fbpx Skip to main content
  (334) 347-2623

Category Archives: Uncategorized

ESCC’s Cerebral Weevils place first in ACBL tournament

ESCC’s Cerebral Weevils place first in ACBL tournament

The Enterprise State Community College Cerebral Weevils Scholars’ Bowl team placed first in the 2019 Enterprise ACBL Tournament held on ESCC’s campus on Friday, Nov. 15.

Over 100 college students from Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas community colleges participated in the tournament. Teams visited the ESCC campus from Lamar State College-Orange, Coastal Alabama Community College and Coastal Alabama North and South campuses, Jefferson State Community College, Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, Bevill State Community College Jasper and Fayette campuses, Pensacola State College, Southern Union State Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College.

ESCC’s A team placed first, and the B Team placed in the top six teams of the tournament. Coastal Alabama Community College’s South Campus A team placed second, and Bevill State Community College’s Jasper Campus team placed third in the tournament.

Cerebral Weevil team member Troy Funk also placed fifth in the tournament in individual scoring. He received a total of 440 points during the tournament, averaging 55 points per round.

“It’s always exciting to get back into competition in the ACBL,” Cerebral Weevils Sponsor Kathy Pattie said about the tournament. “The competition is always fierce. This league really showcases the phenomenal job our community colleges are doing with our students. It’s even more fun to have everyone come here to compete.

“I am exceptionally proud of both my teams for their performance Friday. Our B Team went undefeated until they played our A Team in the fifth round and also finished in the top six of 19 teams. It makes me hopeful about sectionals in January, the tournament that qualifies us for the national competition.”

Cerebral Weevil Team A team members are Captain Troy Funk, Ethan Cox, John Wayne McCrory and Xander Pless. B Team members are Captain Stephen Coppock, Ashley Mittlebach, Trey Funk and Madalyn Kingsbury.

Cutline: ESCC’s Cerebral Weevils A Team placed first in the Enterprise ACBL Tournament held at ESCC. Pictured, from left, are A Team members Captain Troy Funk, Xander Pless, John Wayne McCrory and Ethan Cox. 

ESCC takes part in Clean Home Alabama

ESCC takes part in Clean Home Alabama

ENTERPRISE – As part of the Alabama Community College System’s Clean Home Alabama initiative, Enterprise State Community College did its part to keep Alabama beautiful on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation on Sept. 16 recognizing the ACCS’ creation of Clean Home Alabama Days. From Nov. 1-Nov. 11, organizations across the state will pick up litter as part of beautification efforts to celebrate the state’s 200th anniversary.

Clean Home Alabama was established by ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker, with the mission of continuing to serve communities both inside and outside of campus walls.

“Community is so much a part of what our colleges do each day that it’s even in our name,” Baker said. “Alabama’s community colleges are located within every region of the state, which means we are perfectly positioned to organize and execute an effort of this magnitude to help maintain ‘Alabama the Beautiful’ during our state’s bicentennial year.”

Projects for Clean Home Alabama can range from picking up litter along a roadway or helping to beautify entrances and exits into local parks, cities or facilities.

On. Nov. 2, 25 administration, faculty and staff members and students volunteered to clean up litter along Boll Weevil Circle from ESCC campus to Bellwood Road as part of the ACCS initiative.

“Our community is amazing in all it does to support us here at ESCC,” President Matt Rodgers said. “Our faculty, staff and students appreciate all the support we receive, and we are constantly looking for ways to give back.

“ACCS also appreciates its communities, so it made sense for us to take part in the system’s Clean Home Alabama event as a way to show our pride in our community.”

ESCC basketball athlete Terence Anderson said he was happy to volunteer his time to take part in the beautification of the state and the City of Enterprise.

“It felt good to be able to clean up around the community,” he said. “It’s always good to give back to the community.”

Following the cleanup efforts, ESCC volunteers celebrated their efforts with food and fellowship on ESCC’s campus.

Cutlines:

Twenty-five volunteers from ESCC took part in the Alabama Community College System’s Clean Home Alabama, a beautification initiative created by ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker.

Think local when applying for college

Think local when applying for college

Alabama’s College Application Week, Nov. 4-8, is here, and Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are ready to help any person take the next steps in their education.

Community college is a great option for anyone interested in furthering their education or receiving technical training. It is also a great resource for students currently in high school or those who have completed their high school graduation credits early.

Especially for early completers, taking classes at their local community college can help them save time and money while receiving a quality education.

“The benefit of taking general education courses at ESCC is not only the cost – classes cost at least half of what students will pay for the same course at a four-year institution – but also the opportunity to study with instructors with the same credentials as those at the four-year institution in a much smaller, one-on-one environment that fosters student development and a village of support,” Associate Dean of Students/Financial Aid Director Dr. Kevin Ammons said.

For those students who wish to complete their college education at a university or would like to complete required courses between semesters at a four-year institution, their local community college is a resource to turn to.

In Alabama, community colleges provide transferable credits through the Statewide Articulation Reporting System (STARS), making it even easier for students to complete their first two years at their local community college and transfer those credits to another institution.

One method that ESCC uses to provide a strong foundation for transfer students is ensuring the classes students take at ESCC will actually transfer. ESCC can stand by this agreement when students follow the Alabama Articulation Program, which is also called STARS (Statewide Articulation Reporting System). STARS is designed to inform students about degree requirements and course equivalents from colleges from each state-funded four-year institution.

“Start your college journey at ESCC before transferring to a different school,” ESCC President Matt Rodgers said. “This will allow you to possibly stay at home with no room-and-board fees or rent while earning college credits. It also opens up the opportunity to work and start saving money for when you move out or go to school.”

Community colleges like ESCC are a resource to take advantage of when taking those next steps, whether it be toward a degree program or technical training. All it takes to start is to apply.

ESCC/AAC has an open-door admissions policy to ensure that every person can attain a college education. There is no application deadline and no ACT/SAT or GPA score required.

There are just a few steps to complete the application process at ESCC/AAC, which are to complete the general application, residency form and identify verification form; submit a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license and all transcripts; and provide any test scores from the last five years.

All application information may be found on www.escc.edu/admissions/.

For many students, deciding how to pay for college is an important part of the college process.  College applicants are encouraged to complete the now open Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal or other financial aid.

Completing the FAFSA is important. Many college applicants do not always complete it, missing out on thousands of dollars per applicant available to them. According to the Federal Student Aid website, more than $150 billion is available to applicants for college.

Before filling out the FAFSA, applicants will need to apply for a Financial Student Aid (FSA) ID, which is used as a signature on financial aid forms, at www.fsaid.ed.gov. Parents of dependent students will need their own FSA ID.

When completing the FAFSA for ESCC, list the ESCC school code, which is 001015.

The 2020-21 FAFSA, for students planning to attend college in August 2020, will use information from the their or their parents’ 2018 tax return. Applicants can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA to provide federal income tax return data.

To apply for financial aid as an early high school completer, the 2019-20 FAFSA application must be completed. This application will use the applicant’s or their parents’ 2017 tax return information.

At ESCC, the college application must be before an aid application will be considered at ESCC. The deadline to apply for ESCC financial aid and scholarships is March 1, 2020.

ESCC financial aid information is available at www.escc.edu/admissions/financial-aid-admissions/.

No matter where a person is in their educational journey, a community college like ESCC/AAC can provide a quality education or training to anyone.

“It does not matter if the student is a high school senior who just graduated, a transient student who already attends another university, a current ESCC student or a nontraditional student who just wants to pick up some courses to advance a career,” Rodgers said. “ESCC/AAC has something for everyone.”

Cutline: Director of Counseling & Student Success Dr. Felisha Ford, standing, helps students plan their class schedule for the spring.

ESCC to hold open auditions for spring show

ESCC to hold open auditions for spring show

“Grease is the word” as Enterprise State Community College readies for auditions for its spring show.

On Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4-5, the ESCC Fine Arts Division will hold open auditions for its spring production of “Grease.”

From a Samuel French synopsis, “Grease” introduces “Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot rodding ‘Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking ‘Pink Ladies’ in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.”

“Grease” follows the story of “head ‘greaser’ Danny Zuko and the new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski as they try to relive the high romance of their ‘Summer Nights,’” while the rest of the greasers and pink ladies dance and sing to familiar songs like “Greased Lightnin’.”

All auditions will begin at 6 p.m. in the Community Room, located in the LBW Student Center.

To audition, be prepared to present a one-minute monologue, which must be memorized before auditions, and perform 16-32 bars of a song acapella. All audition pieces must be from a published play.

Adolescents ages 14-17 with parents’ permission and adults 18 and older are encouraged to audition.

“One of the reasons ’Grease’ was selected is because there are a variety of roles ranging from teenager to any age, really,” Theater adjunct Trey Clark said. “No prior acting experience is required. Anyone 14 and up… come on, everybody.”

Clark said theater brings people together, including ESCC and the communities it serves.

“Theater is a dynamic tool that brings human beings together,” he said. “It’s fun. It’s an experience that is unique in molding young minds and telling an awesome story that everybody knows.

“We are Enterprise State Community College. Without the community, we wouldn’t exist, and it is a beautiful and fruitful endeavor.”

Performances of “Grease” will be held April 16-18, 2020, at the Enterprise Performing Arts Center.

“ESCC is the community’s college, and we encourage the community to get involved,” ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair Dr. Ken Thomas said. “This is an exciting time in the life of the College and the Fine Arts Division. We want and need the community’s support.

“I know that there are many talented performers in this area, and I challenge all of you to come to the auditions and lend a helping hand to make this musical performance a success. You may also support us by attending our events.”

For more information on auditions or the ESCC Fine Arts Division, contact Dr. Ken Thomas at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2319 or kthomas@escc.edu.

“Dancing for Scholarships” raises over $20,000

“Dancing for Scholarships” raises over $20,000

The Enterprise State Community College Foundation raised over $20,000 for scholarships for future and current students through its third annual “Dancing for Scholarships” event.

These funds will not only support current Foundation scholarships, but it will also help dual-enrollment students take courses at ESCC through a new scholarship, according to Foundation Executive Director Chellye Stump.

“We’ve not given dual enrollment scholarships in the past, so this year, we plan to set aside some of the money we raise for dual-enrollment students,” she said before the event.

During the event, over 400 people watched as seven local STARS showed off their dancing skills during the fundraising event, held at the Enterprise Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 10.

This year’s seven STARS and their professional partners were: Erin Grantham, executive director of Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, partnered with Adonis Bozeman, recruiter for ESCC; Brent Harrison, principal at Enterprise High School, partnered with Jameka Oates, principal dancer and instructor for Patti Rutland Jazz and instructor for Enterprise School of Dance; Dr. Anna Head, ESCC English Division Chair, partnered with Dr. Ken Thomas, ESCC Fine Arts Division Chair; Gloria Jones, retired interior decorator, partnered with Ronald DeVane, ballroom dance instructor; John Mitchell Jr. of Mitchell Automotive Group, partnered with Janie Allen of GetFit Nutrition; Chris Moseley, superintendent of Elba City Schools, partnered with Teniyah Ginyard, dance instructor for Enterprise School of Dance; and Bill Schleusner, co-owner of The Rawls Restaurant, partnered with Mattie Hanson, teacher with Enterprise City Schools.

These teams danced for the chance to receive either the People’s Choice or the Judges Favorite Mirror Ball trophies.

This year, the People’s Choice Mirror Ball trophy went to partners Mitchell and Allen, who danced to “Rockin’ Robin.” The People’s Choice winner was decided through the number of votes each team received the night of the event.

Mitchell said he stepped out of his comfort zone to take part in the event, but the experience was worth it.

“I did enjoy it,” he said. “It was very rewarding. It was for a great cause.”

He challenged others to participate in next year’s “Dancing for Scholarships” event.

“I definitely would challenge anyone to do it, even if you don’t think you can,” he said.

The winners of the Judges Favorite Mirror Ball were partners Schleusner and Hanson, who danced to “Beat It.”  Each team’s performance was judged on four categories: entertainment, technique, chemistry as a couple and the choreography of the dance. This year’s judges were Will Searcy, Elizabeth Whitton and Kara Danner.

Schleusner said he was surprised to receive the trophy with his partner.

“That was shocking,” he said. “To come out the winner of the Mirror Ball was surreal.”

Schleusner said he attended last year’s “Dancing for Scholarships” event and thought it would be fun to participate. He then received the call to be a community STAR from Stump.

“I really enjoyed being a part of such a great event,” he said. “This is one of the best fundraising events that’s being held in the Wiregrass, just from the execution and the product they put out. You really enjoy coming to it.

“It definitely is a unique event that I think people in the Wiregrass should attend and support.”

He also encouraged members of the Wiregrass communities to “absolutely participate” in next year’s event.

“I don’t know why people would hesitate,” he said. “It’s worth it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Mitchell and Schleusner were not the only participants to encourage others to take part. After his dance the night of the event, Moseley also challenged other educators in the Wiregrass communities to take part as well.

“Enterprise State reaches out to a lot of school systems, and I am so proud to represent Elba,” he said. “Enterprise, Coffee County, Ozark, all the schools they reach out to… I challenge all these school systems to come out and participate in this for their kids.”

Stump said the ESCC Foundation is thankful for everyone who participated and supported the fundraising event, stating that ESCC has “the best community, and we know this would not be possible without their support.”

She also said that while Mirror Balls were presented to the two dance teams, every participant is a winner.

“I can’t thank the dancers enough for all the time they donated out of their busy lives to practice over the last two months to make this night so special,” Stump said. “I would also like to thank the employees of Enterprise State Community College who served on the committee that made this event possible. We have an outstanding group that worked hard for the last few months to make sure this event was enjoyable for all.”

Stump said she is already looking ahead and is searching for STARS and PROS for next year’s event. To participate, contact Chellye Stump at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2279 or cstump@escc.edu.

CUTLINE: Seven Community STARS and their PRO partners took part in the 2019 “Dancing for Scholarships” event on Oct. 10. Pictured, from left, are STAR Brent Harrison with PRO Jameka Oates; PRO Dr. Ken Thomas with STAR Dr. Anna Head; STAR Bill Schleusner with PRO Mattie Hanson, winners of the Judges Favorite trophy; PRO Janie Allen with STAR John Mitchell Jr., winners of the People’s Choice trophy; STAR Gloria Jones with PRO Ronald DeVane, PRO Teniyah Ginyard with STAR Chris Moseley; and PRO Adonis Bozeman with STAR Erin Grantham.

SCHOLARSHIP TO FUND 50 HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PATHS TO AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING CAREERS

SCHOLARSHIP TO FUND 50 HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PATHS TO AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING CAREERS

For more information, contact:
Rachel Adams
Communications and Marketing Administrator
rachel.adams@accs.edu
(334) 293-4651 

October 15, 2019

MONTGOMERY – A second round of scholarships will be awarded this year for 50 students to train for automotive manufacturing careers at Alabama’s community colleges.

The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College System have partnered to provide a total $180,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors, to 50 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

The first scholarship recipients were awarded earlier this year to start programs this fall. Students awarded after the November deadline will begin classes in the spring, summer or fall semesters of 2020. 

Interested students with at least a 2.5 GPA can learn more information and apply directly through the website, https://dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama/. Applicants must use the scholarship toward an automotive-related program, including the following: Automotive Manufacturing Technology; Automotive Manufacturing; Automotive Service Technician; Computer Numerical Control; Engineering Technology; Industrial Electronics Technology; Industrial Maintenance Technology; Injection Molding; Logistics; Machine Shop/Tool Technology; Manufacturing Technology; Mechanical Design Technology; Mechatronics; or Welding Technology.

AAMA President Ron Davis said the scholarship program was designed to build interest in the exciting and rewarding careers the automotive industry offers. 

“The access our scholarship recipients have to mentors in the industry, in addition to the training they’ll receive while studying at an Alabama community college, provides tremendous opportunities in the automotive manufacturing industry,” Davis said. “Our partnership with Alabama’s community colleges is industry and education working together the way they should to help individuals succeed.” 

Jeff Lynn, ACCS’ Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, said the scholarship opportunity complements other work-based learning initiatives in place for community colleges to continually provide world-class training that meets Alabama’s industry needs. Such programs, including the expansion of apprenticeships and internships, add significant value to industry-led training at the community colleges.

“The best advice we receive for how to educate and train an excellent workforce for employers and entrepreneurs is directly from the source – Alabama industry,” Lynn said. “With industry input and continued investment in career and technical training, including scholarships and new programs, the Alabama Community College System is providing what both employees and employers need to succeed.” 

The total award is $3,600 for each student. The award covers tuition, fees and/or books needed. A full submission for the scholarship requires the following: a completed application; a resume; a maximum 500-word essay on why the student wants to work in Alabama’s automotive industry; one signed reference letter; an unofficial college or high school transcript; and a headshot photo.

###

About AAMA

Since 2001, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has provided awareness of manufacturing trends, techniques and concerns within the automotive manufacturing industry through interaction among automotive companies in Alabama. The association’s mission is to promote growth and continuous improvement of automotive manufacturing in Alabama.

About ACCS

With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama’s gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The System includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

Graves named new ESCC Adult Ed Coordinator

Graves named new ESCC Adult Ed Coordinator

With years of experience and a passion for helping others, Steve Graves has joined Enterprise State Community College as its adult education coordinator.

ESCC offers free adult education classes to help individuals receive their GED, the Alabama Career Readiness Certification, learn English as a Second Language (ESL) and more.

In his words, Graves describes adult education as “any type of education that fulfills the needs of a certain age student” and “far more than earning a GED.”

“We tend to think of Adult Education as starting after high school,” he said. “Accepting this, we can say Adult Education is any type of post-secondary education. Every student attending ESCC is an adult learner. Employees that attend work-related seminars are participating in a form Adult Education.

“In Adult Education, we help students attain a GED, which opens doors to better employment, military service and continuing their education at the college level. We provide opportunities for individuals to learn the English language so they can better adapt to our culture in this country.

“Adult education is ever changing to meet the needs of the students.”

His passion for adult education began after he was required to take a course on the subject during his undergraduate years at Auburn University. He continued to take elective classes in adult education throughout his undergraduate and master’s degree programs. He later proudly provided adult education opportunities in the Enterprise area during his 31-year tenure at Enterprise High School.

“While serving as assistant principal/career technical director at Enterprise High School, I had the opportunity to offer an Adult Education class through our Career Technical Education Department,” he said. “After retiring from Enterprise High School, I started working with the Alfred Saliba Family Service Center in Dothan. I served as program coordinator for a program which partnered with Wallace Community College’s Adult Education Department. We provided tutoring, financial assistance and support to students ages 16-24 enrolled in the GED classes. During the five years I was there, we helped 73 students earn their GED.”

At ESCC, Graves said he will strive to “meet the goals of our community.”

“I want the ESCC Adult Education Department to be ‘Ray of Hope’ for those individuals who desire to improve their education level, employment opportunities, personal or daily use skills, and other skills that help to make them the type of person they desire to be,” he said.

With his personal connections to Enterprise and ESCC, Graves said he is “vested” in providing opportunities to adult learners in the community. Becoming a member of the ESCC family, he said, is “like coming home,” and he is glad to join the team here at the college.

“I spent three years here after the tornado destroyed Enterprise High School,” he said. “The ESCC family opened their doors and welcomed us into their home. I made some dear friends during this time. Many of them are still here.

“The opportunity to come and work with President Rodgers and Dean Long was a definite motivation to come to ESCC. We worked together at EHS during an extremely difficult time.  I know first-hand the type of educators and men they are. This played a major part in my decision to delay retirement. I am very excited to be at ESCC.”

President Matt Rodgers said Graves is a “great man with a huge heart” and he is happy Graves is a part of the ESCC team.

“We are fortunate to have Steve join our team,” Rodgers said. “He is highly respected in this community and has a true love for helping people. His experience at the Saliba Center in Dothan made him a great fit for this position at ESCC.

“Steve is a great man with a huge heart. He will help many people in the communities we serve to further their education.”

Cutline: Steve Graves has been named the new Adult Education Coordinator at ESCC.

New space for students to ‘Hangout’ coming to ESCC

New space for students to ‘Hangout’ coming to ESCC

A new student area is coming to Enterprise State Community College sometime in the month of October.

“The Hangout,” as the area is being called, will include two electronic gaming systems, cable T.V., a foosball table and a ping pong table for entertainment. The seating in the area will include two futons and two high tables.

ESCC’s Weevil Center will be redesigned to be the home of “The Hangout.” It can be found in front of the bookstore in the Lurleen B. Wallace Student Center.

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said that the creation of “The Hangout” came from the need of students to have a place to relax and enjoy time on campus.

“We are really excited about all of the renovations and upgrades taking place on both of our campuses,” Rodgers said. “One area that we needed to address was a ‘student-space’ for students on our Enterprise campus. Our students are at the heart of everything we do. It is important that we create a special place for them to relax and enjoy some downtime while on campus.”

He said that since students already used Weevil Center to socialize and play games that it made sense to redesign and upgrade the area for students.

“I am proud of our students and want them to enjoy being on campus and create great memories with their classmates,” Rodgers said. “We have great students, and I want them to have the very best we can offer them here at ESCC.”

Safran donates advanced engine to ESCC

Safran donates advanced engine to ESCC

OZARK – Thanks to the combined efforts of local economic development leaders, city officials, a major business partner and Enterprise State Community College, the Wiregrass area will now have needed training on the advanced Arriel 1E2 engine.

Safran Helicopter Engines USA donated an Arriel 1E2 engine, found in the UH-72 Lakota helicopter, to the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark to be used for training to address workforce needs. Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets.

Safran President and CEO, Thierry Derrien called the relationship between ESCC and Safran a successful one.

“I think by donating this engine to the Aviation College, we are giving the opportunity to future mechanics to improve their skills on the real thing,” Derrien said.

A year ago, Safran was contacted about its work with the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and Fort Rucker by the Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Enterprise Mayor William E. Cooper.

“Approximately 24 months ago, Mayor Cooper and I began meeting with representatives from Safran Helicopter Engines USA to discuss their work on the UH-72 Lakota training helicopter for USAACE at Fort Rucker. These representatives included, but were not limited to, their President and CEO, Thierry Derrien and Vice President, Military and Government Support, Chris Speer,” WEDC Executive Director Jonathan Tullos said.

“During this time, I also worked with ESCC President Matt Rodgers and the ESCC Foundation board to determine what training was or could be available for maintenance professionals to become more familiar with this engine, which would of course directly support the mission at Fort Rucker.”

At the time of these meetings, there was no training available in the area on this advanced engine.

“Mayor Cooper and I then worked with Thierry and Chris to obtain an Arriel 1E2 engine for classroom purposes for the Alabama Aviation College,” Tullos said. “Safran and our local leaders agreed this could be a force multiplier in training our local workforce. The impacts should be felt at Fort Rucker and beyond, giving our graduates more knowledge and flexibility in a high-demand, high-skilled labor market.

“We are appreciative of the generosity of industry partners like Safran Helicopter Engines USA and the foresight of their President and CEO Thierry Derrien to help our area address our workforce needs.”

Cooper said Safran’s support for ESCC and the AAC was “invaluable.”

“Safran is one of the leading engine manufacturers in the world,” he said. “To have them donate an engine for our aviation students to be able to get hands-on experience with, that is invaluable. They already have a heavy presence at Fort Rucker, but for them to come outside of the installation and into our community, that shows what kind of company they are.”

At the AAC, the Arriel 1E2 engine will be used to introduce students to the turbine engine and related theories, according to Director Stan Smith.

“We are excited to partner with Safran to upgrade our aviation power plant instruction to include a modern turbine engine with the latest technology,” Smith said. “I want to thank all those involved who helped bring the Safran Arriel 1E2 engine to our college. This is the engine used on the Lakota Helicopter that the Army uses for flight training.  After training on this engine, our students will be more prepared to work in the local area supporting the flight school mission.

“Instructors will teach using the Safran engine in the Turbine Engine Systems Theory Course. This course introduces our students to the turbine engine, and emphasis is placed on turbine engine development, application, theory, components, materials, construction, and operating and power extraction principles. Upon completion, students will be able to explain turbine engine theory and operating principles, describe procedures for 100-hour and borescope inspections, and perform a hot section inspection on this modular turbine engine.”

Smith said the engine adds value to the education and training at the AAC since it is identical to those found in over 200 training aircraft at Fort Rucker.

ESCC continually works to provide its students with the best technology and equipment for training and education, President Matt Rodgers said.

“We are proud to work with our business and industry leaders to address workforce needs and provide the tools necessary for our students to succeed when entering that workforce,” He said. “We are thankful to Safran for its donation and support of our college.”

Cutline: ESCC recognized the donation of the Arriel 1E2 engine during a press conference held at the Alabama Aviation College on September 27, 2019. Pictured, from left, with the donated engine are ESCC President Matt Rodgers, Safran President and CEO Thierry Derrien, AAC Campus Director Stan Smith, Enterprise Mayor Bill Cooper and WEDC Executive Director Jonathan Tullos.

First Mechatronics Scholarships Awarded

First Mechatronics Scholarships Awarded

Two students have been awarded the first Mechatronics program scholarships offered at ESCC and sponsored by local businesses.

The Mechatronics program launched this fall at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. Mechatronics workers use a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer/programming skills in a rapidly growing field.

The Rex Lumber Scholarship was awarded to James Leslie. Scholarship recipients who excel in the Mechatronics program may be eligible for a paid internship position within Rex Lumber Company.

 

The PRIDE Industries Scholarship was awarded to Slate Greene, and is a one-year scholarship awarded to individuals who are planning to enroll at ESCC.

Each scholarship is worth $1,250. Read more at https://www.wtvy.com/content/news/First-ESCC-Mechatronics-scholarships-awarded-560956571.html

Enterprise State Community College

Your College, Your Future

Enterprise State Community College offers excellent academic, technical, and workforce training programs in order to prepare students for jobs that are in demand! Our faculty and staff are committed to the educational success of all ESCC students!

READ OUR LATEST NEWS
APPLYMyESCCSCHEDULE OF CLASSESHOW TO REGISTER