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Joycelyn Tinker crowned 2022-23 Miss ESCC

Joycelyn Tinker crowned 2022-23 Miss ESCC

Ms. Joycelyn Tinker will serve Enterprise State Community College as its 2022-23 Miss ESCC.

Tinker was chosen to wear the crown out of eight contestants and was also named Most Photogenic during the Miss ESCC pageant held Thursday, October 6. She was crowned by the 2021-22 Miss ESCC Ruby Garcia.

Tinker is the daughter of Kendrick Baker and Ashley Poke. She is a sophomore psychology major. Tinker is an active member of Student Support Services, Future Business leaders of America and Spirit Club. She also serves as the Student Government Association Treasurer and sophomore class Senator. When she is not active with community and college activities, she enjoys spending time with her younger sister and “sowing seeds that benefit the glory of God and humanity.”

As Miss ESCC, Tinker will represent the College’s values and programs on campus and throughout the local communities. She will also be eligible to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Out of the remaining seven participants, sophomore biomedical science major Kayla Trotter was named first runner up and Miss Congeniality. Sophomore business and management major Haylee Harrison was named second runner up. Freshman fine arts major Gracie Moran was also named Miss Congeniality.

All eight contestants in the 2022-23 Miss ESCC pageant were Joycelyn Tinker, Kayla Trotter, Haylee Harrison, Gracie Moran, freshman elementary education major Zoey White, sophomore education major Kiya Buchanan, freshman political science major Reagan McLean and sophomore elementary education major Alyssa Walz.

To invite Miss ESCC to visit your event or organization, please call 334-347-2623 ext. 2293.

Cawley joins recruitment team at ESCC/AAC

Cawley joins recruitment team at ESCC/AAC

Caitlin Cawley has been named the new recruiter for the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State Community College.

Cawley began serving as a recruiter on Oct. 3, 2022. She joins ESCC’s Director of Recruiting Emily Baker and Katie Sawyer, recruiter for the Enterprise campus.

“As we continue to work with potential students in local high schools and our community, I am excited to have Caitlin join our team,” Baker said. “She has a wealth of knowledge of the dual enrollment process from working in ESCC’s Dual Enrollment Office, and she has a firsthand understanding on the benefits of starting at a community college, since she is an ESCC alumna. This is a great team that has a passion to help students with their educational goals.”

As the recruiter for AAC, Cawley will connect with prospective students of all ages, sharing information about the programs and training opportunities available through AAC.

Cawley has previously served the College as its Dual Enrollment Specialist, where she helped with recruitment and advising efforts for high school students interested in starting programs on all ESCC campuses. Prior to working at ESCC, Cawley served ESCC/AAC students through the College’s bookstore, where she served as the store’s manager.

“Working in dual enrollment taught me so much about what ESCC and AAC has to offer our high school students,” Cawley said. “Although I will miss my dual enrollment students, I am so excited to introduce potential students of all ages to the incredible opportunities AAC has to offer.”

Cawley joins the recruitment team in time for College Application Week. During this week, high school students can apply to colleges and universities, many of which offer waived application fees.

“During College Application Week, October 17-21, the ESCC Recruitment Team will be assisting local high school students with the admissions application,” Recruiter Katie Sawyer said. “We’re excited to help students plan for their next steps after graduation, so if they have not applied to colleges prior to this week, it is a great time to do so.”

Though College Application Week lasts for one week, ESCC’s application is always open for students to complete online for upcoming terms, including Spring 2023. To complete an admissions application for ESCC or AAC, visit escc.edu/apply. For any questions about the College and its programs, visit escc.edu/admissions.

ESCC sees enrollment increase, readies for second mini term

ESCC sees enrollment increase, readies for second mini term

Enterprise State Community College saw an 11 percent enrollment increase for the start of the Fall 2022 semester, and the College is ready to help more people register for classes for its second mini term.

“There are so many factors that led to this growth,” Dean of Students Kassie Mathis said. “With recent funding changes and great recruiting, we saw a large increase in dual enrollment participation, but we also saw more first-time freshmen enrolling in classes.”

Director of Recruitment Emily Baker said she was excited to see so many first-time students enrolling at the College.

“Great things are happening at ESCC,” Baker said. “We offer a full college experience here, from the scholarship opportunities to the great student organizations to the great programs. It’s all here, and I think people are seeing that.”

Mathis also said new and expanded programs were also a factor in enrollment growth this semester. The College saw the start of its three-semester, traditional Practical Nursing program, with 17 students currently enrolled. Additionally, the College is still offering its one-semester Practical Nursing Bridge Program, which allows medical assistants and paramedics to bridge their training toward a nursing degree.

The College also saw more growth in its Mechatronics program, leading to classes being held on both the Enterprise and Ozark campuses this fall. Mechatronics began on the Ozark campus in 2019 with 12 students. This semester, the College will see 91 students in the program, including several dual enrollment students from area school systems.

“Our job as a community college is to meet the needs of our students, community members, and business and industry partners,” ESCC President Danny Long said. “We do that by providing a strong academic education and needed workforce training. We’re excited to see more individuals taking advantage of our programs and the opportunities those lead to, whether they move toward transferring to a four-year institution after two years or training for their future career.”

The success of higher enrollment can be credited to a team of people at the College who helped students prepare for the fall semester, according to Mathis, as well as the strong partnerships ESCC has with local business and industry leaders and area school systems.

“We are very proud of our partnerships with our business and industry partners as well as our local school systems,” she said. “With our business and industry partners, we provide training to upskill our current workforce or create a pipeline for our students to have easier access to great careers, and with the help of our school counselors and career coaches, we are able to share the great opportunities we have here at the College to those students who are looking to their next steps during or after high school.

“Additionally, our team here at Enterprise State has done such an amazing job reaching students,” she said. “They have each gone above and beyond to stay for weekend events, help local high schools with FAFSA nights, answer questions about registration and degree plans, and more. We are always excited and ready to help anyone who needs assistance, and I think the enrollment numbers show that.”

There are still opportunities for students to register for classes and start their future with Enterprise State. At ESCC, classes are offered for a full semester or over two mini terms. The second mini term, which is about seven weeks, offers students a second chance to take either academic or some career tech classes. The next mini term starts on Monday, October 17.

For students who are interested in registering for second mini term classes, they can visit escc.edu/registration to get started or email advising@escc.edu with any questions.

Brown Building $5 million revitalization project kicks off

Brown Building $5 million revitalization project kicks off

Dothan Eagle

https://dothaneagle.com/news/local/education/brown-building-5-million-revitalization-project-kicks-off/article_19958daa-351d-11ed-ae24-3311646a289f.html

OZARK — A $5 million revitalization project for the historic Brown Building on the Alabama Aviation College Campus in Ozark officially kicked off Thursday.

Educators, civic leaders, and elected officials joined the family of the late James Douglas Brown Sr., a two-term former mayor of Ozark for whom the building is named, to officially celebrate the start of a revitalization project on the building built more than 60 years ago.

Those present at the ceremony Thursday included Brown’s daughter, Tina Brown Harper; her husband, Charlie Harper; their sons, Chris and Charles Harper; their daughter, Katheryne Lancaster; and Todd Lancaster. “The vision that your father and grandfather had for this community is special,” Enterprise State Community College and Alabama Aviation College President Danny Long told the family members.

“We are so humbled by what this undertaking represents and that our family is still part of the college,” Brown’s son-in-law, Charlie Harper, said. “We’re grateful for the continued recognition of Mr. Brown and his work,” Harper said. “The college has been a significant part of all our lives here in the Wiregrass. It has changed lives. Douglas would be so proud to see how the college has grown.”

The Alabama Aviation College has a long history of meeting industry needs, dating back to 1954 with the establishment of Fort Rucker as the Army Aviation Center, said Long. Originally named the Alabama Institute for Aviation Technology, the college began with one brick building, set next to Blackwell Airport.

Long said the building was designed as a combination maintenance hangar, classroom, and administration building. “It was an idea conceived by the city of Ozark to address the existing shortage of trained and skilled aviation technicians through adult education classes at night,” he said.

It was operated by the Ozark City School system until 1962 when it was absorbed into the state’s vocational and technical education program and became supported through state and federal funds. Also in 1962, the Federal Aviation Administration gave formal recognition to the courses taught at the school, which led to approval for veterans training under the G.I Bill.

An open house for the aviation school was held on Aug. 28, 1960 in conjunction with the dedication of Blackwell Airport by the city of Ozark. The first classes were held on Oct. 3, 1960 with 188 students enrolled. Brown is largely responsible for the aviation college’s existence, Long said. “Almost 70 years ago, his was a vision to meet the workforce demands of this area.”

“We look at these buildings and this campus as our home,” said Chris Henderson, a graduate of the aviation college who now serves as aviation maintenance division co-chairman and an instructor at the school. “I can’t think of enough words to express my gratitude for the decision to save and revitalize this building and I’m sure many past graduates and instructors feel the same way I do. It’s more than just a building to me and to the many alumni that passed through its doors over many years.

“Keeping this building a part of our campus is so vitally important to me and others who have passed through these doors,” Henderson said. “This is where I began my journey in the aviation maintenance industry, first as a student and now as an instructor.”

Henderson described “grabbing a quick power nap” after working third shift at the nearby aircraft maintenance company before attending classes at the aviation college an hour later. He graduated in 2002, returned as an adjunct instructor in 2006 and became fulltime in 2008. “And all the classes I taught were in the Brown Building,” he said.

“I’ve been a part of this college in some capacity for going on 20 years,” he said. “I have a lot of fond memories centered around the Brown Building and this campus, as do hundreds of students who have passed through those doors and who continue to pass through those doors.”

Dr. Anna Head named ESCC’s new Dean of Instruction

Dr. Anna Head named ESCC’s new Dean of Instruction

Dr. Anna Head has been named the new Dean of Instruction at Enterprise State Community College, completing the administrative team at the College.

As the College’s Dean of Instruction, Head is responsible for the overall delivery of instructional services as well as the management and supervision in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the College’s instructional and workforce development initiatives.

Head has worked in higher education for 19 years, serving at ESCC and several other higher education institutions. She has served as an English instructor at the College since 2009 and received the title of Chair for the College’s Division of English, Foreign Languages, and Communication in 2014. In that role, she served as the supervisor for division faculty, took part in statewide curriculum reviews and expanded division course offerings.

She has also previously served as an affiliate faculty member for the Huntingdon College Evening Studies Program, a part-time instructor for Chattahoochee Valley Community College and an ESL Instructor for Auburn University’s ESL Program.

During her time at ESCC, Head has served as faculty liaison for the College’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, where she took part in college accreditation efforts, including working with career technical and academic faculty and staff on learning outcomes and developing college-wide Quality Enhancement Plans.

Head has authored several publications, has been featured in public television and radio segments, and has received academic awards during her career. She has also participated in several college activities and is an active member of her community.

President Danny Long commended Head’s experience as an educator and division leader, stating that it will serve the College well as she takes on the role of Dean of Instruction.

“Dr. Head’s experience as a division chair will be an asset to the College, and she has done great work leading several college-wide projects, such as our Quality Enhancement Plan,” Long said. “I know she will excel as our new Dean of Instruction, and I’m excited to have her serve the College in this new role.”

Head said she is ready to begin serving the faculty and staff of ESCC and the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State, in her new position, which she started on Sept. 1, 2022.

“It is an honor to serve the College as its new Dean of Instruction,” she said. “During my time at ESCC, I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing team of instructors as a division chair and collaborating with others through several College initiatives. I look forward to working with and serving our entire team of faculty and staff in this new role.”

“Dancing for Scholarships” going “Back to the 80s”

“Dancing for Scholarships” going “Back to the 80s”

“Dancing for Scholarships” is returning to the Enterprise Civic Center on Thursday, October 13, to raise scholarship funds for current and future Enterprise State Community College students.

“Dancing for Scholarships” is hosted by the ESCC Foundation, and this year, dancers will be going “Back to the 80s,” allowing dancers to showcase their talents to classic 80s hits from Prince, WHAM, Kenny Loggins, and more.

The fundraising event was last held in 2019, when the Foundation raised over $20,000. These funds were used for ESCC Foundation scholarships as well as a new Dual Enrollment grant fund program, which totaled around $12,500 the first year it was offered.

“It has been a long time since our last ‘Dancing for Scholarships’ event, and I believe everyone is excited to see it come back,” ESCC Foundation President Robbin Thompson said. “The ESCC Foundation is here to support the mission of the College, and this event is a great avenue for us to do that and give back to the community. We’re proud to bring this event back, and we hope to see everyone at the Enterprise Civic Center in October.”

Eight local stars and their dancing partners will compete for the grand prize this year. This year’s participants include Jeffery Douglas, owner of Mr. Mattress, dancing with Savannah Seay, third-grade teacher at Holly Hill Elementary School; Destiny Hudson, Parental Involvement Specialist with Enterprise City Schools, dancing with Ken Thomas, Fine Arts Division Chair and instructor at ESCC; Kevin Ammons, history teacher at Geneva High School, dancing with Allison Robley, stay-at-home mom and 2018 Dancing for Scholarships winner; Kirra Merriweather, Career/Transfer Specialist for Student Support Services at ESCC, dancing with Simbiti Wright, music student at Wallace Community College; Tammy Doerer, Tourism Director for the City of Enterprise, dancing with Chris Baum, instructor pilot at Fort Rucker and 2018 Dancing for Scholarships winner; Melissa Boulton, retired teacher and personal trainer, dancing with Aaron Jones, Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Bruce Irwin, a member of  the Army Safety team at Fort Rucker and an adjunct professor at Troy University, dancing with Carla Birmingham, Performing Team Choreographer at Enterprise Academy of Performing Arts (EAPA); and Lee Milliner, State Farm Insurance Agent, dancing with Analise Stevenson, dance instructor at EAPA and the Dothan School of Dance.

“I’m excited about this year’s competition,” Foundation Director Chellye Stump said. “Everyone is motivated to raise money that will help our students pay for their education, and we are excited to be able to hold this event again after so long.”

Since 2019’s event, the Foundation has increased its scholarship offerings to provide more opportunities for students who may have financial obstacles or need additional financial assistance to pay for their degree. These new offerings include the Summer Incentive Program, also known as POGO. Currently, scholarships offered through the ESCC Foundation total around $100,000.

“The Foundation has always been a great pillar of support for the College and our students,” ESCC President Danny Long said. “We have all been through a lot over the last few years, and for many, that means financially. Foundation scholarships and grants have helped so many of our students continue their education and training, and we’re thankful for the Foundation’s continued support.”

Ticket sales for “Dancing for Scholarships” opens September 1. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at fundraiser.support/DANCING2022. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Doors will open on Oct. 13 at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m., and the competition will start at 7 p.m.

Table sponsorships are also available. Anyone interested in sponsoring a table for the event may do so at fundraiser.support/DANCING2022 or by contacting Natalie Bradley at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2992 or nbradley@escc.edu.

For more information about the Foundation, visit escc.edu/escc-foundation.

Stump named new Dean of Administrative Services

Stump named new Dean of Administrative Services

Chellye Stump has been named the new Dean of Administrative Services at Enterprise State Community College.

Stump will manage three divisions at ESCC in her new role. As Dean of Administrative Services, she will lead all areas of the college’s business functions, which includes the College’s budget, bookstore services, inventory and financial reporting; information technology, including the hardware, software, networking and communications infrastructure; and college planning, institutional effectiveness, quality enhancement and accreditation through the Institutional Effectiveness Division.

Stump has 30 years of higher education experience, with over 20 years of her career being at ESCC. Since 2013, she has served the College as its System Software and Grants Manager, where she helped the College transition to the Banner system, managed the College’s HEERF and CARES funds, and secured the College grant funding for various projects. Previously, she has served the College as its business manager and its chief accountant.  She has also previously served as the Director of Financial Affairs for University College at Troy University.

President Danny Long said Stump’s experience has been an important factor in the growth of the College.

“Mrs. Stump has been an integral part of the College’s growth and success,” Long said. “Through her efforts, the College has been able to utilize external resources to complete capital improvement projects, expand our program offerings, successfully transition to a new information system, and more. We are proud to have her as part of our Weevil family, and I know she will do great things in her new role as Dean of Administrative Services.”

Stump said she is excited about moving into her new position, which she started on Aug. 1, 2022.

“I am honored to be able to serve in this new position at Enterprise State,” Stump said. “During my time working here at the College, I have seen the great impact this institution has made on our community, whether through meeting the needs of business and industry or through helping our students successfully start their education or career training.

“Our mission at Enterprise State is to prepare our students for their futures and make our community better. I hope to continue that mission as the Dean of Administrative Services.”

NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO PRODUCE AVIATION MECHANICS AND TECHNICIANS FOR FT. RUCKER AREA

NEW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO PRODUCE AVIATION MECHANICS AND TECHNICIANS FOR FT. RUCKER AREA

Alabama’s need for aviation mechanics and technicians is soaring and a new registered apprenticeship program will begin filling that need with trained and qualified individuals.  The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship has partnered with M1 Support Services and the Alabama Aviation College to develop an apprenticeship program that combines paid work experience and classroom instruction, all while earning a portable, nationally recognized credential.

”We are proud to see M1 Support Services developing a joint apprenticeship program to help meet the critical workforce needs for skilled aviation mechanics and technicians in the Fort Rucker area”, said Josh Laney, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.  We are very thankful to the company and the union for helping us set a high standard throughout the program’s development and we look forward to the years of growth and success ahead for everyone involved.”

At the successful completion of the program students will have a nationally recognized credential and a pathway to a high wage and high demand job.  The paid, on-the-job training that they received through the apprenticeship program sets them up for success while providing a pipeline of qualified workers for M1 Support Services.

A signing ceremony was held on July 21 for the apprentices and M1 Support Services on the Alabama Aviation College campus in Ozark.

Dual Enrollment funding coverage expanded at ESCC

Dual Enrollment funding coverage expanded at ESCC

Starting Fall 2022, tuition costs for general academic dual enrollment (DE) classes at Enterprise State Community College will now be covered thanks to changes in funding for the program.

“We’re excited to be able to use our funding to cover more general academic classes for interested dual enrollment students,” Dual Enrollment Director Ann Kelley-Spence said. “Dual Enrollment is a great way for our high school students to save money and get a head start on their college education or career training. We are proud to have a large dual enrollment population here at ESCC, and we hope to see even more students taking dual enrollment classes with us in the future.”

Kelley-Spence said there would still be a strong focus on career technical programs at the College, even with the expanded tuition coverage.

“Here at ESCC, we have well-known career technical programs that help students learn essential job skills,” she said. “We’ve even had dual enrollment students complete their associate degree with us before they graduated high school. In the end, we’re creating fully developed graduates through our dual enrollment program who are ready to work in high-wage, high-demand careers.”

One student who took advantage of ESCC’s career technical dual enrollment programs is Sagittarius Williams, a 2022 ESCC and Charles Henderson High School graduate. In two years, Williams completed her associate degree in Medical Assistant Technology before she completed high school. Her current career goals are to work as a medical assistant while she continues her education to become a nurse and, later, an anesthesiologist.

“I wanted to further my education at no cost to my parents, so I decided to enroll,” she said, stating that watching a family member dealing with an illness inspired her to look at the College’s MAT program. “My program allowed me to check all the boxes that I needed to make my decision of becoming a Medical Assistant Technician/medical professional.”

She encouraged high school students to research dual enrollment, calling dual enrollment “a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of.”

“The Dual Enrollment Program is very rewarding, and the staff members are very supportive,” Williams said. “I am glad that I chose the MAT Program. The MAT Program will help more job opportunities be made available to me, especially once I am certified. The training that I received was very professional. I appreciate and respect all my instructors and staff; I learned so much material over the last two years, which was a win-win.

“The dual enrollment program gave me a jumpstart on my career. It will open doors for me.”

Matthew Muna, another 2022 ESCC graduate and a Dothan High School graduate, also completed his associate degree in airframe technology before his high school graduation. He is planning to pursue a career in aviation maintenance at M1 Support Services.

“As I was entering high school, I was encouraged to learn a trade during my high school years,” he said. “I chose aviation because there is a high demand for employment in that industry.

“I had a wonderful experience as a dual enrollment student. All my teachers and counselors were supportive and helpful. I am blessed that workforce development grants covered all my aviation, English, math, and science dual enrollment courses.”

As part of the expanded coverage starting this fall, students will be able to have the tuition cost of any general education classes at ESCC covered, including classes like psychology, English or history. Previously, dual enrollment students at ESCC were required to be in a career technical program to have the cost of academic classes covered, and those academic classes were limited to core courses, such as English, math or science.

Kelley-Spence noted that funding for general education classes taken outside of career tech programs would only cover the cost of tuition and fees. Books would only be covered if they are taken as part of a career technical program.

ESCC’s Dual Enrollment Program is open to eligible students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. There are GPA requirements to take part in the program. To learn more or to apply to join the program, visit escc.edu/dual-enrollment.

Renovations coming to ESCC baseball, softball facilities

Renovations coming to ESCC baseball, softball facilities

The baseball and softball fields at Enterprise State Community College are receiving some upgrades for future players and fans to enjoy.

The $1.25 million project, which began in July, will include the installation of new bleachers, press boxes, backstops and netting for both sports. A new, code-compliant concession stand with restrooms will also be constructed in the complex, and irrigation and landscaping will be added to the area. The project is expected to be completed by mid-October.

“I am very excited for our coaches and players to see the new facilities at our baseball/softball fields,” Athletic Director Jeremaine Williams said. “These updates will help recruiting tremendously. This is big for the community to be able to come to a game and enjoy the college athletic atmosphere that ESCC will provide, and it shows the Wiregrass that we are serious about athletics. The future of our athletic department is going in the right direction, and it’s great to see that our administration is behind athletics.”

Head Softball Coach Clair Goodson echoed his statement, saying the upgraded facilities will increase community support and recruiting efforts for the College’s athletic department.

“I am excited about the direction this will continue to take our programs,” Goodson said. “Seeing these upgrades will help recruiting tremendously. The atmosphere around our games will just amplify and bring more and more of our community out to support our players. The College’s commitment to help us enhance our facilities is important to not only the athletes we have on campus now, but also to all future athletes we bring to ESCC. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see it continue. I’m thankful for the administration’s support.”

The fields will also see the addition of a paved entrance and parking lots as part of the College’s partnership with the City of Enterprise to provide more recreation areas to the community. These additions will be completed at a later date.

The most recent addition to the softball and baseball fields was a hitting facility that was completed in 2021. This facility has lighted lanes for athletes to practice hitting and pitching. It also serves as a space for coaches to hold development camps for these sports.

“I am excited about the updates to the baseball/softball facilities,” Head Baseball Coach Samuel Frichter said. “Any time you have updates, it shows a commitment to the program from the administration, and for that, I am very thankful. With the direction that college athletics has gone with the primary focus on recruiting, this will help us with that process and allow us to bring in high-caliber student athletes. These updates will give our players a sense of pride in the program and continue to help our community rally around both sports.”

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!

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