2017-2018 Annual Report

In fall 2017, Shelton State Community College welcomed Dr. Bill Ashley to Tuscaloosa as its newest president.

A Mississippi native, Ashley earned a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Mississippi State University and holds an MBA from Delta State University as well as other educational credentials in finance and accounting. He previously worked in the Mississippi Community College System as a vice president for student affairs. Prior roles range from student instruction to athletics and academic leadership.

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.

This year’s Shelton State Honorees included the following employees:

• John Alexander — Administration
• Pam Dobbins — Academic Faculty
• Nikki Franks — Support Staff
• Gary McQuaig — Technical Faculty

Utilizing Truth Initiative Grant funding, Shelton State assessed the current campus climate for tobacco use; educated employees and students on the harmful nature of the behaviors and provided helpful resources for cessation; and recommended a 100% smoke and tobacco free policy.

A policy was successfully revised to eliminate smoking and tobacco use on campus rather than allowing in designated areas, and effective May 29, 2018, the College became a smoke-free and tobacco free campus.

Shelton State Community College launched a new look for the College’s website. With a focus on Education that Works, the updated format highlights the various ways by which Shelton State provides career and educational opportunities in West Alabama and beyond.

Shelton State Community College’s Director of Recruitment, Tennyson “T.J.” Smith, is a recent graduate of the 2017-18 cohort of the Community College Fellowship Program (CCFP). Smith was one of sixteen participants in this year’s CCFP cohort and graduated alongside presidents, executive administrators, and community college members from Alabama and Mississippi.

Adam Miller won the 2018 Silver Medal Award — the highest honor bestowed by the American Advertising Federation of Tuscaloosa. Adam won his award for displaying creative thinking in advertising, being a person of integrity, and remaining active in organizations dedicated to human and social welfare.

Tina Turley was honored by Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, at their Alumni Academic Forum. Initiated in 1993 to recognize outstanding graduates from each academic college, the Forum allowed Turley to interact with current students and share her personal success stories pertaining to how her education prepared her for life after college and within her chosen field of study.

An endowed scholarship was created at The University of Alabama in honor of Dr. Milady Murphy. The scholarship is available to graduate students pursuing research in the Anthropology of Health and Wellness.

A local council of the Alabama Association of Health Information Management (AAHIM), the West Alabama Health Information Management Association is led by Shelton State's Joan Wilder.

Clinical education coordinator for Health Information Technology, Ms. Wilder is a vital part of this premier association of health information management professionals worldwide. Recognized as a leading source of health information management knowledge, Ms. Wilder's position makes her a respected authority for professional education and training.

By awarding over 300 institutional scholarships and more than fifty Foundation Scholarships, the College and generous donors provided financial opportunities for countless students.

The success of the Second Annual Student Investment Luncheon can be measured not only by the support of the West Alabama community, but also by the generous donations provided. For this year’s luncheon, donations totaled over $90,000 in scholarship funding.

The computer science technology program will allow students to become expert problem solvers with the practical and theoretical systems that underlie computer systems.  Students will have the opportunity to obtain various industry-recognized certifications within the program, including A+, Computer Programming, Cisco Networking, Comp TIA, and more. Computer Science Technology Program graduates will be prepared for numerous entry-level positions in computer programming, application and software development, computer systems analysis, LAN setup and maintenance, and database administration.

Educational options are available for an Associate in Applied Science Degree, Certificates, and Short-term Certificates.

Through classroom and hands-on learning experiences, the Salon and Spa Management program now equips students with soft skills, practical skills, and the work ethic needed for success in the hair, skin, and nail industry.  The program prepares students to pass the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Examination.

Educational options now include opportunities in barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, instructor training, and nail technology.

As one of the College’s most popular programs, the expansion of opportunities in the Welding program provides additional educational and job options. Formerly a certificate option, Shelton State’s program now includes an associate degree in applied science.

In addition to already popular camps and workshops, this year’s lineup also included a spring break LEGO camp and the new STEM Academy and ACT prep classes.

In the STEM Academy, student participants learned critical science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts that meet National Science Standards. The STEM Academy reinforced and added to previously learned classroom skills and concepts.

ACT prep classes were instructor-led classes designed to help students learn successful testing strategies, improve confidence, and lower testing anxiety.

SSCC began implementing year-round Pell grant funding in summer 2018. Pell grant recipients are able to complete their degree earlier by taking advantage of this new regulation.

Shelton State’s newest student organization, the Bass Fishing Sports Club, held its first meeting in April of 2018. The mission of the club is to encourage camaraderie, sportsmanship, integrity, leadership, and conversation while developing the skills and knowledge needed by students to be successful, competitive anglers.

Theatre Tuscaloosa will present three plays, two musicals, a one-night-only appearance by folk singer Kate Campbell, and two SecondStage productions during the 2017-2018 Season, which is themed “Music & Mystery.”

High school musicians from throughout West Alabama performed and learned from one of the nation’s leading jazz educators during the inaugural West Alabama High School Jazz Festival on March 24, 2018, at Shelton State’s Martin Campus. Held in the Bean-Brown Theatre, the festival was free and open to the public.

An art instructor for many years, Louise L. “Larry Lou” Foster’s knowledge and experience includes drawing, watercolor, acrylic, oil design, printing, Japanese paper making, book binding, pigment, and even international folk dancing. With degrees from Auburn University, George Washington University, and the University of Alabama, Foster has extensive experience in workshop instruction.

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.

Wayne Flynt and Nancy Grisham Anderson shared excerpts from Flynt’s fourteenth book, Mockingbird Songs: My Friendship with Harper Lee. Dr. Wayne Flynt is professor emeritus in the department of history at Auburn University and one of the most recognized and honored scholars of Southern history, politics, and religion. He has won numerous teaching awards and has lectured about his favorite novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, in cities across America and around the world.

Theatre Tuscaloosa welcomes back Kate Campbell for an evening filled with Campbell’s original music and personal recollections. Audiences raved over Campbell when she and Dr. Wayne Flynt performed in the 2015 Page to Stage event.

• “Portraiture” Art Show
• “Transformation” Drawing Show
• Spring 2018 Student Art Exhibition
• Jerelle May — Solo Art Exhibition
• “Limited Editions” Digital Photo Art Show
• Fall 2017 Student Art Exhibition

• Bach to Rock Performances
• Shelton State Jazz Ensemble
• Shelton State Faculty Music Recital
• Shelton Singers Spiritual Concert
• Student Musicale
• Shelton State Chamber Ensemble
• Shelton Singers Broadway Showcase
• Shelton Singers Sacred Concert

• Moon Over Buffalo Staged Reading
• Acting I Showcase

• Jeremy McMilan, pianist
• Monica Schultz, pianist
• Dr. Roderick George, tenor
• Alfonso Lopez, violinist
• Dr. Michelle Tabor, pianist
• The Cavell Trio, Woodwinds
• Dr. David Tayloe, tenor
• Elenor Lee, pianist
• Dr. Steven DiBlasi, lecturer and artist
• Dr. Susan Williams, soprano
• Jonathan Levin, pianist
• Kathleen Buccleugh, soprano
• Syble Coats, pianist
• Garmai Robinson, pianist
• University of Montevallo Music Faculty
• University of Alabama Music Faculty
• University of Alabama Jazz Standards Combo
• Tuscaloosa Music Club

With a significant increase in classes on campus and in area high schools, Shelton State’s dual enrollment program is creating opportunities for students to earn college credits in academic, health, and technical programs.

Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker, college presidents, and faculty and staff recognized 46 students from across the state for their selection as 2018’s All-Alabama Academic Team. The All-Alabama Academic Team members are selected by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for their demonstration of academic excellence and intellectual rigor, leadership and service, and for their commitment to extending their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of six semester credit hours. Each nominator reviews the applications and submits nominations for consideration for the All-USA Academic Team.  Applications are scored and two individuals from each Alabama community college are selected for the All-Alabama Academic Team.

Katelyn Sanford and Tyler Yarbrough were named as Shelton State’s team members.

H.I. James Outstanding Technical Student Award — Antheletha Willis

The Outstanding Technical Student Award is named for Mr. Harold I. James, president of Shelton State Technical College from 1951-1976. The recipient of the Harold I. James Outstanding Technical Student Award is selected based on accomplishments in the classroom and workplace.

I.W. Mitchell Outstanding Technical Student Award — Taylor Rodgers

The Outstanding Technical Student Award is named for Mr. I. W. Mitchell, president of Fredd State Technical College from 1976-1982. The recipient of the I.W. Mitchell Outstanding Technical Student Award is selected based on academic achievement, involvement in campus and community activities, technical recognition, and job-related activities.

Norman C. Cephus Special Achievement Award — Taylor Rodgers

The Special Achievement Award is named for Mr. Norman C. Cephus, president of Fredd State Technical College from 1982-1990. The recipient of the Norman C. Cephus Special Achievement Award is selected based on academic achievement, involvement in campus and community activities, technical recognition, and job-related activities.

Thomas E. Umphrey Outstanding Freshman Award — Ashton Palmer

The Outstanding Freshman Award is named for Dr. Thomas E. Umphrey, president of Shelton State Community College from 1988-2000. The recipient of the Thomas E. Umphrey Outstanding Freshman Award is selected based on outstanding academic achievement and involvement in campus activities.

Leo Sumner Outstanding Sophomore Award — Tyler Yarbrough

The Outstanding Sophomore Student Award is named for Dr. Leo Sumner, president of Shelton State Community College from 1976-1988. The recipient of the Leo Sumner Outstanding Sophomore Student Award is selected based on outstanding academic performance, school involvement, and community service. It is the highest honor a student can earn at Shelton State Community College.

• Spring 2018

  • President's List
  • Dean's List
  • Graduates

• Fall 2017

  • Dean's List
  • President's List
  • Graduates

During the 2017-18 academic year, Shelton State requested grant funding from the following resources:

ACCS WF Grants (2017-18)

• Plastic Injection Molding Equipment. Objective: to develop and establish and injection molding program to help meet the increasing hiring demand that coincides with the Mercedes expansion.
• NCCER Electrician Training Equipment. Objective: to fund the purchase of equipment needed to integrate the Industry Recognized NCCER Level I and Level II Electrician Curriculum into the SSCC Electrician curriculum.
• Truck Driver Training Program Equipment. Objective: to purchase two new trucks, trailers, and wraps for our Truck Driver Training program in order to maintain our current training capacity in order to keep pace with workforce demand in the region.
• Career Coach. Objective: to increase the number of students who enter and remain in postsecondary education as a career pathway. Shelton State will improve the effectiveness of postsecondary and career advice given to middle/high school students (grades 8-12) and their families.
• Career and Technical Dual Enrollment. Objective: to enhance career and technical dual enrollment opportunities.
• Ready To Work. Objective: to fund instructor salaries and benefits, TABE Testing, WorkKeys Testing, Supplies, in-state Travel, and Programmatic Marketing.

ACCS STEAM Grant

• Best Robotics
  • Awarded $25,290
  • Funds to maintain BEST Robotics competition that involves 22 middle and high schools from the region. Funds will be used to purchase consumable materials and supplies necessary to support the students in each of their projects.
• Apple App Development
  • Awarded $22,500
  • Funds to purchase training equipment and materials to implement an App Development Program using Swift coding – one of the world’s most popular programming languages.

Partnering with Faurecia, Moller Tech, Techmer PM, and Nucor Steel, students in machine tool technology and computerized numerical control put their skills to work in a frisbee project in 2017. During this ten week collaboration, students participated in an injection molding project that incorporated classroom and technical skills. From initial design to project completion, the frisbees were a team effort!

The Alabama Region of Phi Theta Kappa held its annual convention the first weekend in March. Awards were given with many recognizing the achievements of Shelton State’s Alpha Epsilon Iota chapter.

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Student athletes at Shelton State Community College were recently acknowledged for their academic achievement in the 2017-18 academic year. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) honored students with one of three NJCAA All-Academic Student-Athlete Awards.

Theatre Tuscaloosa brought home three awards after representing Alabama at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Mobile, Alabama. More than 5,000 theatre artists from seven states attended SETC March 7-10.

The Shelton State Community College Cheerleaders secured their eleventh consecutive national title as Open Coed National Champions at the UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance TeamNational Championship on Saturday evening in Orlando, Florida.

The eleventh consecutive win for the program, the squad’s 2018 title marks the first championship for the College’s new cheer coach, Brittany Crook.

For the third year in a row, the Shelton State Lady Bucs have secured the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) championship title and will advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.

The following Lady Bucs were honored with postseason awards from the ACCC:

All-Region 22

• Cierra Johnson — Player of the Year and First Team
• Maggie Robinson — Second Team
• Savannah Reier — Second Team

North Division

• Madonna Thompson — Coach of the Year
• Cierra Johnson — Player of the Year and First Team
• Maggie Robinson — First Team
• Savannah Reier — First Team
• Dana Echols — Second Team

Following the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Tournament, Shelton State Community College men’s basketball ended the 2017-18 season with a 27-5 record and a #17 ranking in the national polls.

The following Bucs were honored with postseason awards:

All-Region 22

• Tra’Quan Knight — Player of the Year and First Team

North Division

• Tra’Quan Knight — Player of the Year and First Team
• Charles Norman — Second Team

The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) Dance Department hosted a dance showcase, where Shelton State dance students presented choreographed pieces to showcase jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and clogging styles. Joining SSCC students as guest performers will be dancers from M.A.D. Skillz and the Tuscaloosa Fine Arts Academy.

Shelton State Community College’s Theatre Department presented Thornton Wilder’s Our Town April 12-15 in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus.

The College's Auxiliary Services remains dedicated to operational projects that enhance student learning. During the 2017-18 academic year, the following improvements benefited the College community:

• Martin Campus Gymnasium and Lobby - new logo/design implementation, resurfacing of floor, painting, and addition of wall pads and team photos
• Martin Campus Nursing Lab - interactive laboratory areas
• Fredd Campus Child Development - classroom renovation
• Fredd Campus Building 200 - building renovation
• Multiple classrooms, computer labs, office, and common areas - new flooring and painting

In addition to campus improvements, student safety and emergency preparedness were areas of focus.

• Emergency preparedness and response topics taught to over 1,500 students and 500 faculty/staff
• Upgrades made to integrated campus security camera surveillance systems
• Upgrades made to online emergency preparedness software
• Upgrades to fire alarm systems
• Creation of comprehensive Emergency Operations and Procedures Manual as directed by the Alabama Community College System

In continued partnership with West Alabama Works, Shelton State Community College hosted the third annual WOW Career Expo in October of 2017. The goal of the annual WOW Career Expo is to attract youth to careers. More than 4,000 eighth grade students and hundreds of high school students in the West Alabama area attended the event and explored career opportunities for their future.

At the first WOW 2.0, industry connected again with West Alabama students. Through career discovery and interaction with potential employers, students learned more about opportunities available in the West Alabama area. Additionally, students learned more about dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and options at the four-year college level.

Shelton State Community College partnered with the Demopolis Career Center for “Shelton State Blitz!” on Thursday, July 19 at the Demopolis Higher Education Center. This free event assisted prospective students with enrollment, placement testing, financial aid, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) eligibility.

Shelton State Community College’s Office of Student Engagement kicked off its “Path to Math” supply drive on June 25. A statewide service project for community college students, the supply drive is a collaborative effort between Shelton State and the Alabama Deans of Student Affairs Association’s 2018 Student Leadership Institute. The project will assist the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Eufaula in providing math supplies to 4th and 5th graders.

The Shelton State Community College (SSCC) cosmetology salon honored cancer survivors with complimentary haircuts and manicures at Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day on Tuesday, June 12.

Shelton State Community College (SSCC) student organizations concluded campus-wide fundraising efforts with a $2,100 monetary donation and gifts of non-perishable items for students at their adopt-a-school partner, Englewood Elementary School.

Shelton State’s Health Information Technology (HIT) program celebrated Health Professionals Week with ice cream socials on the Martin and Fredd Campuses.

A College-wide event since 1990, the Shelton State Wellness Center hosted the Health and Wellness Fair for the twenty-eighth year.

Shelton State Community College’s Salon and Spa Management Department presented their annual hair show on Thursday, March 1.

Shelton State Community College’s (SSCC) chapter of Collegiate 100 hosted its annual Black History Program on Thursday, February 22, 2018. The theme of the program was “Setting the Framework for Success,” and the chapter president, Ms. Toya Carter, was the guest speaker.

Homecoming 2018, a Tradition of Champions celebrated all things Shelton State! In academics, athletics, programs, and tradition — the week’s activities included the Pep Rally, Tacky Tuesday Contest, Poetry Groove, and Student Game Day. Each activity that led up to the Homecoming basketball games highlighted all the ways that Shelton State Buccaneers are winners!

Homecoming Court

• Queen: Abbey Reynolds, Taylor Rodgers, Carlee Hopping
• King: Sean Jones, Gavin Hodge, Krishan King

Shelton State Community College will host Spring Preview Day on Saturday, February 17, 2018. Registered participants may take the College’s placement test beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event is free to the public and all are invited to attend.

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.

Shelton State Community College honored veterans through on-campus activities November 8 and 9.

Campus Veterans Associations for Shelton State Community College and the University of Alabama Office of Military Affairs partnered with the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Veterans Affairs Committee to host the Second Annual Tuscaloosa Runs for Veterans on Saturday, November 4.

Shelton State Community College hosted the sixth Shelton’s BEST Robotics Competition on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28. Twenty-two schools from West Alabama competed at the 2017 event. This year’s theme, “Crossfire,” was part of BEST, Inc.’s organization-wide fire safety initiative.

The American Red Cross of Shelton State hosted a hurricane relief drive from Monday, October 30 until Friday, November 10. Donations were included in “comfort kits” and were delivered to victims of recent hurricanes.

CONNECT is a two-day event designed to allow SSCC students the opportunity to explore student organizations and connect with community resources.

SSCC faculty, staff, and students joined the Shelton State Association of Respiratory Care (SARCS) for their annual “Pink Out Day” on the Martin and Fredd Campuses.

The Alabama Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges held their annual math tournament on the Martin Campus on October 7.

SSCC hosted over 200 area kindergarten students at the Martin Campus. Faculty, staff, and student organizations participated in this fun day for local students.

Sponsored by the SSCC Ambassadors, Here Comes Santa Claus allowed students, faculty, and staff to offer assistance to those in need.  The following West Alabama groups and organizations received donations: Caring Days, FOCUS on Senior Citizens, Metro Animal Shelter, Phoenix House, SSCC Veterans Outreach, Tuscaloosa's One Place, Turning Point, and West Alabama AIDS Outreach.

The SSCC Student Leadership Council raised $2,100 to support sponsored students from Adopt-a-School partner, Englewood Elementary School.

• SSCC Nursing Students participated in McAbee Construction’s Health, Safety, and Wellness Fair
• SSCC Tour Guides donated 17 beds to S.D. Allen Ministry and Mission
• SSCC Men’s Basketball spoke to local elementary schools as part of career day activities.