The Enterprise State Community College Cerebral Weevils Scholars’ Bowl team ranked within the top 10 community college teams nationwide after the 2018 National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Community College Championship Tournament in Rosemont, IL. The tournament was held at the Hyatt Regional O’Hare on Thursday and Friday, March 2 and 3.

The Cerebral Weevils traveled to Chicago to compete with the top 24 community college quiz bowl teams from around the country. This year’s competition was exceptionally tough. Mike Johnson finished the tournament in 7th place in individual scores, while the Weevil team finished in 8th place. The team hailed wins over teams competing from community colleges in California, Georgia, Florida, and Kansas. The Weevils enjoyed a taste of Chicago while there, visiting The Bean, the Art Institute of Chicago, and eating the original deep-dish Chicago-style pizza from Giordano’s.

“Working with these students is an honor,” ESCC English Instructor and Scholars Bowl Advisor Kathy Pattie said.

“The breadth of knowledge that they possess speaks volumes to their intelligence and dedication to winning. I can’t think of a group that better represents ESCC and its core value of a quality education.”

The Cerebral Weevils Team consists of the following ESCC students: Troy Funk, Judson Bailey, John Morgan, Caroline Morgan, Mike Johnson and Gavin Wriston. The Cerebral Weevils’ fearless leader is Kathy Pattie, a veteran English instructor at the college.

Photo Cutline: Left to Right: John Morgan, Gavin Wriston, Judson Bailey, Mike Johnson, Troy Funk, and Caroline Morgan

It was a rebound that turned a hopeful victory into a loss for the Men’s Boll Weevils Basketball semifinals run two years ago.

On Saturday, March 3, 2018, it was Kainon Pouncey’s three-point shot with 1.7 seconds left in a game against Lawson State Community College that pushed the Boll Weevils toward Elite 8 play this Wednesday, March 7th at 7:00 pm. The score was 56-54 against Lawson State in the sweet 16 state tournament.

“It was a joyous day,” ESCC Head Basketball Coach Jeremaine Williams said.

“The pep talk into the game was that this was the ‘win or go home.’ A lot of the guys, this could have been their last time playing on the junior college level, so they could make it their last game, or they could win to play again. It was a hard fight, but our guys showed up and are pushing through to get to the state championship.

Xavier Smith led the Boll Weevils in scoring on Lawson State with 15 points. Pouncy followed close behind with 14 points, with Mathew Mazique scoring 12 points and Jordan Burrows hitting 11 points.

The Boll Weevils play their Elite 8 competition on the road in Birmingham on Wednesday against Coastal Alabama-North at 7 p.m. All games will be played at Lawson State.

The Boll Weevils record stands at 14-14.

“This is a good team that peaked late. I knew it was a real good team coming in. We just have to keep going and stay ready for battle. I have full confidence this team can bring home a victory.”

The Lady Boll Weevils lost their run in the state tournament action 95-65 against Southern Union.

Enterprise State Community College’s opportunity to host the regional Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society conference for the first time in 15 years was met with success for the nearly 200 students and advisors from around Alabama who attended.

Students experienced several educational and informational sessions to enhance their community college experiences and prepare them for the future, including information on resumes, social media etiquette, interviews, retirement planning, financial planning, and transfer scholarships. Many of the students stayed in hotels within Enterprise, providing an economic boost for the city.

Other events at the conference included PTK’s Hallmark Awards Presentations. ESCC’s Tau Mu chapter earned the 5-star ranking, which is the highest ranking a chapter can receive in PTK. Cheyanna Huston-McCrea, Haley Rose McInnis, and Kyle Smith, all from Enterprise, earned a 5-star Competitive Edge Award. The chapter also won our first ever Honors in Action theme award for our collaborative Christmas concert with the Fine Arts division. The chapter officer team won an officer team award. The team includes Cheyanna Huston-McCrea, Haley Rose McInnis, Kyle Smith, Debbie Devasure, Brannon Brown, all from Enterprise, and Deja Craig of Malvern, AL. Lastly, ESCC’s PTK chapter advisor and Math Instructor, Kristi Peters, won the distinguished chapter advisor award.

ESCC’s PTK even provided true southern hospitality by providing tours through downtown Enterprise and a history of the city and its Boll Weevil.

PTK’s advisor, ESCC Math instructor Kristi Peters, praised the conference opportunity and the participants in the regional event.

“As a Phi Theta Kappa member from ESCC and the Tau Mu chapter president 95-96 this brings me full circle,” she said.

“One of the most exciting factors was our former officers returning to help. We had six former officers here. I’m honored to have an international officer for Phi Theta Kappa at our convention as well. She is from Colorado and traveled in for the weekend.”

Photo Cutline: Enterprise State Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa Tau Mu chapter.

Several student themed events at Enterprise State Community College culminated on Thursday, February 22, 2018, with two victorious basketball games and the crowning of Miss Maritza Rivera as ESCC’s 2018 Homecoming Queen.

Rivera, who represented the History Club, was crowned by last year’s Homecoming Queen, Cassidy Larson, at the Boll Weevils’ Homecoming basketball game. Rivera is president of Circle K and is also a member of the History Club and Student Support Services at ESCC.

Rivera leads a Homecoming Court of 10 total ESCC students who were selected by the student body. The students selected were Brittney Davis, Alyssa Hubbard, Maggie Johnson, Caroline Morgan, Latoya Parker, Joi Pryor, Maritza Rivera, Tomia Teague, Zahra Vance, and Torii Young.

In addition to the celebration of the Homecoming Court, ESCC’s sophomore basketball players were also recognized. The following students received a plaque of recognition from Dr. Kevin Ammons, ESCC’s Athletic Director, and ESCC Basketball Coach Jeremaine Williams: Jon Reynolds, Enterprise, AL; Jordan Borruw, Atlanta, GA; Kingston Frazier, Opelika, AL; Malik Allen, Georgetown, GA; Malik Hunt, Riviera Beach, FL; Xavier Smith, Atlanta, GA; Candance Williamson, Samson, AL; Doroteya Jackson, Dover, DE; Jasonie Guice, Midway, AL; Jeromese Spigner, Bessemer, AL; Taquetta Harvey, Quitman County, GA; Taylor Keith, Columbus, GA.

The photos for each player are located on our Facebook page (NOTE: On the Facebook page, the name order follows the photo order): https://www.facebook.com/EnterpriseState/photos/pcb.1467348810043219/1467344806710286/?type=3&theater

Both the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams had victories on the court at home. The Lady Boll Weevils defeated Concordia University Varsity 81-76. Offensive leaders for the contest were Dorotaya Jackson with 24 points, Taylor Keith with 11 points, and Jeromese Spigner with 18 points. The Men’s Boll Weevils won against Coastal Alabama East 93-79. Malik Allen had a big night with 34 points, Kainon Pouncey with 24 points, and Matthew Mazique with a contribution of 15 points.

Both teams will travel to Bay Minette on Monday, February 26, to take on rival Coastal Alabama South in their final regular season games of the year. Game times for Monday are 5:30/7:30 with the women leading off the evening.

Homecoming Week at ESCC this year included multiple events, such as a Lip Sync Battle, Homecoming t-shirt contest, a faculty vs. staff basketball game (in which the faculty won 31-28), and Homecoming Mixer in which students enjoyed food, music and dancing.

Photo Cutline: Left to Right: Daniel Larson, Miss Maritza Rivera ESCC’s 2018 Homecoming Queen, Cassidy Larson ESCC’s 2017 Homecoming Queen, and President Matt Rodgers.

Events celebrating Enterprise State Community College students, alumni, faculty and staff have been planned throughout an entire week for ESCC’s 2018 Homecoming, which is set for Thursday, February 22, 2018.

ESCC invites the community to the college for a series of events centered on student life. This year, ESCC’s Student Services Specialist, Jennifer Olsen, has scheduled daily themed events and multiple competitions for students, alumni, faculty and staff to enjoy on the campus. The Homecoming Court and Homecoming Queen, who will be announced on Homecoming Night, will be released as soon as the information is available.

ESCC Freshman Torii Young won a competition promoted on the campus last month to design a Homecoming T-shirt. The T-shirt design features a boll weevil with wording regarding ESCC and will be printed and handed to the first 150 students who attend a Homecoming Mixer on Feb. 22.

On Monday, Feb. 19, the ESCC family will wear paraphernalia from their favorite four-year colleges and universities. The first portion of a Lip Sync Battle will also take place at 10:15 a.m. in the Student Center MPR.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, students can dress in USA-themed attire for America Day. Lip Sync Battle Part II will take place in the MPR.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, the dress-up theme is camouflage for Camo Day. The third portion of the Lip Sync Battle will take place in the MPR.

On Homecoming Day, Feb. 22, everyone will dress in ESCC paraphernalia to celebrate ESCC Spirit Day. A Faculty/Staff vs Student Basketball Game takes place in Lolley Gym at 10 a.m. ESCC’s Homecoming Court will also be recognized, and the winner of the Lip Sync Battle will perform at halftime. A Homecoming Mixer for students with food, music and dancing will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. The Homecoming Game, a Men’s basketball game against Coastal Alabama Community College Brewton, will start at 7:30 p.m. inside the Lolley Gym. The Homecoming Queen will be announced at halftime.

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 1,700 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Albertville, 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 – Enterprise State Community College celebrates Black History Month with a signature event which features a dialogue and listening session with Ms. Vernetta Deramus, a veteran educator whose service in the community spans before, during and after the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.

“Segregation: A Firsthand Account of Enterprise, Alabama,” begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018, inside ESCC’s Multipurpose Room in the Student Center. The event is hosted by the college’s Diversity and Lyceum committees.

Ms. Deramus brings years of knowledge on the climate in Enterprise during and after segregation. She has been recognized with the area’s Ray of Hope award for volunteering her time, efforts and other resources to improve the community.

Dr. Ken Thomas, Fine Arts Division Chair, stated the event offers an opportunity to discuss civilly the things that both unite and divide us “in order to form a more perfect union.”

The college celebrates Black History Month with a variety of events, including multiple student activities that center on historical movies and movements regarding civil rights. Black History Month is observed nationally each February.

For more information on ESCC events this month, contact Stephen Schmidt.

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 1,700 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Albertville, 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.

Photo Cutline: Ms. Vernetta Deramus

ENTERPRISE – ESCC’s Fifth Annual English Tournament is was held today, January 26, 2018. Students competed by taking exams in American and British literature, language, and vocabulary. Additionally, an essay competition was held. This year, tournament participants hail from Enterprise, Pike County, Goshen, New Brockton, Kinston, Headland, and Slocomb.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2018 English Tournament Winners!

British Literature Competition:

1st—Libby Hvarven, Enterprise High School

2nd—Ariana Bell, Headland High School

3rd—Maycie Edmondson, Slocomb High School

Vocabulary Competition:

1st—Nicole Cortez, Enterprise High School

2nd—Eleanor Covington, Enterprise High School

3rd—Milan Phan, Kinston High School

Honorable Mention—Maycie Edmondson, Slocomb High School

Language Competition:

1st—Nicole Cortez, Enterprise High School

2nd—Eleanor Covington, Enterprise High School

3rd—Alison Best, Enterprise High School

Honorable Mention—Ryan Griffin, New Brockton High School

American Literature Competition:

1st—Eleanor Covington, Enterprise High School

2nd—Libby Hvarven, Enterprise High School

3rd—Shenari Wilson, Pike County High School

Essay Competition:

1st—Jaylen Crawley, Headland High School

Honorable Mention—Isaac Bruce, Enterprise High School

For additional information about the tournament, please contact Dr. Anna Head at ahead@escc.edu or 334-347-2623 ext. 2232.

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 1,700 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Albertville, 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 – Enterprise State Community College has launched its annual Senior Visit season for Spring 2018, with several exciting events scheduled throughout the next couple months across the college and multiple high school campuses.

Nearly 500 seniors from 17 schools throughout the Wiregrass area are scheduled to visit ESCC in January and February for an ultimate student experience that includes tours, financial aid information, programs, social media challenges, entertainment, and lunch.

The visits provide high school students an opportunity to learn everything they need to know about choosing where to go to college, as well as a chance to learn an extensive amount of information about what is offered at ESCC.

“This is a great time for our students to connect with us here at Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation Center on our turf, so that one day this can possibly be their home for cutting-edge, quality, education,” Matt Rodgers, ESCC President, said.

Students register to attend senior visits with their high school guidance counselor. The first of many senior visits was Tuesday, January 23, when students from Daleville and Wicksburg high schools visited ESCC.

Upcoming dates are as follows:

January 18 – Ariton – GW Long (rescheduled for a later date)

January 23 – Daleville – Wicksburg

January 25 – New Brockton – Kinston – Zion Chapel

February 8 – Adult Ed students

February 12 – Elba – Goshen – Slocomb

February 13 – Geneva County – Samson – Geneva

February 14 – Charles Henderson – Pike County

In addition to the scheduled senior visits, multiple events in which ESCC will invite high school students on campus or actually visit the high schools with a team of ESCC/AAC faculty and staff are scheduled throughout February.

ESCC will be at Enterprise High School Monday and Tuesday, February 5 and 6. AAC representatives will host a senior visit at Carroll High School on Wednesday, Feb. 21. A program fair, in which ninth, tenth, and 11th graders can visit the college while seniors in the area take the WorkKeys exam, will take place on the Enterprise campus the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 21.

Parents will have the opportunity to attend a special “How to Become a Boll Weevil” session, where they, too, will learn the important steps their student will take to become a Boll Weevil, and participate in a parents-only campus tour.

All events scheduled at ESCC are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please register with your high school guidance counselor, or call (334) 347-2623 ext. 2235 for more information. You may also email admissions@escc.edu.

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 1,700 students annually between its Enterprise campus and the Alabama Aviation Colleges in Albertville, 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.

Cutline: Enterprise State Community College President, Matt Rodgers, with high school seniors from Daleville and Wicksburg who plan on attending ESCC in the fall.

OZARK – Governor Kay Ivey announced that Enterprise State Community College will receive $2.5 million dollars to expand the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark. The funds are part of the Alabama Capital Improvement Trust Fund which awards funds for projects that promote economic development and industrial recruitment in the state.

The Alabama Aviation College offers training and coursework in one of Alabama’s fastest growing career fields – aviation. Specifically, students are offered programs in aircraft maintenance and avionics technology. The grant funds announced today will be used to renovate campus infrastructure to expand the College’s Advanced Composite Training Program and prepare the campus for future program expansions.

“I am proud to award this $2.5 million grant to the Alabama Aviation College and provide funding for lab space for the new Advanced Composite Materials program,” Governor Ivey said. “While this grant is for the aviation program, the infrastructure updates it provides will also help to ensure the Ozark campus of Enterprise State Community College is ready to meet all the workforce needs of local business and industry.”

Enterprise State President Matt Rodgers said the improvements are a clear sign of monumental efforts the college is making to ensure its students are prepared for a multi-faceted aviation industry. The Alabama Aviation College has experienced consistent growth over the last several years, including increasing enrollment by nearly 100 students this semester.

“We appreciate Governor Ivey supporting our efforts to provide a first-class educational setting for the students in our service area. These improvements will allow us to enhance existing programs and work closely with local and state industry leaders to meet the demands of our ever-changing workforce,” Rogers said. “This is only the beginning. Great days are ahead for the college and the communities we serve.”

By making much needed renovations and repairs to existing buildings, the campus will be a resource for not only the students who attend classes, but the greater Ozark community as well.

Governor Ivey and President Rogers were joined at the press conference by several state and local officials including State Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), Ozark Mayor Bob Bunting, and Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker.

“I’m proud that Governor Ivey recognizes the great work being done across Alabama’s community colleges to train our state’s workforce for high-demand, high-wage jobs,” Chancellor Baker said. “The improvements at the Ozark campus will have an immediate positive impact on the students we serve and will also take large strides towards ensuring the campus is meeting the needs of business and industry in the Ozark community.”

The first phase of the renovation project is slated to begin this summer and all work is expected to be completed in 2019.

Enterprise, AL – Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) is pleased to announce the development of its new Student Success and Counseling Center (SSCC). The center is designed to enhance student success, improve retention, and increase graduation rates. ESCC has redesigned and expanded its Counseling Services Department by establishing the new center which launched this fall. The SSCC provides programs and services that assist students with successfully completing their program of study. The center also guides students in meeting their transfer and career goals by providing academic advisement, major exploration, success workshops, transfer assistance, career planning and other integral services.

Since its establishment, the SSCC has already seen an increase in student interest and participation in the services the center offers. In addition to current offerings, the SSCC is in Phase 1 of developing a Career/Transfer Suite where students can go to complete career interest inventories, search for jobs, complete resumes, and search for information about the transfer college or university of their choice. Additionally, peer tutors are being secured to assist students with tutoring in core academic subjects.

Dr. Felisha Ford, Director of Counseling, states, “It is important to us at ESCC to ensure that our students are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the demands of furthering their education at a four-year college or university. We also want to transition them successfully from college to a career. We feel strongly that the Student Success and Counseling Center is being designed to help students to do just that.”