Shelton State is a place where academic skills transfer to workplace skills. Through on-campus leadership opportunities, progressive partnerships with local industry, and innovative instructors with practical experience, Shelton State prepares you for gainful employment and an enhanced quality of life. It’s education that works.
William Cain was part of SSCC’s dual enrollment program, and in the process of achieving his own goals, he completed 42 credit hours of college coursework.
When asked what advice he would give a potential Shelton State Community College student, William Cain responds with a maturity one might not expect from a high school student.
“I would tell anyone who is considering enrollment at Shelton State to work hard and maintain good grades because that will help with scholarships. Likewise, I would tell them to try and decide exactly what they want to accomplish with their education.”
William was recently part of Shelton State’s dual enrollment program and, in the process of achieving his own goals and accomplishments, completed 42 credit hours of college coursework. Equipped with knowledge from Shelton State’s diesel mechanics program, Will is already utilizing some of the things he learned at his family farm. “I like the outdoors and eventually I want to run my own business as a forestry consultant.”
Scholarship funding through the dual enrollment program made it possible for William to enroll in classes. By investing early in his education, he is optimistic about his future opportunities and looks forward to his continued growth at the College.
Faculty, staff, and practice partners worked side by side to continue the goal of making SSCC’s respiratory therapy a premier program in West Alabama and the surrounding areas.
At its June 2016 meeting, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) voted to confer continuing accreditation to the AAS Degree Entry into Respiratory Care Professional Practice Program at Shelton State Community College (SSCC).
The review conducted by CoARC recognized the program’s compliance with nationally established accreditation standards and commended SSCC’s program for its participation in programmatic accreditation and “commitment to continuous quality improvement in education.”
“We have worked diligently over the last several years to restructure the respiratory therapy program in order to provide quality education to respiratory therapy students in our service area,” says Riva McAlpine, SSCC Respiratory Therapy Program Director. “We are grateful to our practice partners who worked along with us in this endeavor, and we will continue toward the goal of making this a premiere program serving West Alabama and the surrounding areas.”
The Shelton State Association of Nursing Students was honored with the Chapter of Champions Award at the 2016 Alabama Association of Nursing Students Annual Convention.
The Shelton State Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) was recently honored at the 2016 Alabama Association of Nursing Students Annual Convention in Huntsville, Alabama.
For the third consecutive year, SSANS retained the Chapter of Champions Award. The Chapter of Champions Award is given annually to the school chapter demonstrating exemplary commitment to and involvement in the Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS). Shelton State nursing students are committed to continuing this reign.
Emily Walters, the local chapter president, was elected as the 2016-2017 President of the Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS). Additionally, Betsey Poole was elected as the AANS Legislative Chair; Brittany Elike as the Community Health Director; and Kari Battocletti as Director South.
Special recognition was also given to Dr. Rosalynde Peterson as the recipient of the AANS Leader of Leaders Award. The award is given to an outstanding chapter advisor for their leadership within the student nursing organization. Dr. Peterson’s joy about her award is received in “seeing the students continue to dedicate their time and efforts in their commitment to serving our community!” Dr. Peterson has served as SSANS Chapter Advisor for the past six years.
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) music students recently competed at the Alabama Chapter of the National Association of Teacher of Singing (ALANATS) auditions. Voice student from the state of Alabama attend ALANATS auditions for networking opportunities and adjudication. This year’s event was held on February 17 and 18.
Shelton State students represented the College with the highest standards of performance and professionalism. In keeping with the tradition of program excellence at SSCC, the College was represented in the winner’s circle. Shelton State’s William Harpole won first place in the first year College Musical Theatre Men’s division.
The Alabama Region of Phi Theta Kappa held its annual convention in Fairhope on March 3-4. Awards were given recognizing the achievements of 2016. Shelton State’s Alpha Epsilon Iota chapter was designated a Five Star chapter, noting the highest level of engagement for the society.
The chapter’s Honors in Action project focused on the practices of good, responsible government and earned the chapter top scores for the Honors Study Topic theme of Rights and Responsibilities. Additionally, the project earned a Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award (for a high score across all eight Honors in Action themes). The Student Vice-President of Honors in Action, Zach Hicks, was presented a Distinguished Chapter Officer Award for his leadership of the chapter’s project.
Coupling the Honors in Action project’s score with the College Project’s score, the chapter was recognized as a Distinguished Chapter. The College Project was aimed at helping increase Shelton State’s graduation rate. Due to their students’ efforts throughout the year, chapter advisors Dr. Kevin Windham and Mrs. Shywanda Moore nominated the officer corps for a Distinguished Officer Team Award, which the students were also presented.
Shelton State’s chapter was named Second Finalist for Most Distinguished Chapter. Because of the success of the chapter, Regional Coordinator Nora Lee recognized Dr. Windham with a Horizon Award for Chapter Advisors. The chapter officers include: Andrew Stronge, Brooke Rodenberry, Matthew Marshall, Alyssa Bracknell, Jenna Lawrence, Courtney Franklin, Savannah Hodge, April Blackwell, Nicole Martin, and Zach Hicks.
Courtney Franklin and Zachary Hicks were honored at the All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program.
Shelton State Community College students, Courtney Delaine Franklin and Zachary Alexander Hicks, were honored at the All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program in Birmingham, Alabama.
Courtney Franklin
Courtney Franklin is a Mechatronics student from Centreville, Alabama. Courtney earned distinction in 2016 when she was named the Thomas Umphrey Most Outstanding Freshman at Shelton State. That same year, Courtney became a vice president of Shelton State’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. While finishing up Mechatronics coursework, Courtney is considering transferring to the University of Alabama to major in engineering.
Zachary Hicks
Zachary Hicks, a finance major from Brookwood, Alabama, will be attending the University of Alabama this fall. While at Shelton State, Zach served as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Vice President and was awarded a Distinguished Chapter Officer Award at the PTK Regional level. Zach led the chapter’s Honors in Action Project which won both regional and international level recognition. He was also awarded a Shelton State Divisional Award for being the most outstanding statistics student. Zach has earned three scholarships to attend the University of Alabama.
Both students were honored for their academic accomplishments and demonstration of outstanding leadership. They also competed for a place on the All-USA Academic Team for Community Colleges. This competition, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the American Association of Community Colleges, and USA Today, recognizes scholarship achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in community, technical, and junior colleges.
Shelton State’s Alpha Epsilon Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa recently attended their annual international convention, Catalyst, in Nashville, Tennessee. The group was honored with multiple awards.
At the convention, the chapter officers were awarded a Distinguished Officer Team medallion. The chapter was also listed in the Top 100 of the 1300 established chapters and won Hallmark Awards for their Honors in Action Theme and overall Honors in Action project. Due to their efforts and projects, the chapter won a third Hallmark Award for being named a Distinguished Chapter, which placed them in the top ten percent of chapters who submitted a College Project and Honors in Action project.
Students and staff from Shelton State’s Respiratory Therapy Program attended the annual Alabama Society for Respiratory Care (ASRC) Conference in Orange Beach, Alabama, April 10-12.
During the conference, the students placed second in the Sputum Bowl Competition. Designed in a game-show format, the Sputum Bowl was a competition allowing respiratory therapy students from all over the state to compete against one another utilizing program knowledge. The Shelton State student team was this year’s runner-up.
The ASRC Conference is hosted by respiratory therapists from the southeast and neighboring states. Students in attendance gain information pertaining to the respiratory therapy profession and its evolution. Additionally, students are encouraged to become involved in local and national respiratory care organizations and societies.
At their April 19 pinning ceremony, candidates from Shelton State Community College’s and the University of Alabama’s Collegiate 100 were recognized as national Collegiate 100 members.
The following students were inducted: Jacoby Alford, Brandon Browder, Veyonte Bynum, Terrance Dallas, Latasha Gibbs, Angelan Gibson, James Gross, Jocelyn Hurst, Lawrence Jones, Myles Kelley, Dedrick Lee, Neil Malone, Julian McCray, Clifton Monroe, Dennis Parnell, Jordan Phillips, Christian Malik Shorter, Brandon Thrash, and Justin Tripp.
The ceremony included motivational words from keynote speaker, Thomas Dedrick. Mr. Dedrick, Senior Vice President for Investments at Raymond James Financial, encouraged new and current members to meet financial challenges and make informed decisions about their futures.
Collegiate 100 provides an avenue for chapters of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to continue their one-on-one mentoring program for students as they matriculate from high school to college. The program supports the initiatives set forth by the 100 Way Across a Lifetime organization.
Following an Alabama Community College Conference Championship and third place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament, a member of the Shelton State Lady Bucs has received an additional honor.
Cierra Johnson
In recognition of her outstanding play for the 2016-17 season, Cierra Johnson will be featured in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s “Ring of Honor” in Knoxville, Tennessee. The “Ring of Honor” is a display of jerseys celebrating the accomplishments of young athletes from across the nation. Johnson’s jersey will be on display for a year.
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Johnson previously played for Blount High School. Averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, she was the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Tournament MVP and the ACCC and Region XXII Player of the Year. Johnson was selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament All-Tournament Team, and was also a NJCAA 1st Team All-American.
“Cierra had an extremely successful freshman year,” said Madonna Thompson, head coach of the Shelton State women’s basketball team. “She has accomplished as much as any freshman can in one year. She has matured and improved on and off the court. She is on the path to accomplishing all of her goals. I am extremely happy to be on this journey with her. I cannot wait to see what her future holds.”
Johnson will be returning to the Lady Bucs in the fall for her sophomore year. Following graduation from Shelton State, she has committed to play for the University of Alabama.
Shelton State Community College’s Clinical Medical Assistant program continues to provide opportunities for students interested in exciting, challenging, and rewarding careers in healthcare.
This program trains students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical responsibilities of a medical office. It includes classroom lecture, hands-on lab experiences, and a clinical externship opportunity at a local healthcare provider. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the National Healthcare Association Certified Clinical Medical Assistant national examination.
Recently, all enrolled students at the Demopolis Center for Higher Education completed the program and passed their certification examination.
Amber Walker, a Demopolis resident, was one of these eight students. Walker, 27, looked at the program as an opportunity. “During my time in the program, I was pregnant and knew I wanted to do something to be able to get a good job,” said Walker. “Our teacher was great, and she made sure we knew what was needed. I enjoyed it.” Walker plans to utilize the phlebotomy portion of her training as she pursues a career in nursing.
“We are delighted by the 100% completion and certification rate of our most recent Clinical Medical Assistant program,” said Nicole DuBose, Director of Training for Business and Industry. “These students worked exceptionally hard, and I look forward to hearing from them regarding their future employment and successes.”
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) softball player Caroline Payne was recently named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Tournament Team for the 2017 NFCA NJCAA Leadoff Classic. Payne was one of thirteen student athletes selected for outstanding play over three days of competition.
Originally from Madison, Alabama, Payne played at Clemens High School before becoming a member of the SSCC team. For the year, she is hitting .350 with five doubles, one triple, one homerun, and fourteen RBIs.
Payne’s coach, Buddy Boyle, is proud of his player. “Caroline is a talented infielder having a good freshman year,” said Boyle. “She helps us do many things on offense and defense and is very supportive of her teammates in any role she is asked to take.”
The Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) recently announced their annual awards for the 2017 softball season. Among the award recipients were several Shelton State Lady Bucs.
Madison Chambers
Shelton State’s Madison Chambers was chosen as the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII Player of the Year. Chambers, a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, was named to the ACCC All-North 1st Team. She was also chosen to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII 1st Team and was named ACCC North Player of the Year. She batted .425 with 14 doubles, 2 triples, 12 homeruns, and 50 RBIs. She made only 9 errors during the 2017 season and participated in 12 double plays. Chambers will continue her softball career next year as a member of the University of West Georgia softball team.
Megan Garst
Shelton State RHP Megan Garst, a freshman from Columbiana, Alabama, was named to the ACCC All-North 1st Team. She was also chosen to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII 1st Team. Garst was also named to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII All-Tournament team and threw 22 innings without allowing an earned run in the tournament. Garst finished the season 16-3 with an ERA of 0.95 and 171 Ks. Her 0.95 ERA led the ACCC, is 5th in the nation and set a new record on the Shelton State All-Time Single Season ERA list. Her 171 Ks places her 3rd on the Shelton State AllTime Single Season Strikeout list and is 11th in the nation this year.
Holly Murray
Lady Buc Utility player Holly Murray, a freshman from Sumiton, Alabama, was named to the ACCC All-North 1st Team. She was also chosen to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII 2nd Team. Additionally, she was selected for the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII All-Tournament Team. She batted .310 with 8 doubles, 13 homeruns, and 37 RBIs. Murray’s 13 homeruns ties her for 2nd on the All-Time Single Season Homerun List.
Lauren O’Dell
Shelton State RHP Lauren O’Dell, a freshman from Anniston, Alabama, was named to the ACCC All-North 1st Team. She was also chosen to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII 1st Team. O’Dell finished the season 17-3 with an ERA of 1.90 and 64 Ks. Her 17 wins tie her for 5th on the Shelton State All-Time Single Season Wins list.
Caroline Payne
Shelton State shortstop Caroline Payne received several honors. Payne, a freshman infielder from Madison, Alabama, was named to the ACCC All-North 1st Team. She was also chosen to the ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII 2nd Team. She batted .320 with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homeruns, and 30 RBIs. During the season, Payne was also named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Leadoff Classic ALL-Tournament Team.
The 2016-17 College Awards were given to the following deserving students:
H.I. James Outstanding Technical Student Award — Antheletha Willis
I.W. Mitchell Outstanding Technical Student Award — Taylor Elizabeth Rodgers
Norman C. Cephus Special Achievement Award — Taylor Elizabeth Rodgers
Thomas E. Umphrey Outstanding Freshman Award — Tyler Yarbrough
Leo Sumner Outstanding Sophomore Award — Phillip Andrew Stronge
In addition to College awards, students receiving transfer and Shelton State Foundation scholarships were recognized. The Shelton State Foundation awarded 49 scholarships totaling $81,000. Transfer scholarships were awarded to various four-year institutions and exceeded $600,000 in total value.
Supporting the United Way’s function to raise much needed funds for services at its local West Alabama partner service agencies, Shelton State’s College-wide donations totaled $5,534 for 2016-17.
In response to a skills shortage in the field of carpentry, Shelton State is partnering with local businesses and industries to prepare students for jobs in the carpentry field.
The Shelton State carpentry program will use a combination of classroom and shop projects to help students gain in-depth knowledge of building construction. The three-semester program includes fundamental, intermediate, and advanced carpentry. WIOA approved, the program will teach safety, terminology, materials, and tools used in the field.
“We are very excited about this partnership to address a skills shortage in carpentry,” says Nicole Dubose, Director of Training for Business and Industry at Shelton State. “There is a great need in our area for trained carpenters and the skills attained in our program often lead to higher paying jobs and a worker’s overall employability.”
Shelton State Community College’s Collegiate 100 participated in a Youth Engagement Session (Y.E.S.) event on Friday, September 30 at Westlawn Middle School.
The Y.E.S. event was organized by members of the 100 Black Men of West Alabama, Inc., and focused on topics including understanding and working with public law enforcement, financial planning, career tech opportunities, the importance of education, and healthy living.
One of Shelton State’s student organizations, Collegiate 100 provides an avenue for chapters of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to continue their one-on-one mentoring program for students as they matriculate from high school to college. The program supports the initiatives set forth by the 100 Way Across a Lifetime organization.
“Shelton State Community College Collegiate 100 continues to be a presence in the community and they displayed how important it is to give back at this event,” said chapter sponsor, Eric Prewitt. “The kids at Westlawn Middle School were definitely encouraged by the dialogue with the Collegiate.”
More than 6,000 students got a hands-on look at high paying jobs in West Alabama.
— More than 4,300 eighth graders and approximately 2,000 ninth through 12th graders will get a hands-on look at high-paying jobs in West Alabama this week, as Worlds of Work, a one-of-akind career expo will be held October 13 and 14 at Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus.
Designed to showcase a range of technical and high-wage careers in sectors such as energy and utilities; manufacturing; automotive and logistics; transportation; hospitality and tourism; engineering and environment and public safety and tourism, the expo will welcome students from nine counties to participate in interactive exhibits from local employers looking for highly skilled workers.
“The purpose of the expo is to create awareness about exciting career options among students and educators while addressing workforce needs in the region,” says Donny Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. “Existing employers in the region continue to have unfilled job openings due to a shortage of skilled workers. In addition, employers face shortages over the next few years due to the retirement of up to 50 percent of their workforce.”
Eighth grade students will attend the expo during the two-day event with their schools. On October 13 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. high school students are invited to attend with a parent or guardian. One high school student in attendance at the event will be awarded a semester’s tuition to either Shelton State Community College or Bevill State Community College.
Worlds of Work is a project of West Alabama Works, the Region 3 Workforce Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
The Buccaneer Spooktacular was a free, family-friendly event for all ages. SSCC coaches, athletes, and cheerleaders hosted games and activities.
Shelton State Community College Athletics is hosting the Buccaneer Spooktacular on Sunday, October 30 from 3:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Martin Campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The Buccaneer Spooktacular is a free, family-friendly event for all ages. Shelton State coaches, athletes, and cheerleaders will host the afternoon’s games and activities.
“We are excited about hosting this safe and fun way to trick-or-treat and play games with the youth of our community,” said Cara Crosslin, Athletics Support Specialist. “The athletes are also looking forward to meeting and interacting with our supporters outside of a typical game setting.”
Join the Shelton State Community College Foundation, West Alabama community leaders, and local business and industry partners for the first annual Student Investment Luncheon and Auction on Wednesday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. on Shelton State’s Martin Campus. Admission for the event varies according to sponsorship levels with individual tickets also available.
The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Foundation is establishing this new annual event as a way to fund scholarships for tuition, fees, and books for SSCC students. Contributions to the luncheon will help academically successful students pursue their college career.
“The Shelton State Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to further their education,” said Shannon Chandler, Director of Development. “With the help of our generous community, this luncheon will help us accomplish that mission more successfully. We look forward to beginning this important new tradition with our guests.”
Shelton State Community College will welcome James Spann and the ABC 33/40 weather team for Storm Spotter Training on Tuesday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Martin Campus Gymnasium. The event is free to the public, and all are invited to attend.
Storm Spotter Training is a free community service designed to educate Central Alabamians on how to visually spot severe weather so they may provide reports to law enforcement, media, and the National Weather Service.
Shelton State Community College will host “Shelton State Saturday” on Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Demopolis Higher Education Center. This free, drop-in event will highlight the College’s programs in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
“We are excited about the continued expansion of Shelton State’s educational and training opportunities in Demopolis and Marengo County,” said Joye Jones, Dean of Instruction and Workforce Development. “We look forward to this event and to providing information and answering questions about educational planning and workforce training.”
In addition to program and workforce training information, assistance will be available for individuals needing assistance with enrollment, placement testing, and financial aid. The first fifty guests will receive door prizes, and all attendees will be entered to win a grand prize.
With a renewed focus on sharing their work, the SSCC Cosmetology lab reminded the community of available services.
The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) cosmetology program offers salon services to the public. The salon, located on Shelton State’s Martin Campus, is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Appointments can be made, but walk-in customers are welcome.
Latoya Simmons, SSCC cosmetology instructor, is excited about the experience the salon provides for the students, but also enjoys being an affordable way for the West Alabama community to stay current on the latest styles, trends, and products. “Our students are providing high quality services, and our current customers are very pleased,” said Simmons. “We encourage anyone getting ready to schedule their next salon appointment to give us a try. Not only are our services excellent, we carry the top name brands many people are already using.”
The revenue generated by SSCC cosmetology services supports the functions of the salon and allows students to attend classes from product educators and participate in continuing education opportunities prior to entering the industry.
SSCC sociology students served as mentors at Central High School
Current and former Shelton State Community College sociology students recently participated in Blueprints, a college access program at Central High School sponsored by Alabama Possible.
The program allowed Shelton State students to serve as mentors for eleventh graders once a week for six weeks. During this time, the following topics were discussed: the difference between two and four-year institutions, admission requirements, application processes, and paying for college.
The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Association of Nursing Students (SSANS) hosted a campus-wide Diabetes Walk on World Diabetes Day, November 14. Held on the Martin Campus, the walk raised both disease awareness and money for Tuscaloosa’s Good Samaritan Clinic.
Following a brief welcome by Shelton State Interim President, Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, SSCC nursing instructor Vicki Hannah introduced special guest, Russ Warren. Mr. Warren, a former Shelton State student and prior member of the Bucs’ baseball team, spoke to participants about the importance of disease awareness and prevention.
Serving also as event coordinator, Vicki Hannah’s passion was evident in her preparation for the walk and her hope for a future cure. “My passion for diabetes stems from my twenty years of experience as a nurse and my son’s diagnosis with type one diabetes,” said Ms. Hannah. “As a nurse educator, I now have countless opportunities to share my passion with students. They are the change agents of the future, so if there is something I can do to increase awareness or promote prevention, I want to do so.”
The Shelton State SSANS World Diabetes Walk raised over $500. All proceeds benefitted Tuscaloosa’s Good Samaritan Clinic.
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) is celebrating the holiday season by collecting donations for local organizations.
The College recently collected and delivered over five hundred canned goods to the Community Soup Bowl. Student engagement coordinator Norquina Rieves organized the donations and delivery. “The food drive was an awesome opportunity for our student organizations and the College campus to give back to the community,” said Rieves. “For one in six people in this country, hunger is a reality. We may not be able to eradicate this problem, but we want to help as many people as we can.”
In addition to the donation of canned goods, student organizations work one day a month at the community soup bowl as part of the College’s outreach efforts.
The College is also still accepting donations for its Here Comes Santa Claus project. Sponsored by the SSCC Ambassadors and in cooperation with United Way, Here Comes Santa Claus accepts donations for Caring Days, FOCUS on Senior Citizens, Phoenix House, Tuscaloosa’s One Place, Turning Point, West Alabama Outreach, Metro Animal Shelter, and SSCC Veterans Outreach. Donations will be accepted through Monday, December 12 at noon.
Shelton State Community College’s (SSCC) chapter of Collegiate 100 will host its annual Black History Program on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. on the Martin Campus. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.
The theme of the program will be “Beginning with a Solid Foundation,” and Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton will be the guest speaker. Bishop Jefferson-Snorton is the 59th Bishop and the first female Bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church since its founding in 1870. She is the presiding bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District which includes the states of Alabama and Florida. Her first Episcopal appointment was to the new Eleventh Episcopal District. She is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Miles College (Fairfield, AL), Chair of the Board of Directors of the Miles Foundation Service Corporation, and the Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent for the CME Church.
“How historic it is to have the first female Bishop of an organization such as the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to come and encourage our students on the importance of being the first to do something and to have a solid foundation,” says Eric Prewitt, Shelton State Community College Collegiate 100 Chapter Advisor. “I’m sure her message will not just inspire our organization, but all of our students will be able to relate to her message of the importance of having a solid foundation to grown upon.”
Shelton State Community College’s Collegiate 100 is the first community college chapter in the state of Alabama and one of the few chapters in the nation with co-ed members. Collegiate 100 provides an avenue for chapters of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to continue their one-on-one mentoring program for students as they matriculate from high school to college. The program supports the initiatives set forth by the 100 Way Across a Lifetime organization.
Following their fundraising efforts and in combination with contributions from their 2017 Hair Show, Angel on Broadway, Shelton State Community College’s Cosmetology Department presented Children’s Hospital of Alabama with a donation of almost $1300 to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders. The donation was given in memory of local student Angel Eaton.
Eaton was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in October 2013. Despite her initial diagnosis and subsequent battles with the disease, Eaton was a diligent student and planned to attend Shelton State’s cosmetology program following graduation. Her passion for the industry was evident in her dream of becoming a theatrical make-up artist on Broadway. Following her death in September 2016, Shelton State paid tribute to Eaton through this year’s hair show, Angel on Broadway.
“The cosmetology department appreciates the opportunity to be part of giving to support cancer research for children,” said program director, Latoya Simmons. “It is a disease that has touched so many people in our community, so it means a lot to have a helping hand in finding the cure.”
The Shelton State Ambassadors concluded their spring service project, The Supply Drop, by hosting a teacher appreciation luncheon for Shelton State’s Adopt-a-School partner, Englewood Elementary School, on Friday, May 5.
The luncheon was made possible by the Ambassadors’ annual sweatshirt sale and fundraisers. Additionally, College-wide donations of school supplies were accepted from Shelton State students, faculty, and staff. All teachers were provided with individual bags containing the donations.
The Shelton State Ambassador program provides extensive leadership training, while offering the opportunity to serve as official hosts for the College. Members work closely with the administration and faculty to convey Shelton State’s message to the community.
Campus Veterans Associations for Shelton State Community College and the University of Alabama are partnering with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Veterans Affairs Committee to host the first Tuscaloosa Run for Veterans on Saturday, November 5 at 8:00 a.m. The run will begin and conclude at Government Plaza. All proceeds from the event will support veterans associations at Shelton State, Stillman College, and the University of Alabama. Additional funds will assist local charities.
“This is a great opportunity for those who support our students to give back to those who have served our country and have decided to pursue higher education and better employment opportunities,” said Eric Prewitt, Veterans Affairs Liaison at Shelton State. Prewitt’s enthusiasm is echoed by David Blair, Director of Veteran and Military Affairs at the University of Alabama. “This run will benefit our Campus Veterans Association by raising needed funds to help student veterans remain in school and focus on their mission of getting their degree.”
Shelton State enjoyed continued participation with local Adopt-a-School partners Englewood Elementary School and Hillcrest Middle School. In addition to student incentive awards for attendance, honor rolls and citizenship, the College participated in special activities and events that included Red Ribbon Week, Read Across America, Junior Achievement, and Teacher Appreciation Week. Faculty, staff, and students could be seen on campuses of both schools as volunteers at fall festivals and spring flings, judges for student contests, and sponsors for special other special events.
Shelton State Community College nursing instructor, Carol Mapp, has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the Cindajo Overton Outstanding Nurse Award. Given in association with the Alabama State Nurses Association, the award acknowledges outstanding accomplishments and contributions to nursing.
Mapp, a twenty-three year Shelton State nursing instructor, was recently asked about her philosophy on nursing care. “Compassion for people has always given me direction,” said Mapp. “I am so grateful for the mentors in my life, and I hope I have mentored others to provide compassionate care.”
“This is a well-deserved award,” said Gladys Hill, Associate Dean of Health Services at Shelton State. “We are all so proud of Carol’s accomplishments and what she shares with our students.”
Mapp will be honored at the Alabama State Nurses Association Awards Luncheon on October 15 in Huntsville, Alabama.
Christa Grizzle Sanford, cheer coach at Shelton State Community College, was a featured speaker at the Varsity Coaches Conference in Berlin, Germany, September 9-11. The conference was designed for European cheer coaches and provided information on cheer skills as well as team management and development.
Sanford, now in her eleventh year at Shelton State, was invited to participate by Varsity Europe and the European Cheer Union. During her five conference sessions, she provided insight on talent development, client management, sports psychology, flexibility, and routine creation.
“It was incredibly humbling to be in the company of the other American coaches featured during the conference and to see the admiration the European cheerleaders have for our programs,” said Sanford. “Cheerleading originated in the United States, and it is exciting to be able to help them establish and grow their own clubs.”
Although European cheer organizations are not currently part of schools or colleges, the conference speakers represented some of the most successful college programs in the United States. “It was a huge honor for Shelton State Community College’s program to be in the same conversation with the University of Alabama, the University of Kentucky, and Morehead State,” said Sanford. “Although we are certainly a smaller school, I am proud for us to be included with these elite programs.”
Originally from Worthington, Kentucky, Sanford began her career as a cheerleader at Morehead State University where she was a member of three national championship teams and coached two national championship teams. She coached two Team USA world championship teams, and her Shelton State Cheerleaders recently won their ninth consecutive national title. In addition to coaching at Shelton State, Sanford is currently a Team USA coach and owns ACE of Tuscaloosa training center.
Shywanda Moore, math instructor at Shelton State Community College (SSCC), served as a speaker/mentor for Girls IMPACT on Friday, July 1 at the Bessemer Public Library in Bessemer, Alabama. Girls IMPACT is designed to build girls’ confidence in mathematics, increase awareness of STEM-related career paths, and establish mentoring relationships with women who are STEM professionals.
Moore, now in her sixth year at Shelton State, currently teaches math and statistics. She views her participation with Girls IMPACT as significant. “It was one of the best things I have ever done,” said Moore.
As a child from a single, teenaged-parent home, Moore “was never expected to be more than her surroundings dictated.” The encouragement she received from individuals throughout her own life affects her participation in programs like Girls IMPACT. “I jump on every opportunity to speak to high school students about where life could take them if they work hard. With these young ladies, the entry into the STEM fields provides limitless options for careers and life. I am happy I was able to give them just a small glimpse into what awaits them in the future if they choose the STEM path.”
Girls IMPACT is a grant-funded partnership between SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program, the Bessemer Public Library, and the Tying Ties Mentoring Program directed by SREB Doctoral Scholar, Dr. Shawanda Thomas. The partnership was created to encourage minority girls ages 12 to 16 to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related careers and to expose them to women who work in STEM-related fields.
Shelton State Community College recently announced recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for 2016. The Chancellor’s Award program is a system-wide means for recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. Each college in the Alabama Community College System selects one employee representative in an administrator category, one employee in the support staff category, and two employees in the faculty category.
Latoya Simmons Armstead, Cosmetology and Barbering Instructor, is awarded as a member of the technical faculty. Mrs. Armstead has taught at Shelton State for eight years and recently became division chair of the cosmetology and culinary arts area. She is a current salon owner and works to ensure students receive the education necessary to enter the workforce.
Amanda Harbison, Dean of Student Services and Athletics Director, represents the College’s administration. Her career with the Alabama Community College System began in 2004. Since that time, Amanda has worked in all facets of student services. From her first position as GED examiner at Snead State to her current position, she has assisted many students in achieving their educational goals.
Sherry Harrison, Assistant to the Dean of Instruction and Workforce Development, is this year’s support staff award recipient. Sherry assists the dean in overseeing instructional programs for academic, technical, and health services, as well as workforce initiatives. A Shelton State employee for twelve years, she also worked as the Secretary to the Dean of Academics.
Doug Robinson, Mathematics Instructor, is recognized as the award winner for academic faculty. Prior to his tenure as a community college instructor, Doug was employed by the Tuscaloosa City School System for thirteen years. A Shelton State math instructor since 2000, he has taught a variety of math courses ranging from elementary algebra to calculus.
All Chancellor’s Award recipients will be recognized at the Alabama Community College Association annual meeting in November.
“Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa has a renowned staff who commits to providing a comprehensive post-secondary education for the surrounding community and afar. With a number of nursing programs, Shelton is a well-regarded option to further your nursing education.”
Shelton State was named Alabama’s ACT Career Preparedness Exemplar for the 2016-2017 ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign.
Established in 2013, the annual ACT College and Career Readiness Campaign celebrates achievement and creates awareness around the goal of college and career readiness for all. ACT developed the campaign to shine a light on the individuals and institutions doing more with less, overcoming personal or community obstacles, and serving as examples to others working to improve the condition of college and career readiness for all.
The campaign identifies exemplars in each of four categories—students, high schools, postsecondary institutions, and employers—for each participating state. ACT State Councils — comprised of education and workforce professionals in each state — selected Shelton State Community College’s Mechatronics program from a group of applicants for the Alabama ACT Career Preparedness Award and ultimately, state exemplar designation.
“Each year we are proud to recognize exemplary students, high schools, postsecondary institutions and employers working to advance the condition of college and career readiness in their communities,” said Scott Montgomery, ACT senior vice president of public affairs. “The individuals and groups named ACT state exemplars demonstrate perseverance and innovative thinking in the face of adversity, and serve as examples to others working to improve college and career readiness for all.”
Following a nomination from local high school counselor Connie Coleman, Shelton State Community College received the Career Preparedness Award for the Mechatronics program. “Mechatronics is the best opportunity for school-to-work training in our area,” said Coleman, Hillcrest High School Counselor. “The partnership is a win-win-win for our students, Shelton State Community College, and Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. Very few programs have such positive results and provide such amazing support for students while serving the employment needs of one of our largest and most responsible employers.”
“Our partnership with Mercedes Benz U.S. International, Inc. allows us to work together to develop and deliver up-to-date technical skills training, while offering students workplace learning opportunities,” said Jason Moore, Associate Dean for Corporate Programs. “Through our apprenticeships and internships, we have developed strong relationships that are beneficial for our students and the businesses and industries that we serve.”
All state exemplars will be considered for National Semifinalist status by an ACT Selection Committee, which will narrow the talented group into four National Semifinalists per category. Finally, a National Selection Committee composed of national education and workforce leaders will choose one semifinalist per category to make up four National Exemplars. These National Exemplars, along with all state exemplars and semifinalists will be honored at an ACT recognition event in late fall 2017 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Surrounded by a group of his former instructors the week after his graduation, former Shelton State Community College student Sam Schuckert shared fond classroom memories, stories about his grandfather, and his gratitude to each faculty member for the role they played in preparing him for the future.
Schuckert, a former homeschool student, arrived at Shelton State two years ago having never interacted with a teacher. “I grew up using teaching textbooks, so I never really had a true student/teacher interaction,” he said. Though he wasn’t sure what to expect, he would soon develop an appreciation for these relationships. “Every one of my instructors has meant something to me and has helped me.”
Whether it was being the third in his family to have the same math instructor, an “extra-mile” scholarship application review experience with his English instructor, or a life lesson from his art instructor, Schuckert was able to offer specific examples of how faculty and staff influenced him during his time at the College. “I even remember a staff member trying to help me figure out what was wrong with my car,” he recalled.
Schuckert, a recipient of an associate degree in science, credits all his instructors equally in preparing him for his next chapter in nursing school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “Naturally, they taught information specific to a course, but they have been instrumental to my development both academically and as an individual. They’ve prepared me for more.”
SSCC broke ground on a new truck driver training facility in Demopolis, Alabama in August 2016.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama — Shelton State Community College will break ground on a new truck driver training facility in Demopolis, Alabama at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17 at South Industrial Park. The new facility, which will expand and enhance Shelton State’s current truck driver training program, is scheduled to open in 2017.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the College,” said Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, Interim President of Shelton State. “We eagerly anticipate the growth this facility will provide, and we look forward to our continued working relationship with Mayor Grayson, the city of Demopolis, the Industrial Development Board, and the support of other generous partners.”
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public. All are invited to attend the event at 501 NorthBuddy Griffin Drive in Demopolis, Alabama.
In response to a skills shortage in the field of carpentry, Shelton State is partnering with local businesses and industries to prepare students for jobs in the carpentry field.
The Shelton State carpentry program will use a combination of classroom and shop projects to help students gain in-depth knowledge of building construction. The three-semester program includes fundamental, intermediate, and advanced carpentry. WIOA approved, the program will teach safety, terminology, materials, and tools used in the field.
“We are very excited about this partnership to address a skills shortage in carpentry,” says Nicole Dubose, Director of Training for Business and Industry at Shelton State. “There is a great need in our area for trained carpenters and the skills attained in our program often lead to higher paying jobs and a worker’s overall employability.”
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) recently announced its plan to join a national movement to address smoking and tobacco use at community college campuses throughout the United States. SSCC will ask students, faculty, and school administration to support adoption of a 100 percent smoke-free or tobacco-free policy.
“We are truly excited to make Shelton State a safe, healthy, and productive environment,” said Jonathan Koh, Shelton State’s Director of Grants. “The health benefits of reducing secondhand smoke exposure are invaluable and could also help students prepare for the workforce where smoke-free policies are already the norm.”
Over the next year, SSCC will engage the campus community to address tobacco use. A taskforce will be formed to oversee the project, assess tobacco use behaviors and attitudes, conduct prevention and educational activities, and identify a treatment plan for current smokers. If the task force votes to propose a smoke- or tobacco-free policy, it must first be approved by the standard institutional policy format in use by the College.
SSCC’s efforts are part of a growing trend to clean the air on campuses. Currently, nearly 1,500 higher education institutions in the United States have gone smoke- or tobacco-free, including 339 community colleges.
SSCC was one of fifteen community colleges around the country to receive funds and technical support from Truth Initiative, the nation’s largest non-profit public health organization dedicated to making tobacco use a thing of the past. The project will be led by Shelton State’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the Shelton State Association for Respiratory Care. Through three rounds of grants, Truth Initiative has partnered with 69 community colleges and hopes to reach nearly 800,000 community college students and 59,000 faculty/staff across 27 states.
“With 99 percent of smokers starting before age 27, college campuses are critical platforms for preventing young adults from starting tobacco use, aiding those current tobacco users in quitting and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke for all,” said Robin Koval, CEO and President of Truth Initiative. “We are looking forward to supporting Shelton State’s efforts to make smoking and tobacco use a thing of the past,” she added.
Today, 40 million Americans still smoke and tobacco use remains the number-one cause of preventable death in this country. Research also shows that there are dire health consequences for non-smokers too. Secondhand smoke exposure causes cancer and cardiovascular disease among other secondhand smoke diseases, responsible for more than 41,000 deaths among non-smoking adults in the U.S.
Community colleges in the U.S. serve almost half - 45 percent - of the undergraduate student population. With an enrollment of more than 12 million, community colleges serve as an entryway to higher education for many students of color, low-income, and first generation college degree earners.
“The grant from Truth Initiative has set us up for success and I’m positive we can achieve our goals,” said Koh. “We are going to hit the ground running with our plan so that we can finally take a breath of fresh air on campus,” he said.
Working cooperatively with the University of Alabama, SSCC helped provide outreach activities to promote STEM fields.
The University of Alabama will be the lead institution in the state in a national effort to increase the number of students from underrepresented minority groups in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.
UA was awarded a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to head the Alabama Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, or ALSAMP. To kick-off the five-year grant, UA is hosting a meeting on campus Monday, Sept. 19 among top administrators from the participating nine universities, four community colleges and six industry partners.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. with remarks by UA President Stuart R. Bell in 1012 North Engineering Research Center.
“Taking the lead on this initiative shows our commitment to diversity at The University of Alabama and the significant role we have as part of a national effort to address the nation’s dire need for people from underrepresented minorities in the STEM disciplines,” said Dr. Viola L. Acoff, project manager of ALSAMP and associate dean of undergraduate and graduate programs in UA’s College of Engineering.
ALSAMP began as one of several similar alliances across the nation 25 years ago, and UA joined in 1994. The program awards performance-based stipends to incoming college students to help cover some tuition as well as offering a summer program meant to be a bridge between high school and college and a spring research conference.
“We strive to be more than a scholarship program, so the students are assigned mentors on the faculty and in industry so they can grasp first-hand what they can do with their STEM degree,” Acoff said. “We manage the grant to not only help the students with educational related expenses, but also provide activities and opportunities to ensure success in completing their bachelor’s degree.”
In the new grant cycle, ALSAMP will provide outreach activities that promote STEM fields to middle school students, funding to help minority high school and college students participate in research activities during the summer and offer a bridge program for students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions.
The grant, which provides about $1 million annually for five years, comes to UA, but will be distributed among ALSAMP members who will then use the funding for student support.
Along with UA, the other four-year institutions in ALSAMP are the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of South Alabama, Oakwood University, Miles College, Talladega College, Stillman College and Alabama A&M University. Also part of ALSAMP are Faulkner State, Calhoun, Shelton State and Jefferson Davis community colleges. The Alabama School of Math and Science along with the Alabama School of Fine Arts are members. Industry partners include Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Dynetics, Alabama Power Co., Airbus, Evonik and SSAB.
The United Association (UA) and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) will celebrate their partnership at an articulation ceremony on Thursday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. in the Alabama Power Recital Hall on the Martin Campus.
In a collaborative relationship spanning almost fifteen years, the UA- Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 372 Union in Tuscaloosa and Shelton State Community College Welding Technology have worked together to effectively serve local industry and individuals pursuing a career in welding and pipefitting. Following this success, UA and Shelton State have entered into an official articulation agreement which provides Shelton State welding graduates with the opportunity to enter the apprenticeship with advanced pay and training credentials. The upcoming articulation ceremony serves to officially recognize this agreement and further strengthen the cooperative relationship between these two entities.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada (UA), affiliated with the national building trades, represents approximately 340,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, service technicians, and welders in local unions across North America. The UA also honors a federation agreement with both the Australian Plumbing Trades Employees Union (PTEU) and Irish Technical, Engineering Electrical Union (TEEU).
The UA has been training qualified pipe tradesmen and women longer than anyone else in the industry, and provides the premier training programs available in the industry today, including five-year apprenticeship programs, extensive journeyman training, a comprehensive, five-year instructor training program, and numerous certification programs.
“The partnership Shelton State’s Welding program has established with the United Association-Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA) is a crucial component in our mission to empower students with the education and training needed to begin a career in the construction industry,” said Grant Cockrell, Shelton State Associate Dean of Technical Services. “As the construction industry relies heavily on the UA to fill its workforce needs, our formal partnership is important to ensure our graduates have a pathway into the career they are pursuing.”
Theatre Tuscaloosa is launching a capital campaign to fund an endowment to support the organization’s artistic mission. The endowment is named the Paul and Susan Looney Legacy Endowment in recognition of the Looneys’ more than 35-year career with Theatre Tuscaloosa.
Theatre Tuscaloosa will hold a Gala celebrating the Looneys at 6:30 p.m. on April 8 at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center (620 Greensboro Avenue). The Gala, a black tie event, will also launch the endowment campaign. Tickets to the Gala are $75 each. Attendees may alternatively purchase a VIP Package that includes both a ticket to the 2 p.m. matinee performance of Company at the Bean-Brown Theatre on April 8 and a Gala admission for $100 each.
“Paul and Susan Looney have dedicated their lives to creating a strong, high-quality, theatre for the people of West Alabama,” said Executive Producer Tina Turley. “Through their efforts, the Tuscaloosa Community Players evolved from a small, grassroots organization into a strong, flourishing non-profit theatre company that serves as one of the pillars of the Tuscaloosa arts scene. “
The goal of the campaign is to raise $1,000,000 by 2021 to serve as the capital investment of the endowment. Annual interest income is anticipated to help Theatre Tuscaloosa grow and expand its offerings.
Endowment giving levels include Endurance - $25,000; Strength - $10,000; Growth - $5,000; Preservation - $2,500; and Inspiration - $1,500. These levels represent the various aspects of the endowment mission. Donors who contribute at or above the Inspiration level will be recognized with an engraved acorn or leaf on a Giving Tree that will be displayed in the lobby of the Bean-Brown Theatre. The tree will be designed to resemble the oak tree in Theatre Tuscaloosa’s logo, which was initially designed by Paul Looney.
Donors may contribute to the Paul and Susan Looney Legacy Endowment immediately via cash, check, or credit card; or make planned gifts such as stock options, insurance policies, and estate bequests. Further, multi-year pledges may be made by those who prefer to contribute to the endowment over time.
With the future of our community and state always in mind, Shelton State continued its support of the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP) through its ongoing commitment to scholarship funding for YLDP students. Students selected for YLDP are identified and recommended by their high school principals, counselors, and teachers. Successful participants may apply for scholarships provided by Shelton State and other supporting institutions in the state of Alabama.
As the Shelton State Community College athletic programs have added wins, their coaches have reached milestones. Women’s basketball coach, Madonna Thompson, and softball coach, Buddy Boyle, recently earned significant career wins.
With a victory over Lawson State Community College, Shelton State Women’s Basketball Coach, Madonna Thompson, earned her 500th win. Thompson, in her 19th year as coach of the Lady Bucs, has led the program to sixteen consecutive 20-win seasons, with 8 eclipsing the 30-win mark. Her 2016 team advanced to the NJCAA Final Four and earned a final ranking of #3 in the nation. A native of Collinswood, Tennessee, Thompson was a member of the University of Alabama’s NCAA Final Four Team in 1994.
Shelton State Softball Coach, Buddy Boyle, earned his 400th career win this week against Roane State Community College. Boyle, in his tenth year as head coach of the SSCC softball program, has led the Lady Bucs to top ranking athletically and academically. Recognized as one of the best softball programs in the state of Alabama, the team has finished 2nd in the ACCC NJCAA/Region XXII Tournament for the last five years. A former baseball player and minor league baseball coach, Boyle is originally from Montgomery, Alabama.
Overall team GPA of 3.35
Eight players qualified for NJCAA Academic awards, and eleven players qualified as NFCA Academic All-Americans.
Buddy Boyle named ACCC/NJCAA Region XXII Coach of the Year
SSCC Cheer secures tenth consecutive national title
It’s been about the number ten all year. Their team word is “TENacious.” Their inspirational thought for competition was “inTENsity.” For the Shelton State Cheerleaders and their coach, Christa Grizzle Sanford, working toward a tenth consecutive national title was business as usual, but it meant protecting a legacy ten years in the making.
“I really wanted ten,” Coach Sanford laughingly recalled. “The pressure was no different than it ever is, but it was hard to ignore that ten in a row is a big deal.” Sanford, now in her twelfth year at Shelton State, notes that few squads have been able to achieve a similar notoriety. “I’m only aware of one or possibly two other teams nationwide with a record like ours.” Sanford’s own cheer coach and mentor, Myron Doan, led one of those winning teams. “To model my own work after his example is very special to me now.”
Sanford takes pride in the leadership skills she learned from Doan and mentors her own cheerleaders. “These kids don’t come to Shelton State for the perks, they come for the program and knowing they will have to work hard. There is a lot to be learned in the discipline that cheer requires in both the sport and in life. I encourage that, and I think the accomplishments of these students say a lot about their character.”
The character of the cheerleaders is evident in part in the efforts it took to reach their goal. Throughout practices, cheering for the Shelton State Buccaneers, community involvement, and continuous fundraisers, they came together to represent the program in a way that honored those who came before them.
“If you’re in the cheer world, you know about Shelton State’s program and Coach Sanford,” said Gina Pagano, a freshman from Orange County, California. Pagano is not the only Shelton State cheerleader from outside Alabama. Other members of the twenty-four strong squad are from Florida, Texas, New Jersey, and Georgia. “We just all wanted to come here to continue the streak and be the best.”
With a combined overall GPA of 3.2 and a female overall GPA of 3.7, academics is also important to this team. “We are in shape mentally as well as physically,” said Jimmy Valdez, a sophomore and second-year cheerleader originally from Douglasville, Georgia. “Coach Sanford also really stays on us academically to be our best.”
“She [Sanford] always says to ‘do it for yourself,” but we also do it for her,” said Pagano. “She tells us to be our best, and we are so proud that we are able to give her our best.”
The Shelton State Community College Cheerleaders earned the title of 2017 UCA Open Coed National Champions on Saturday, January 14 in Orlando, Florida. The win marks the tenth consecutive national title for the Shelton State Cheerleaders and coach Christa Grizzle Sanford.
The Shelton State Cheerleaders and Coach Sanford will be honored at an upcoming celebration. The time and date will be announced.
Shelton State Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams won Alabama Community College Conference titles on Friday, March 10. Both teams advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Tournaments, March 20- 25 in Lubbock, Texas, and Hutchinson, Kansas.
Head coaches Joe Eatmon and Madonna Thompson were named ACCC Coaches of the Year, and Cierra Johnson and Tra’Quan Knight were named tournament MVPs. Additionally, Cierra Johnson was named ACCC Player of the Year.
The following Bucs were named to the All- Tournament Team:
The men’s and women’s basketball programs at Shelton State Community College were honored on Tuesday, April 25 by Mayor Walt Maddox and the city of Tuscaloosa.
This honor followed championship wins for both teams in the Alabama Community College Conference and national tournament play with the Lady Bucs finishing third in the nation. Coaches Joe Eatmon and Madonna Thompson were recognized for being named Region XXII and District 12 Coaches of the Year and Lady Bucs, Cierra Johnson and Raven Russell, were acknowledged for being named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Tournament Team.
A proclamation was given to each team by Mayor Maddox on behalf of the City Council of Tuscaloosa “congratulating the exceptional players and coaches who brought much success to our community.”
Shelton State Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams won Alabama Community College Conference titles on Friday, March 10. Both teams advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Tournaments, March 20- 25 in Lubbock, Texas, and Hutchinson, Kansas.
Head coaches Joe Eatmon and Madonna Thompson were named ACCC Coaches of the Year, and Cierra Johnson and Tra’Quan Knight were named tournament MVPs. Additionally, Cierra Johnson was named ACCC Player of the Year.
The following Bucs were named to the All- Tournament Team:
As the Shelton State Community College athletic programs have added wins, their coaches have reached milestones. Women’s basketball coach, Madonna Thompson, and softball coach, Buddy Boyle, recently earned significant career wins.
With a victory over Lawson State Community College, Shelton State Women’s Basketball Coach, Madonna Thompson, earned her 500th win. Thompson, in her 19th year as coach of the Lady Bucs, has led the program to sixteen consecutive 20-win seasons, with 8 eclipsing the 30-win mark. Her 2016 team advanced to the NJCAA Final Four and earned a final ranking of #3 in the nation. A native of Collinswood, Tennessee, Thompson was a member of the University of Alabama’s NCAA Final Four Team in 1994.
Shelton State Softball Coach, Buddy Boyle, earned his 400th career win this week against Roane State Community College. Boyle, in his tenth year as head coach of the SSCC softball program, has led the Lady Bucs to top ranking athletically and academically. Recognized as one of the best softball programs in the state of Alabama, the team has finished 2nd in the ACCC NJCAA/Region XXII Tournament for the last five years. A former baseball player and minor league baseball coach, Boyle is originally from Montgomery, Alabama.
The men’s and women’s basketball programs at Shelton State Community College were honored on Tuesday, April 25 by Mayor Walt Maddox and the city of Tuscaloosa.
This honor followed championship wins for both teams in the Alabama Community College Conference and national tournament play with the Lady Bucs finishing third in the nation. Coaches Joe Eatmon and Madonna Thompson were recognized for being named Region XXII and District 12 Coaches of the Year and Lady Bucs, Cierra Johnson and Raven Russell, were acknowledged for being named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Tournament Team.
A proclamation was given to each team by Mayor Maddox on behalf of the City Council of Tuscaloosa “congratulating the exceptional players and coaches who brought much success to our community.”
Shelton State Community College students attended the annual Student Leadership Institute (SLI) on July 14 and 15. The training was held at the 4-H Camp in Columbiana, Alabama, and was sponsored by the Association of Deans of Students of Alabama.
SLI is a training opportunity for Alabama community college students serving in leadership positions. At the event, student leaders shared ideas for student activities, learned how to expand their leadership potential, and made plans for the upcoming academic year.
Nicole Martin, currently serving as a Shelton State Ambassador, the Phi Theta Kappa College Project Coordinator, and Historian of Circle K, found the SLI experience beneficial. “I enjoyed meeting the students from surrounding community colleges and learning how they do things at their school,” said Martin, a sophomore pursuing a career in public relations. “I learned not only about being a leader, but also how to communicate as a leader.”
Other Shelton State student leaders in attendance were Taylor Howard, Jordan Phillips, and Shonterriace Roberson. Forrest Smith, a Shelton State recruiter, and Annette Cook, Associate Dean of Student Services, accompanied the students.
On June 27, Shelton State Community College’s Office of Student Engagement concluded their “Rock the Boat” book drive after collecting 480 books for young adults.
A statewide service project for community college students, the book drive was a collaborative effort between Shelton State and the Alabama Deans of Student Affairs Association’s 2017 Student Leadership Institute. For this year’s service project theme, the Institute chose to encourage world exploration through reading. Each participating College was asked to sponsor a book drive.
“This year’s selected service project was not only timely, but essential,” said NorQuina Rieves, Student Engagement Coordinator. “Standardized testing scores are consistently revealing that our students are falling behind in reading. It is important to not only require students to read, but also to provide reading materials they find interesting.” Local teachers were contacted to determine areas of student interest, and all donations will be distributed among service area schools.
In addition to College-wide participation, assistance was provided by the Literacy Council of West Alabama, Sandi McMahon, and Amanda Harbison, Shelton State Dean of Students.
Homecoming activities at Shelton State Community College are scheduled for February 6-11, 2017. The week’s activities will culminate with SSCC women’s and men’s basketball games on Saturday, February 11, and will include a celebration of the College’s ten-time national championship cheerleaders. All are invited to attend.
This year’s theme, Buccaneer Pride, honors the many ways current and former Shelton State students make their mark. In addition to the athletic events, Saturday’s festivities will include a free luncheon for SSCC alumni and the recognition of the “Top BUC Spirit Award” for an outstanding student.
Shelton State Community College hosted a College-wide Fall Tailgate on Thursday, November 10 on the Fredd Campus. The event allowed students, faculty, and staff to connect outside the typical classroom and office settings and engage in a relaxed and entertaining environment.
Similar to the previously held Spring Fling and Summer Chill, the Fall Tailgate had activities scheduled throughout the day, and participants enjoyed free food and games.
“I am very impressed with the turnout for the Fall Tailgate and the support we received from local businesses,” said NorQuina Rieves, Student Engagement Coordinator at Shelton State. “We had over 400 students, faculty, and staff participate in the day’s events — this is a 100% increase from our summer event! It is an exciting time for our campus community.”
The Office of Student Engagement coordinates a College-wide event each semester.
Student organizations at Shelton State Community College will accept donations of canned goods during the month of November. The drop-off box for donations will be located in the Office of Enrollment Services on the Martin Campus. Donations will be accepted through November 22.
All donations will go to the Community Soup Bowl whose programs opens its doors seven days a week to welcome and feed the hungry of the West Alabama community. The canned food drive is sponsored by Shelton State student organizations and the Office of Student Engagement.
Theatre Tuscaloosa will present three musicals and two plays during the 2016-2017 Season: Share the Dream.
The season opens with Roger Bean’s The Marvelous Wonderettes (September 30-October 9, 2016). This smash off-Broadway hit takes you first to the 1958 Springfield High School prom and then to the ten-year reunion of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As audiences learn about their lives and loves over a decade, the girls perform classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, like “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “It’s My Party.”
This Christmas, Theatre Tuscaloosa will present the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (December 8-18). In this classic, four spirits visit Ebenezer Scrooge in his dreams to help him find the true meaning of Christmas. It is a show for both young and old and a great way to get the whole family into the holiday spirit.
In 2017, an Alabama original by Brad Bailey, The Real Queen of Hearts Ain’t Even Pretty, runs February 10-19. All the “popular” girls dream of winning the crown in this witty Southern comedy. It’s 1976 at the Queen of Hearts beauty pageant in small-town Alabama. Drew Baker, who starred in the world premiere, will be directing this 35th anniversary production.
After 35 years with Theatre Tuscaloosa, Paul Looney will direct his final production, which also happens to be the first show he directed for Theatre Tuscaloosa: Stephen Sondheim’s Company (March 31-April 9, 2017). Looney’s legacy of vision and artistry will be celebrated with this revival. This Tony-Award-winning musical is a witty and engaging dark comedy. On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state. During a hilarious array of interactions, his married friends explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse.
The season will conclude with the musical adaptation of E. L. Doctorow’s novel, Ragtime (July 14-23, 2017). The hope and promise of the American dream are coursing through the veins of turn-of-the-century New York City in this 1998 Tony-Award-winning musical. Three inspiring stories of an upper-class wife who unexpectedly becomes a single mother, a determined Jewish immigrant and his daughter, and a daring, young Harlem musician are masterfully woven together. Underscoring everything are a new sound, a new beat, and a new rhythm for a new time—Ragtime.
The 2016-17 Season is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and will be presented in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College (9500 Old Greensboro Road). Season tickets are discounted fifteen percent over individual ticket prices. Packages are $85 for adults, $71 for seniors and military personnel, and $56 for students and children. Season tickets may be purchased as either traditional packages (same nights and seat(s) for each show) or as Flex Passes, which may be redeemed in any order and combination for any 2016-2017 mainstage production.
Shelton State Community College (SSCC) students and alumni will be featured in an upcoming student art exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The exhibit, which runs the month of February, will showcase artwork of the students of Jaia Chen, visual arts instructor at SSCC.
A public reception will be held on Friday, February 10 from 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. The event and the exhibit are free, and all are invited to attend.
The Shelton State Community College Student Art Exhibition will consist of artwork created by Shelton State students over the last five years. These works will explore ideas such as identity, image and mark making, architectural environment, and history. For many, the artworks are products of their first college art course.
“Art is communication and an exchange with our local community and the world at large,” says Chen, now in her sixth year at the College. “Hopefully this show will make that connection and showcase these talented students.”
Shelton State Community College invites you to join the Shelton Singers on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. for a concert of African American spirituals. The event, celebrating Black History Month, will be held at First United Methodist Church Tuscaloosa, 800 Greensboro Avenue.
Under the direction of Dr. J.F. Mark Brown, Sunday’s concert will showcase pieces by the group as well as featured solo performances. The event is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend.
The Shelton State Community College Music Department will present An Evening of Poetry in Music on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bean Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.
An Evening of Poetry in Music is a collaborative work and will include musical performances by Shelton State students and poetry readings by Shelton State faculty and staff.
Mark Brown, Shelton State Fine Arts Division Chair, will be marking his first production as director of the Shelton Singers. “Representing the College and the entire community as director of the Shelton Singers is one of the most profound privileges that I could have as a member of the Shelton State family,” said Brown.
The Shelton State Community College Theatre Department will present a reading of Billy Field’s new work, The Emperor’s Clothes, on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alabama Power Recital Hall on the Martin Campus. The play, directed by Michael Carr, is inspired by the true story of Bloody Tuesday, a civil rights protest that took place in Tuscaloosa in 1964.
A renowned screenwriter and playwright, Billy Field served as a writer for hit television shows including Fame, Trapper John M.D., and The Lazarus Man. He currently lives in Tuscaloosa and teaches at the University of Alabama.
Admission to the event is free and all are invited to attend. Seating is limited to a maximum of 100 patrons, and audience members will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The reading will last approximately one hour, and a talk-back with the cast, director, and playwright will immediately follow.
The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Dance Department will host a dance showcase on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Bean Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus. Admission is free and all are invited to attend.
Shelton State dance students will present choreographed pieces to present a variety of dance styles. Joining SSCC students as guest performers will be the Dixie Rhythm Cloggers and the Northside High School Dance Line. The evening promises to be entertaining for all ages.
Shelton State Community College will host the Alabama Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AlaMATYC) Tournament on Saturday, October 8 beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the Martin Campus. Two-year college students from Alabama and surrounding states will participate in this inaugural event.
The math competition will consist of a morning and afternoon session and will include individual and team events. An awards ceremony will follow at the conclusion of the afternoon competition. Admission to the AlaMATYC Tournament is free and open to the public.
A golf tournament benefitting Shelton State Community College basketball and cheerleading programs will be held on Friday, October 21 at Tall Pines Golf Club at Woodland Forrest. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:15 a.m. with the shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
Various levels of sponsorship are available with prizes being awarded in low gross, low net, closest to the pin, and longest drive. Additional winners will be awarded through a punting contest and with door prizes.
“The golf tournament is so beneficial to our basketball and cheer teams,” said Chris Sanford, assistant coach for Shelton State Women’s Basketball. “It aids our continuing efforts to remain one of the top junior college athletic programs in the country.”
The golf tournament is being sponsored by the Shelton State Community College Foundation.
Shelton State Community College will host its fifth Shelton’s BEST Robotics competition on Saturday, October 29 from 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) is a non-profit, volunteer based program designed to inspire students through competitive robotic design. Through exploration and creativity, student teams are encouraged to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. Additionally, Shelton’s BEST enhances marketing-based skills. The marketing category of competition allows students to brand and advertise their school’s robotic concept. All teams have the opportunity to be mentored by engineers and technical professionals from local industry.
Twenty-two schools from West Alabama and East Mississippi will compete at the 2016 event. This year’s game, “Bet the Farm,” requires teams to gather and transport crops using a robot designed, built, and programmed entirely by students. The marketing component will ask teams to develop a marketing plan including a display booth and marketing presentation. The marketing presentations will be judged on Friday, October 28 from 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
The top four teams participating at Shelton’s BEST will qualify to compete at the regional level at Auburn University in December.
A career fair will be held on the Fredd Campus of Shelton State Community College on Wednesday, November 16 from 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. The event is free and all are invited to attend.
Representatives from area business and industry will be available to speak with all participants. Visiting groups include Tuscaloosa’s One Place, People Link Staffing, Ambassador Staffing Agency, the National Guard, and the Tuscaloosa Career Center.
Shelton State’s C.A. Fredd Campus is located at 3401 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Tuscaloosa.
Shelton State Community College honors veterans this week through several on-campus activities.
A poppy drive will be held in the Martin Campus Atrium on Tuesday, November 8 from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the local VFW. On Wednesday, November 9, all faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to show support for their favorite military branch of service through wearing the following colors: Air Force — gray; Army — green; Coast Guard — white; Marines — red; Navy — blue.
On Thursday, November 10, the College will host Veteran Fan Appreciation Night at the Southland Invitational Tournament. Free admission will be available for all active military personnel, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans. Free admission will also be available to spouses and dependents. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium on Shelton State’s Martin Campus.
SSCC offered previews of all technical programs on the Fredd Campus and the Martin Campus.
Shelton State Community College will offer previews of all technical programs on the Fredd Campus and the Martin Campus. Technical Preview Night on the C.A. Fredd Campus will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. Technical Preview Night on the Martin Campus will be Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. Both events are free to the public and all are invited to attend.
As Tuscaloosa’s community college, Shelton State provides career opportunities and a true college town experience. Opportunities are available in the following technical programs: auto body repair, automotive technology, diesel mechanics, cosmetology, culinary arts, electrical technology, industrial electronics, industrial maintenance, air conditioning and refrigeration, computerized numerical control, drafting, machine tool technology, welding, and office administration. Opportunities are also available in allied health related fields through nursing, respiratory therapy, and health information technology.
“These preview opportunities allow prospective students to learn more about the exciting career pathways available at Shelton State,” said TJ Smith, Director of Recruitment. “Students are often unaware of many high demand, high wage career possibilities in West Alabama and surrounding areas, and we hope to change that.”
Guests will be able to apply for admission to the College, receive financial aid and scholarship information, and register to win a full-tuition scholarship waiver.
Shelton State Community College will host its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Tuesday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Atrium of the Martin Campus. Admission to the fair is free, and the event is open to the public. All are invited to attend this showcase of healthy living.
A College-wide event since 1990, the Shelton State Wellness Center is hosting the Health and Wellness Fair for the twenty-seventh year. Many vendors are returning participants and will provide information on medicine, fitness, disease prevention, health, and nutrition. Fitness, martial arts, and ballroom demonstrations are scheduled to occur throughout the fair.
The Wellness Center on Shelton State’s Martin Campus is open year-round and offers opportunities to students of all ages. Health and physical education classes through credit and non-credit programs include a certificate program for students interested in becoming exercise instructors and personal trainers. As part of the curriculum, students learn the basics of nutrition for disease prevention and exercise physiology.
The Shelton State Alumni Association will present the comedy of Dr. Allen Mallory on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus. Dr. Mallory’s performance promises to delight his audience as they gather to support the mission of the Shelton State Alumni Association.
Dr. Mallory, a longtime Shelton State faculty member, is a dynamic, entertaining speaker who uses humor to share his experiences with children and families. In a career spanning over twenty-five years, his educational background is the basis for his comedy. Dr. Mallory has enjoyed success with his appearances on the road, to sold-out comedy clubs, at keynote speeches, and in television programming.
“We are delighted Dr. Mallory has agreed to appear again this year in support of the Alumni Association,” said Shannon Chandler, Director of Development. “We know it will be a fun evening to support our mission.”
General admission is $15 and student admission is $10. All proceeds benefit Alumni Association scholarships for adult students. Seating is limited, and advance purchase of tickets is suggested. Tickets may be purchased in advance on the Martin Campus at the Theatre Tuscaloosa Box Office. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.
Shelton State Community College’s Cosmetology Department will present Angel on Broadway on Thursday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bean-Brown Theatre on the Martin Campus. This year’s show honors the memory of Angel Eaton. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Local student Angel Eaton was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in October 2013. Despite her initial diagnosis and subsequent battles with the disease, Eaton was a diligent student and planned to attend Shelton State’s cosmetology program following graduation. Her passion for the industry was evident in her dream of becoming a theatrical make-up artist on Broadway.
Shelton State cosmetology instructor Latoya Simmons met Eaton and her mother, Kim, while plans were being made for enrollment in the program. “Angel and her mom always left me speechless,” said Simmons. “Angel was determined, passionate, and full of life.” Following Eaton’s death in September 2016, Simmons knew she wanted to honor the passion she saw in the student.
This year’s annual hair show will provide a fitting tribute for Eaton. In addition to donation opportunities to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders (a partnership program between Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology), the competition portion of the event will showcase the designs of Shelton State cosmetology and esthetics students in categories featuring Eaton’s most beloved Broadway productions, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Wicked.
Kim Eaton, Angel’s mother, is delighted about the upcoming hair show. “While she [Angel] never actually made it to her first day of class, the students and faculty still treated her like one of the ‘family,’” said Eaton. “I am so incredibly grateful for everything the College and the department have done for our family, and I am so very honored that they are remembering my sweet girl with this tribute. Although I’m sure there will be a few tears, I can’t wait to attend this remarkable event.”
Admission to the 2017 Hair Show is free and all are invited to attend.
Shelton State Community College’s Office of Instructional Outreach continues their summer programs with @theDome. Registration is available now.
A College-wide program, @theDome serves as the primary designation and information source for all Shelton State K-12 outreach camps and programs. Opportunities include athletic camps, fine arts activities, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based experiences. Programs are designed to accommodate all ages and a wide variety of interests.
Upcoming summer camps and activities include athletics, LEGO and robotics engineering, theatre, and chefology.
