do everything we can to remain vigilant and provide a safe learning and work environment for everyone at ESCC.”

Before students could return to campus, several changes were made and students were required to take several steps to ensure a safe return to the classroom. 

For the Enterprise and Ozark campuses, new safety protocols were implemented as part of the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While planning for the fall semester at ESCC, instructors and administration worked together to find a solution that would reduce risks and keep the quality of instruction. 

“When we were planning this semester, we put a lot of focus on safety and instruction options,” Dean of Instruction Danny Long said. “We knew there would be situations where face-to-face instruction would be the only option, so we developed a plan that would allow our students and instructors to meet in-person safely for class. I’m proud of the work of our faculty and staff to make this fall semester come together, and I know that we are all happy to see students back on campus again.”

ESCC’s plan for safe on-campus instruction included requiring students to complete the College’s COVID-19 Canvas course and sign a COVID-19 waiver, which were incorporated in the College’s orientation class, before coming to campus. 

Students are required to use the CampusClear app as part of the self-screening process to enter campus. The app sends a push notification as a reminder to complete a self assessment, which will determine if the student is cleared to enter campus or not. Students coming on campus will also be required to wear a mask while around others and have their temperature checked at Wallace Administration Building on the Enterprise campus. 

The College also implemented several safety protocols in classrooms, such as marking or arranging seats to meet social distancing guidelines and placing plexiglass safety shields on instructor stations.

Many students were excited to return to campus to receive face-to-face instruction in a safe learning environment. 

“Coming back to campus has allowed me to have a face-to-face interaction with my professors,” Ambassador Marisa Thomas said. “I am glad that I am able to come to campus and have those interactions safely.”

Other students were happy to have class on campus in order to feel a semblance of “normal.” 

“Coming back to campus allows me to see the face behind the course, making me feel like things aren’t so different,” Ambassador Layken Hussey said. “In addition to this, it allows me to interact with other students, giving me the social factor that I’ve missed for the past few months.”

No more than 130 students are expected to be on campus in class at any point thanks to class schedules that were staggered to reduce the number of students on campus. No face-to-face instruction was held on campus during the first week of class that began Aug. 24.  

Cutline: Seating has also been marked in the Black Box Theater for Fine Arts students to maintain social distancing guidelines during class. 

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About Enterprise State Community College
Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college that serves more than 1,800 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Andalusia and Ozark. Each campus and site currently fulfill the Alabama Community College System’s mission for education and training which leads to high-wage, high-demand jobs in integral careers worldwide. Students can obtain Associate degrees and certificates through multiple programs at the college.