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Press Room

Press Room2024-03-04T14:19:05-06:00

Access Granted Podcast – Episode 6

The Heartbeat of Healthcare

The overhead light illuminates the men and women standing at the bedside, where Alabama’s nurses offer crucial support to patients in their most vulnerable moments. These healthcare professionals embody the emotional depth and empathy that define the nursing profession. However, as the stories unfold, listeners are confronted with this difficult reality: there simply aren’t enough nurses. Join us as we track the initial steps of Drake State nursing apprentices beginning their work at Huntsville Hospital.

Press Room

AAMA, ACCS offer scholarships to train for automotive manufacturing industry

MONTGOMERY – Scholarships are available to residents interested in attending one of Alabama’s community colleges to train for careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Funding is available to award additional $4,000 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested high school seniors, residents interested in [...]

March 4th, 2024|

New survey shows strong support for Alabama Community College System’s delivery of CTE, workforce development initiatives

MONTGOMERY – A newly released survey reveals that Alabamians see their local community college as the leader in career technical education and workforce development initiatives. The findings come as ACCS institutions continue to increase enrollment and ramp up adult education, academic and workforce education training, serving more than 5,300 businesses statewide. "The results of the survey highlight the central role our community colleges play in preparing Alabama’s workforce, along with the confidence communities have in the Alabama Community College System to [...]

February 27th, 2024|

State rehabilitation services, community college system streamline access to credentials for in-demand jobs

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and the state’s public community and technical colleges are streamlining access to in-demand credentials and jobs for residents with disabilities. “People with disabilities remain disproportionately unemployed or underemployed in comparison to the general population,” said ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw. “The goal of the vocational rehabilitation program is to support the business community and the individuals we serve by reducing barriers that keep otherwise qualified candidates on the sideline.” “ADRS helps people [...]

February 21st, 2024|

Editorial: Bold, foundational changes needed to grow and progress Alabama’s workforce

Alabama’s leaders are rightly focused on increasing our state’s labor force participation. At a time when three quarters of in-demand, livable wage jobs require a postsecondary credential, we at the Alabama Community College System believe a bold and foundational change that centers on high school students and adults is needed. We can deliver it. Our plan is the Alabama Career Roadmap. The Alabama Career Roadmap fuels opportunities for every Alabama high school student to make informed, intentional decisions about their future [...]

February 2nd, 2024|

ACCS Board of Trustees approves Dr. Aaron Milner as President of Coastal Alabama Community College 

MONTGOMERY — During its regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Aaron Milner as President of Coastal Alabama Community College. Milner currently serves as Superintendent of Saraland City Schools. “Aaron has nearly 30 years of educational experience but brings a fresh perspective on the changes that must happen for more students to pursue success, so I am confident that his expertise will continue to help move the region forward,” said [...]

January 10th, 2024|

Enrollment increases at Alabama’s community and technical colleges surpassing national average

MONTGOMERY — Spring registrations for classes throughout the Alabama Community College System are higher than they were this time last year, building on the momentum from increased fall semester enrollment and marking the third consecutive year for enrollment increases statewide. Fall semester enrollment in for-credit academic and technical programs rose more than 6 percent from 78,524 students in 2022 to 83,509 in 2023. This year’s fall enrollment is the highest the system experienced since Fall 2017, when for-credit enrollment was 81,139. [...]

December 5th, 2023|

Pediatric patients shine as community college ‘athletes’ through heartwarming partnerships

Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) programs across the state have recently continued their strong partnership with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, creating memories for pediatric cancer patients. As of today, 10 colleges in the conference have hosted signing day-like ceremonies during the fall semester, adopting a cancer patient in their community. The partnership between the ACCC and Friends of Jaclyn began in 2022. “I am humbled, honored, and excited to announce, in the coming athletic year, the Conference will again partner [...]

December 4th, 2023|

Food banks, community colleges partner to end student food insecurity

Factors such as being a first-generation student, juggling school with work, and providing for their families mean that some students struggle with adequate nutrition. To address this issue, food banks across the state have joined forces with the Alabama Community College System to ensure that students can devote their resources to school instead of worrying about their next meal. Community colleges across the state are setting up food pantries, stocking shelves with non-perishable food and boxing them to give away to [...]

November 21st, 2023|

Chancellor Baker appoints Frazier Payne as Interim President at Coastal Alabama Community College 

MONTGOMERY — Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced today, Nov. 8, the appointment of Frazier Payne as Interim President at Coastal Alabama Community College. Payne currently serves as Special Assistant to the Chancellor at Bishop State Community College. Payne will serve after the retirement of Dr. Craig Pouncey, whose retirement was approved by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees on Nov. 8. He served as the college’s president since 2019. “Each and every college in [...]

November 8th, 2023|

ACCS Board of Trustees approves Dr. Jonathan Koh as President of Shelton State Community College

MONTGOMERY — During its regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Jonathan P. Koh as President of Shelton State Community College. Koh has served in multiple capacities at the college since 2015, and most recently as the college’s Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. “There is a level of confidence a community has to have in its community college to make a difference in the needs of the businesses, [...]

November 8th, 2023|

ACCS Innovation Center headquarters opens in Decatur

Facility to house resources to power statewide Skills for Success program DECATUR — More than 7,700 Alabamians have enrolled in rapid career training for in-demand jobs since the start of the Alabama Community College System’s Skills for Success courses. The engine behind the courses, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, opened a new headquarters in Decatur on Wednesday, Nov. 1, to continue its work of adding skilled employees to the state’s workforce. The Innovation Center headquarters is located in [...]

November 2nd, 2023|

Truck drivers, CDL educators meet for professional development on industry best practices

PRATTVILLE — Business and industry representatives, lawmakers and educators collaborated Monday on best practices and training opportunities for Alabama’s robust trucking industry during the Alabama Community College System’s first statewide CDL/diesel professional development event. More than 90 leaders representing the state’s trucking industry, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Dunn Companies and Alabama’s community and technical colleges met at the Montgomery Marriott Prattville Hotel & Conference Center at Capitol Hill. Included in the sessions was [...]

October 23rd, 2023|

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association partners with Alabama’s community colleges for scholarship opportunity 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Seventy scholarships are available to residents interested in attending one of Alabama’s community colleges to train for careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).  Funding is available to award a total of 70, $4,000 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested high school [...]

October 12th, 2023|

Rapid training courses approved as career readiness indicators for Alabama high schoolers 

MONTGOMERY ­­— The no-cost Skills for Success rapid training courses that help prepare adults to enter in-demand careers are now approved as career readiness indicators that align with Alabama’s new graduation requirement for high schoolers, the Alabama Community College System announced today. High school students can sign up for Skills for Success courses across multiple career paths, including fiber optics technician and installer training; hotel operations; bulldozer, skid steer, or asphalt roller training; and multiple CDL courses. While students as young [...]

September 27th, 2023|

Nursing apprenticeships through community colleges see exponential increase, filling need for nurses in Alabama

Alabama’s historic move to allow nursing apprenticeships through Alabama’s community and technical colleges is helping combat nursing shortages across the state. Since new rules passed last year allowing Alabama healthcare employers to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with nursing programs in the Alabama Community College System, an estimated 400 nursing apprentices across 17 colleges have served with nurses at more than 60 healthcare facilities. Apprenticeships are paid, high-quality career pathways that allow residents to learn and earn at the same time. [...]

September 12th, 2023|

Rapid, no-cost fiber optic training available at Alabama community colleges to help with broadband expansion across the state

DOTHAN – More than $400 million in federal funding for broadband across Alabama means a greater demand for fiber optics technicians and installers. The Alabama Community College System has a no-cost training program to get residents ready for these job opportunities at colleges across the state. At an announcement on Tuesday at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Governor Kay Ivey said the funds will be used to expand access to high-speed internet across Alabama. She also unveiled a new website to [...]

August 8th, 2023|

Alabama Community College System CRM administrator awarded for significant contributions to higher education

Molly Pollard, CRM Administrator for the  Alabama Community College System (ACCS), was recently honored for her significant contributions to the higher education community in a ceremony attended virtually by over 100 college administrators from around the globe and hosted by ACCS partner, Liaison. The ACCS uses the TargetX CRM to support their recruitment and enrollment efforts at all 24 of Alabama’s community and technical colleges. Since 2021, Pollard has served as a CRM Administrator within Student Success, and is a recognized [...]

July 31st, 2023|

Alabama Community College System achieves perfect state audit

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Community College System Office achieved another perfect audit by the Alabama State Auditor's Office. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell presented Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker with a special certificate on Thursday, July 27, to recognize this accomplishment. During the audit, Tammie Thompson, the System's Office Manager for Financial Services, and Laurie Rhoads, the System's Asset Coordinator, worked for weeks across the System to successfully account for more than 1,500 items, valued at more than $9.9 million. The state audit happens [...]

July 28th, 2023|

TRANSFER ALUMNI FEATURE: Lexi Marks

Lexi Marks, a rising senior at Auburn University, started her journey with higher education at Wallace State Community College in her sophomore year of high school.   “In the 10th grade, I applied to the Fast Track Academy program at Wallace State Community College and got in,” Marks said. "The program allowed me to be like any other student at Wallace State and attend classes to earn credit toward my degree." It was because of the Fast Track Academy program that Marks was able to [...]

July 5th, 2023|

Community College Leaders Meet to Discuss Growth of Dual Enrollment Program and Ways to Boost Success 

BIRMINGHAM – With a record number of high school students participating in dual enrollment classes with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), leaders of the state’s community colleges gathered in Birmingham Wednesday, June 28, to discuss plans to boost student success. More than 27,000 Alabama high school students use dual enrollment to earn college-level credit at one of the state’s community colleges while still attending high school. That’s a 65% increase in the number of dual enrollment students at Alabama community colleges since 2015. The increase is among [...]

July 3rd, 2023|

State, university leaders highlight how families can save money on college costs 

BOAZ—A nearly 30-year-old law that provides for seamless transfer from Alabama’s community colleges to the state’s four-year public universities set the groundwork for community college alumni, such as Alabama Representative Brock Colvin, to achieve their bachelor’s degree.  Colvin was among dozens of residents who joined state community college and university leaders, students and families to celebrate transfer success during a news conference on Tuesday, June 27, at Snead State Community College. The event is one of many this year to celebrate [...]

July 3rd, 2023|

Governor Ivey appoints four to serve on Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

MONTGOMERY — Four longstanding business and community leaders in Alabama were sworn in by Judge Matt Fridy, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, on Wednesday, June 14, to serve as members of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees prior to the start of their first meeting. An incumbent trustee was also sworn in to serve. The Board is the governing body of the ACCS. The new members are Britton Lightsey, Chief Executive Officer of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, to represent [...]

June 14th, 2023|

Several Alabama colleges and universities train for multi-state active shooter mass casualty training

BIRMINGHAM - As the rate of national school-related shooting incidents have increased throughout the nation, law enforcement officials are working together across state lines to help ensure proper crisis response and procedures keep residents safe on college and university campuses. Law enforcement officers across 10 entities in Alabama and Mississippi participated in a series of active shooter mass casualty training exercises at Jefferson State Community College on Saturday, June 10. The training brought together officers from colleges and universities across Alabama and [...]

June 10th, 2023|

Alabama’s six historically black community colleges granted additional opportunities through Thurgood Marshall College Fund

MONTGOMERY — Residents who choose to attend any of Alabama’s six historically black community colleges (HBCCs) will now have access to more scholarships and professional development opportunities through a prestigious national partnership. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced a resolution Tuesday that establishes the following colleges as members: Bishop State, Drake State, Gadsden State, Lawson State, Shelton State and Trenholm State community colleges. Named after the U.S. Supreme Court’s first black justice, TMCF is a nationally recognized nonprofit membership organization [...]

June 6th, 2023|

College Showcase announced as part of 60th anniversary celebration 

MONTGOMERY—The Alabama Community College System today announced the Diamond Jubilee College Showcase, a collection of 24 events that highlight examples of what Alabama’s community and technical colleges offer to the communities in their regions.  The showcase features 24 of the more than 800 events held each year at Alabama’s community and technical colleges to feature and support residents, students and communities. The events selected for the showcase focus on student success, educational enrichment, workforce development, community engagements, or music and cultural [...]

June 6th, 2023|

Coca-Cola UNITED donates two diesel trucks to Alabama’s community colleges to help train more drivers 

MONTGOMERY – Residents and businesses with workers waiting to train in truck driver programs at Alabama’s community and technical colleges may be able to do so sooner, thanks to a historic donation from Coca-Cola Bottling Company United (UNITED) on Tuesday. UNITED donated two 16-bay side-load, manual transmission trucks to the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at UNITED on Tuesday, May 9. The donation was the first such investment made by UNITED to a community college system. The [...]

May 30th, 2023|

Alabama’s low unemployment a sign employers are struggling to fill jobs

Rapid Skills for Success Training Helps Workforce Shortage MONTGOMERY – News that Alabama’s unemployment rate has reached a record low can overshadow the fact thousands of jobs are available and employers are looking to hire workers immediately, said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “The one thing Alabama employers consistently tell us is they are struggling to find qualified workers to fill jobs. There are only 44 available workers for every 100 open jobs in Alabama,” said Chancellor Baker. [...]

May 19th, 2023|

Business leaders to serve as chair, co-chair of Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

During its regular board meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees approved District 7 Trustee Llevellyn Rhone as Chairman and District 5 Trustee Goodrich “Dus” Rogers as Vice Chairman. Each member of the ACCS Board of Trustees is appointed by Governor Kay Ivey and confirmed by the Alabama Senate. Both Rhone and Rogers began their terms May 8, 2021, and are expected to serve through May 7, 2025. Rhone previously served as Vice Chairman. [...]

May 10th, 2023|

ACCS students earn medals at 2023 Alabama SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference

Ten Alabama community colleges had students earn medals this week at the 2023 Alabama SkillsUSA State Leadership Conference and SkillsUSA Championships held at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile. The SkillsUSA competition is an annual event, providing high school and college students an opportunity to showcase their technical skills training, leadership development and hands-on experiences in a series of competitive tasks. Alabama community college students earned 103 medals overall, including 49 golds. Colleges participating at the competition were Bevill [...]

April 28th, 2023|

Statewide community service projects launch as part of Alabama Community College System 60th anniversary

MONTGOMERY – Dozens of community service projects are launching across Alabama as part of the Alabama Community College System’s 60th anniversary. April is National Community College Month and marks the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee, a two-year celebration centering on the System’s anniversary and its impact across Alabama. Community college students, faculty and staff are serving alongside residents and members of several community organizations for some new – and many annual – events that support Alabama’s communities. A majority of the [...]

April 21st, 2023|

ACCS announces 2023 All-Alabama Academic Team

More than $58,000 total in scholarships was announced for 48 of the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) top scholars across the state during the 2023 All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program at the Embassy Suites Birmingham on Friday, April 14. The students were selected from their colleges by members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for the students’ demonstration of academic excellence and intellectual rigor, leadership and service, and for a commitment to extending their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. [...]

April 14th, 2023|

While nation’s community colleges see enrollment decline, Alabama is bucking the trend

Colleges help students complete success for their lives, whether through degree or workforce certification MONTGOMERY—Student enrollment at Alabama’s community and technical colleges is increasing, bucking a trend that saw a decrease in enrollment at community colleges across the nation. Alabama’s community colleges have experienced an increase in enrollment by at least 5% each year since 2020. There was a 6.42% increase from Fall 2020 to Fall 2021. There was a 5.87% increase from Spring 2021 to Spring 2022, and a 5.05% [...]

April 10th, 2023|

ACCS Innovation Center’s ‘Skills for Success’ aims to solve meat cutter shortage with rapid, no cost training

GUNTERSVILLE – A shortage of qualified meat cutters is leaving Alabama grocery stores and butcher shops desperate for skilled workers. That labor shortfall can also impact the price shoppers pay for their favorite cuts of meat. To fill the gap in qualified workers, the Alabama Community College System has developed a new course to train the next generation of meat cutters. The pilot program for the course took place this week at the Foodland Plus grocery store in Guntersville, where six [...]

March 22nd, 2023|

March 31 deadline to apply for scholarship to train for automotive industry at Alabama community or technical college

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Thirty-four scholarships are available to residents interested in attending one of Alabama’s community colleges to train for careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Funding is available to award a total of $4,000 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested students with [...]

March 10th, 2023|

Alabama’s community colleges add $6.6 billion to state economy 

MONTGOMERY — Students and alumni of colleges within the Alabama Community College System add $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy, supporting one out of every 27 jobs in the state, according to an economic impact report released Monday. The independent, 102-page report by Lightcast estimates the Alabama Community College System directly impacts 98,923 jobs in the state, representing about 2.7% of Alabama’s gross state product. Additionally, taxpayers see a net benefit of $1.1 billion in added tax revenue from students’ higher lifetime earnings [...]

February 13th, 2023|

Alabama RC&D Councils partner with Alabama’s community colleges to help veterans

MONTGOMERY – Thirty resource workshops for Alabama’s active-duty military, veterans, and their families will happen across Alabama’s community colleges in January and February, thanks to a sponsorship from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC & D). The ACCS Military and Veterans College and Career Workshops will take place beginning Tuesday, January 24, through Tuesday, February 28, at community colleges across every region of the state. The workshops will engage military active-duty, guardsmen, reservists, retirees, veterans and their [...]

January 10th, 2023|

Reid State alum fights past cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy to complete practical nursing degree

MONTGOMERY - With the support of dedicated Reid State Technical College instructors and staff, not even a cancer diagnosis hindered Marietta Wheat from graduating from the college’s Practical Nursing program in 2022. A video of her journey is available by clicking this link. Wheat, a Mobile native, spoke before the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Dec. 14, about her experience at Reid State.  Not long after Wheat signed up for classes at Reid State, she was diagnosed [...]

December 14th, 2022|

Skills for Success rapid, no-cost training for jobs in Alabama’s construction industry available across the state

MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s construction industry has thousands of job openings and now free training to operate bulldozers and skid steers is available through the Skills for Success program of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). A unique feature of Skills for Success training is how quickly it can be completed. Part of the training is offered online, with interactive learning that is self-paced. Upon completing the online portion of the course, students then complete 16 hours of hands-on training with qualified [...]

November 29th, 2022|

Skills for Success Training From Alabama Community College System Aims to Solve School Bus Driver Shortage

MADISON – Help is on the way to ease Alabama’s school bus driver shortage. The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is partnering with local school systems to train school bus drivers through an online course and performance-based behind-the-wheel instruction. The training meets or exceeds all safety regulations, including new federal requirements that went into effect in last February. The training is also free-of-charge to local schools and to trainees thanks, in part, to $10 million in funding from the Legislature for [...]

November 23rd, 2022|

Registered apprenticeships now available at every community college in Alabama

MONTGOMERY – New apprenticeship opportunities across hundreds of companies in Alabama are meeting workforce needs by giving residents the ability to focus on college and earning a living at the same time. Every community or technical college in Alabama now has at least one apprenticeship registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA) and supported by Alabama’s business and industry. A registered apprenticeship is an AOA-validated, industry-driven career pathway that allows students to work for a competitive wage for companies within [...]

November 15th, 2022|

Inaugural Economic Development Academy graduates 129 municipal  leaders across Alabama 

ORANGE BEACH – Nearly 130 municipal officials from across Alabama who committed time to studying how to strengthen economic development in their communities graduated from the inaugural Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) Economic Development Academy (EDA) on Tuesday, November 8. A ceremony celebrating their completion was held during the League’s Municipal Leadership Institute at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach.  The inaugural class consists of 129 municipal officials from across the state of Alabama and 27 communities. Each graduate was presented [...]

November 8th, 2022|

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association partners with Alabama’s community colleges for scholarship opportunity

Nearly 70 scholarships are available to residents interested in attending one of Alabama’s community colleges to train for careers in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Funding is available to award a total of $4,000 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested students with at least a [...]

October 14th, 2022|

F.A.M.E. on the Plains participant praises Southern Union for work-based learning opportunities

Seth Futral said he heard about a work-based learning program at Southern Union State Community College and knew it was an opportunity he didn't want to pass up. Now a Southern Union student who interns through the F.A.M.E. on the Plains program, he said the learning opportunity is just what he needed to move toward a successful career. Futral spoke about the benefits of work-based learning during the monthly Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees meeting at Southern Union on [...]

October 13th, 2022|

From rehab to career, Southern Union grad shares college experience

Adam Baker said he considers taking steps toward becoming healthier the best decision he has made. The second best, he said, is his decision to attend Southern Union State Community College. He said that decision helped him reach his goal of earning a six-figure income within a year's time of his graduation. Baker shared his journey from drug rehabilitation to an associate degree during the monthly Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees meeting at Southern Union on Wednesday, Oct. 12. [...]

October 12th, 2022|

National staff from The Manufacturing Institute visit Alabama to highlight FAME programs

Earlier this month the Alabama Community College System hosted Gardner Carrick, Vice President of Workforce Solutions at The Manufacturing Institute (MI), at several colleges to discuss challenges and successes of their current FAME Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education programs. Also traveling with Gardner was Pooja Tripathi, MI Director of Workforce Initiatives, and Ali Jackson, MI Associate Director of FAME USA. On Wednesday, August 10, Carrick and Jackson were special guests at the ACCS Board of Trustees meeting.  During the meeting, Gardner [...]

August 30th, 2022|

Community college student shares dual enrollment, college success with Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

Dual enrollment in high school was Quintyria “Quin” Perry’s start to her college experience. Now, the first-generation college student is already on a path to her second degree after just two years on the Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) campus. Perry shared about her experience at CVCC during the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on Wednesday, August 10, at the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) in Montgomery. “Taking dual enrollment classes with CVCC was my first step [...]

August 11th, 2022|

ACCS director to serve on national Finance and Audit Committee

Natalie English, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the Alabama Community College System, has been selected to serve on the national Finance and Audit Committee of Advance CTE. Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories.  As part of the committee, English is expected to have a voice in ensuring Advance CTE remains in good [...]

August 2nd, 2022|

Olivier Charles appointed President of Bishop State Community College

On Wednesday, July 13, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees appointed Olivier Charles, ACCS Vice Chancellor for Student Success, as President of Bishop State Community College. His tenure begins August 1.  Charles’ appointment marks one of two of the last permanent college presidential appointments at Alabama’s community and technical colleges. All 24 of the colleges now have permanent presidents for the first time in many years.  “This is my dream job,” said Charles, “and I intend to retire [...]

July 13th, 2022|

Dr. Jimmy Hodges appointed President of Calhoun Community College

Appointment marks first time in many years that all presidents have been permanently appointed to Alabama’s community colleges  On Wednesday, July 13, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Jimmy Hodges as President of Calhoun Community College. Dr. Hodges has served as Interim President at the College since June 2021. “Madison, Morgan and Limestone counties are exploding in economic development, which means the residents and businesses there need to know [...]

July 13th, 2022|

Alabama’s community colleges partner with state’s forestry, poultry and egg associations and K-12 schools to meet coming workforce shortage 

New credential will certify high school students for jobs in agriculture   DOTHAN – In direct response to the need for more maintenance technicians in Alabama’s multi-billion-dollar forestry, poultry and egg industries, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is collaborating with both the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) and Alabama Poultry & Egg Association (APEA) on a new credential that provides training to high school agriculture educators and their students. Training for Alabama’s high school agriculture teachers for the AFA’s new, industry-recognized maintenance technician credential began [...]

July 13th, 2022|

Alabama Adult Education Director appointed to national Board

The National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE) announced Tuesday, June 14, the election of David Walters, State Director of Adult Education, Special Projects and System Initiatives for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), to the NASDAE Board of Directors. Walters was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term as a representative on the board, which begins in July. The election marks his fourth term of service with the organization. Walters’ career spans over 26 years with [...]

June 17th, 2022|

ACCS Board of Trustees approves Danny Long as President of Enterprise State Community College

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — During its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 8, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees approved Danny Long as the sixth President of Enterprise State Community College. Long served as Acting President of the College since March. “The Wiregrass community is a special part of Alabama that has a significant role in the state’s workforce, which is why a skilled career technical leader like Danny with a heart for the community and for education makes perfect sense,” [...]

June 8th, 2022|

ACCS Board of Trustees approves Dr. Chris Cox as President of Shelton State Community College

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — During its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 8, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees approved Dr. Chris Cox as President of Shelton State Community College. Cox served as Interim President of the College since February. “Shelton State’s position in the state and in the academic community keeps the College poised as one of the best foundations for student success and workforce development in Alabama, so the College needs a leader like Chris to continue to strengthen [...]

June 8th, 2022|

Chancellor Baker appoints Acting President of Bishop State Community College

On Friday, June 3, Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Charles Jones as Acting President of Bishop State Community College. His tenure begins immediately. Jones currently serves as Regional External Affairs and Workforce Manager for the Alabama Community College System. He has served for more than a decade in education in Alabama, beginning his teaching career in 2008 in building construction and also holding other roles with the Demopolis City School System. He joined [...]

June 3rd, 2022|

Dual enrollment opportunities increase the number of high school students attending Alabama’s community colleges

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An additional $5 million awarded by the Alabama Legislature for dual enrollment opportunities at Alabama’s community colleges will continue to increase the number of students who benefit from college classes while still in high school. In many cases – such as with Calhoun Community College alum Lucas Hasting and Central Alabama Community College alum Katelyn Henderson – high school students are graduating with their associate degree either before or shortly after earning their high school diploma.  The additional dual enrollment [...]

May 12th, 2022|

Alabama Community College System announces 2022 All-Alabama Academic Team

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – More than $53,000 total in scholarships was announced for 48 of the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) top scholars across the state during the 2022 All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Winfrey Hotel on Friday, April 22. The students were selected from their colleges by members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for the students’ demonstration of academic excellence and intellectual rigor, leadership and service, and for a commitment to extending their [...]

April 22nd, 2022|

Alabama community colleges launch nurse apprenticeship program to help meet high demand for nurses statewide

MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s community colleges are working with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, hospitals and healthcare employers to meet the high demand for nurses. New rules went into effect March 17 that allow healthcare employers to enter into an apprenticeship agreement with a sponsoring community college. Students who apply and are accepted as nurse apprentices serve as employees of the healthcare facility and work alongside an experienced nurse. Nurse apprentices can continue their employment by completing their apprenticeship and passing the National [...]

March 17th, 2022|

Scholarship opportunity announced for Alabama residents interested in community college programs related to automotive manufacturing

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announce the availability of 30 scholarships for residents in Alabama who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in programs related to the automotive manufacturing industry. Funding is available to award a total of 30, $1,800 scholarships to students who are enrolled in a program at an Alabama community college that is associated with automotive manufacturing careers. Interested students with at least a 2.5 GPA [...]

March 8th, 2022|

ACCS opens Innovation Center, starts enrollment for rapid workforce training

BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Innovation Center, a $10 million investment aimed at rapidly training workers for the state’s highest-demand industries, has launched its first of several industry-designed programs to help students find immediate employment. ACCS leaders, students and industry partners kicked off the Innovation Center’s opening and demonstrated some of the training at an event on Monday. The training includes short-term classes that students can start from anywhere in the state and finish with an in-person lab in a [...]

February 14th, 2022|

Chancellor Baker appoints Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President at Shelton State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Thursday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President of Shelton State Community College. Cox has more than 25 years of higher education administration experience and currently serves as Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the Alabama Community College System. Prior to his role at ACCS, Cox served as Interim President at Northwest-Shoals Community College in Muscle Shoals, Bevill State Community College in Jasper, and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia. “Dr. Cox has proven to be an innovative [...]

February 10th, 2022|

Alabama’s community colleges report for-credit enrollment increase

Enrollment of students pursuing academic and workforce training classes at Alabama’s community colleges increased amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 144,000 students received education or training in a community or technical college statewide. This included 101,094 students enrolled in traditional, for-credit college classes, which represented an increase of 4,700 students – or 6 percent – from Fall 2020 to Fall 2021. Among programs with the greatest enrollment increases were welding, vehicle and autobody technologies, and business. “Our numbers are continuing to show [...]

January 19th, 2022|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Kemba Chambers as President at H. Councill Trenholm State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Kemba Chambers as  President of H. Councill Trenholm State Community College. Chambers is the first female to serve in this capacity at the college. Chambers has 25 years of higher education experience and currently serves as Interim President at Trenholm. She previously served as Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning and Chief Instructional Officer at the Alabama Community College System, and Executive Vice President and Vice President of [...]

December 8th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Jeff Goodwin as President at Northwest-Shoals Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced today the appointment of Dr. Jeff Goodwin as President of Northwest-Shoals Community College. Goodwin’s tenure at the college begins January 3, 2022. Dr. Goodwin’s 30 years of experience span from classroom educator to superintendent in Alabama’s public schools. He has served since 2005 as Superintendent of Oxford City Schools. “With Northwest-Shoals taking the lead on significant infrastructure improvements and community engagement, Dr. Goodwin is the right choice for [...]

December 8th, 2021|

New ‘MAPs’ Create Training Pathways from Adult Education to High-Demand Careers

MONTGOMERY – Alabama residents who are displaced, in career fields with low wages or who are new to the workforce but face barriers now have a streamlined workforce development process that helps them navigate in-demand careers. Mobilizing Alabama Pathways, or MAPs, was released this week. The skills-based workforce training program through Alabama’s community colleges and adult education providers is the result of a federal grant that creates the Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program (AWSP). AWSP provides opportunities for nearly 8,000 Alabama workers [...]

September 21st, 2021|

Alabama Community College Tuition and Fee Waiver Helps Residents Transition from Adult Education Programs to College Classes

MONTGOMERY – A tuition and fee waiver program that grants Alabama’s adult education GED® recipients and Ready To Work program completers a free college class has resulted in the matriculation of more than 16,000 Alabama residents from adult education to college. Shelton State Community College student Sevide “Gloria” Adingni The Alabama Community College System established a tuition and fee waiver program in 2017 to provide a clear pathway to residents who successfully complete either program and want to advance [...]

September 20th, 2021|

Alabama’s Community Colleges Hold COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

MONTGOMERY – In an effort to encourage COVID-19 vaccination and expand access to the vaccine, Alabama’s community colleges are hosting vaccination clinics at their campuses across the state. To date, 75 clinics have been held and 32 clinics are planned in the coming weeks. “With more than 130 locations across Alabama, our 24 colleges are well-positioned to engage our communities in an effort to promote and provide the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Our [...]

September 2nd, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President at Northwest-Shoals Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President of Northwest-Shoals Community College. Cox has more than 24 years of higher education administration experience and currently serves as Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the Alabama Community College System. Prior to his role at ACCS, Cox served as Interim President at both Bevill State Community College in Jasper and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia. “Time and time again, Dr. Cox has [...]

August 18th, 2021|

Community Colleges to Offer STEM Dual Enrollment Scholarships

MONTGOMERY – In response to the Legislature's expansion of opportunities that encourage a stronger employment focus for math and science teachers and other STEM-related fields in the state, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) has expanded dual enrollment scholarships to high school students who are interested in taking college-level STEM courses through their local community college. “Dual enrollment courses are a tremendous benefit to students as they not only provide a means to college credit but also allow high schoolers the [...]

August 10th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Lawrence Brandyburg as Interim President at Bishop State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced today the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Brandyburg as Interim President at Bishop State Community College. Dr. Brandyburg will replace Dr. Reginald Sykes, who has stepped down from the position. Dr. Brandyburg has more than 17 years of higher education experience relating to instruction, student services, and administration. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President at Bishop State. “Dr. Brandyburg’s enthusiasm for Bishop State, coupled with his wealth [...]

July 14th, 2021|

State Adult Ed Director elected to serve on national Executive Board

The National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE) announced Tuesday, June 22, the election of David Walters, State Director of Adult Education, Special Projects and System Initiatives for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), to the NASDAE Executive Board of Directors. Walters was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term as a representative on the board. His term begins July 1, 2021. Walters’ career spans over 26 years with experience in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. [...]

June 24th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Jimmy Hodges as Interim President at Calhoun Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced today the appointment of Dr. Jimmy Hodges as Interim President at Calhoun Community College. Dr. Hodges’s 40 years of experience span higher education administration, manufacturing, and drafting and design technology . He currently serves as a Regional Workforce Director for the Alabama Community College System and previously served as Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. “Dr. Hodges’s familiarity with the ACCS coupled with [...]

June 1st, 2021|

Four Members Sworn In as Alabama Community College System Trustees, New Board Leadership Selected

MONTGOMERY – On Wednesday, four new members of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees were sworn in by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell prior to the start of their first meeting. The Board is the governing body of the ACCS. Each member was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey and confirmed by the Alabama Senate. Their terms began May 8, 2021, and will run through May 7, 2025. The new members include: J.E.B. Shell, District 1 Valerie G. Gray, [...]

May 19th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Kemba Chambers As Acting President At Trenholm State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Tuesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Kemba Chambers as Acting President of Trenholm State Community College. Chambers will replace Anita Archie who has served as Interim President since January 2, 2020. Chambers has more than 21 years of higher education experience and currently serves as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning and Chief Instructional Officer at the Alabama Community College System in addition to her role as Executive Vice President and Vice President of Instructional [...]

May 11th, 2021|

2021 All-Alabama Academic Team announced

Forty-five of the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) top scholars across the state were announced April 23, 2021. Two students from each of Alabama’s community colleges were selected by members of 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. Members of the 2021 team were awarded more than $50,000 total in scholarships. Additional scholarships for All-Alabama Academic Team [...]

April 28th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Coretta Boykin as President at Reid State Technical College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Coretta Boykin as President of Reid State Technical College. Boykin has served the college in various capacities for the past 17 years. Dr. Boykin currently serves as the Dean of Instruction and Workforce Development, a position she has held since 2018. Her previous roles at the college include Assistant Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Director of Recruitment, Placement and Retention, Office Administrator, in addition to serving as an instructor. “Dr. Boykin [...]

April 14th, 2021|

Jefferson State, Industry Partners Launch Heavy Equipment Program to Address Statewide Construction Need

MONTGOMERY – Together with more than 20 business and industry partners across Central Alabama, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and Jefferson State Community College announce the new industry-designed Heavy Equipment Operator program. The pilot program, which is housed at Jefferson State Community College’s Chilton-Clanton campus, addresses the need for more certified construction and heavy equipment workers for infrastructure projects statewide. The inaugural class of 12 students have completed their program and will graduate today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhuLO0qGHM   “Alabama’s community colleges [...]

April 1st, 2021|

Tuition Freeze, Full Campus Operations Planned for Alabama Community Colleges this Fall

MONTGOMERY – On Wednesday, Chancellor Baker announced tuition will not increase for the 2021-2022 academic year. In addition, as a result of the declining number of reported COVID cases and an increase in the number of students, faculty and staff taking advantage of access to the COVID vaccine, the ACCS anticipates all community college campuses in the state will resume normal, on-campus operations for the Fall 2021 semester. “This year has been difficult for many Alabamians and access to education and [...]

March 10th, 2021|

Chancellor Announces Brad Newman as President of Shelton State Community College

MONTGOMERY – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Brad Newman as president of Shelton State Community College. Newman has 28 years of leadership and management experience. Prior to his appointment at Shelton State, he served as Plant Manager for ZF Chassis Systems, LLC in Tuscaloosa, one of the company’s top performing facilities in the world. Newman is also a recognized leader in the local community, serving as [...]

March 10th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Cynthia Anthony as President at Lawson State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Cynthia Anthony as President of Lawson State Community College. Anthony has been serving as Interim President at the college since September 2020. Dr. Anthony has 30 years of higher education experience, recently serving as Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and Executive Vice President and Dean of Students at Lawson State. Prior to her leadership at Lawson State, Anthony served at Bessemer State [...]

March 10th, 2021|

Alabama’s Community Colleges and Blackboard Mutually Announce Extension of Relationship to Enhance the Student Experience

Expanded relationship leverages Blackboard’s holistic EdTech ecosystem of solutions and services  MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and Blackboard Inc. together announced today that they have expanded their relationship to improve and enhance the student experience for 11 ACCS Colleges. This will create a consistent teaching and learning platform for all students at 11 ACCS colleges through the 2024 academic year. These 11 colleges will leverage the benefits of Blackboard’s next-generation cloud learning management system (LMS), Blackboard Learn with [...]

March 9th, 2021|

ACCS Adult Education Division Announces RFP for 2021 Grant Period

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced today the opening of the request for proposal (RFP) process for adult education providers.  Funding for such programs is made available through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title II, and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). Proposals are due by 4 p.m. CST Monday, April 5, 2021. Funding will be awarded on a three-year term that begins October 1, 2021. Alabama’s Adult Education [...]

February 24th, 2021|

Baker to Receive Distinguished Community College State Director Award

Jackson, Mississippi — Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), has been named a Distinguished Community College State Director by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). He will be recognized during PTK Catalyst 2021, the Society’s annual convention, broadcast live from Orlando, Florida, April 8-10. The award recognizes the contributions of heads of statewide community college associations or systems and their demonstrated support for Phi Theta Kappa throughout their district and state. Winners may receive this award only [...]

February 19th, 2021|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Jeff Lynn as President at Central Alabama Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Jeff Lynn as President of Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Lynn has served as Acting President at the college since last June. Lynn has more than 20 years of workforce and economic development experience across several southeastern states. He brought his distinctive skillset to the Alabama Community College System in 2016 where he served as the Vice Chancellor for Workforce [...]

February 10th, 2021|

Alabama Receives Postsecondary CTE Data Quality Improvement Grant from Advance CTE

Alabama Community College System designated as agency to implement data quality plan Career Technical Education (CTE) at Alabama’s community colleges will be studied among those of four other states as the result of a recently awarded ECMC data quality grant. Advance CTE announced that Alabama has been selected as one of five grantees to participate in a cohort focused on improving postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) data quality.  The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will serve as Alabama’s designated agency to [...]

November 20th, 2020|

Scholarship Funds High School, College Students’ Paths to Automotive Manufacturing Careers

MONTGOMERY – Current high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in Alabama’s multi-billion dollar automotive industry have two weeks to apply for a scholarship to use at one of Alabama’s community colleges. The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College System have partnered to provide a total $189,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors, to 52 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is [...]

November 16th, 2020|

Alabama’s Community Colleges Announce Efforts to Improve and Streamline the Student Experience

Contracts Awarded to Blackboard Inc., Honor Lock, and Tutor.com at 24 Alabama Community College System Institutions  MONTGOMERY – At a board meeting Tuesday, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced their next steps in an ongoing effort to enhance the community college student experience.  The ACCS awarded three contracts that will create a consistent platform for all ACCS students through the use of a singular Learning Management System (LMS) as well as online proctoring tools and an online tutoring system across [...]

November 10th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Brock Kelley as President at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Tuesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Brock Kelley as President of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW). Kelley was appointed Interim President of the college in September. “Dr. Kelley’s dynamic leadership style and career-long commitment to helping students succeed makes him the ideal candidate to fill this role at LBW,” Baker said. “The faculty, staff, and students in Andalusia, Greenville, Luverne, and Opp will be well-served by Dr. Kelley’s experience in the classroom and in [...]

November 10th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Joe Whitmore as President at Snead State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Tuesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Joe Whitmore as President of Snead State Community College. Whitmore has served as Interim President at the college since June. “Mr. Whitmore has been a committed member of the Snead State family for many years and will be a capable leader for the college moving forward,” Baker said. “The Sand Mountain community will be well-served by Joe’s decades of higher education experience and commitment to student success both inside and [...]

November 10th, 2020|

Blog: Pulp and Paper industry creates great career options in state, nationwide

Students in Coastal Alabama Community College’s Paper and Chemical Technology program have discovered yet another product that Alabama’s massive amount of kudzu can’t be used for. Paper. But what the students have also found are many good-paying jobs available to them in the Pulp and Paper manufacturing industry after studying at Coastal for certificates and degrees that land them jobs in a prominent manufacturing sector in the state. Alabama is the second largest producer of pulp, paper and paper board in [...]

October 28th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Kathy Murphy as President at Gadsden State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker on Wednesday named Dr. Kathy L. Murphy President of Gadsden State Community College. Murphy, who was appointed after a months-long search by a presidential committee, will begin her appointment Jan. 1, 2021. “Dr. Murphy is a visionary educator with a proven record of focusing on all aspects of the student experience, which is the leadership we aim for at every community college in our state,” Baker stated. “I am confident that Dr. Murphy’s determination [...]

October 14th, 2020|

BLOG: Alabama’s Metal Industry: Welding a popular topic and program in the state

Lin Liles remembers a student calculating exactly what his welding job salary looked like on a minute-by-minute basis. The way the student figured, the company he was working for was paying him $1.68 … a minute. Liles explains the calculation this way: that student could essentially buy a Mountain Dew every minute of the work shift if he chooses. The example goes over pretty well for the students rapidly enrolling in welding programs across Alabama that may take just two years [...]

October 6th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President at Bevill State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President of Bevill State Community College. Cox will serve in the role until a permanent president is named at the completion of the presidential search. Cox has more than 24 years of higher education administration experience and currently serves as Interim President at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Prior to his role at LBW, Cox served as the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions and Innovations [...]

September 23rd, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Brock Kelley as Interim President at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Monday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Brock Kelley as Interim President of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Kelley will serve in the role until a president is named at the completion of a presidential search. Kelley succeeds Dr. Chris Cox, who served as Interim President since December 2019. Kelley’s career is focused on education and workforce development, Most recently, he served as Regional Director of Workforce Development for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). Prior [...]

September 21st, 2020|

ACCS celebrates Adult Education & Family Literacy Week with information, success stories

At age 80, Juventina Garcia knew there was more to life in Birmingham. She took a chance at gaining more education and is a current English as a Second Language (ESL) student at Lawson State Community College. She, along with more than 29,000 other Alabama residents, is celebrated nationally this week during Adult Education & Family Literacy Week. Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation recognizing the week from Sept. 20-26, 2020. The Alabama Community College System and its colleges are [...]

September 21st, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Gregg Bennett as Interim President at Gadsden State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Monday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Gregg Bennett as Interim President of Gadsden State Community College. Bennett will serve in the role until a president is named at the completion of a presidential search. Bennett has more than 35 years of workforce and economic development experience spending the majority of that time with the University of Alabama and The Alabama Technology Network (ATN). Bennett currently serves as the Center Director for the Alabama Technology Network located at [...]

August 31st, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Cynthia Anthony as Interim President at Lawson State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Cynthia Anthony as Interim President of Lawson State Community College. Longtime Lawson State President Perry Ward recently announced his retirement effective August 31, 2020. Dr. Anthony has 30 years of higher education experience, most recently serving as Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and Executive Vice President and Dean of Students at Lawson State. Prior to her leadership at Lawson State, Anthony served [...]

August 12th, 2020|

ACCS Announces Fall 2020 Plans for Campus Reopenings

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Thursday announced its plans for reopening its campuses statewide for the Fall 2020 semester. The plans incorporate a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid instruction with a focus on the health and safety of the System’s college communities. “Alabama’s 24 community colleges have always been known for our flexibility when it comes to meeting the needs of our more than 174,000 students,” said ACCS Chancellor, Jimmy H. Baker. “With the quick and [...]

July 17th, 2020|

ACCS to pilot VR training program with JumpStartAL partnership

MONTGOMERY – Five of Alabama’s community colleges will pilot a private-public partnership for virtual reality education and training with JumpStartAL, a move that further projects the state toward reaching 500,000 highly skilled workers by 2025. Coastal Alabama Community College, Enterprise State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, Lawson State Community College and Shelton State Community College will serve as the first community colleges in the state to provide virtual reality training and other technology solutions through JumpStartAL. The partnership will use [...]

July 15th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Jeff Lynn as Acting President at Central Alabama Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Monday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Jeff Lynn as Acting President of Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Lynn will serve in the role until a president is named at the completion of a presidential search. Lynn has more than 20 years of workforce and economic development experience across several Southeastern states. He brought his distinctive skillset to the Alabama Community College System in 2016 where he currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Aerospace and Aviation. Prior [...]

June 15th, 2020|

Blog: What’s next? Community college students plan paths after graduation

Emma Johnson. Zada Metz. Cameron Church. Morgan and Megan Mavoides. This number of names goes into the thousands for students who graduated or received certifications from Alabama’s community colleges this month. Some of these residents have already accepted jobs or career opportunities throughout the state and nationwide. Others like the Mavoides's – who are twins appointed to attend West Point after recently graduating from Marion Military Institute – are continuing their college experience at four-year universities. Alabama’s community colleges serve [...]

May 20th, 2020|

Alabama College Attainment Network launches Cash for College Week

MONTGOMERY - High school seniors and college students will be encouraged to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during Cash for College Week, May 4-8. The week is a combined effort of the Alabama College Attainment Network, which is a partnership among Alabama Possible, the Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and Alabama Community College System. “Many families’ financial circumstances have changed over the past few weeks, and students are trying to navigate [...]

April 28th, 2020|

Alabama’s Community Colleges Assist the Alabama Department of Public Health with Medical Equipment Needs

MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s community colleges are working with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to provide much needed medical equipment – including ventilators – to hospitals who need them to aid patients during the coronavirus pandemic. The supplies are made available from the colleges’ simulated healthcare settings, where thousands of students who choose Alabama’s community colleges each year train for medical careers. The equipment the colleges use is the same, top-quality supply used in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the [...]

April 8th, 2020|

Blog: Study finds that more Alabama high school seniors choose community college over four-year universities

Recently released data shows that more high school seniors who graduated in 2018 chose to attend Alabama’s community colleges last year than those who chose four-year universities. According to the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama, which pulled data from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) compiled from the National Student Clearinghouse, 62% of Alabama’s 50,528 high school graduates in 2018 chose to attend a college or university. Of that number, 32 percent – or 16,085 – enrolled [...]

April 7th, 2020|

Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Meeting to Take Place Online

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Community College System’s April 8 Board of Trustees meeting will be held remotely to ensure compliance with all statewide health orders and for the safety of all concerned. The meeting will begin at the usual start time of 10:00 a.m. Instructions for joining the meeting are as follows: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/213551703 For iPhone one-tap: US: +19292056099,,213551703#  or +13126266799,,213551703# For Telephone: Dial any of the following numbers to join via phone. [...]

April 3rd, 2020|

Alabama Community College System to Extend Online Instruction through Spring Semester

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced today that online instruction will continue at all of its campuses through the remainder of the spring semester. In addition, due to restrictions on event sizes by state and federal officials, all traditional commencement activities will be postponed. “Every decision concerning the operations of Alabama’s community colleges is being made with the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and administrators at the forefront,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “While [...]

March 27th, 2020|

Alabama Community College System to Temporarily Discontinue On-Campus Instruction March 17 – April 3

MONTGOMERY– The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will temporarily discontinue on-campus instruction at 23 institutions across the state for the period of March 17 – April 3. Many ACCS institutions have a scheduled Spring Break during this time and students may be asked to extend this break period. This will allow the colleges faculty, staff, and administration to develop a plan for alternative instructional efforts.  All events scheduled at the state’s community colleges during this time frame are also cancelled. While [...]

March 13th, 2020|

Alabama Community College System to Temporarily Discontinue On-Campus Instruction March 17 – April 3

MONTGOMERY– The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will temporarily discontinue on-campus instruction at 23 institutions across the state for the period of March 17 – April 3. Many ACCS institutions have a scheduled Spring Break during this time and students may be asked to extend this break period. This will allow the colleges faculty, staff, and administration to develop a plan for alternative instructional efforts.  All events scheduled at the state’s community colleges during this time frame are also cancelled. While [...]

March 13th, 2020|

Close to home, affordability lead Northeast Alabama student to community college

Of all the reasons residents choose Alabama’s community colleges, Thomas Hartline picked two that are common and made sense for him: proximity and affordability. In that decision, he found the true career path to enhance his life. Thomas, who graduates from Northeast Alabama Community College, shared his story of why he chose NACC and the success he has had since doing so during the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 11. A foster [...]

March 11th, 2020|

Leadership in Child Care Scholarships Now Available Year-Round

Montgomery– A full-tuition scholarship that grants current childcare professionals the opportunity to obtain certifications and degrees to best care for Alabama’s children is now available year-round. The Leadership in Child Care Scholarship, which covers students’ tuition and a number of fees required to pursue child development credentials, is now available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters at the state’s participating community colleges and Athens State University. Qualified students must be currently employed at a childcare center or family and group [...]

February 24th, 2020|

Six sign with first statewide externship program for nursing

OPELIKA – Six of Southern Union State Community College’s nursing students signed with healthcare facilities in the Opelika area in the first Alabama Signing Day for the Alabama Nursing Career Pathways (ANCP) initiative, a partnership among Alabama’s community colleges and the Alabama Nursing Home Association. ANCP is a statewide community college initiative that pairs nursing students with employers for what are known as workplace externships. The externships are specialized seven-month training programs that pay students a salary and provide [...]

February 7th, 2020|

2020 Census Efforts Kick Off at Alabama’s Community Colleges

MONTGOMERY – On Monday, Alabama’s community colleges began their 2020 Census efforts with a kick off meeting and rally at the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Office in Montgomery. Representatives from Alabama’s 24 community colleges, state officials, and U.S. Census Bureau staff joined together to launch the community college’s Alabama Counts effort and coordinate ideas to get students, faculty, staff and community members involved with the 2020 Census. Last month, the ACCS was awarded an $80,000 grant from the Alabama Department [...]

January 29th, 2020|

Want to own a business? Alabama’s community colleges can help

While it’s true that more than 100,000 students choose Alabama’s community colleges each year to train for some of the most high-demand, high-earning job opportunities in the state, it’s also true that our students can be the ones who create some of those jobs. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong across the state by community college alumni who got their best start by taking classes in career fields they enjoyed. Successful instructors who many times have worked in the field in [...]

January 21st, 2020|

Drake state alum speaks before System board on success after college

Canada native Kirk Salmond said that at age 36, he found himself as a married father of four in a career in Huntsville that he loved, but where he had little opportunity to advance. His career path and outlook on life changed drastically when he took an opportunity two years ago to train at Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville. Salmond completed an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at the college in December. [...]

January 8th, 2020|

Retired Trenholm State President Munnerlyn bestowed President Emeritus

On Wednesday, January 9, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees honored retired Trenholm State Community College President Sam Munnerlyn with the title of President Emeritus, the highest recognition bestowed upon a president in the Alabama Community College System. Munnerlyn retired in December after serving 40 years at Trenholm State. He began his career at Trenholm State in 1979 as an Educational Talent Search Coordinator. Other roles in which he served at the college include Coordinator of [...]

January 8th, 2020|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Anita Archie as Interim President at Trenholm State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Friday, December 13, Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Anita Archie as Interim President of Trenholm State Community College. Archie will serve in the role until a permanent president is named for the college. Archie’s more than 24 years of public service span municipal government, state government and higher education. She currently serves as the Deputy Director and Executive Counsel for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). “Ms. Archie [...]

December 13th, 2019|

Chancellor Baker Appoints Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Cox as Interim President of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Cox will serve in the role until a permanent president is named at the college. Cox has more than 24 years of higher education administration experience and currently serves as the Executive Director of Workforce Solutions and Innovations for the Alabama Community College System. Prior to his role at the ACCS, Cox served as the Assistant Superintendent for [...]

December 11th, 2019|

Alabama community college fine arts students benefit from strong foundation, instructors

Foundation. That’s one word that nationally recognized instructors in Alabama’s community colleges use to define the core fine arts classes they teach to students. Whether you’re beginning your official training in music, theatre or art before transferring to a four-year university, or if you’re mid-level or just wanting to expand your skills, an Alabama community college is a great place to start. Did you know that Chris Vrenna, a Grammy-winning musician and former band member of Nine Inch Nails, teaches [...]

December 9th, 2019|

Eight awarded service awards at ACCS Luncheon

Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker recognized eight ACCS employees during the annual employee Thanksgiving luncheon on Friday, Nov. 22, for a combined 100 years of service to Alabama’s community colleges. Trish Jones, System Office Instructional Program Officer, was recognized for 30 years of service. Ginger Smith, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, was recognized for 20 years of service. Susan Price, Vice Chancellor of System Development and ACCS Chief of Staff, and Dorothy Davis, Receptionist and GED/Private [...]

November 26th, 2019|

#CleanHomeAL has successful start

In just the first four days of our #CleanHomeAL effort we've had hundreds of volunteers, hundreds of bags of trash picked off Alabama's roadways and waterways, and incredibly generous donations of supplies all across Alabama -- and we're just getting started! We are only halfway through our Clean Home Alabama effort which runs from Nov. 1-11. The projects that have taken place have already made a difference and we look forward to the many more to come in the [...]

November 5th, 2019|

National Student Transfer Week Road Trip 2019 – Last Stop: Troy University

We ended #NationalTransferWeek with the Trojan Warrior Spirit at Troy University, where we met up with a recruiter and an Enterprise State Community College alum to talk about the transfer experience. Korrie Lynn James, Troy University’s Coordinator of Dual Enrollment and Transfer Recruiting, said a large number of transfer students at the Troy campus come from ESCC, Wallace Community College and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College fully prepared with a game plan to help them succeed. “We [...]

October 30th, 2019|

National Student Transfer Week Road Trip – Stop 3: Auburn University

One of the coolest parts of the ACCS Communications #NationalTransferWeek road trip is the opportunity to connect with four-year university employees who first attended an Alabama community college before determining their future goals of helping students. While at Jacksonville State University we connected with interim President Don Killingsworth, a Central Alabama Community College alum. Roxanne Bailey, the university’s transfer admissions specialist, took college-level courses while in high school through dual enrollment at Snead State Community College. At the University of [...]

October 25th, 2019|

National Student Transfer Week Road Trip – Stop 2: Jacksonville State University

Part 2 of ACCS’s Communications’ National Student Transfer Week road trip took us to Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University, where  students and staff gave us more information on scholarships and student life during and after community college years. Dr. Dana Davis of Gadsden State said students don’t miss out on scholarships because there are transfer scholarships available. "Students shouldn't have any concern about the transfer process. ...Our four-year institutions recognize the value of community college students and the [...]

October 24th, 2019|

National Student Transfer Week Road Trip – Stop 1: University of Alabama

ACCS’s Communications team is road trippin’ all week to celebrate National Student Transfer Week! We will be visiting four-year universities across the state and talking with our very own community college grads. We’ll also talk to helpful faculty and staff and get the inside scoop on scholarships, the STARS Guide, and other resources for community college students. Our trip kicked off Monday at the University of Alabama! We connected with several students and officials at the University of [...]

October 22nd, 2019|

Scholarship To Fund 50 High School, College Students’ Paths To Automotive Manufacturing Careers

MONTGOMERY – A second round of scholarships will be awarded this year for 50 students to train for automotive manufacturing careers at Alabama’s community colleges. The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College System have partnered to provide a total $189,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors, to a minimum of 50 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. The first scholarship recipients [...]

October 15th, 2019|

Alabama Community Colleges Launch Clean Home Alabama Initiative

MONTGOMERY – By signing an official proclamation on Monday, Governor Kay Ivey launched the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) Clean Home Alabama initiative. Alabama’s community colleges are partnering with residents and community organizations in every county of the state for this college-led effort to help beautify the state’s natural landscapes, growing infrastructure, and expanding communities. In 2019, Clean Home Alabama will take place November 1-11. Community college students, faculty and staff will serve alongside residents and members of several community organizations [...]

September 16th, 2019|

Chancellor Announces Dr. Craig Pouncey as President of Coastal Alabama Community College

MONTGOMERY – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Dr. Craig Pouncey as president of Coastal Alabama Community College. Pouncey’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board of trustees. A career educator and administrator, Pouncey has more than 38 years of classroom and leadership experience in Alabama at the state and local levels. Pouncey currently serves as the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, a position he’s held since [...]

September 11th, 2019|

ACCS Receives $12 Million U.S. Department of Labor Grant to Expand Apprenticeships

Montgomery – On Monday, the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) was one of 23 academic institutions and consortia nationwide awarded a grant to expand private-public apprenticeship partnerships across the country. The Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies grants were awarded in three areas: information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. The $12 million grant received by ACCS and the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturing focuses on advanced manufacturing. In Alabama, a [...]

June 25th, 2019|

Chancellor Announces Next Steps for Coastal Alabama Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – After a meeting with Coastal Alabama Community College faculty, staff and leadership on Thursday, June 20, Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced that a search for a new permanent president at the college will begin today. As is customary, an official 30-day posting of the vacant position for president will commence immediately. Following the posting, a committee will review applications and begin the interview process. An announcement naming the next permanent president of the college [...]

June 20th, 2019|

2019 All-Alabama Academic Team Awarded More Than $64,000 in Scholarships

MONTGOMERY– Forty-six of the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) top scholars across the state are announced today as the 2019 All-Alabama Academic team. Two students from each of Alabama’s community colleges were selected by members of 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. Their prestigious honor will be celebrated by Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. [...]

April 19th, 2019|

ACCS Hosts First Statewide Professional Development Day for Faculty

Montgomery – More than 1,500 full-time faculty members from Alabama’s 24 community colleges convened at Alabama State University on Wednesday, April 10, for the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) inaugural statewide Professional Development Day. As a part of the ACCS’s continued effort to build a more unified and collaborative system of colleges, the event brought together ACCS instructors from across the state for a full day of discussions and collaboration focused on the community college student experience. Professional development days occur [...]

April 11th, 2019|

ACCS Launches New Student-Focused Website

The Alabama Community College System launched its new user-friendly, student-focused website on Friday, April 5. With just a click, the website makes available information about the education, training, and community support at the state’s 24 community colleges.  The site’s URL is www.accs.edu. “The Alabama Community College System is laser-focused on the student experience and it only makes sense that our website should match that mission,” said Jimmy H. Baker, ACCS Chancellor. “ACCS.edu is now a resource for anyone in Alabama looking [...]

April 5th, 2019|

One Confirmed, Three Reconfirmed to Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

Montgomery – Upon appointment by Governor Kay Ivey, the Alabama Senate confirmed one new member and reconfirmed three other members to the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees on Tuesday. The Board is the governing body of the ACCS. The Senate confirmed accomplished businessman and Vietnam veteran John Mitchell, to represent District 2 for a four-year term on the ACCS Board of Trustees. He replaces Ron Fantroy, who served from 2015 to this year. Re-confirmed were Board Members Milton [...]

April 3rd, 2019|

ACCS, AAMA Announce Automotive Scholarship Recipients

Montgomery – Forty-eight students have each been awarded a $3,600 scholarship to study in automotive manufacturing programs at Alabama’s community colleges. The scholarships, along with a mentorship program led by seasoned automotive manufacturing professionals, were provided through the combined efforts of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and the Alabama Community College System to help fill more than 10,000 automotive manufacturing jobs in Alabama within two years. The following students have been awarded scholarships to pursue a technical education certificate or associate [...]

March 27th, 2019|

Dual Enrollment the ‘Best Option’ for Calhoun Community College Student Featured on ‘Today’ Show

Dual enrollment - the process high school students use to gain college credit through the Alabama Community College System - has been a launching pad for students like Grissom High School student Ashley Kimbel to start early in pursuing their dream careers. Kimbel is a dually enrolled Calhoun Community College student who, at just 17, is nationally recognized for her design of a lighter-functioning prosthetic foot for Marine Corps veteran amputee Kendall Bane. She and Mr. Bane were featured on the [...]

March 26th, 2019|

ACCS signs MOU with Van Braun Center to strengthen programs in aerospace, emerging technologies

ACCS signs MOU with Van Braun Center to strengthen programs in aerospace, emerging technologies The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation University Consortium (VCSI-UC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that fosters the advancement of programs which center on a vast range of emerging technologies. The MOU creates the opportunity to partner, collaborate, and manage projects that expand programs relevant to aerospace and defense communities. Such agreements enhance the positioning of ACCS’ [...]

March 18th, 2019|

Alabama Community College System Creates Online Resource for Virginia College Students

MONTGOMERY – On Thursday, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) launched an online resource for displaced Virginia College students. Last week, the Education Corporation of America announced that all Virginia College campuses would close, including four in Alabama. The ACCS website – https://www.accs.edu/virginiacollege provides important resources for Virginia College students from obtaining transcripts, to information on loans, and a list of upcoming events. “At the Alabama Community College System, our doors are open and we encourage students displaced by Virginia [...]

December 13th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Patricia Sims as President of J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Dr. Patricia Sims as president of J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College. Sims has 25 years of experience in both K-12 and higher education. Most recently, she served as Dean of the College of Education at Athens State University in Athens, Alabama. Sims previously served at Drake State for more than 12 years as Student Services [...]

October 11th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Todd Shackett as President of Southern Union State Community College

MONTGOMERY – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Todd Shackett as president of Southern Union State Community College. Shackett’s appointment was unanimously approved by the board of trustees. The selection was made after a 10-month strategic planning process designed to culminate with the selection of a permanent president at the College. The strategic planning effort included multiple avenues for community input including a public survey and [...]

July 11th, 2018|

Alabama Community College System Hosts Manufacturing Skills Standard Council’s National Board and Leadership Council Meeting

MONTGOMERY – Last week, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) served as host for the annual Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC)’s National Board and Leadership Meeting in Point Clear, AL. Alabama is the first state in the nation to offer MSSC credentials at community colleges statewide, and the ACCS was selected to host this year’s gathering due to this pioneering effort. “Under the leadership of Governor Kay Ivey and Jeff Lynn the ACCS state-wide implementation of the Certified Production Technician [...]

June 20th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Annette Funderburk as President of Ingram State Technical College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Annette Funderburk as president of Ingram State Technical College (ISTC). Funderburk has served as the Interim President at Ingram State since February 2017. Prior to leading ISTC, she served nearly 10 years within the Alabama Community College System where her most recent role was Director of External Affairs. “Mrs. Funderburk’s impact on Ingram State to date far [...]

June 13th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Keith Brown as President of Jefferson State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Keith Brown as president of Jefferson State Community College (JSCC). For additional information on the Alabama Community College System’s partnership with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, visit almssc.com. Brown has served Jefferson State for nearly 20 years, most recently in the role of Interim President. His tenure at the college has been marked by his commitment to [...]

June 12th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Joe Burke as Interim President of Calhoun Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Dr. Joe Burke as Interim President of Calhoun Community College. Burke is a career educator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education as an instructor, counselor and administrator. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Dean of Instruction at Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC), a position he has held for 11 years. “Dr. [...]

May 9th, 2018|

Alabama’s Community Colleges Take Significant Steps to Improve Service and Stability

At a meeting on Wednesday, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) board of trustees voted to approve two significant initiatives which will fundamentally change and enhance the student experience at every community college across the state.Through the approval of a $10 per credit hour tuition adjustment, the System and its colleges will begin the process of implementing comprehensive advancements at both the statewide and local levels geared towards improving every aspect of engagement with current and potential community college students.The board [...]

May 9th, 2018|

Community College Scholars Recognized as 2018 All-Alabama Academic Team

More than $64,000 in scholarships awarded to 46 Alabama students MONTGOMERY – On Friday, 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 [...]

April 13th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Kimberly Ennis as President of Bevill State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Matthew Rodgers as president of Enterprise State Community College. Rodgers is a career educator with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach and administrator. Most recently, he served as principal of Enterprise High School, where he was noted for his accomplishments in career and technical education and workforce development programs. “Mr. Rodgers’ long history [...]

April 10th, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Dr. Glenda Colagross as President of Northwest-Shoals Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Tuesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Dr. Glenda Colagross as president of Northwest-Shoals Community College. Colagross has served the Alabama Community College System for more than 25 years beginning in the classroom as a developmental studies instructor and serving most recently as interim president at Southern Union State Community College and Northwest-Shoals Community College. During her tenure at Northwest-Shoals, Colagross served as chair [...]

April 10th, 2018|

Southern Union Strategic Plan Update

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker on Thursday announced the posting of the position of President of Southern Union State Community College. This announcement is the culmination of the Southern Union Strategic Planning Initiative announced in August of 2017. Applicants will have until March 19 to submit their applications. An Advisory Search Committee will be appointed to assist the Chancellor with reviewing applications. The committee will consist of the ACCS Chancellor, Southern Union faculty and staff, [...]

February 15th, 2018|

Matthew Woods Appointed to the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Wednesday, Matthew Woods was sworn in as a member of the Alabama Community College System board of trustees. Woods was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey and confirmed by the Alabama Senate on February 8. Woods replaces Frank Caldwell who resigned from the board effective January 31, 2017. Woods, who represents District 4, is a second-generation entrepreneur and Manager of Jasper Auto Sales. A community college graduate, Woods has been an active supporter of his alma mater, [...]

February 14th, 2018|

Scholarship to Fund 50 High School, College Students’ Paths to Automotive Manufacturing Careers

MONTGOMERY – The path to fill more than 10,000 automotive manufacturing jobs within two years will be even more affordable in 2019 for 50 students in Alabama. The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and Alabama Community College System have partnered to provide a total $180,000 in scholarships, as well as mentors, to 50 students who want to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in the automotive manufacturing industry. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Interested students with at [...]

January 31st, 2018|

Chancellor Announces Jacqueline Screws  as President of Chattahoochee Valley Community College

MONTGOMERY – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Jacqueline Screws as president of Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC). Screws has more than three decades of experience in education administration and student affairs. Most recently, she served as Dean of Student Affairs and Sparks Campus for Wallace Community College – Dothan, a role she served in for more than 17 years. “Ms.  Screws’ career has been dedicated [...]

January 10th, 2018|

Southern Union Strategic Planning Initiative Moves Forward

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker on Thursday announced the selection of the Southern Union State Community College Strategic Planning Committee as well as the dates for 3 community town halls. These efforts are part of the ongoing strategic planning initiative at the College, designed to address critical issues and culminating in the selection of a permanent President. “The appointment of the Strategic Planning Committee and the announcement of community town halls at each of the schools’ [...]

October 26th, 2017|

Chancellor Names Michael “Mac” McDaniel Alabama Community College System’s Director of Aviation Programs

MONTGOMERY – At a press conference on Wednesday, Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker announced the appointment of Michael “Mac” McDaniel as the Alabama Community College System’s Director of Aviation Programs. The new position is responsible for the oversight of the System’s Aviation Technology programs across the state. “Alabama’s aviation industry continues to expand with industry giants like Boeing, Airbus, and GE Aviation locating in our own backyard. The Alabama Community College System is working right alongside to ensure [...]

September 6th, 2017|

Roby, Lynn Announce New Workforce Development Partnership

MONTGOMERY – At a press conference Thursday, U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R – Ala.) and Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, Jeff Lynn, announced a new partnership with four of the system’s colleges, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) and Walmart’s Brundidge, AL distribution and fulfillment center. This fall, students at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, Chattahoochee Valley Community College, Wallace Community College in Dothan, and Enterprise State Community College will be offered new [...]

August 11th, 2017|

Chancellor Announces Matthew Rodgers as President of Enterprise State Community College

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – At the Alabama Community College System board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker announced the selection of Matthew Rodgers as president of Enterprise State Community College. Rodgers is a career educator with more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach and administrator. Most recently, he served as principal of Enterprise High School, where he was noted for his accomplishments in career and technical education and workforce development programs. “Mr. Rodgers’ long history [...]

August 9th, 2017|

Chancellor Announces Strategic Planning Initiative at Southern Union State

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker announced on Friday the launch of a strategic planning initiative for Southern Union State Community College. The rigorous effort is designed to address critical issues facing the college and will culminate with the selection of a permanent President. Chancellor Baker met Thursday with college administrators, elected officials, business community members and others to explain his vision for the strategic plan. “We owe it to the Southern Union community to take our [...]

August 8th, 2017|

Governor Kay Ivey and Chancellor Jimmy Baker Announce Roll-Out of App Development Curriculum

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey and Chancellor Jimmy Baker announced earlier today at the meeting of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees that beginning this fall, students will have the opportunity to enroll in a brand new curriculum designed by Apple, Inc. called App Development with Swift. Alabama’s community college system is one of only six in the country chosen to offer the program, and has four community colleges participating in the pilot phase. The four community colleges [...]

July 12th, 2017|

ACCS Board Appoints Longtime Educator Jimmy H. Baker as Chancellor

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Community College System board of trustees voted today to appoint acting chancellor Jimmy H. Baker as chancellor starting April 1. Baker, who has served as acting chancellor for more than six months, will replace Mark Heinrich, who decided to retire after a prolonged illness kept him away from the job. “Jimmy Baker has done a tremendous job of leading the system during the chancellor’s absence and has been far more than a place-holder,” said Al [...]

March 15th, 2017|

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