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Enterprise State Community College’s 2019-2020 regular season basketball schedule has been finalized with the release of next year’s 17-game Alabama Community College Conference slate.

The Men’s Boll Weevils start the season visiting Marion Military Institute on Monday, Nov. 5, before returning home to compete against Bevill State Community College at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6. The Boll Weevil Women enter their first competition of the season at home at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, against Faulkner State University.

Conference games begin away on Jan. 8.

The Men’s Boll Weevils won the state championship in 2004 and have made several Elite 8 appearances since 2015. In 2015 and 2016, the Boll Weevils were Southern Division Conference Runners-Up. The Boll Weevil Women were state runners-up in 1985 and have also competed in conference play.

A fall pep rally celebrating both teams begins at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8.

A full schedule is available online at escc.edu/athletics. The home schedule is as follows:

Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. vs. Bevill State (Men Only)
Nov. 8 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Faulkner University (Women Only)
Nov. 12 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. Talledaga University – Veteran’s Day
Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. vs. Gulf Coast Community College (Men Only)
Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Albany Tech (Women Only)
Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. vs. Marion Military (Men Only)
Dec. 1 at 2/4 p.m. vs. Gadsden State
Dec. 4 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. Southern Union

Conference Play:
Jan. 12 at 2/4 p.m. vs. CACC South
Jan. 14 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. LBWCC
Jan. 17 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. Wallace-Selma
Jan. 24 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. Bishop State
Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m. vs. Huntingdon College (Women Only)
Feb. 9 at 2/4 p.m. vs. CACC South
Feb. 18 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. CVCC
Feb. 25 at 5:30/7:30 p.m. vs. CACC North

The attendance of well over 500 people at the Enterprise State Community College Foundation’s most recent fundraiser for scholarships is just the latest of many, many opportunities I have had to thank our region for your support for our college. On Thursday, October 18, several teams of area community members and businesses partnered for Enterprise STARS Dancing for Scholarships. The excellence of this event, which was coordinated by ESCC Foundation Executive Director Chellye Stump, was wonderfully displayed. Thousands of dollars were raised. The countless hours spent on developing such a fun event for our community was evident in every detail. We are so thankful that because of you, more students will be able to take part in the Boll Weevil Experience. We are blessed with tremendous community support.

At ESCC, the word, “community,” is not just a part of our title. It is the core of our mission. This is why this year has been so full of significant announcements regarding programs and upgrades that best equip us to serve the needs of our region. One example of this is the fact that students on the ESCC campus, as well as dual enrollment students at our area high schools, are near completion of their first Medical Assistant Technology courses through ESCC. We started that program this fall. In addition, the first day of class for our first Commercial Driver’s License program for prospective truck drivers began on Monday, October 22. That is not nearly the end of great announcements for growth at ESCC: next fall, both an Industrial Maintenance and New Composites program are bound to continue to increase enrollment at the Enterprise and Ozark campuses.

In addition to positioning ourselves to equip our communities with the workforce and services needed from the collegiate level, teams of our outstanding faculty and staff members have traveled to every high school in our service area to let them know that we are here for them. We have received a warm welcome. Students are excited about what ESCC and AAC have to offer and they want to see themselves at our college. Our teams at both colleges are second to none and passionate about helping our students be successful.

Times in the communities of Andalusia, Enterprise and Ozark are outstanding, and we are so excited that our campuses are a part. A total of $2.5 million will be pumped into the local economy in Ozark as building renovations, campus beautification projects and a brand new composites lab take form. In Enterprise, renovations continue in Talmadge Hall as upgrades are also planned for Forrester Hall and Sessions Hall. We are thrilled, too, with improvements to our athletic facilities in Enterprise. When you get a chance, stop by the campus to take a look at the facelift to the Ray Lolley Gymnasium. Not far from the campus are our baseball and softball fields, which will see more than $150,000 in upgrades due to a commitment from our senator, Sen. Jimmy Holley.

In closing, I want to sincerely thank each student who has chosen ESCC to be a part of his or her future, as well as the students who are considering us as their next step after graduation from high school, or as their next opportunity for a career change or life change. It is our honor to serve our students and make a positive impact in all of the communities we serve. On behalf of the faculty and staff at ESCC and AAC, thank you! We look forward to continuing to create an institution that we all can be proud of. If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to connect with me by calling 334-347-2623, or via email at mrodgers@escc.edu.

Boll Weevil Proud,

Matt Rodgers
President
Enterprise State Community College
(334) 347-2623

A position created at Enterprise State Community College to best connect workforce development opportunities at the College with area workforce needs has been filled by an individual with several years of experience in various workforce initiatives.

Ian Campbell, a 2009 ESCC alum, will serve as the College’s Director of Workforce Development. He will develop and manage all workforce development programs and functions for the College, including any internal and external training programs that are directly related to business and industry. He will also oversee grants for training and workforce development, connect with area businesses, and recruit workforce development instructional staff.

He begins his position at ESCC on November 1.

ESCC President Matt Rodgers expressed his excitement to have Campbell as part of the ESCC team.

“Developing a strong and well-trained workforce is critical to the success of the communities we serve. Ian has a great background in this area,” President Rodgers stated.

“I am confident he will be able to connect the College with our local business and industry partners. Ian and the entire ESCC team are committed to helping train and teach the skills necessary for our citizens to go to work.”

Campbell has served in various capacities in career and technical education. As an agriscience and agriconstruction educator in the Wiregrass and Tuscaloosa areas for the last seven years, Campbell has developed partnerships with officials in local industry and has marketed programs through media and advisory committees. He has secured grants that have led to ongoing partnerships, as well as helped in the statewide implementation of multiple career and technical education initiatives.

“I am very excited to join Enterprise State Community College as the new Director of Workforce Development. This position reinforces the commitment that ESCC has toward creating solutions for regional business and industry to meet the critical need of training a skilled, effective workforce,” Campbell said.

Campbell said short-term goals as the new director include meeting with local companies to determine their needs, learning ESCC’s programs and certifications, and developing a marketing strategy which communicates the College’s dedication to success for the region and statewide workforce development efforts.

Long-term goals include seeking and creating new partnerships, continuing the evaluation of the College’s current workforce development programs in order to determine their need for maintenance and improvements, and growing and strengthening relationships with external workforce regions.

Prior to coming to ESCC, Campbell was an agriscience teacher for Geneva County High School. He obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Education Specialist degrees from Auburn University.

Cutline: ESCC Director of Workforce Development, Ian Campbell and ESCC President, Matt Rodgers

Ms. Bethany Cheyenne Macon, a New Brockton native, was crowned 2018-19 Miss ESCC at Enterprise State Community College on Wednesday, September 20, 2018, by the 2017-18 Miss ESCC, Hannah Jones.

As Miss ESCC, Macon will represent the college’s values and programs throughout the campus, city, and region. She is awarded a $2,000 scholarship as a result of her new title.

Bethany is a freshman at Enterprise State Community College. She is the daughter of Darron and Connie Macon. She plans to earn her associate degree and become an educator. She loves working with people with special needs. Her hobbies and activities include working part-time at a local boutique, participating in water sports, road trips that include shopping with her mom, cooking desserts and appetizers, and running outdoors.

Bethany said she is honored to represent the college and impact her peers in a positive manner. She believes the biggest problem facing her generation is the reliance on technology more than face-to-face interaction.

Bethany believes her greatest accomplishment in life is remaining grounded in her morals and values.

“I am so excited to represent this amazing college and everything it has to offer,” Macon said.

“I can’t wait to go out into the surrounding areas and inform incoming students about the great things Enterprise State offers. It has become home for me and I hope to help make it a home for others. Go Weevils!”

This year, five contestants competed for the prestigious Miss ESCC title. Minleigh Gates was named first runner-up. Macie Holsonback was namedMiss Congeniality. Bethany Macon was named Miss Photogenic as well as winning the title. The five contestants were as follows:

Macie Holsonback of Westville, FL;

Bethany Macon of New Brockton, AL;

Fantasia Miller of Newton, AL;

Julianne Thomas of Slocomb, AL;

Minleigh Gates of Enterprise, AL;

Miss ESCC is an ambassador of the college who embraces the role of serving the community. To invite to Miss ESCC to your event or organization please contact Jennifer Olsen at 334-347-2623 ext. 2320.

Cutline: Ms. Bethany Macon, a New Brockton native, was crowned 2018-19 Miss ESCC at Enterprise State Community College on Thursday, September 20, 2018, by the 2017-18 Miss ESCC, Ms. Hannah Jones.

Alabama Aviation College Student Support Services (SSS) participants donated dozens of items for homeless individuals living in the southeastern region to the Southeast Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (SEACH) on Tuesday, July 31.

The items, collected over the summer semester at the college, included canned foods and dry goods, clothing, bags, and more. Vickie Alleman, SEACH president, picked up the items from the Ozark campus.

According to Lesia Grice, the SSS Career/Transfer Coordinator on the aviation campus, the students picked the community service project based on a newspaper article in The Dothan Eagle regarding SEACH’s “Spring Stand Down” event. The project is among at least three SSS has led within the last two years. Other projects included dedicating hours and supplies to the Ozark Dale County Humane Society and donating school supplies and toiletries to area students and families.

Alabama was estimated last year to have a homeless population of 3,793, with at least 294 of those individuals ranging in age from 18-24, according to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. SEACH estimated that more than 375 residents are homeless in the southeastern region alone.

Many of the SSS students were eager to assist in the project.

“Today felt really good,” said Phyllis Hester, an SSS Advisory Board member on the aviation campus.

“I am really proud to see what we can do when we work together.”

Student Support Services at Enterprise State Community College have existed as a grant-funded, Department of Education TRIO program since 1978, providing nearly 40 years of continuous service for students through academic advisement and tutoring; financial aid and economic literacy; transfer services; campus tours; exposure to cultural events; mentoring; and other individualized counseling needs.

Enterprise State Community College is a comprehensive community college which serves more than 2,800 students annually between its Enterprise campuses and the Alabama Aviation College in Andalusia and Ozark. The AAC currently fulfills the Alabama Community College System’s mission for aviation maintenance training statewide.

Enterprise State Community College is pleased to announce Colonel Stanley O. Smith (Ret.) as the new director of the Alabama Aviation College, based in Ozark.

Mr. Smith will oversee processes that allow students training in aviation and avionics programs at the college, in addition to new programs planned for the college, in order to ensure that the educational needs of students are successfully met. He will directly oversee program directors and the administration of student services, while also working with the area community’s business leaders and economic development committees to continually evaluate the effectiveness of the programs provided. In addition, Mr. Smith will pursue opportunities to provide workforce training.

“You build a team with outstanding people,” said Matt Rodgers, President of Enterprise State Community College.

“We are excited for our college and our community to have Col. Smith join our team. With his wealth of knowledge from his aviation experience in our nation’s Army, he is a highly respected leader and a true man of character. I am confident Col. Smith will advance our efforts at the Alabama Aviation College and continue to make our entire institution its strongest for the students, their future employers, the industries and communities we serve.”

Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army from 1985 through September 2014 on various Army Aviation assignments. He has served as Executive Officer for an Aviation Flight Battalion and an Aviation Training Brigade, commanding hundreds of service members. He spent one year in Iraq as Chief of Staff and Aviation Advisor from June 2009 to June 2010. He is a proven, dynamic leader, advisor, and executive-level professional who has managed a broad range of programs with multi-million budgets in multi-national, aviation, and collegiate type environments.

Mr. Smith commanded the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College at Fort Rucker from October 2010 until May 2014, with staff and faculty exceeding 120. While there, Mr. Smith annually directed all activities required for the initial training, continuing professional education, and leader development of more than 3,000 warrant officers and warrant officer candidates. He designed, developed, and implemented a transformed education construct for the Army’s 26,000 warrant officers. In addition, Mr. Smith provided more than 500 hours of classroom instruction and facilitation. These programs have included Aviation Maintenance and Logistics Management, strategic planning, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and air traffic services.

Mr. Smith earned a Master of Strategic Studies at Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he was a Distinguished Military Grad.

“I want to thank Mr. Matt Rodgers and his team for trusting me with the tremendous responsibility of serving the students, faculty, and staff of the Alabama Aviation College (AAC) and our local community. I’m excited to be part of the AAC as we expand our course offerings from Aviation Airframe and Powerplant licenses to include a Commercial Driver’s License Program this fall and an Industrial Maintenance Program starting next year,” Mr. Smith said.

“As part of the economic development of the community, we exist to train a skilled workforce ready for employment. My vision is that every student of the AAC has a job waiting on them upon graduation.”

Mr. Smith, an Enterprise resident, will start his new position on Monday, July 13th.

Cutline: Colonel Stanley O. Smith, Alabama Aviation College’s new director and ESCC President Matt Rodgers

ENTERPRISE – With the mission of encouraging students to reach their maximum potential while building careers for themselves that will strengthen the regional medical community, Dothan resident Melissa Rosenthal has accepted the significant role of leading Enterprise State Community College’s new Medical Assistant Technology program, which begins this fall.

ESCC is pleased to announce Mrs. Rosenthal’s position as Director of MAT at the college, effective July 2. Mrs. Rosenthal will oversee all of ESCC’s MAT instruction, which includes an Associate in Applied Science in MAT, as well as the following credentials through the MAT program: Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT); Phlebotomy Technician (CPT); Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA); Certified EKG Technician (CET); Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA); Certified Medical Assistant (CMAA); and Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist Certification (CMRS).

ESCC’s MAT program will augment two other healthcare programs – Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medical Technology – currently offered at ESCC. Medical Assisting will prove an alternative for students who do not desire to serve as first responders but who still wish to be directly involved in patient care.

“We are excited about Mrs. Rosenthal joining our team at ESCC,” said ESCC President Matt Rodgers. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the medical field. I know she is eager to develop relationships with students, school administrators and local leaders in the medical industry. It is an exciting time starting any new program. I have no doubt we have selected the right person to help build an outstanding Medical Assistant Program at ESCC.”

Mrs. Rosenthal comes to ESCC from her alma mater, Wallace Community College, where she served as a MAT instructor. Her career encompasses more than 10 years in MAT profession and instruction.

Mrs. Rosenthal said she is honored to be a part of ESCC.

“Getting an education gives hope and confidence that builds character and empowers people to make a difference in their life and in the lives of others,” she said.

“Career technical education courses enhance students’ education and career outcomes. My vision is for ESCC to grow a MAT program that will benefit students and the local medical community.”

One of Mrs. Rosenthal’s favorite quotes by author John C. Maxwell is, “Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential and sowing seeds that benefit others.”

Her hobbies including spending time with family, golfing, boating and traveling.

Mrs. Rosenthal is married with five children and one grandson.

Cutline: Melissa Rosenthal, Enterprise State Community College’s new Medical Assistant Technology program director3

Enterprise State Community College was proud to have a role in the State of Alabama’s Bicentennial celebration through the volunteer service of several members, alumni and family members of the Enterprise State Community College History Club.

On Friday, June 29, the History Club assisted the Elba Chamber of Commerce with the set-up of the historic Making Alabama. A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit, which is part of the signature events throughout Alabama during the 2017-2019 time frame in celebration of 200 years of Alabama’s statehood. The exhibit is being presented by the Alabama Humanities Foundation with support from the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, corporate citizens, individuals and organizations across the state.

The Coffee County exhibit, hosted by the Elba Chamber of Commerce, will be on display at the National Security Insurance Conference Center in Elba from July 4 through July 25 and is free to the public. Blending artistic collages and images, the exhibit features interactive computer tablets and an audio medley of song and spoken word to tell the story of Alabama from becoming a territory to achieving statehood. It also conveys a message of “Hope” in its presentation about the future.

Alabama Humanities Foundation mission is to foster learning, understanding and appreciation of our people, communities and cultures. As the independent, state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the AHF supports and offers programs that will enhance the minds and enrich the lives of Alabamians.

Cutline:  Assisting with the set-up of the “Making Alabama” Historical Exhibit were from Left to Right: Eleanor Covington, Sam Covington, David Covington, Spencer Stonehouse, Daniel Larson, Landon Larson, Sarah Webb, Zach Crawford and Daniel Ponce.

ENTERPRISE – On Thursday, June 7, 2018, Enterprise State Community College announced it will lead the region’s new commercial driver’s license and commercial learner’s permit training at the Alabama Aviation College in Ozark, AL. The six-week training continues the College’s mission of promoting and creating programs which directly meet the integral needs of the region’s workforce.

Matt Rodgers, President at ESCC, said we are quickly adapting to what is being demanded from local industry.

“This program is a great example of how local state government, industry, and the Alabama Community College System is working as one to meet the needs of our region. We are pleased to offer this training for our region of the state.” he said.

Governor Kay Ivey, applauds Enterprise State for thinking toward the future and having the initiative to establish a CDL program at the Alabama Aviation College.

“Truck Driving is a high demand job annually and we strive to make sure our workforce is ready for the jobs that come. This program fulfills that goal and continues to improve Alabama’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.” Governor Ivey said.

Representative Martha Roby, thinks the program is another great example of how Enterprise State Community College is expanding and developing to continue to meet the needs of the Wiregrass region, the Second Congressional District, and the entire State of Alabama. She states, “I am proud of this new development, and I am always impressed by ESCC’s constant forward progress to offer opportunities that develop our region’s workforce.”

AAC’s CDL training for the Class A license and endorsements will provide instruction on the required driver license testing information and training required by federal regulation for Alabama’s licensing of commercial driving standards. Students enrolled in the training will experience both written and on-the-road training that prepares drivers for varying positions within the trucking industry.

Danny Long, Dean of Instruction at ESCC, said providing the instruction in an academic environment ensures that the integrity of the curriculum and level of instruction will be high quality.

“Certified truck drivers have an awesome responsibility to keep themselves and other drivers safe, and we are committed to producing quality graduates.  This will be a tremendous opportunity to serve one of our community’s greatest workforce demands and provide a more convenient situation for our residents to enter a high wage profession,” he said.

A collaboration among regional trucking business leaders and college officials throughout Alabama has resulted in a customized, focused approach to CDL training at AAC that creates awareness of several high-demand employment options within the trucking industry.

According to the Alabama Department of Labor and Statistics, an additional 100 positions were filled in a year’s time within Dothan area transportation, warehousing and utilities jobs, with 3,400 workers within those areas.  Nationally, an estimated 570,000 individuals worked as industrial truck and tractor operators last year, with a mean hourly wage of $17 per hour.

“Community is at the very center of everything we do and ensuring Alabamians are trained for available jobs in their communities is an important part of our System’s mission,” Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker said. “With several trucking companies in the area looking to hire skilled and qualified workers and pay them a good wage, Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College are responding to local needs and providing important opportunities for the community they serve.”

The Alabama Aviation College will offer 8 CDL training courses per year. The first 6-week CDL training begins Fall 2018. Students interested in the program can contact Jenna Judah, Recruiter at the Alabama Aviation College, 334-347-2623 x3630 or email jjudah@escc.edu, for more information.

Photo Cutline: Left to Right: Nick Moore, Education Policy Advisor for the Governor; Representative Donnie Chesteen, House District 87; Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker; ESCC President Matt Rodgers; Representative Steve Clouse, House District 93; Bob Bunting, Mayor of Ozark, AL; Ryan Richards, Director of Workforce Development, ‎Southeast AlabamaWorks

The Piggly Wiggly Scholarship will be awarded to 4 students tomorrow, May 16^th, at the ESCC Community Room located in the Student Center. The Piggly Wiggly Scholarship was initiated by the generous owner of local Enterprise locations (Mike Patel). In the month of March 2.5% of earnings were set aside to help students with a demonstrated need for degree completion. 4 (3 Enterprise State, 1 Alabama Aviation) students were selected to receive award in the amount of $635 each.

Magnesh Patel, owner of both Piggly Wiggly locations in Enterprise, created a scholarship inspired by the work of Women Who Care Director Harolyn Benjamin.

Piggly Wiggly products are sold at cost plus a 10 percent surcharge. Patel said 2.5 percent of each stores surcharge collected during March will be used to fund the scholarship.

To apply for the scholarship, students must be an active participant of ESCC’s Student Support Services, must have a financial need as determined by ESCC’s Financial Aid Office, must provide current transcripts and must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better in all courses.

Students must also “be active in the community,” according to the application. Applicants are required to have completed a minimum of 20 community service hours in the last two years, participate in at least one extracurricular activity or receive recognition by an educator or community member as being a positive influence on others.

Students are also required to write a 300- to 500-word essay. Topics are provided with the application.