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Starting Fall 2023, soccer players and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to play the sport at ESCC through the College’s Soccer Club, led by part-time coach Cade Stinnett.

Stinnett has a long history with the sport, starting at a young age with travel soccer and playing year-round all the way through high school before starting his coaching career. He began coaching as a volunteer assistant coach at Jacksonville High School while he was completing the physical education program at Jacksonville State University. He would go on to become the head coach at the high school.

After a short break from coaching to pursue a position playing indoor football, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Stinnett returned to coaching as the Enterprise High School (EHS) Boys JV Soccer Coach, a position he has held for two years. He joined the ESCC family as its part-time soccer coach in May 2023.

The club is holding open tryouts on May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at the EHS soccer practice field. For questions about the club and tryouts, contact Coach Stinnett at jstinnett@escc.edu or text (334) 494-7241.

Currently, the club is open to men and women of all skill levels who are incoming freshmen or rising sophomores and are interested in playing soccer. The goal is to eventually transition to the club to an additional team under the athletic banner at ESCC.

“My hopes for the program this year is to be able to field a team and get this program off the ground playing competitive quality soccer,” Stinnett said. “With ESCC being a two-year institution, my hope for each player is to develop their skill level at the collegiate level and get them to transfer to a four-year university to continue their athletic careers.”

Personally, Stinnett said he also plans to build a network within the soccer community “to include the coaches of the universities and establish a reputation of producing quality players to transfer to their programs.”

“I am very excited to get to work and see where this season leads us,” Stinnett said. “Go Weevils!”

On April 20, Enterprise State Community College honored several students who planned to complete technical career training through the College’s Mechatronics program during the NC3 National Letter of Intent Signing Day.
This national signing day event, sponsored by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. It is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of work.
This year, Enterprise State participated in this event with 74 institutions across the country. Jennifer George, Zaydrian Daniels, Brandon Watson, James Mock and Seth Daugherty officially signed their intent to pursue technical training with ESCC.
During the event, George also received the Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship, a national scholarship through 3M and the National Coalition of Certification Centers. This scholarship provides schools the ability to build within the community by focusing on bridging gaps of inequality with the highest standards of skilled trades and education.
George is a graduating senior from Wicksburg High School. She said she hopes to “get more into electronics and technology” through the Mechatronics program.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” George said, stating she’s excited to start the program in the fall. “This is something that I’ve wanted to do, get into a technical field with hands-on learning.”
George will also participate in the national scholarship reception with fellow scholarship recipients later this spring.
Individuals interested in pursuing technical training can still join the Mechatronics program at ESCC. Summer classes at the College begin on May 22, and fall classes start Aug. 21. Students can complete certifications, short-term certificates or a two-year associate degree.
For individuals interested in completing training through the Mechatronics program, applications can be completed online at escc.edu/apply. For questions about the program, contact recruiter Caitlin Cawley at ccawley@escc.edu.

Additional classes are coming to the Alabama Aviation College’s Andalusia site this fall for the College’s aviation maintenance technician program, bringing more opportunities for career training in a high-demand field a little closer to home.

The new class schedule at the College’s Andalusia site, located at the South Alabama Regional Airport, will be available to dual enrollment students in the Covington County, Andalusia, Opp and Crenshaw County School Systems as well as high school graduates and nontraditional students.

The new class schedule will allow students to complete the first six classes of the College’s aviation maintenance technician program (also called Airframe & Powerplant or A&P). This includes the program’s four generals courses and the first two classes of the airframe certificate program.

The six classes will be offered over a two-year rotation. Three classes will be offered each fall and spring semester. Classes will be offered from 7:30– 9:15 a.m., 9:30 – 11:15 a.m., and 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. five days a week. Fall 2023 classes begin on August 21.

For dual enrollment students, A&P classes are free thanks to grant funding through the state. For high school graduates and nontraditional students, financial aid can be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Financial aid will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled among other factors.

After completing classes at the Andalusia site, students will then be able to continue the program on the College’s Ozark campus.

Locally, there are jobs available now where technicians are starting their careers with a base pay of $25-32 hour. These jobs can be found with companies like M1 Support Services, which provides contract services for aircraft maintenance at Fort Novosel. Globally, according to a report from Boeing, there will be a need for 610,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians to help maintain aircraft over the next 20 years.

“I’m excited about our ‘Start at Home’ campaign in Andalusia,” AAC Campus Director Stan Smith said. “The Alabama Aviation College has partnerships with M1 Services at Fort Novosel; PSA Airlines; SkyWarrior; and McDermott Aviation, an Australian-based company with a team at the Andalusia airport.

“I get calls almost weekly from employers wanting to hire our graduates,” he said. “Some students get hired before they finish the two-year program. Within two years at the Alabama Aviation College, you can receive the training you need to provide a good living for you and your family. Start now. Don’t wait.”

For dual enrollment students interested in starting classes this fall, they can complete the dual enrollment application process at escc.edu/dualenrollment or contact the dual enrollment team at dualenrollment@escc.edu.

For graduating seniors and others interested in starting classes this fall, visit escc.edu/apply or contact AAC Recruiter Caitlin Cawley at ccawley@escc.edu.

Enterprise State Community College student Liberty Bull began serving as the Capital Division Lieutenant Governor for Circle K International in April.

According to the organization’s website, Circle K International is the college-focused branch of the Kiwanis International family, and it “is the world’s largest student-led collegiate service organization, with thousands of members on hundreds of campuses on five continents across the globe.”

Alabama is broken into four divisions: Valley Division, Champion Division, Gulf Division, and Capital Division. Member clubs in the Capital Division can be found at ESCC, Troy University, Huntingdon College and Auburn University.

Bull was elected to her new position during the Alabama Circle K District Convention, held in Prattville from March 3-5, where ESCC’s club also received the Sam F. Hobbs Most Improved Club Award. Bull has been involved with ESCC’s Circle K Club since 2021, where she served as fundraiser chair and secretary. She is currently serving as the club’s president for the 2022-23 academic year.

ESCC Circle K Sponsor Ashley Snellgrove called Bull “committed” and a “conscientious student.” She also said that Bull was quick to take on leadership roles as the club began rebuilding last year.

“Liberty was quick to volunteer her efforts in reinstating our campus Circle K club after learning of the organization’s tenets: leadership, service, and fellowship,” Snellgrove said. “She pledged to be more than just a member and took on the responsibilities of secretary and the fundraising chair. She enthusiastically stepped into the role as President this year.”

Snellgrove said Bull was “largely responsible” for membership growth in the club since last year.

“I have truly enjoyed getting to know Liberty,” Snellgrove said, calling Bull a quiet leader. “She really is so special.”

Even in her new role, Bull said she hopes to encourage students to participate in Circle K.

“I encourage students to participate in Circle K by reiterating our three tenets: leadership, fellowship, and service,” she said. “Students can gain leadership experience and make friends in their club and across the state while serving their community.”

She also has several goals she hopes to accomplish in her new role as lieutenant governor of the Capital Division of Circle K International.

“I hope to increase communication between the Key Club, Circle K, and Kiwanis organizations,” she said, stating that she also hopes to charter new clubs in the Capital Division. “Through ESCC’s Circle K club, I have made life-long friendships and gained a love for service. I can’t wait to spread awareness of Kiwanis organizations throughout my term.”

Amid new construction projects on campus, Enterprise State Community College has announced parking procedures designed to best help traffic flow for the College’s May 11 graduation ceremony.

On May 11, all students will be asked to park at 123 Plaza Drive, the old Tim Whitehead Dealership, beginning at 3:45 pm. ESCC buses will be available for pickup.

Students are asked to report to Boll Weevil Central (located in Snuggs Hall) once they arrive on campus. After checking in at BWC, students are welcome to have their photo taken by the College’s photographer at the William “Bo” Weevil statue at the front of the campus.

Friends, family and other spectators will be able to park in available spaces in Parking Lot C (behind the LBW Student Center) and Parking Lot D (behind Forrester Hall). To access these locations, please enter campus through the George Wallace Drive entrance. Visitors can enter Douglas Brown Circle off Plaza Drive and then turn onto George Wallace Drive.

Overflow parking will be available in the Crossroads Community Church (Old College Cinema) Parking Lot across the street from campus. Buses will be available for pickup from this location beginning at 4:40 p.m.

Campus police officers will be on scene at both off-site parking locations during the ceremony. All buses will also be available immediately after the ceremony to return visitors to their vehicles.

Handicap parking and parking for special guests will be in Parking Lot A (next to Talmadge Hall). Faculty and staff will park in the green above the track off George Wallace Drive.

Graduation services will begin at 6 p.m. under the oaks in front of Wallace Administration Building on May 11. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the Enterprise State Community College Facebook page.

On Friday, March 24, eight students, including one high school student, completed the first skid steer training course offered at ESCC.

“We’re proud to offer this training to our community,” ESCC Director of Workforce Development Leigh Shiver said, thanking Thompson Tractor Company, the City of Enterprise and Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation for their partnership in providing training space and equipment for the class. “This training has helped these students develop the skills they need to be successful in their current job or in finding a great job.”

This free training was developed through the Alabama Community College System’s Skills for Success program. Students completed online work before receiving hands-on training March 23-24.

Skills for Success is ACCS’s rapid workforce training program that launched in early 2022. It was developed in partnership with the state’s businesses and industries so the training is aligned with the skills employers say workers need to fill available jobs.

The appeal to trainees – other than getting the skills needed for an in-demand job – is that Skills for Success training is offered at no cost thanks to appropriations from the Legislature and can usually be completed in two to three weeks.

A reason Skills for Success training can be completed so quickly is part of it is offered online, with self-paced interactive learning that can take place anywhere a student can connect to the Internet. Upon completing the online portion of the course, students then complete hands-on training with qualified instructors and earn an ACCS credential that shows employers they are job ready.

Instructor Tim Williams said these trainings are extremely beneficial to participants, “either to do the career they’re already in or to start a new career.” He also said there was a demand for trained skid steer drivers, so much so that employers are asking to hire students before they finish the course.

“Every time we’ve had a class, they’ve been filled, and there are people that will actually see us when we go out somewhere and try to interview our students while we’re on break,” he said.

High school student Preston Powell took part in ESCC’s training, where he learned how to operate and maneuver skid steers safely, among other skills. He said he was “excited” to see the free training being offered.

“As soon as I saw it, I jumped on it and applied for it,” he said. “As soon as I got the email to do the online portion, I finished that in a couple of hours.

“I hope to use this after I graduate high school. If someone needs to run a skid steer or heavy equipment, I’ve got the certificate and the knowledge how to do it and do it safely.”

Student Charles Newman is interested in working in the construction industry. He said completing training like the Skid Steer class shows initiative to employers.

“This training will help me achieve a certificate,” he said. “That way, whenever I go to employers to actually apply for jobs in the construction industry, I’ll actually have the certification to back it up.

“I would highly encourage people to take part in any free class like this, especially if it’s going to get you a certificate and it’s a job field that you’re interested in.”

More than 2,700 Alabamians have registered for Skills for Success training for jobs in industries ranging from construction and fiber optics to trucking and food and beverage services. To find out more information and view a list of available training courses, visit innovation.accs.edu.

ESCC will hold a second skid steer training class April 6-7. If you are interested in joining the next class, visit escc.edu/skidsteer.

By Michelle Mann
Dothan Eagle

https://dothaneagle.com/community/escc-adult-ed-teams-with-johns-chapel-ame-to-host-ged/article_df1e846c-cd59-11ed-bfbd-777eb49c14ea.html

Members of Enterprise State Community College’s Fine Arts Department and the community will present “The Wiz” as this year’s spring musical.

Tickets sales are open for community members and ESCC students. Tickets can be purchased at auctria.events/THEWIZ or through the ESCC Business Office. General Admission tickets are $15, and student tickets are $5. Students must purchase their tickets through the Business Office and be able to show their Student ID.

Performances of “The Wiz” will be April 13-15 in the Student Center MPR. Each performance will begin at 7 p.m.

“The Wiz” follows Dorothy as she miraculously travels to Oz, where she learns about the Wiz and meets her team of friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. This play is a retelling of the classic L. Frank Baum story “The Wizard of Oz” through an African American perspective.

Alabama Aviation College student Aaron Phillips has been chosen to receive the 2023 James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Student of the Year Award.

This prestigious award, presented by the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) in collaboration with JSfirm.com and the Northrop Rice Foundation, “recognizes the outstanding achievement of an Aviation Maintenance Technician student. The achievement must be demonstrated through academics as well as through involvement that makes a direct impact on the students associates, school and/or community,” according to ATEC’s website.

Phillips was nominated for the award by AAC Campus Director Stan Smith. Nominees for the award must be full-time AMT students at an ATEC member school. AAC is one of 120 Aviation Maintenance colleges that are members of the organization. The award winner is chosen by a selection committee based on a set criterion that includes leadership/motivation, academics, school/community and recommendations from others.

“As the director, I had heard instructors talking about what a great student Aaron Phillips was, his high comprehensive exam test scores and the extra things he does on campus to include repairing college equipment and tutoring other students for free,” Smith said, noting that Phillips received a 98 and 100 on the Airframe Comp, the highest in the College’s record books. “Based on those conversations and the interaction I had with Aaron, I decided to nominate him for the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) Student of the Year Award.”

Nominators are required to include two additional letters of recommendation for the nominee. Smith said he received five additional letters when he requested them from AAC faculty and staff.

“The magnitude of this award cannot be overstated since 120 aviation maintenance colleges are members of ATEC,” Smith said. “Not only is Aaron Phillips our best student, but he was selected as the best in the nation.

“As reassurance that we made the right choice, when I called Aaron to let him know he won the award, he was tutoring students at that time.”

ESCC President Danny Long noted Phillips’ hard work and his connection with his peers.

“It is great to see Aaron being recognized for not only his work in this program but also the support he provides to his fellow students,” Long said. “He’s truly deserving of this award, and we’re proud to have him represent the Alabama Aviation College at the national level.”

Phillips said he was honored to be nominated for the award and for the chance to represent the College.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr. Stan Smith and everyone who vouched on my behalf for presenting me for nomination for such a prestigious award and having confidence in me for being worthy of selection,” he said. “I’m proud to have the opportunity to represent a great institution such as the Alabama Aviation College, and I’m humbled by the respect for my efforts everyone has shown me on this journey.”

He thanked instructor Patrick Williams for his encouragement and mentorship during his time in the program. He also especially thanked fellow students, Blake James and Callie Sparks, for their help and support, stating that “study sessions with the two of them is what inspired me to start helping others.”

Phillips said a family member who works as an aviation mechanic inspired him to join the aviation maintenance program, also known as the Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) program. He is expected to complete the program this May. After completing the program, he said plans to take his training into the aviation maintenance career field. He said he also hopes to continue to give back in some way “by inspiring in as many others the dedication towards success [the program] has instilled in me.”

Phillips will be formally recognized during the ATEC’s annual conference in Chicago at the end of March.

George Scott has been named the new head coach for Enterprise State Community College’s women’s basketball team.

“Right now is a good time to make the change to George as the head coach of the women’s team, especially with the team changing conferences,” ESCC Athletic Director Jeremaine Williams said. “With him being here at ESCC, it will be good for the girls to have someone working with them full-time. I know him from his time coaching at Kinston and Enterprise High School, and he’s going to do a good job as the new coach.”

Scott, a speech instructor at the College since 2000, previously held the position of assistant women’s basketball coach at ESCC from 2000-2008. His coaching history also includes serving as the assistant coach for the Enterprise High School women’s basketball team for four years and the head coach of the EHS women’s team for four years. He most recently served as the head coach for the Kinston High School men’s basketball team.

“We’re happy to have George take on the role of head coach for our women’s basketball program,” ESCC President Danny Long said. “He’s already a valuable member of our Weevil family with his history as a coach here and his work with students in the classroom. I know he will do a great job leading our women’s team as its new coach.”

Scott said he is ready to get started.

“I love to see players develop as individuals on and off the court,” Scott said about working with student athletes. “I enjoy being a part of that process.”

He also said he is excited about his new position within the ESCC Athletic Division.

“As an instructor and now coach at the college, I consider the people at the college more than just co-workers,” he said. “I consider them family. Being the head women’s coach is an opportunity my family and I have prayed for. I am honored and excited to lead the program into the future.”