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The Enterprise State Community College Cross Country Team placed in top spots during the Huntingdon College Hawk Opener on Sept. 8.

The men’s team beat Southern Union State Community College, Huntingdon College, and Faulkner University to win the Hawk Opener. Freshman runner Samuel (Cole) Charles finished first for the ESCC Boll Weevils, setting a personal record for the 5k by breaking 19 minutes for the first time.

The ESCC women’s team came in second place to Huntingdon College, beating Faulkner University, Southern Union State Community College, and Lagrange College. Freshman runner Abby Allen finished in second place with a new personal record for time in the 5k.

The Enterprise State Community College Foundation is rolling out the red carpet for this year’s “Dancing for Scholarships” event happening Tuesday, October 24.

“Dancing for Scholarships” is the Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraising event. Last year, the dancing competition raised over $76,000 in funds that were used to for ESCC Foundation scholarships covering a variety of career and degree programs. Currently, scholarships offered through the ESCC Foundation total around $100,000.

This year, nine area stars and their dancing partners will compete for two trophies with dances inspired by hit Hollywood blockbusters. This year’s stars are Ross Bonura, general sales manager at Mitchell Nissan, dancing with Holle Smith, president of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation; Ashley Gresko, ESCC music instructor, dancing with Brantley Box, apprentice funeral director and embalmer at Searcy Funeral Home; Tracie Gulledge, gym manager and personal trainer at Crossfit FXT, dancing with Chad Thrash, sales director at Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram; Rhett Harrelson, head basketball coach at Enterprise High School (EHS), dancing with Emily Faught, national sales recruiter at Total Quality Logistics; Mary Katherine Head, Assistant District Attorney to the State of Alabama for the 12^th Judicial Circuit, dancing with Grant Williams, Youth Worship Director at Highpointe Church; Gabe Martin, Alfa Insurance Agent, dancing with Megan Wilks, trainer and coach at Crossfit FXT and office manager at M&W Consultants; Monica Reynolds, unit supply manager at The Central Property Book Office on Fort Novosel and owner of Uppity Events by Monica, dancing with Aaron Shealey, assistant choral music director at EHS; David Schutz, President of Schutz Insurance, dancing with Brook Bynum, ESCC student; and Odie Thompson, ESCC CDL Instructor, dancing with Raegan Hanson, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School.

Ticket sales for “Dancing for Scholarships” open Sept. 1. Early Bird price is $60 from Sept. 1-14. Starting Sept. 15, tickets will be $75. Tickets can be purchased online at fundraiser.support/DFS2023 and must be purchased in advance.

Table sponsorships are also available. These can be purchased at fundraiser.support/DFS2023 or by contacting Natalie Bradley at (334) 347-2623 ext. 2992 or nbradley@escc.edu. Doors will open on Oct. 24 at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m., and the competition will start at 7 p.m.

Last year, Enterprise State Community College reached approximately 6,000 individuals through classes, camps, and more, and the College is set to make an even stronger impact this year, starting with a 12% increase in enrollment.

ESCC’s impact from August 2022-August 2023 includes participation in the College’s degree and certificate programs, adult education program, non-credit training classes, community activities and camps, and support programs housed at the College:

• Last year, 2,844 individual students enrolled in classes at ESCC, including through dual enrollment. This is a 11% increase in enrollment from the 2021-22 year and includes students enrolled full term, in mini-term classes or in certificate programs.

• ESCC’s Adult Education Program saw 805 individuals enrolled in GED classes, the High School Diploma Option Program, or English Language Learner classes last year. There were 89 students who graduated with their GED or completed the HSDO program.

• Through the Workforce Development Program, the College provided non-credit, short-term training to 484 individuals. These trainings were often taught by ESCC faculty and staff or utilized curriculum developed by business and industry leaders, such as the Skills for Success and NC3 certification curriculum.

• Two TRiO programs housed at ESCC, the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) and Educational Talent Search (ETS), helped over 1,300 individuals prepare for their postsecondary plans. More information about TRiO programs can be found at escc.edu/trio.

• ESCC offers several camps aimed to keep area children and youth active and learning during the summer months. This year, ESCC saw over 450 participants in summer camps, which included sports camps, an aviation camp on the AAC campus, and the popular Camp Weevil.

“ESCC’s mission is to help improve our community,” President Danny Long said. “We’re doing that, and we’re seeing growth because of it. We’re constructing new facilities to meet workforce demand, we’re offering essential career training opportunities, and we’re continuing to provide high-quality educational experiences in the classroom. We’ve got a strong adult education program, and we’re offering more enrichment opportunities for area children and high schoolers. No matter your background, no matter your age, we have something for you here at Enterprise State, and I’m proud to work with a team of people who believe in what we’re doing at this college.”

For the 2023-23 academic year, ESCC is already starting strong with a 12% increase in enrollment, and there is still a chance for anyone interested in pursuing a degree or career training to start this fall. The College’s second mini term, which is about seven weeks, offers students a second chance to take either academic or some career tech classes. The next mini term starts on Monday, October 16.

For students who are interested in registering for second mini term classes, they can apply at escc.edu/apply and then start the registration process at escc.edu/registration or by emailing advising@escc.edu.

Enterprise State Community College men’s’ and women’s cross country teams are set to open their second season at the JSU Foothills invitational at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, AL.

The invitational will feature teams from NCAA Division I to junior college competitors, including conference rivals Calhoun CC, Coastal- East CC, Gadsden State CC, LBW CC, Northeast Alabama CC, Norwest Shoals CC, Southern Union CC, and Wallace State.

The Foothills Invitational is designed specifically as a season opener, with a shorter race on a flat but fast course. It is a great opportunity to check individual and team development from the offseason while competing within the College’s conference.

“I am excited for this season,” returning head coach Chris Christian said. “Each individual runner on the men’s and women’s team has put a lot of hard work and mileage into their training during the lead up to this first race. Despite the harsh weather conditions, they have never deviated from what was expected from them, and I see the hunger to compete and show off to the rest of the conference that the Weevils have come to play.”

The men’s team is highlighted by returning runners Bryan Cooper of Chipley, FL, and Nathan Kinney of Enterprise, AL. This year’s newcomers are Ethan Johnston of Dothan, AL; Cole Charles of Elba, AL; Lamar Sowell of Chipley, FL; and first-year runner Gabriel Pearson from Enterprise, AL.

The women’s team is highlighted by returning runner Ty’Andrea Tillis of Elba, AL. Newcomers are freshman Abby Allen of Geneva, AL, who had a strong high school season; Mirna Thompson of Enterprise, AL; Katie Hallman of New Brockton, AL; and Tayler Clouse of Dothan, AL. Sophomore Amber Boettcher of Ft Novosel, AL, a first-year runner for ESCC, and freshman Shelby Dewberry from Dothan, AL, representing the Wiregrass Kings, round out the group ready to make a name for themselves.

The women’s 4km race will begin at 5:45pm followed by the men’s 5km at 6:25pm on Friday, Sept. 1.

Summer at Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College will offer plenty of interesting learning experiences for Wiregrass children and adults, including incoming ESCC/AAC students.

As of June 5, the full list of summer camps, training courses, and events includes:

• Camps –
  • Boy’s Basketball Camp – June 12-14 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Girl’s Basketball Team Camp – June 20 starting at 9 a.m.
  • Girl’s Basketball Camp (individual players) – June 21-22 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Math Bootcamp (A web-based math prep program designed to help improve math placement test scores or re-teach skills needed for fall math classes. Available for incoming freshmen or current Weevil students.) – June 20-July 31
  • FAA A&P Prep Course (prepare for FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant tests) – June 20-30 from 7 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
  • Minecraft Camp (Upper elementary students will use Minecraft: Education Edition to help develop their critical thinking skills.) – July 24-27 from 1 p.m. – 4p.m.
  • LSAMP STEM Summer Academy (a two-day camp for rising high school juniors and seniors to learn about STEM programs at ESCC, attend a college STEM class, and take part in hands-on STEM activities) – June 27-28

• Trainings –   
  • Free Skid Steer Course – June 16 -17 (must complete online work before taking hands-on lab)
• Introduction to Microsoft Excel – July 6-27 (every Tuesday and Thursday) from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

This list could be updated to reflect additional camps. Please follow the Enterprise State Community College social media pages for updates.

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.