By Justin Blowers jblowers@southeastsun.com

Mar 20, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_3ab668e4-4b27-11e9-abce-2f047106b485.html

Enterprise State Community College held a voical performance master class for its music students on March 1.

Graduate Coordinator in Music Voice Area at the University of South Alabama Thomas Rowell was the guest speaker.

Students took turns performing a piece for Rowell before he gave them tips and pointers on how to improve their performance.

“Knowing the big picture context of your song is really really important,” Rowell said.

He spoke about one technique that he picked up in a master class.

“When you have a long introduction (in a piece) and your collaborator or accompanist has set the mood for everything, you want to breathe as if you’re already singing,” Rowell said. “Instead—what we normally do is—we stand there thinking, ‘I’m about to start, I’m about to start, I’m about to start and I’m in.’ We take a shallow, quick panicky breath and then it’s over.”

He said that every musician and vocalist goes through stage fright and a certain ritual that helps them through it, but that the feeling never goes away. He also said that every performer forgets their lines every now and then and that it’s all about not letting the audience know that you forgot is the key.

ESCC Music Instructor Erin Smith said the master class was actually Rowell’s idea.

“Last year at our student auditions, Dr. Rowell asked me when he could come visit ESCC to work with our students, but it took a year for us to actually align our schedules,” Smith said.

Smith says that master classes such as this are important for the students.

“At ESCC I am the only voice teacher and we have one other choral teacher, Dr. Ken Thomas. This means that students do not get to work with other vocal teachers on a weekly basis,” Smith said. “By bringing in a clinician, we expose our students to other teaching styles and different terminology for the same concepts that we are already studying. It is also a great way for students to make connections with teachers at the larger universities and open their eyes to all of their options.”

She said that master classes benefit her as an instructor as well as the students.

“My favorite part of any master class is when I learn something new or learn a new way to teach a concept,” Smith “I loved hearing about the start of the ‘barf’ reflex to refer to low space in the back of the throat. It is new, and I will use it for the rest of my career. The real joy, however, comes from seeing my students blossom in front of my eyes as they work to make the adjustments asked of them.”

By Josh Boutwell sports@southeastsun.com

Mar 19, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/sports/article_74e0ae5e-4a81-11e9-b59e-5bff922ae5f6.html

Leah Lancaster 

Mar 14, 2019

https://www.dothaneagle.com/enterprise_ledger/news/escc-takes-in-d-c-school-singers-perform-at-national/article_a7ac2fa6-45d7-11e9-96f4-5702ac4ec8d5.html

By Justin Blowers jblowers@southeastsun.com
Mar 13, 2019
http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_d84d874c-4594-11e9-9f90-5b531d37edb7.html

Enterprise State Community Celebrated the ‘soft opening’ of its brand new study, advising and tutoring area, Boll Weevil Central on Feb. 20.

The celebration featured finger foods and a meet and greet with ESCC’s new success advisors and professional tutors.

ESCC Matt Rodgers spoke to the crowd and thanked everyone for their help in getting Boll Weevil Central set up.

“You build something with good people, and we’ve done that —I just want to commend Dr. (Felisha) Ford and Mrs. (DaNean) Pound for her team of tutors and advisors,” Rodgers said. “Great things are happening in this little place; we’ve got some great things that are coming. We’re putting in new carpet in the next few weeks—we’ve got a bid out—we’re going to be doing some painting here, we’ve got new furniture coming in, and we want to make it great for you guys. We want it to be a place that you want to come and get the assistance that you need. I see tutors and different things going on at different tables, and we’re certainly going to do our part to make it a great place where you can get assistance. This is an entire team effort; we want to provide you guys with the support and assistance you need.”

Renovations including new carpet, chairs, couches and study rooms for students to use are planned and in the works. The goal is to make Boll Weevil Central a one-stop shop for students.

Boll Weevil Central, located in the library, started taking students for advising and tutoring at the beginning of February and ESCC English Instructor DaNean Pound said that close to 200 students have already used the services. She stressed that some students are “repeat customers,” which increases the numbers.

Pound is heading the tutoring side of the Boll Weevil Central and said the tutoring is something she’s been pushing for.

“I’ve been a huge advocate for this for many years and just to see it come to fruition and to see how excited students are makes my heart warm,” Pound said.

This marks the first time that ESCC has had tutoring for students who don’t qualify for it through Student Support Services.

ESCC Director of Counselling and Student Success Dr. Felisha Ford is leading the advising portion, which includes transfer and career assistants.

Boll Weevil Central currently three professional tutors, four peer tutors and two success advisors.

Students who want to use the services Boll Weevil Central offers just need to go to the library. It is open to ESCC students from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

By Michelle Mann mmann@southeastsun.com

Mar 13, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_88b78c50-4594-11e9-ab37-afbeb898d903.html

“We want to do whatever we can to support our community. We want to be our community’s college.”

With those words Enterprise State Community College President Matt Rodgers welcomed the Enterprise City Council to a council work session held March 4 at the college’s Multipurpose Room.

Rodgers told the council that the renovated multipurpose room is part of the more than $7.5 million renovations taking place on the college’s Enterprise and Ozark Campuses.

The college is expanding its mission, Rogers said. “For a long time we have focused strictly on the academic transfer student.

“People looked at me like I was crazy when I said we were going to put a (Commercial Drivers License) program at the the Ozark campus but the No. 1 job that is needed right now is CDL truck drivers,” Rodgers said. “Our job is to provide a well trained work force. That is our commitment to you every single day.

“In creating employees to fill the industry needs, a successful journey will not always end in Enterprise but we can make sure it starts here,” Rodgers told the council. “We’re continuing to build a career technical education by responding to regional industry needs allowing for a broader range of skills.”

“In 1965 we made a promise to this community to be a catalyst for change in the Wiregrass,” Rodgers said. “Half a century later our roots are secure and expanding throughout the Wiregrass and our branches stretching to new heights.

“Whether it is through academics, liberal arts or athletics, we offer direct pathways to continued career opportunities,” Rodgers said. “It’s an honor to work alongside of you as we work to advance the City of Progress.”

Justin Blowers jblowers@southeastsun.com 

Mar 6, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_4ad6f920-401c-11e9-a078-2770209bb751.html

Enterprise High School students were bussed to Enterprise State Community College for senior visits for the first time ever.

“Being able to bring them out here is a huge benefit because they’ll be able to see where they’re going and get familiar with the campus,” said EHS Principal Brent Harrison. “Hopefully this helps a lot of our kids finalize what their plans are and—with the help from the community college—they realize what it’s going to take and what it’s going to take to go somewhere and maybe that this (ESCC) is a better place for them to start off at.”

ESCC President Matt Rodgers said he’s excited to have “family” visit ESCC.

“It’s exciting to have this larger group from Enterprise High School; they’re family,” Rodgers said. “We certainly appreciate the support of Mr. (Brent) Harrison and all that he does to support his students and try to help them advance their educational careers. We love our Enterprise High School students and certainly want them to come to Enterprise State, but at the end of the day we want them to be successful wherever life takes them.”

During their senior visit, the “Triple Threat” recruiting team spoke to students about a number of topics including the cost of attending ESCC, ESCC scholarships, transfer credits, etc.

The presentation ended with students being broken up into groups for a goose chase. The groups received clues through and app an had to submit selfies with the correct answer to prove the group solved the clue. The team to successfully finish the goose chase first received a prize.

By Josh Boutwell sports@southeastsun.com

Mar 5, 2019

The Enterprise State Boll Weevils kept their season alive on Friday, March 1, with a 76-74 win over Bevill State in a play-in game for the state tournament.

The win secured a spot in the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament for the Boll Weevils.

ESCC was able to hang tough with Bevill State despite leading scorers Kainan Pouncy and Deshunta Smith getting into early foul trouble forcing the prolific scorers to the bench for much of the first half.

“We started out slow but overall I thought we played well,” ESCC coach Jermaine Williams said. “I was proud of the way our guys fought back, especially those guys that got into foul trouble.

“The freshmen did a great job of holding on to the game until the sophomores were able to come back in. I was proud of the way our guys came together to finish off the season right.”

Despite the early foul trouble, Pouncy led the Boll Weevils with 19 points, while Smith added 12 points. Shedrick Cooper added 12 points, as well.

The win advances ESCC into the quarterfinals of the ACCC Tournament against No. 2 seed Shelton State.

Williams said that ESCC’s biggest – literally and figuratively – obstacle will be Shelton State’s 7-foot sharpshooter Ruot Monyyong. The massive forward is averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds per game.

“We have to come up with a plan to stop their 7-footer,” Williams said. “He’s their most consistent shooter. We’ll focus on trying to get him out of the game by attacking the rim and trying to get him into foul trouble.

“It will take a team effort and making sure that we’re paying attention to detail. If we can do that we have a great chance to win. Playing together will be the key.”

Freshman Ozark native Joseph Womack echoed his coach’s sentiments on the game.

“We have to keep our turnovers under 10, everybody has to do their job to the fullest, maintain the tempo of play and we have to play unselfishly,” Womack said. “When we play unselfishly we can win just about any game we play.

“We have to make sure we’re playing unselfishly and just have fun and play ball. We’ve worked hard for this.”

Pouncy – a Daleville native – agreed with his coach and teammate’s assessment.

“We have to play as a team like we have been,” Pouncy said. “We have to do the small things right and play together.”

ESCC and Shelton State played on Tuesday, March 5, in Birmingham. For information and stats on that game visit www.southeastsun.com.

By Josh Boutwell sports@southeastsun.com

Feb 21, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/article_ee05046c-35e9-11e9-ad68-fbdac20900ef.html

The Enterprise State Community College baseball team started off the 2019 season with four consecutive games against Andrew College.

The Boll Weevils (3-2) traded wins with Andrew College from Ozark’s Eagle Field on Feb. 8 in a doubleheader before picking up an 8-5 win over Andrew College on the road on Feb. 13 and then a 7-5 loss to Andrew from Dothan’s Westgate Park on Feb. 16.

In the season-opening doubleheader ESCC defeated Andrew College 10-5 in the first game before falling 7-3 in the second game.

Kyle Vogler, Austin Thrasher, Stratton Watt and Elba native Grant Akrdige each had two hits in the first game, while Wells Deloney struck out four batters and gave up just two hits in four innings from the mound.

In the second game, Jared Bartlett had three hits for the Boll Weevils.

At the Feb.13 matchup, the Boll Weevils were tied 2-2 with Andrew at the top of the fourth inning when Bartlett drove in two runs for ESCC.

Andrew College managed to tie things up 4-4 with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth inning before ESCC pulled away for good with four runs in the sixth inning.

ESCC’s Parker Warren gave up no runs and no hits in two innings on the mound and had one strikeout. Bartlett, Austin Thrasher and Silas Drummond each had a pair of hits in the win.

In the final rematch between the two sides, ESCC faced off with Andrew College from Dothan’s Westgate Park as a part of the city’s Hits for Heroes series.

In a defensive battle, ESCC outhit Andrew 9-5 but walks cost the Boll Weevils the game. Jacob Callaway and Tye Whatley each had two hits in the loss.

ESCC closed out the week with a 5-0 shutout win over Wallace-Dothan on the road.

Deloney struck out four batters on the mound and allowed just two hits in six and 2/3 innings. Drummond had two hits including a double, while Akridge had two RBIs in the win.

Justin Blowers jblowers@southeastsun.com

Feb 20, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_9e16ba38-351a-11e9-bef8-a31b646ea112.html

The Enterprise State Community College Circle K club held a “Pie a Teacher” fundraiser on Jan. 29 in the Student Center.

Students could buy tickets for $2 a piece for a chance to pie their choice of ESCC Student Services Specialist Jennifer Olsen, ESCC President Matt Rodgers, ESCC Biology Instructor Ashley Snellgrove, ESCC Chair of the Fine Arts Division Ken Thomas or Dean of Instruction Danny Long.

The goal for the fundraiser was $100, which the group exceeded by raising $230.

Just under half the funds came from Thomas who donated $50 to avoid getting pied, but ESCC student Quest Hatchett counter donated $50 for the exclusive right to pie Thomas.

“I don’t think it could have gone any better,” ESCC Circle K Club sponsor Snellgrove said. “It was just the most fun event, and I think everyone had a really great time.”

All of the money that was raised will go to the Circle K International Alabama District’s Reading is Fundamental campaign.

Reading is Fundamental is a group that promotes child literacy by donating books to at-risk children, according to the KCI Alabama District website. Reading is Fundamental has donated to over 25,000 children a year with about 2,000 of those children being local to Alabama.

Justin Blowers jblowers@southeastsun.com 

Feb 20, 2019

http://www.southeastsun.com/home/article_cc6fcf6a-3519-11e9-9500-ab322f916194.html

Over 150 guests from Wiregrass businesses, industries, schools and government filled Enterprise State Community College’s multipurpose room for the first-ever Workforce Development Summit on Feb. 6.

ESCC President Matt Rodgers opened the summit by welcoming all the guests to ESCC and discussing some of the upcoming projects ESCC is planning. These included a new performing arts center, a center for advanced technology, renovations to both Ozark and Enterprise campuses as well as new programs such as industrial maintenance.

“We understand your needs, and we’re trying to create curriculum that is going to serve you,” Rodgers said. “At the end of the day, that’s what we’re here for.”

New Brockton native and Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker spoke about the Wiregrass’ economic potential if all the audience members worked together.

“This is probably the first time—that I’m aware of—that this kind of community has been pulled together,” Baker said. “You would be unbelievably surprised if we can find a way to work together to make sure that we are ready to accommodate the requests of any industry that comes to this area. Let’s all come together, figure out what we can do and then let’s do it and let’s make this part of the state a booming job producing environment that we need in the state.”

ACCS Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development Jeff Lynn said that the state is going through a severe shortage in a qualified workforce for middle-skill jobs. He said that the ACCS and ESCC are focusing on creating programs and pathways to train a workforce to fill these open positions.

“Our job, in essence, is to create this pool of qualified applicants to select from,” Lynn said. “We need to work with these companies and find out what their criteria is and—based on our curriculum, teachers and schedules—recruit those students, get them prepared and have those companies be successful.”

ESCC Dean of Instruction Danny Long highlighted some of the programs that are offered by ESCC and its Alabama Aviation College to create a trained  workforce, including the airframe technology program, the power plant technology program, the CDL program, the upcoming industrial maintenance program, the medical assistant technology program, the new IT auditing and assurance program, SWIFT app development program, and machine tooling program.

ESCC Director of Workforce Development Ian Campbell touched on the noncredit training options. These programs give businesses and industries another option to continue the training and education of their employees. He said that these programs show ESCC’s commitment to developing and continued development of a skilled workforce.

“You (local businesses and industries) are the engine to our economy,” Campbell said. “If your operations fail, our vehicle goes nowhere. We want to be responsive to your workforce demands and we want to lead the way in filling the skills gap that you are experiencing now.”

The event ended with a Q&A session with Campbell, Lynn, Baker, Long and Rodgers.

Campbell said he felt that the summit was a success and that ESCC will continue to hold these summits as long as the workforce demands it.