Chattahoochee Tech News

Firehouse Subs Donates $15,000 of Equipment to Chattahoochee Tech

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:07:47 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Feb. 8, 2012) Chattahoochee Technical College received much needed equipment from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation at a ceremony Feb. 8. The college’s public safety department was the recipient of two used police vehicles worth $15,870 – a welcome gift to the recently recognized police department.

“This generous donation by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is a wonderful gift for our department and Chattahoochee Technical College,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Public Safety Willis Wade. “As our department continues to grow and transition to a fully recognized police department, we must meet the professional standards of public safety. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has provided us with an opportunity to do just that with the donation of two police cars.”

As the largest technical college in Georgia, the college has experienced tremendous growth and with that an additional need for public safety. The vehicles will cut down on response time and help with the transportation for officers on duty.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated more than $378,000 to public safety entities in Georgia. Firehouse Subs is renowned for hearty, oversized portions and piping hot subs. The founders’ 200-year firefighting heritage inspired the formation of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding, resources and support to public safety entities.

“We are truly serving subs and saving lives,” said Mark Jones, franchisee of the Acworth Firehouse Subs location, which celebrated its second anniversary also at the ceremony. “The support of our local heroes shown by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, impacts us all.”

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to customers for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profits mission and collect spare change, while the round up program allows guests to literally “round up their bill to the nearest dollar.

The police cars will be added to the college’s growing police presence and both used at its eight campuses. Both cars have already been striped and decaled with logos and official college colors in a design by Chattahoochee Technical College Publication Specialist and Graphic Designer Hugh MacKay.

“Having the proper tools and equipment to do our jobs and protect the students, faculty and staff of Chattahoochee Technical College is of the upmost importance,” said Wade. “This donation makes a huge difference in that effort by providing us with reliable transportation and a means by which to safeguard the Chattahoochee Technical College community.”

Dr. Ron Newcomb Named President of Chattahoochee Technical College

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:40:00 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Feb. 2, 2012) Dr. Ron Newcomb was officially announced today as the new president of Chattahoochee Technical College. The announcement of this appointment was made by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson after his choice was approved by the state board.

“I look forward to continuing my work with the faculty, staff and students of Chattahoochee Technical College in this role,” said Newcomb. “We have a long and proud history in this state as leaders in higher education. I will work hard to ensure my leadership builds on the success that has made Chattahoochee Technical College a flagship institution in Georgia.”

Following a motion made by TCSG Board Member Earl Smith, the board voted unanimously to approve Dr. Newcomb’s appointment. The appointment is effective as of Feb. 1.

Chattahoochee Technical College is Georgia’s largest technical college with more than 11,000 students enrolled in its spring semester courses. The college provides classes in more than 70 degree, diploma and certificate areas at its eight campuses and online. Serving six counties, including Bartow, Cobb, Cherokee, Gilmer, Paulding and Pickens, the college also provides many other students with learning opportunities in adult education, continuing education and workforce development training.

Newcomb has served as the interim president of Chattahoochee Technical College since Oct. 1, 2011 when former president Dr. Sanford Chandler stepped down to assume the role of assistant commissioner for global initiatives. Since July 1, 2009, Newcomb served the college as provost and executive vice president. Prior to the merger of Chattahoochee Technical College with North Metro Technical College and Appalachian Technical College, he served as acting president of NMTC and the vice president of academic affairs and institutional advancement.

He has also served as an assistant for education research and policy under Georgia Governors Joe Frank Harris and Roy Barnes. Newcomb announced in 2011 that he would not seek re-election to the Smyrna City Council where he had represented Ward 2 since 1991 after moving to the city in 1983. A graduate of the University of Georgia with both bachelor and master’s degrees in political science, he received his doctorate in education from the University of Georgia in 2011.

Chattahoochee Tech Receives Steel Donation from Pacesetter Steel

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:35:35 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Feb. 1, 2012) ChattahoocheeTechnical College recently received a sizable donation from Pacesetter Steel Service, a global steel distribution company headquartered in Kennesaw. The company donated two pallets of carbon steel to Chattahoochee Technical College’s Community and Economic Development department.

“This donation is the least we can do in return for all of the help [CTC] has given to us and our community,” Vice President of People for Pacesetter Aviva Leebow said.

The raw material will be used in a training program to teach basic welding skills to job seekers wanting to enter this high demand field, and also to assist companies who already have welding personnel to improve the knowledge and skills of their workforce. Expected to begin soon at the North Metro Campus, the classes will be offered as noncredit training classes at various levels.

“Industry has been asking us for over a year now to provide an avenue for short-term industry-focused welding courses”, says Jonathan Warner, Director of Economic Development at CTC’s North Metro Campus in Acworth. “Our college’s mission dictates that we do everything we can to ensure opportunities for people to gain skills that will enable them to be fully employed”.

Debbie Underkoffler, president of North Georgia Staffing Service and a CTC Board Member added, “The new welding lab at our North Metro Campus is very much needed in the Cobb/Bartow/Cherokee area, and it will provide to our industrial community the resources they need to improve the skills of their workforce. We are thrilled that Pacesetter has made this generous donation to our college.”

For more information on non-credit welding courses at Chattahoochee Tech’s North Metro Campus, please call 770-975-4251.

Chattahoochee Technical College Names Gidgetta Wilcher as EAGLE Delegate

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:51:49 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Jan. 25, 2012) Gidgetta Wilcher has been chosen to represent Chattahoochee Technical College at the Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education Leadership Institute in Atlanta February 13-15, 2012. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs.

When Wilcher was 18 years old, she was preparing for a graduation that slipped through her fingers. Just two days before the ceremony, Wilcher’s high school counselor informed her that she was lacking a math class that would have to be made up in summer school.

“I was devastated because I thought I had all of my credits and my G.P.A. was a 2.0,” Wilcher said. “I was also expecting my oldest daughter and I had no way of getting to summer school due to the lack of transportation.”

Life without her high school diploma meant something was missing, according to the 41 year old who is now enrolled in CTC’s Healthcare Assistant program. The lack of it weighed on her mind for about 22 years.

“There wasn’t a year that went by that I didn’t think about not having my high school diploma,” Wilcher said. “I was so close to obtaining it that the very fact that I didn’t have it really bothered me. I wasn’t a high school dropout, and I refused to get a GED for one little math credit. I struggled with this for almost 22 years. Then I finally decided that it was time to get my GED.”

Wilcher decided the time was right after the job she had held for 12 years was eliminated in April 2010. Instead of looking for a new job, she chose to make a phone call that would put her on a track to continuing her education. She called Chattahoochee Technical College.

“Within two to three weeks, I was attending the GED classes and within six months; I had passed the GED test on the first try,” Wilcher said. “Personally, I don’t think I would have been able to accomplish this so quickly if I had been working.”

Now with her GED in hand, she has enrolled in classes at Chattahoochee Technical College with the goal of becoming a nurse.

“Gidgetta was very studious and determined to achieve her goal from day one,” said Adult Education Instructor Rebecca Wilke. “She asked for more homework than anyone else and stayed after class to ask questions. We are very proud that she is in the nursing program and chose her as our EAGLE to honor her hard work and dedication.”

EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation that recognizes and rewards excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. This student recognition program is designed to create greater awareness of educational opportunities that are available in local communities across the state and to foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) through its Office of Adult Education (OAE) sponsors the annual Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) Leadership Institute.

Chattahoochee Technical College names winner of Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction - Jim Rutherfoord

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:22:51 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College announced Friday, Jan. 20, the winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 25 member institutions. Jim Rutherfoord was named as the school’s winner. The announcement was made Friday at a luncheon honoring GOAL and Rick Perkins nominees, finalists, and winners.

Other finalists for the title included Clint Cooper, air conditioning technology instructor and Shannon Ferdarko, practical nursing instructor.

Rutherfoord is a current resident of Woodstock, GA and teaches math courses at the Jasper and Canton campuses. He has taught for Chattahoochee Technical College for ten years and teaches numerous math courses including learning support classes to more advanced courses such as calculus and statistics. Prior to teaching at Chattahoochee Tech, he has 25 years of experience in private industry which according to Rutherfoord is important. "Real word experience is crucial to bring into the classroom and share with our students."

Rutherfoord will now compete against the winners from other technical colleges in Georgia at the regional level. The regional level of the competition includes Georgia technical college winners from the northern area of the state for the region Rick Perkins Award title. Each region will then select two finalists whose names will be announced in April at the annual Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and Rick Perkins Award conference. Those finalists will participate in an additional screening process for the state Rick Perkins Award title.

Each phase consists of a brief 5-7 minute introduction by the nominee to a panel of three judges followed by a 12-15 minute interview session. The winner of this award will carry the title of Instructor of the Year and will receive several nice gifts. The state winner receives $1,000 and a crystal award.

When questioned on Jim’s feelings about winning the Rick Perkins Award, he commented "This is quite an honor to be chosen to represent the faculty at Chattahoochee Tech. I look forward to carrying on through the region and state competition as I represent the college."

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner's Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas "Rick" Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner's Award immediately prior to his untimely death.

Eric Underwood is Chosen as Chattahoochee Tech's GOAL Winner

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:37:51 EST

Eric Underwood, an Automotive Technology student at Chattahoochee Technical College, has been named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). Eric was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 26 technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

Eric is a current resident of Powder Springs and primarily attends classes on the Marietta Campus. He began working for Sears Auto Center and realized it would be necessary to improve his knowledge of the automobile to grow as a service writer. After making several inquiries about local colleges, he chose Chattahoochee Tech. The training he has received at Chattahoochee Tech has allowed for growth in his company. After 11 months of employment, he has been promoted to assistant manager. According to Eric, “My experience has allowed me to build a career in an industry that is much like any of the programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, a part of the glue that binds society together”. Eric is a huge advocate for technical education and stated “the President and Congress need to take a close look at technical colleges, they are the solution to our economic problems.”

Eric will now proceed to regional judging. All college GOAL winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta for two days in April. Nine finalists, three regional finalists from the three regions, will be announced while in Atlanta and if chosen, he will compete with the other eight GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2012 state GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion and a new car.

“Our judges had a really tough job,” said GOAL coordinator Lucylle Shelton. “They were inspired and touched by so many of the stories and things they learned from each of the finalists.”

Nominated by faculty, the four finalists were chosen out of 32 nominees from various programs at Chattahoochee Technical College. A screening committee of administrators and instructors at the college reviewed all the nominations and interviewed each of the students. Finalists include, Greta Samuels, an early childhood care and education student from Marietta; Kirk Browne Jr. a marketing student from Dallas; Sarah Strength a nursing student from Marietta; and Eric Underwood, an automotive technology student from Powder Springs

Thousands Starting the New Year by Going Back to School at CTC

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:01:41 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College opened its second semester with an influx of new and returning students. As of the first day of classes, 12,115 students were on the rolls for the college’s more than 70 diploma, certificate and degree programs.

The numbers are in line with Fall 2011 numbers, which had dipped slightly due to students earlier deadlines with the transition from quarters to semesters and changes to state financial aid programs. Continuing students were offered the opportunity to register for this semester as early as October, which was a full month before registration had opened in the past.

“Enrollment numbers indicate that our students are successfully navigating the transition from quarters to semesters,” said Jennifer Nelson, Vice President of External Affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College. “Students are also responding to the affordable and diverse career education opportunities at Chattahoochee Tech.”

The new year is bringing new programs to several of the college’s campuses, including a new Web Application Design program at Marietta Campus, Occupational Therapy Assistant at the Austell Campus and Health Information Technology at the North Metro Campus. Other new programs are expected later in 2012.

Campuses such as Marietta and North Metro in Acworth remain popular choices for students with 70 percent of students attending at those two locations. Online classes are a popular option, as they offer flexibility in scheduling that working student’s need. Campus enrollment as of January 9 stands at:

Appalachian - 667
Austell - 297
Canton - 934
Marietta - 4,954
Mountain View - 827
North Metro - 3,586
Online - 3,966
Paulding - 1,301
Woodstock - 550

Chattahoochee Tech Names Finalists for GOAL Competition

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:15:36 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Dec. 6, 2011) Four Chattahoochee Technical College students have been selected as the college’s finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL), according to Lucylle Shelton, coordinator for the CTC GOAL program.

Chosen as finalists are:

Greta Samuels of Marietta – Early Childhood Care and Education
Kirk Browne Jr. of Dallas – Marketing
Jake Jones of Canton – Air Conditioning Technology
Eric Underwood of Powder Springs – Automotive Technology

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

All the college GOAL winners will compete in regional judging, which will include students from the other 26 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

GOAL winners from each college will compete in regional judging in February. In April, all college winners will come to Atlanta where the nine finalists, three finalists from each of the three regions, will be announced and compete at the state-level in April and one student will be named as the statewide GOAL winner.

"The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce," said Shelton.

According to Shelton, a screening committee of administrators at Chattahoochee Technical College selected the four finalists from a list of students nominated by their instructors.

"The next step is for a panel of business, civic and industry leaders from the community to interview and evaluate these four students and select one to be the college’s 2012 GOAL winner," explained Shelton. “The one judged most outstanding will compete in regional judging. Three finalists from that region will compete in the state GOAL competition in Atlanta and vie to be named as the 2012 statewide GOAL winner.”

The state GOAL winner becomes the student ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia and receives a grand prize of a new car.

Chattahoochee Technical College narrows down list of Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction to three instructors

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 9:14:08 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Dec. 7, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College announced this week the three finalists for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 25 member institutions. The three instructors were chosen from a larger group who were nominated for the honor by other faculty and staff members.

Among the finalists are Clint Cooper, Shannon Ferdarko and James Rutherfoord. Cooper, an air conditioning technology instructor, teaches students at the Canton Campus. Ferdarko, who is a practical nursing instructor, teaches at the North Metro Campus. Rutherfoord teaches math at the college’s Appalachian Campus.

The three finalists will compete in another round of interviews Dec. 9 to determine the school winner, according to the coordinator of the competition, Mark Reddick. The winner will be announced Jan. 20 during a luncheon to honor both the outstanding instructor and outstanding student. Once selected, the winner will represent Chattahoochee Technical College at the next level of competition.

To become the state Rick Perkins Award winner, nominees go through three phases of selection: The college level, the regional level, and the state level. Each phase consists of a brief 5-7 minute introduction by the nominee to a panel of three judges followed by a 12-15 minute interview session. The state winner receives $1,000 and a crystal award.

New Program at Chattahoochee Tech Goes Beyond Traditional Web Design

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:15:11 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Dec. 6, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College’s Web Site Design program will be replaced by a newly developed Web Applications Design program starting this January. The new program, which is housed in with other computer information technology programs offered by the college, will take a broader look at multiple technologies and focus on the industry from the programming aspects.

“With smart phones, iPads, and Web 2.0 (blogs, wiki, social media) there is a large increase in demand for web application developers that can interface Web 2.0 technologies with web sites and wireless devices,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Steve Prettyman.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers multiple options for those wanting to study web design, including the Design and Media Production program that focuses more on the graphics and design elements of the industry. The addition of the new program will offer an avenue of study for those who are more interested in programming, according to Prettyman.

“Although the Web Application curriculum is similar to the Web Design curriculum, the new program concentrates on both web site and web application programming,” explained Prettyman. “The Web Design curriculum concentrated on both web graphics and web development. Some students are more oriented towards graphic design and some students are more oriented towards programming. It makes sense to have a more graphic oriented program at the North Metro Campus with the other graphic programs and a web application program at the Marietta Campus with the other programming courses.”

About 75 students are currently studying web design under the current program. That program will still be available to current students at the diploma, certificate and degree levels. However, Prettyman said he hopes current students will consider the newer curriculum. The new program will take students approximately two years to finish on a full time schedule with classes beginning with using HTML, CSS, and Javascript to develop web pages. After mastering these skills the student will develop applications to connect databases and social media these web sites. The student will choose one or more programming languages when creating these server based applications.

Almost 80 percent of the new program’s curriculum is offered online with traditional classes being held at the Marietta Campus. Three or four online classes are offered each semester.

In addition to streamlining current offerings, the new program will help students meet industry standards upon graduation. Job growth is expected to be good, according to Prettyman.

“It’s looking very strong. Social media has caused this area of the industry to explode. Companies are still discovering how to interface social media with internet sales. This program is designed to help meet that need.”

32 Chattahoochee Tech Students Nominated for GOAL Award

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 10:52:57 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 28, 2011) Instructors at Chattahoochee Technical College have nominated 32 of their students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) competition, according to Lucylle Shelton, coordinator for the college’s GOAL program.

Now in its 40^th year, GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 25 technical colleges, as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

A screening committee of administrators at Chattahoochee Technical College will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students. After the nominees have been ranked, four finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the college’s GOAL winner for 2012.

After another round of interviews and evaluations, the student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the regional competition. Then three from each of the three regions will make up the nine semi-finalists, who will be named in May at the state GOAL conference in Atlanta. The nine regional finalists will then move to the state level and compete for the title of state GOAL winner.

The student who earns the state GOAL winner title is also awarded the important responsibility of traveling the state as the ambassador for the entire technical college system. To make that travel easier, the winner also receives a new car.

Chattahoochee Tech Paralegal Program Nearly Doubles in Size

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:26:03 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Nov. 22, 2011) The nationwide demand for paralegals and legal assistants is growing. As a result so is Chattahoochee Technical College’s Paralegal Certificate Program at the college’s North Metro Campus. The program now boasts 23 students – nearly double the enrollment from last year.

“Paralegal jobs are projected as growing faster than average, and obtaining a certificate in Paralegal studies will give the job candidate an edge over the competition,” said Community and Economic Development Coordinator Cindy Holland. “Additionally, our program meets the requirements for certification by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) if a graduate wishes to obtain a national certification.”

Paralegals assist attorneys with many of their duties, including research, preparing documents and interviewing witnesses. With a lower salary than attorneys, paralegals are popular hires among insurance companies, law firms, medical groups, corporations and government agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for paralegals to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

The program has been offered at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College since 1992. The non-credit program takes approximately one year to complete with a total of 14 classes at the rate of two classes per week for six weeks. Taught by local attorneys, the program also offers networking opportunities whenever possible, inviting members of organizations such as GAP (Georgia Association of Paralegals) to speak to the students and offer them the opportunity to join these associations.

“I have been teaching in this program for the past 19 years,” said Civil Litigation Instructor Matt Flournoy. “The current job market is difficult, and being a Paralegal graduate will help you get your foot in the door of potential employers. CTC’s program is a bargain – the costs are lower than most other Paralegal schools.”

The Paralegal Certificate Program is eligible for WIA funding - a federal program that will assist laid off workers as well as long-term unemployed, low income, unskilled workers in retraining or new training to help them get back in the workforce.

The next classes available for entry are Real Estate Law on Tuesdays starting Feb. 21 and Criminal Law I on Thursdays beginning Feb. 23. Tuition is $125 per class or $250 each six weeks for those wanting to take both classes offered. No books are required for the classes.

There is no application or registration fee for the classes. Prospective students are asked to stop by the North Metro Campus in Acworth or call to register at least five business days before the class is scheduled to begin.

Paralegal students need good verbal and written communication skills and a basic knowledge of computers such as word processing and navigating the Internet,” Holland said.

For more information about the program, contact Cindy Holland at 770-975-4050 or look under Continuing Education on this website.

Chattahoochee Tech to hold First Graduation Since Semester Transition

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:24:12 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 22, 2011) This December around 1,000 graduates of Georgia’s largest technical college will be honored in a ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Approximately 300 are expected to walk in the ceremony. Scheduled for Dec. 15, the ceremony will honor those completing their programs of study during the summer term and fall semester.

State Senator Chip Rogers is scheduled to be the commencement speaker at the event. Rogers was first elected in 2002 to the Georgia House of Representatives before being elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2004. Rogers was unanimously chosen as the Georgia Senate Majority Leader in 2009.

Popular programs for graduates include Computer Information Systems, Business Administrative Technology, Accounting and Early Childhood Care and Education for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. Of those graduates receiving a diploma, most studied Cosmetology, Practical Nursing and Medical Assisting.

Brookeanna Herring of Chattahoochee Tech wins statewide award for her efforts

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 9:27:07 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Nov. 22, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College Recruiter Brookeanna Herring was honored at the recent Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual meeting with the organization’s Outstanding New Professionals Award. Herring is the first such recipient from CTC.

The statewide award is presented annually to someone with fewer than five years in the profession. Presented to a very surprised Herring at the conference in Brasstown Valley Resort this October, the award was presented for dedication and involvement in promoting the professional standards of the Georgia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

Herring, a native of Cartersville, began her position in recruiting a little more than three years ago. She holds an associate degree in business from Young Harris College and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Georgia College and University.

“I absolutely love my job,” said Herring, who began her career at the former North Metro Technical College prior to its merger with two other institutions. “I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives. A lot of times, people have a preconceived idea about technical colleges, and many times they don’t even know what they are all about.”

Herring’s position takes her to high schools and recruiting fairs throughout the college’s six county service delivery area. It is during those outings that she speaks to prospective students about their lives and plans for the future. Many, she says, are not always familiar with what a technical college is and what it can offer them.

“I think that the most important thing is for people to be presented with their options,” Herring said. “We may or may not be the college for them. But how do they know unless they receive the information? Once students are presented with all of their options, I feel that they can make the best decisions on what their high education goals should be.”

Gilmer and Pickens County Seniors Converge on Chattahoochee Tech

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:23:36 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Nov. 18, 2011) Yellow buses lined the parking lots of Chattahoochee Technical College Friday morning as more than 100 local high school seniors experienced a day as students of Georgia’s largest technical college.

“You can tell these students all about college as much as you want, but this is really a chance for them to experience it,” said CTC Director of Recruitment and Retention Erin Hamby.

After an early morning information session about everything from financial aid and admission to student activities and athletics, the students picked out programs they were most interested in learning more about. About seven programs provided faculty to hold 30-minute mock classes that provided students a chance to ask questions and try their hands at some of the activities and assignments.

“Students performed learned about auto collision repair, tried to wash their hands like healthcare workers, wore sterile nursing accessories and saw what welding really includes,” said Hamby. “We hope they have a better idea of what these programs are really like and what opportunities are out there for them.”

The students from Gilmer and Pickens high schools also learned more about the transition from high school to college with information sessions that highlighted some of the important factors of the application process. Financial aid and the college’s popular technical specialist program were highlighted for the prospective students.

CTC Students Outfit Bus with Medical Equipment for Africa

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:49:47 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Nov. 2, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Mike O’Rear and five of his Biomedical Technology Engineering students saw months of hard work culminate in a ceremony Wednesday. The instructor and students handed off the keys to a bus that has been refurbished as a mobile medical unit with equipment they installed.

“I was approached by the people at MedShare about doing this project,” explained O’Rear. “They supplied the equipment, and then these students worked to install it and make sure it was working properly.”

O’Rear, along with about six students from Chattahoochee Technical College installed the medical instrumentation on a bus that will be shipped to Ghana. Once there, healthcare workers will utilize the equipment and facility to check for hypertension and diabetes in patients while information is transferred back to the United States for analysis.

Dr. Issifu Harruna of the Kibasibi Foundation was on hand to see the now completed bus, which was once used to transport students at the University of Georgia. According to Harruna, the bus will be used primarily in rural Ghana. The bus is named after Harruana’s mother, Amina, who accepted the keys to the bus.

This is not the first international project for O’Rear, who traveled to Africa in 2008 with MedShare – an organization that collects donated medical equipment for use in third world countries. However, this is a first chance for many of the students to do such a project

“This project will help the people of Ghana,” said student project leader Charles Cowan. “It will help the world.”

Chattahoochee Tech to Host Computer Recycling Day at Marietta

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 12:41:18 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 2, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College and Second Life Computer are hosting a computer recycling day at the college’s Marietta Campus. Community members, students, faculty and staff are asked to bring their electronics for event.

Scheduled for Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby of Building F, the event will allow everyone to drop off used and new equipment that can be recycled and/or refurbished. Items eligible for recycling include laptops, computers, network / telephone / test equipment, computer parts, cable and wire, motherboards / PC cards and memory, hard drives, cell phones, handheld electronics and CD’s. Two people participating in the day will be selected to receive a free laptop from Second Life Computer.

The recycling day is a part of several activities the Chattahoochee Technical College’s Computer Information Systems Technology students and members of the CTC Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals will be organizing for TECH month – November. Other events include workshops on computer forensics and how to secure your home wireless connection.

For more information on what can be recycled, visit www.secondlifecomputer.com.

Chattahoochee Tech Celebrates its First Homecoming Football Game Day

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:29:40 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Oct. 31, 2011) For the first time in the college’s history, Chattahoochee Technical College has its own royalty. Krista Stapleton of Canton and Jonathan King of Austell were crowned as the queen and king of homecoming.

Stapleton is a nursing student who plans to work in pediatrics. She volunteers at the CTC library and urges others to be more active at school. King, who is a freelance graphic designer, is studying business. He said he would like his sales numbers to exceed the world’s population.

Also on the court were: Amanda Akins of Atlanta, Ontoyria Blackstone of Marietta, Christopher Brown of Hiram, Donald Eversten of Powder Springs, Travis Foster of Austell, Phillip Grant of Atlanta, Camellia Hodges of Canton and Megan Manning of Woodstock. Members of the court were voted on by the football team and a selection of students, staff and faculty.

In only its second year, the Chattahoochee Technical College Golden Eagles Football Team played to a record crowd at Osborne High School Sunday. It marked the first homecoming for the college as the team took on Southern Tech of North Carolina. The #1 ranked club football team came away with its sixth victory this season with a 26-12 win over the Wildcats.

Students, faculty, staff and fans enjoyed tailgating before the game with hamburgers and hot dogs and watching the half time show that featured entertainment by the CTC cheerleaders and a performance by the Osborne High School drum line. But the premier event of half time was the introduction of the homecoming court and crowning of the king and queen.

Chattahoochee Tech Celebrates National Radiologic Technology Week

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:23:50 EST

(Acworth, Ga. – Oct. 28, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College students will be celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) this year with an event that will show just how far the field of radiography has come in the 116 years since the discovery of x-rays. From 10 am to 2 pm, Nov. 8, CTC’s 18 radiography students will host an open house at the college’s North Metro Campus.

NRTW is celebrated annually to recognize the work of radiologic technologists. The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895.

“We are all very excited and proud to be a part of the study of radiography,” said Radiography Program Director Deanne Collins. “So this event is a great opportunity to share more about what we do and encourage others to consider careers in this field.”

In addition to learning about the program at Chattahoochee Technical College, those visiting the event can play games, win prizes, enjoy snacks and talk to members of the current class of students. The event will be held in room F219 of Building F at the North Metro Campus in Acworth.

The Radiography program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in Radiology departments and related businesses and industries. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, and possess the qualifications of an entry-level radiographer and are eligible to take the national boards administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) once all academic and clinical requirements are met.

“Students have over 1,500 clinical hours and take nine radiography courses throughout the 21 month program,” explained Collins. “Students must complete 57 competencies in order to sit for the national registry exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.”

Chattahoochee Tech Brings Home Gold, Silver and Bronze from NCMPR

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:21:54 EST

(Marietta, Ga. – Oct. 27, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College’s Department of External Affairs brought home six awards for their efforts over the past year. National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 2 awarded CTC with six of its prestigious honors for communications and marketing.

A reported 426 entries were judged from the more than 50 community and technical college’s participating in this year’s competition. The college won two gold, two silver and two bronze awards at the annual conference in Atlanta this October.

Among its gold winning entries were the college’s promotional video and its campaign for a special event – the opening of the college’s eighth campus in Canton. Silver winners included the college’s recently redesigned website and its recruitment campaign that encouraged high school students to consider dual enrollment options at CTC. Bronze winners were a recruitment campaign to encourage prospective students to apply by July and a media success story to highlight some of the college’s popular programs.

“We are thrilled with the recognition,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President of External Affairs Jennifer Nelson. “The team works hard to put together solid, dynamic, and effective messages that can be delivered through a variety of media. To hear from our peers that we are doing a good job is a great honor.”

The NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges in District 7. It's the only regional competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. District 2 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.

Chattahoochee Tech Introduces First Health Science Program in Canton

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 8:01:38 EST

(Canton, Ga. – Oct. 26, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College recently announced that its Canton Campus will be the home to its newest program of study, Clinical Laboratory Technology. The associate degree program will host its first class of students in the fall of 2012.

Clinical Laboratory Technology is a seven-semester associate of applied science degree program. Students learn to perform clinical laboratory procedures under the supervision of a qualified pathologist and/or clinical laboratory scientist. Classroom training is integrated with clinical experiences under the medical direction of cooperating hospitals. Graduation from this program allows students to take a national certification examination which is necessary for clinical employment.

The program is designed to prepare students to work in hospitals, blood banks, physician offices, research centers and other laboratory settings. According to Department of Labor statistics, employment in the field is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018 – faster than average for all occupations. Average salary for someone in this field is around $17.60 per hour or $36,400 per year.

This program complements the college’s other health sciences programs by providing a program that allows graduates to work in the health care industry in a behind the scenes capacity,” said Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. “In addition, there are opportunities for students to further their education after graduation from CTC.”

A maximum of 12 students will be selected for the program through a competitive admissions process. In addition to GPA in selected per-requisite courses, students will be evaluated on HOBET test scores and Critical Thinking quiz scores. Information sessions will be held this spring for those interested in the program. The deadline for applications is in May 2012.

The new program will be directed by Robin Aiken of Canton. Aiken has more than five years of teaching experience at DeKalb Technical College. She is an ASCLS Board member and the District 6 Director. She also serves as a member of the Emory University Medical Technology Program Board.

Chattahoochee Tech Introduces New Production Technician Program

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:02:58 EST

(Austell, Ga. – Oct. 25, 2011) Chattahoochee Technical College’s Department of Community and Economic Development will begin its Certified Production Technician Training Program this November. The college is currently the only certified Manufacturing Skills Standards Council center in Georgia.

“Trained and certified production technician workers can help this community to be more competitive in attracting high-wage/high-skilled jobs,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President of Community of Community and Economic Development Glenn Rasco. “This program will help address the growing skills gap by making it clear to workers what skills they need to work in manufacturing, and at the same time enable manufacturers to identify applicants who have the requisite skills.”

Offered at the Chattahoochee Technical College Manufacturing Training Center in Austell, the program is an industry-led training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation’s production workers. Based upon federally endorsed national standards, this program offers production workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have mastered the skills increasingly needed in the high-growth, technical jobs of the 21st century.

Scheduled to be completed in four weeks, the program consists of four individual certificate modules, including Safety, Quality Practices and Measurement, Manufacturing Processes and Production and Maintenance Awareness. Applicants to the program should be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED and be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien. Other requirements include a Georgia Work Ready certificate, and passing scores in Math and English on the TABE exam.

The cost of the program is $2,499, which includes each of the four modules and certification exam costs. Class size is limited to 15 students. The first class is scheduled to begin Nov. 14 with a registration deadline of Nov. 4.

For more information about the program, call 770-528-4551.

Chattahoochee Tech unveils expansion of program at Canton

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 12:01:25 EST

(Canton, Ga. - Oct. 6, 2011) One of Chattahoochee Technical College’s most popular programs is branching out. Air Conditioning Technology classes are now offered on both the Canton and Marietta campuses – making it the first technical studies program to make its way to the new Cherokee County campus.

“It is important that we offer a variety of classes and programs throughout our service delivery area,” explained Vice President of Academic Affairs Trina Boteler. “Providing convenient access to students will help to strengthen and train the workforce in the communities we serve.”

The Air Conditioning Technology sequence is a 51 credit hour, diploma level program. Students study refrigeration, heat pumps, gas heat, electrical systems of HVAC units, installation, electrical motors and troubleshooting. The program emphasizes a combination of air conditioning theory and practical application necessary for successful employment.

Recent graduating classes have found jobs almost immediately, according to instructor Clint Cooper. The market for positions as an HVAC technician continues to grow. In addition to opportunities with heating and cooling contractors, many graduates find employment with utility companies, supply warehouses, schools, stores, hospitals, office buildings and government agencies.

“People always want to the comforts of air conditioning and heat, especially in the south,” said Cooper. “This field will continue to be strong because of that demand from consumers.”

Chattahoochee Technical College Goes for Gold with Canton Campus

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 13:53:32 EST

Less than one year old, the Canton Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College is already receiving recognition by the US Green Building Council. Officials announced last week that the college’s eighth campus has been designated LEED Gold certified.

“This designation puts this campus in the upper echelon of construction projects in the state and in the country,” said Vice-President of Facilities David Simmons. “The LEED Gold certification proves that the facilities leadership is committed to helping preserve the global environment for generations to come.”

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in March 2000, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. There are four levels making up the tiers of the LEED program, including certified, silver, gold and platinum. Approximately 60 of the more than 200 LEED certified projects in Georgia are at the gold level.

Originally the goal of the project was to attain a silver level certification, Matt Walsh, project architect with BRPH, told the Chattahoochee Technical Board of Directors. However, as the project was analyzed and points awarded for specific practices and features, the result was a coveted gold level certification. LEED certification of the campus was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively affect the project itself and the community.

The building achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. According to Simmons, features of the building that pushed it toward the gold certification level include, water use reduction, water efficient landscaping, light pollution reduction, reduced site disturbance, overall site selection, storage and collection of recyclables, innovation in design with green power and green cleaning and optimized energy performance.

The Canton Campus, which opened for classes earlier this year, is the eighth for Georgia’s largest technical college. Situated just off Interstate 575 within the Bluffs Technology Park, the academic classroom building measures 62,500 square feet and houses traditional classrooms, a library, computer labs, a bookstore, science labs, medical labs, faculty and staff offices, a business office and a tiered lecture hall. The $12.5 million project was designed by BRPH and construction management was provided by Brasfiled & Gorrie.

This semester more than 760 students are taking classes at the Canton Campus. In addition to general core classes, program offerings at the campus include drafting technology, management and supervisory development and air conditioning technology.

State Senator Visits CTC Lab School for Pre-K Week Kick Off

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 15:37:09 EST

State Senator Bill Heath paid a visit to the Chattahoochee Technical College Child Development Lab Monday at the college’s Paulding Campus. The visit, which was arranged by Voices for Georgia’s Children, was in celebration of Georgia Pre-K week. Heath visited with the children during story time and observed them as they played on the program’s newly re-designed outdoor play area.

“The best way for people to learn about what an asset Georgia Pre-K is to this state is to witness it first hand,” said Lead Instructor Frances Carlson. “Here Senator Heath not only gets to see our Pre-K classroom but also what we do to prepare our students to become Pre-K teachers.”

Chattahoochee Technical College’s Child Development Lab is a lab school designed to provide Early Childhood Care and Education students with the hands-on experience with young children they need to integrate their classroom knowledge with real-life experience, according to Carlson. The lab has two classrooms: one family bonded class which has mixed ages of children age 2 ½ to 4 years old and one Georgia Pre-K classroom with 4 year olds. The total enrollment for the lab is 34 children. It is staffed by a lab coordinator, and four full-time teachers.

The lab is accredited, which opened in 1997, is accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has been since 2000. Less than 6 percent of childcare programs have that distinction. Programs that are accredited by NAEYC have voluntarily submitted themselves for review against the most robust and rigorous standards in early education, health and safety.

“Student-teaching in the CDL is part of both practicum and internship, so approximately 80 – 100 early childhood students have access to the lab each semester,” said Carlson. “Providing our students the opportunity to work in our nationally accredited child development lab is a huge benefit to them. They get to see what high-quality environments and teacher-child interactions can and should look like.”

Chattahoochee Technical College offers degree, diploma and certificate in early childhood care and education at four of its eight campuses, including Marietta, North Metro, Paulding and Woodstock. Graduates find jobs in child care centers, Georgia Pre-K programs, Head Start programs, after-school programs and pre-schools.

“Being recognized as an exemplary program by the State of Georgia means that we – as a college – are continuing to be successful in our mission to provide our ECCE students access to high-quality, accessible and affordable educational programs,” said Carlson. Additionally, we are able to provide access to a quality, nationally accredited and state licensed developmentally appropriate program for young children and their families in the Child Development Lab. Our department’s vision is that we will be able to ignite the potential that is present in all early childhood care and education students. This recognition means we are even closer to achieving our vision.”

Chattahoochee Tech moves a step closer to its own police department

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 15:34:28 EST

Public Safety officers from all eight of Chattahoochee Technical College’s campuses gathered in Jasper to be sworn in as official members of the college’s newly designated police department. It is one step in many that will transition the college’s department of public safety.

Already recognized by the state, officers will undergo more rigorous training and add equipment including radios, blue lights and other items to their program. According to Director of Public Safety Willis Wade, the training and expectations are going to be much higher. All of this will move the department from not only being focused on security to one that can respond to various levels of emergencies and conduct its own investigations.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are paramount,” Wade said. “That will remain the case as we transition into a fully active police department.”

As one of his last official duties as president of Chattahoochee Technical College, Dr. Sanford Chandler administered the oath to the 16 officers at the college’s September board of directors meeting. Willis said the department was honored that Chandler did that, as he has always been a supporter of the transition.

“We’re very grateful for the support and assistance provided by Dr. Chandler and the executive staff of the college,” Willis said. “That support and assistance has proven to be invaluable in recruiting and employing some of the most highly experienced and trained officers in the state. We are lucky to have such a wonderful group of men and women representing and serving the college.”

Chattahoochee Tech ADN Program Now a Fully Approved Program

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 8:54:46 EST

The Georgia Board of Nursing announced this month that Chattahoochee Technical College’s Associate Degree Nursing program has now been granted full approval. The news comes on the heels of the recent announcement that the program’s first graduating class recently achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the state licensing examination.

According to the Chattahoochee Technical College Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb, that 100 percent pass rate was one of the deciding factors in the approval for the program that only received its initial approval in 2009. The Georgia Board of Nursing requires that programs have a first time pass rate of 80 percent or more to move from the developing program status to full approval.

The first 18 students in the program graduated in June 2011. Since that time they have been studying for the NCLEX exam, which is designed to test knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. NCLEX examination results are an important component used by boards of nursing to make decisions about licensure. National statistics show that so far this year about 89 percent of first time test takers of the NCLEX have passed.

"This represents a great accomplishment for this group of students, and it is a testament to the quality of instruction and dedication of the nursing faculty,” Webb said. “We are all very proud of this group of students."

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Chattahoochee Technical College offers nursing courses over six semesters. In addition, there are six prerequisite courses and five core courses that must be completed before admission to the program that is taught at the Austell campus of the college.

Admission to the program is extremely competitive with more than 300 applications for the most recent cohort. Only 48 were chosen. Most of the students accepted into the program demonstrated a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. The students’ TEAS scores, a program admissions test of 170 multiple-choice questions in the areas of English, math, science and reading, was around 87 percent. The current class is scheduled to graduate in July 2012 with the next class starting August 2012.

Chattahoochee Tech Child Development Lab to be honored Oct. 3

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:38:41 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College will welcome State Senator Bill Heath to its Child Development Lab in Paulding County Monday, October 3. The visit, which is scheduled for 11 a.m., is in honor of Voices for Georgia’s Children 2011 Pre-K Week.

While there, Heath will participate in a reading activity with the children, take a tour of the facility, talk with the staff, and get an up-close look at the many ways that the center is supporting early learning.

“Pre-K is about learning and getting children on a path to reading proficiency so that when they reach third grade they can make the important educational leap from learning to read to reading to learn,” said Pat Willis, executive director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, an advocacy organization. “Pre-K week is an exciting opportunity to showcase Chattahoochee Technical College and the many other quality Pre-K centers we have in Georgia.”

Chattahoochee Technical College’s Child Development Lab is a lab school designed to provide Early Childhood Care and Education students with the hands-on experience with young children they need to integrate their classroom knowledge with real-life experience, according to Lead Instructor Frances Carlson. The lab has two classrooms: one family bonded class which has mixed ages of children age 2 ½ to 4 years old and one Georgia Pre-K classroom with 4 year olds. The total enrollment for the lab is 34 children. It is staffed by a Lab Coordinator, and four full-time teachers.

For more information on this and other programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

More than 50 new nurses complete programs at CTC this month

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:05:29 EST

In a double pinning and capping ceremony Saturday at Chattahoochee Technical College more than 50 new nurses received their pins in recognition of completing the practical nursing program at Chattahoochee Technical College. The ceremony honored those from two of the college’s eight campuses – Austell and North Metro – who are among the last to complete the program under the quarter system.

“This is the largest ceremony we have held to date,” said Program Director Larry Hannigan. “The change from quarters to semesters means two classes graduating at once. That has never happened before now.”

In just one year, practical nursing students complete 685 hours in the classroom and 485 hours of clinical experience. They learn nursing fundamentals, leadership basics and are exposed to medical/surgical, obstetrics, labor and delivery, pediatric and mental health specialties. Through clinicals the students gain experience at hospitals, surgery centers, doctor’s offices, public health offices, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, home health agencies and other healthcare providers.

The graduates will now be eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for licensure in all 50 states. Having already completed their classes and clinicals, the graduates will now begin preparing for the exam. Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Dorothy Morris has spent the last week reviewing the materials for the state boards – a practice she has done for the past few years. She has put together review material in 12 sections that include testing at the end of each section. The students take this material and continue to study for the next two months minimum before attempting to take the boards. The college’s first time pass rate averages 95 percent.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers practical nursing programs at its Appalachian Austell, North Metro and Paulding campuses.

Between 40 and 60 percent of the students will go on to pursue their RN degrees, according to Hannigan. This group is no different. Many have already found jobs in their field. The two cohorts graduating have proven to be a diverse group with at one male student in each class, nine students from outside the United States, several nontraditional students returning to school for a second career and many single parents. Most of the students completing the program reside in the college’s service delivery area.

Chattahoochee Tech's ADN graduates on their way to a perfect record

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:03:36 EST

The 18 students who received their degrees in June were already a history making class, as they were the first to graduate from Chattahoochee Technical College’s Associate Degree Nursing program. Now they done it again with a perfect first time pass rate on the national certification exam that is the last step before officially calling them registered nurses.

All 18 have passed the NCLEX exam, which is designed to test knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. NCLEX examination results are an important component used by boards of nursing to make decisions about licensure. National statistics show that so far this year about 89 percent of first time test takers of the NCLEX have passed.

“This is a huge testament to the caliber of students and instruction at Chattahoochee Technical College,” said Interim Program Director Quetina Pittman. “They are setting the precedent for future classes in this program.”

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Chattahoochee Technical College, which began in January 2009, offers nursing courses over six semesters. In addition, there are six prerequisite courses and five core courses that must be completed before admission to the program that is taught at the Austell campus of the college.

Admission to the program is extremely competitive with more than 300 applications for the most recent cohort. Only 58 were chosen. Most of the students accepted into the program demonstrated a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. The students’ TEAS scores, a program admissions test of 170 multiple-choice questions in the areas of English, math, science and reading, was around 87 percent.

Chattahoochee Tech Announces Two New Health Programs

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:44:30 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College announced today the official launch dates of its two newest programs. Now available to students will be study Health Information Technology and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs at the associate of applied science levels. The two new programs are the latest in a long line of successful certificate, diploma and degree programs offered at Chattahoochee Technical College.

“There continues to be a need for trained and qualified healthcare professionals at all levels,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. “We are continuing to answer the call from community by providing quality education to those wanting to begin or continue careers in the industry.”

Both programs are scheduled to begin the January 2012 as the college begins its second semester. Interest has been high in both, as current and prospective Chattahoochee Technical College students apply for the spots in the inaugural classes.

Approximately 36 students will be accepted into the Health Information Technology program, which will be based out of the North Metro Campus in Acworth. Health information technicians can work in a variety of environments. Typically, they work at for healthcare providers in a setting such as: physician offices, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers and home healthcare services. They may also be employed outside of healthcare facilities, such as in Federal Government agencies.

Requirements for admission to that program include a minimum 2.75 grade point average on all prerequisite coursework and a score of 70 or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills. While the deadline has already passed for admission to the first class of the program, students can begin preparing now for subsequent cohorts. Information sessions are regularly held for prospective students.

This degree is designed to prepare students to assemble patients' health information including medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods and all other healthcare provider services. Technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the AHIMA/RHIT exam.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will be offered out of the college’s Austell Campus. This degree is designed to prepare students to work under the supervision of occupational therapists with the ultimate goal of improving a client’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Some job activities may include training a client to use adaptive equipment to enable the performance of everyday tasks such as dressing and bathing, instructing a client in exercises to regain or improve hand range of motion and strength, or advising a client on modifications to increase the safety of his/her home. The program will take approximately five semesters to complete once all prerequisites are accomplished.

Requirements for admission to this program include a minimum 3.0 grade point average on all prerequisite coursework and a score of 70 or higher on the HOBET. While the deadline has already passed for admission to the first class of the program, students can begin preparing now for subsequent cohorts. Information sessions will be held for prospective students.

Chattahoochee Tech Opens Doors to Its First Semester

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:01:17 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College began its first semester Monday with 11,873 students on the rolls. Students returning to campus are faced with the changes of the academic schedule, including classes starting a month earlier and now earning an average of three credit hours rather than five per class.

“We knew there would be questions and even some confusion,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “We’ve been preparing for this for more than a year, but you still know that there are going to be questions and concerns when you go through a change this big. The thing we have to remember is that our students are prepared to learn and our faculty is ready to teach. That’s the one thing that hasn’t changed.”

As classes began Monday 11,873 students were signed up for at least one class at one of the college’s eight campuses or online. Campuses such as Marietta and North Metro in Acworth remain popular choices for students with 70 percent of students attending at those two locations. Online classes also remain a popular option, as they offer flexibility in scheduling that working students need. Campus enrollment as of Monday stands at:

Appalachian – 713
Austell – 300
Canton – 788
Marietta – 4,848
Mountain View - 873
North Metro – 3,412
Online – 3,603
Paulding – 1,380
Woodstock – 595

Monday’s numbers also indicated that the average age of Chattahoochee Technical College students is unchanged from previous years at 28. Popular programs of study include healthcare prerequisite studies and technical specialist certificates. More than 2,800 students on the rolls Monday were considered new, with no previous college credit from CTC.

In addition to the change from 10-week quarters to 15-week semesters, students are facing new requirements popular HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs that had paid tuition, books and many of the fees for eligible students. Under the new guidelines, students who qualify for HOPE will have $60.75 of the $75 per credit hour tuition costs paid. Fees and books will no longer be covered. Most of CTC’s students receive some sort of financial aid, including the Pell Grant and HOPE Scholarship or Grant. Pell funding will not change this school year with eligible students receiving a maximum of $5,550 (based on full-time enrollment in a full academic year) to be split evenly among the semesters.

Georgia Hydraulics International Announces CTC and Quick Start Training Initiative

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:04:57 EST

Precision manufacturer Georgia Hydraulics International Inc. (GHI) is growing in Austell. The company recently announced a training partnership with Georgia Quick Start and Chattahoochee Technical College to support 30 new jobs being created in an expansion.

Quick Start will be designing and implementing a customized training program for GHI, including advanced manufacturing training in geometric dimensioning and CNC machining. Additional components of the training program will focus on quality, safety and leadership.

“We’ve partnered with GHI in previous expansions, and we’re honored to do so again,” said Jackie Rohosky, Technical College System of Georgia assistant commissioner of economic development programs and head of Quick Start. “Helping existing Georgia companies continue to grow and stay competitive is a key part of our mission at Quick Start.”

The Quick Start training agreement was developed based on a project study that was conducted at the GHI facility in Austell, Ga. Quick Start will be designing and developing training material, as well as providing instructors, for the classes.

The training program involves three distinct partners: Georgia Hydraulics International, Chattahoochee Technical College and Quick Start. Each partner will be responsible for the successful completion of this program. The partnership will not end when the Quick Start training is completed. Chattahoochee Technical College will be available to assist Georgia Hydraulics International with ongoing training programs.

“I applaud the forward thinking and growth mentality of Georgia Hydraulics International,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “We look forward to this partnership and doing our part to ensure the success of this expansion. This agreement is a great example of the kind of business-friendly environment and workforce development initiatives we pride ourselves on here in Chattahoochee Technical College."

Business and Education leaders meet at Chattahoochee Tech

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:36:57 EST

In the fourth of a series of town hall meetings across the state, Chattahoochee Technical College was on display as business, political and education leaders gathered to discuss the topic of soft skills needed by young people applying for and seeking employment.

“The idea is to design a curriculum based on feedback from this series of town hall meetings,” said Executive Director Melvin Everson of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 186 into law on May 13, 2011. This legislation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to establish certification in soft skills. This certification will complement the current assessment system utilized in Georgia to assess knowledge in applied math, reading for information, and locating information. Chattahoochee Technical College is a Georgia Work Ready Partner and is one of the access points for job seekers to obtain the Georgia Work Ready Certificate.

Panelist Melinda Lemmon, who is the Executive Director for the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, told the crowd that many of the soft skills she has acquired came from learning at home. She added that those combined with other skills make a workforce more attractive to businesses looking to move into the area.

“When talking about soft skills, these companies can’t afford to have an employee make a mistake,” Lemmon said. “They can’t afford a safety mistake, an absence or a girlfriend who calls all the time. It costs productivity and that costs jobs.”

Chattahoochee Technical College will host another in the series Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Appalachian Campus in Jasper.

Chattahoochee Technical College Welcomes Three New Board Members

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 9:50:02 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College welcomed three new board members Tuesday. The three, including Steve Holcomb, Matthew Ledford and the Rev. Carl Moore, are the newest members to the governing board providing the college fiduciary, strategic and generative leadership. The three were sworn in Tuesday by Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Jackson Harris.

“We are fortunate to have these additions to the board of directors,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “I am confident that their individual skill sets and diverse backgrounds will add positively to our campus community.”

Holcomb, a resident of Ball Ground, is the president and CEO of United Community Bank in Canton. A graduate of Georgia State University and the Georgia Banking School of UGA, he studied banking at the Stonier Graduate School at Rutgers University. He is currently the vice chairman of development authority of Cherokee County and previously was the chairman of the Appalachian Technical College Board of Directors prior to its merger with Chattahoochee Technical College and North Metro Technical College. He and his wife, Cindy, have twin daughters and two grandchildren.

Ledford is the operations manager at Lexington Precision. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, he has worked in the auto industry since 1994. Ledford was a member of the 2007-2008 class of Leadership Pickens and served as an industry representative for the Work Ready Auto Alley region and as a member of the Work Ready Advanced Manufacturing region leadership team. He and his wife Amanda live in Jasper with their children, Tyler, Tanner, Tucker and Gracie.

Moore is the senior pastor at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, a position he has held since 1993. His previous experience includes being a high school music teacher and an employee of IBM Corporation for 25 years. A graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City, Moore and his wife Gloria have three children and eight grandchildren.

Chattahoochee Tech to Host Town Hall Series on Soft Skills in Education at Marietta and Jasper

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 17:00:59 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College has been selected to host the Governor’s Workforce Development Town Hall on Soft Skills in Education at two of its campuses in August – Marietta and Jasper. The series of 31 public town hall meetings will allow Georgians, including students, parents, business leaders, and Georgia’s professional educators, to be a part of the establishment of a statewide certification in soft skills such as punctuality, ability to learn, appropriate business attire and ability to work as a team for Georgia’s schools.

Chattahoochee Technical College will host the first of its two town hall meetings Monday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marietta Campus of the college. The second is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Appalachian Campus in Jasper.

Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 186 into law on May 13, 2011. This legislation authorizes the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to establish certification in soft skills. This certification will complement the current assessment system utilized in Georgia to assess knowledge in applied math, reading for information, and locating information. Upon graduation, student would have both a diploma and certification in soft skills and work readiness.

Chattahoochee Technical College is a Georgia Work Ready Partner and is one of the access points for job seekers to obtain the Georgia Work Ready Certificate. Earning the Georgia Work Ready Certificate enhances employability by indicating skill and knowledge levels to potential employers. The certificate shows job applicants have the portable skills — reasoning, reading, and basic mathematics— to serve as a foundation for training. It also tells employers that the applicants are ready, willing and able to work and learn.

Executive Director Melvin Everson of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development will host the panel on stage to engage with the public on this important initiative. Panel members will include: representatives from the Department of Education, Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia PTA, local chambers of commerce, local business owners, the local superintendent of schools, local school board chair, the local mayor, the chair of the county commission, the state senator, and the state representative.

“The number one priority of my Administration is to create jobs for Georgia. These important Town Halls will establish a synergy for our great educational system to partner with our business community in preparing Georgia students to enter the workforce with those vital social skills necessary in the 21st Century workplace,” said Gov. Deal.

All Town Halls begin at 6:30pm and each will last 1.5 hours. The format will include a welcome by our host, an orientation presentation by Everson and a presentation by the Department of Education on the importance of soft skills. Following the presentation Everson will moderate questions and comments from the audience for the panel.

Chattahoochee Tech Students Give Back to Senior Center

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 13:38:26 EST

With a goal of 200 canned goods and other items, four Chattahoochee Technical College students surpassed their own expectations and collected nearly 300 items for the Cherokee County Senior Center. The class of four students delivered the items Tuesday and filled the shelves of the center’s food pantry.

Nicknamed “Students for Seniors,” the group designed fliers, placed boxes at various campus locations and coordinated all the efforts of the canned food drive. All of it was done as part of the capstone class for the management and supervisory development program at Chattahoochee Technical College. The class meets twice a week at the Woodstock Campus this summer.

Instructor Diane Petty said the class and project are designed to give students the experience of managing a project from start to finish. Many former graduates tell her they include information about their own capstone projects as part of their resumes and portfolios.

Students from the class include, Julia Benavides of Woodstock, Saul Castro of Marietta (not pictured), Jesse Gonzalez of Kennesaw and Buffie McElwee of Canton.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers opportunities for students to complete and participate in service learning projects related to their field of study or interest. Projects range from collecting items for donation to tutoring children after school. The college partners with various organizations throughout its six county service delivery area. Students are able to volunteer individually, through clubs and activities or through class projects.

Chattahoochee Tech Graduation Rate Increases Dramatically

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 15:23:32 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College saw a strong increase in the number of graduates and degrees conferred in the 2010-2011 school year. Jumping nearly 37 percent over the year before, Georgia’s largest technical college saw almost 500 more graduates.

“The increase confirms that students are finding a value to their education from Chattahoochee Technical College,” said CTC President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “Students are completing programs in highly competitive and productive fields with the skills, knowledge and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s workplace.”

Over the four terms that made up the 2010-2011 school year, 1,807 students graduated – up 483 from the 1,324 the year before. Among them, 2,967 diplomas, certificates and degrees were conferred, 908 more than the 2009-2010 school year. That is a 44 percent increase.

The college recently saw its largest graduation ceremony in June when approximately 1,200 students petitioned to graduate. Popular programs of study for recent graduates continue to remain accounting, marketing management and business administrative technology for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. For those receiving a diploma, most studied cosmetology, medical assisting and practical nursing. The top three programs for those receiving a technical certificate of credit include early childhood care and education basics, healthcare assistant, and accounting certificates.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers certificate, diploma and degree level programs in more than 75 areas of study. Programs include personal and public services, business, computer sciences and engineering technology, technical and health.

For more information on this and programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

South Korean Students Tour CTC as part of 3-week Visit

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:36:06 EST

After a late night of Atlanta Braves Baseball, 27 South Korean high school students boarded a bus to spend the morning at Chattahoochee Technical College. The students are visiting the United States as part of the 2011 Experience America Camp, a program that brings students from Seongdong Gu, South Korea to the United States for three weeks to work on English skills and visit various sites around North Georgia.

The students, who are each around 16 years old, got to tour Chattahoochee Technical College’s Mountain View Campus and see the college’s popular television production, digital media, interior design and culinary arts programs. From experimenting with a green screen and camera to tasting cookies in the culinary kitchen, the students related their experiences back to recent field trips to CNN and local restaurants around Cobb County.

This is the second year for the program that is hosted by Marietta City Schools and Chattahoochee Technical College. The students are selected from area high schools in South Korea based on their English scores from earlier education. The three weeks include intensive English courses at Marietta High School in writing, reading and speaking the language. Additionally, the students have visited museums, amusement parks, athletic events and even shopping malls throughout the area. For the last part of their journey, students were paired with host families from Marietta High School where they stayed and enjoyed learning about life in a Georgia home.

For more information on international programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Payment Deadline Extended for Chattahoochee Technical College

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:26:04 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College students have a little bit longer to pay tuition and fees for Fall Semester. The first deadline, originally set for July 29 at noon, has been postponed to August 12 at noon. This will give students an additional two weeks to pay out of pocket expenses for the upcoming semester.

Subsequent deadlines are still on the schedule. The second payment deadline remains August 19 at noon with the third and final payment deadline remains August 24 at 7 p.m.

Most of CTC’s students receive some sort of financial aid, including the Pell Grant and HOPE Scholarship or Grant. Pell funding will not change for the upcoming school year with eligible students receiving a maximum of $5,550 (based on full-time enrollment in a full academic year) to be split evenly among the semesters. Students receiving HOPE will see some changes.

Under the new guidelines, students who qualify for HOPE will have $60.75 of the $75 per credit hour tuition costs paid. Fees and books will no longer be covered.”

The Grant, which is for students pursuing a diploma or certificate, will now have a grade point average requirement of 3.0. Students can receive funding for up to 63 semester hours of attempted work, including remedial classes.

For those studying for a degree at Chattahoochee Technical College, HOPE Scholarships are still available. Like the Grant, the Scholarship will pay $60.75 per credit hour and will not cover fees or books. The Scholarship, which pays up to 127 hours of attempted work, has a few additional requirements, including a rule stating that students must have received the Scholarship within seven years of high school graduation or having earned a GED. Unlike the Grant, the Scholarship does not pay for remedial classes.

Prospective students still have until Friday, July 29 to complete and submit documents and application fees for the Fall Semester. With the semester start date August 22 rather than September under the quarter system, students are facing earlier deadlines.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Chattahoochee Tech Partners with Crane Industry Services for Training

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:23:36 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College recently announced a partnership with nationally recognized Crane Industry Services that will provide comprehensive training to crane operators, riggers and signal persons. The 40-hour operator training and 16-hour signal and rigger program will be available through the Marietta campus of the college beginning in August.

“Specialized training that readies people for the workforce is something we believe very strongly in,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Vice President of Economic Development Glenn Rasco. “This partnership will provide training that corresponds with the stronger federal guidelines in the industry, keeping Chattahoochee Technical College on the cutting edge of workforce development training for the communities we serve.”

The training is designed for the business and industry sectors with a focus on manufacturing and construction safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced new regulations for certifying crane operators, as well as qualifying riggers and signalpersons. The new OSHA standards require nearly all crane operators handling cranes above 2,000 lbs. capacity when used in construction must complete a 40-hour training program and be tested to receive a certification from an accredited crane operator testing organization.

“CTC is offering training classes to prepare those in the industry to take the required exams rather than just offering workshops and seminars about the new regulations,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Economic Development Richard Goble. “Our classes will be designed both for those new to the industry and those who want to update their skills and knowledge to meet the new requirements.”

CTC has been certified by the Crane Institute of America Certification (CIC) as an official test center for crane operator, signalpersons and rigger examinations. According to Goble, CIC’s examinations are less expensive, present relevant test questions and operator friendly practical exams, offer one practical exam for multiple crane operator certifications, and allow calculators during exams.

While the classes will primarily be held at the college’s Marietta location, training can be customized to onsite locations in certain circumstances. For information on scheduling and pricing, contact 770-528-4550.

Chattahoochee Tech Students, Faculty and Staff Look to Q2S

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:02:46 EST

Thousands of Chattahoochee Technical College students are doing something they have never done before now. They are registering for classes under the semester system – a first for the technical college students in Georgia.

Chattahoochee Technical College, along with 25 other technical colleges in the state, is preparing for the final transition from quarters to semesters. Students will now take classes over two 15-week semesters and a summer term rather than four quarters. The change will align the colleges’ academic calendar with those of Georgia’s colleges and universities, the K-12 system and more than 80 percent of the school systems in the country. Additionally, since most schools operate under the semester system, textbooks are typically written to fit into a 15-week academic semester, not a 10-week quarter.

“From an academic standpoint, the change means the students have more time to learn the material, more in-depth coverage of course content, ease of transfer to other institutions and calendar alignment that better supports dual and joint enrollment opportunities for high school students,” said Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College Trina Boteler. “This is a change that will benefit students.”

With classes beginning in August now instead of September, the deadline for applications is now earlier for perspective students than ever before. All applications, required documents and application fees must be submitted by the July 29 deadline. Placement testing for new students must be completed by Aug. 12.

“We have been trying to spread the word about the earlier application deadline,” said CTC Director of Recruitment and Retention Erin Hamby. “Prospective students are used to the later deadline from us so this will take some getting used to on both sides.”

According to Boteler, the conversion is already reaping benefits for the students and the school. The conversion has provided an opportunity to review and improve the college’s academic programs. When coupled with program review, she said, conversion results in a modernized curriculum and streamlined degree requirements. or by calling 770-528-.4545.

Prospective students interested in attending CTC this fall should have all applications, fees and documents to the college by July 29. Applications and more information about classes, programs of study, financial aid and admissions is available at www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Financial Aid Fields Questions as Summer Session Gets Under Way

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:59:06 EST

Like most college students, the ones at Chattahoochee Technical College must consider more than the classes they want to take and the schedule available when deciding to go to school. One of the biggest questions for a student or prospective student is that of financial aid.

“Students typically want to know what is covered and how much they will have to pay,” said Executive Director of Student Financial Services Jody Darby. “It is an important question that we answer every day. We know that our answer could mean the difference between attending college and having to sit out for a term.”

Chattahoochee Technical College students are being faced with change as they prepare to return to class this fall. With the change from the quarter system to the semester system, students are looking at 15-weeks of class instead of 10-week terms. Classes will be starting a full month earlier than previous years. And the cost per semester will seem higher to some, as students previously paid for classes up to four times a year instead of three under the new system.

“Students will now have to pay the same amount they did under the quarter system, but those payments will come due three times a year instead of four,” Darby explained. “That means the bill will look different and that will take some getting used to for all of us.”

Students are also worried about recent changes to the HOPE Grant and Scholarship. To alleviate some of the fears about reduced funding and stricter requirements, CTC hosted town hall sessions across its eight campuses that gave students an opportunity to be heard. They could ask questions and hear firsthand how the HOPE changes might affect them.

“Previously, a majority of our students were able to take advantage of the HOPE Grant,” explained Darby. “It paid tuition, mandatory fees and even a book allowance. Under the new guidelines, students who qualify will have $60.75 of the $75 per credit hour tuition costs paid. Fees and books will no longer be covered.”

To receive any of these forms of financial aid, students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility for both state and federal programs is determined through this form, which is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

“CTC remains the most affordable option in the area,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Financial Aid Wanda Hicks. “Our mandatory student fees per semester will be less than $200.”

Chattahoochee Tech Begins Abbreviated Summer session July 7

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 9:06:31 EST

Some Chattahoochee Technical College students started back to class July 7 in a one of a kind 5-week summer session. More than 6,000 students have chosen to take advantage of the unique opportunity.

With the new term calendar changes approaching, some students still had courses they needed to complete. Additionally, many are taking advantage of the abbreviated session to complete general education classes that will in the future last 15-weeks. Not all courses are available during the term that will include lengthened class hours to accommodate requirements. Approximately 750 classes are scheduled at the college’s eight campuses compared to summer quarter last year when more than 1,200 classes were offered.

“This summer is a chance for students to catch up or get ahead on the requirements they need to graduate,” explained Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “In our continued efforts to prepare students for the quarter to semester transition, we are providing this special session. Feedback on it has been great and we are sure that students will make this a successful learning experience.”

The summer term will run through August 11 with the first fall semester beginning August 22. Chattahoochee Technical College will be one of the 26 technical colleges in Georgia to transition from 10-week quarter sessions to 15-week semesters. The move will align CTC’s calendar with area colleges, universities and the K-12 educational system. or by calling 770-528-4545.

Chattahoochee Technical College Hosts Delegation From Hangzhou, China

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:28:27 EST

Approximately 20 educators from Hangzhou, China visited Chattahoochee Technical College Wednesday as a part of the group’s statewide tour of colleges and postsecondary institutions. The delegation was made up of technical college administrators and educators from Hangzhou S&T Occupational Technical College and Zhejiang Radio and TV University.

“Chattahoochee Technical College has a reputation for its partnerships with international colleges and universities,” explained Dr. Sanford Chandler, president of CTC. “The information shared at sessions such as today only serves to make the relationships better. From explaining how we operate and our best practices to hearing and observing the practices in other countries, everyone comes away from the table with a wonderful respect and renewed spirit toward education.”

The group spent much of the day at the college’s Marietta campus, hearing from Chandler and others about the programs offered by Chattahoochee Technical College and the school’s role in local and regional economic development. After lunch, the group traveled to a second of CTC’s eight campuses – Mountain View – to tour the studio and control room facilities used by the college’s television production technology students and instructors.

“Our television production studio was a great chance for the delegation to see how we have integrated technology and created a program that is very hands-on for our students,” Chandler said. “We are proud of all of our programs, but we knew the educators joining us from Zhejiang Radio and TV University would be particularly interested in this tour.”

This delegation is the latest in a series of visits from international delegations, including Kenya, China and South Korea. Chattahoochee Technical College will again host a summer immersion and cultural exchange program for a group of high school students from South Korea later this summer. Last year around 25 students spent almost a month in the Cobb County area where they studied English and took field trips to amusement parks, local restaurants and visited with students from Marietta High School. About 11 months ago, CTC signed an agreement with Changzhou College of Information Technology in Changzhou, Jiangsu China, establishing cooperative program development in computer science and technology and electronic information engineering technology.

Chattahoochee Tech Graduation Honors 1,200 Graduates

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:22:12 EST

Thursday was graduation day for more than 1,200 graduates of Georgia’s largest technical college. This was the largest graduation ceremony for Chattahoochee Technical College.

Held June 16 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the ceremony honored those completing their programs of study during the winter and spring quarters of 2011. In addition to being the largest graduating class in the school’s history, the class also featured the first group of graduates completing the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The group of 18 students began the program in January 2010. “It’s totally worth it,” said Paulding County resident Angelica Harris. “I’m the first member of my family to attend college. So it is awesome to set an example for my younger siblings.”

Harris received her associate degree in accounting, including completing the certificate programs related to the field. Previously she earned a degree in business administrative technology from CTC. She plans to transfer to Kennesaw State University and study international business with hopes to study abroad in Japan.

Other popular programs for graduates included the accounting, marketing management and business administrative technology for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. For those receiving a diploma, most of the graduates studied cosmetology, medical assisting and practical nursing. The top three programs for those receiving a technical certificate of credit include early childhood care and education basics, healthcare assistant, and accounting certificates.

Jewel Akpose was one of those graduates honored at the ceremony. Akpose, who also works at CTC as a student affairs assistant, received her associate degree in business administrative technology. She hopes to move on to a four year institution for more education.

“You have to be serious about going back to school,” Akpose said. “Once you start, don’t stop. That one term off can turn into more. Before you know it, you have been out of school for longer than you ever planned.”

Now with eight campuses, Chattahoochee Technical College graduates come from every corner of the six county service delivery area. According to preliminary numbers, the majority of graduates attended classes at the Marietta or North Metro campuses with 72 percent of the graduates.

Chattahoochee Tech Graduates its First Class of Registered Nurses

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:54:23 EST

Among the hundreds of black caps and gowns at the June 16 graduation for Georgia’s largest technical college were 18 graduates wearing purple stoles. They weren’t signifying membership in clubs or organizations at Chattahoochee Technical College. Instead they were making history as the first associate degree nursing class from the college to graduate.

The 17 women and one man of the group, who have attended classes, commiserated over early report times for clinicals and studied together since January 2010, were well aware of how significant their milestone was both personally and for the college. In a traditional pinning ceremony just the night before graduation, the new nurses sat before an audience of family, friends and supporters with tears, smiles and sometimes laughter.

“These are 17 of the best nursing students I could have ever been with,” said Sybil Thompson, who in addition to being one of the graduates was last year’s winner of CTC’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and runner up for the state title. “It is all worth it. I’ve been waiting for this day and now it's here.”

The learning is not over for the group who will now be sitting for their board certification exams in July and starting training at their new job sites. According to instructor Quetina Pittman, the 18 new nurses will now find themselves in orientation sessions, getting acclimated to the career and working with patients as they find their specialties.

The highly competitive program recently started its second class of prospective nurses. Taught at the Austell Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College, the program takes approximately 18 months to complete after students finish with prerequisites like English, math, biology and human anatomy.

For more information on the program or other courses of study, contact 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu

Home Technology Students Install New Technology in Classroom

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:07:32 EST

Keeping an eye on projects, assignments and each other will be a little easier for Industrial Systems Technology students and instructors at Chattahoochee Technical College thanks to the wonders of a closed circuit television. Installed by three Home Technology Integration students at the North Metro Campus, the unit allows for more efficient use of the classroom and lab space.

“It was a chance for these students to put into practice something they had learned about in class,” explained Home Technology Integration instructor Ed Abrasley. “The students were learning about alarm and security systems so this type of project fit right in with the lessons.”

The three students, including Steven Vonlinsoew-Gray, Christopher Conti and Matthew Blaha, planned, installed, tested and trained others on the system of four cameras during spring quarter at Chattahoochee Technical College. In addition to the four cameras, which monitor the lab used by Industrial Systems Technology students, the system includes a monitor and recording device. While many industries use the technology for security reasons, Chattahoochee Technical College will be able to use the cameras and monitoring screen for practical and academic purposes.

“One of the cameras overlooks a conveyor that I use for several different courses,” said Industrial Systems Technology instructor John Stump. “This quarter I am teaching Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) courses and the conveyor is controlled by a PLC. My students write programs to start and stop the conveyor, change its speed and operate peripheral devices on it. Programs are typically written in the classroom and downloaded to the conveyor PLC over a network. We have always been able to monitor and modify the program from the classroom while the conveyor

is running, and now the camera allows us to watch the conveyor as we make program changes. It is a convenience rather than a necessity, but it also has a high ‘cool factor,’ so I welcomed the opportunity to have it for these courses and others.

The additional three cameras monitor other areas of the lab. Stump said those cameras are more of a benefit to him than his students, as they allow him to work with students in the classroom while still knowing what is going on down the hall. Two of the cameras are outfitted with equipment to display images even when the lights in the lab are off.

“In some of my classes I have students working in the lab and the classroom simultaneously and I need to check progress in both areas,” said Stump. “Now that I can see what is going on in the lab I can reduce the number of trips back and forth.”

Getting hands on experience is not new for the Home Technology Integration students, who learn about installing and troubleshooting such equipment as phone systems, entertainment units, alarm and security components and many other electrical workings found in today’s homes. The students learn about these items from work stations set up in a lab classroom. They even have to configure their own compute network at the beginning of each term.

Jobs for graduates of the program include working for installation companies and larger home improvement and electronic stores. Conti, who will be finishing the program later this year, already has a job lined up.

“This kind of project is great for students like me,” Conti said. “I am not a visual or auditory learner so the hands on training really helps me learn.”

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Tech Students Propose Redesign of Cherokee Chamber

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:05:21 EST

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will have a new look to consider thanks to a group of Chattahoochee Technical College students. The group of eight Interiors Program students presented their ideas to board members, chamber staff and other officials Wednesday.

According to instructor Ginger Burton, the students were asked to prepare and present a design plan to bring the lobby, board room and library of the Chamber to a functional space that works for current and future needs. The proposal includes ideas finishes, furnishings, fabrics, and placement of artwork, including items that have been donated and that are important to the Chamber members.

“The students have come up with styles that are timeless and quality constructions that will serve for years to come,” said Burton. “They have done a great job incorporating the county's logo and motto, providing seating for all board members and reusing and adapting existing furnishings to maintain a sustainably responsible design approach.”

Burton added that she strives to have the classroom replicate design firm setting where teamwork and collaboration in a diplomatic atmosphere have been key. Students have learned about commercial design that must be realistic and practical to implement, as well as the fundamentals of color scheme that must flow from one space to the next. Their designs must tie in with existing the building and other areas.

“The colors and patterns in commercial settings must appeal to a wide range of users,” said Burton “Another key is time management with all the details complete and coordinated between team members.”

For more information on the Interiors program, call 770. 509.6332 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Tech Students Outfit Mobile Medical Unit for Ghana

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 16:15:43 EST

For Chattahoochee Technical College instructor Dr. Mike O’Rear, access to modern medical equipment can make all the difference when it comes to diagnosing patients half way around the world. That is why when Emory University and MedShare contacted him about a project that would outfit a mobile medical unit for the people of Ghana, he jumped at the chance.

O’Rear, along with about six students from Chattahoochee Technical College will install the medical instrumentation on a bus that will be shipped to Ghana for use as a mobile medical unit. There healthcare workers will utilize the equipment and facility to check for hypertension and diabetes in patients while information is transferred back to Emory University Medical School doctors via a GPS.

This is not the first international project for O’Rear, who traveled to Africa in 2008 with Med Share – an organization that collects donated medical equipment for use in third world countries. However, this is a first chance for many of the students to do such a project

“My students will get some real world experience in installing medical instrumentation,” said O’Rear. “They will be working on this for about a month before the bus is complete.”

For more information on programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 77-528-4545.

TCSG Rescinds GED Test Fee Increase

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 14:49:08 EST

The state board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia and its Office of Adult Education (OAE) has voted to rescind a planned increase in the GED test fees for Georgia’s adult learners. The TCSG will wait until at least early next year to reconsider the cost.

The board’s action follows recommendations from both the OAE, which is the statewide provider of the test, and the GED Testing Service® in Washington, D.C., which is responsible for the design and delivery of the test.

In April, the TCSG announced that the test fees would more than double from the current $95, which would coincide with the launch in July of a first-ever, computer-based GED test by the GED Testing Service.

However, the GED Testing Service recently asked Georgia to postpone the cost increase citing the need to resolve all operational and technical matters involved in the development and delivery of the computer-based testing (CBT) model.

In a letter to TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson dated May 19, 2011, GED Testing Service Executive Vice President Nicole M. Chestang wrote, “We recommend that the planned CBT implementation date be delayed until we can provide the optimal operational solution and implementation approach for Georgia and ultimately the State’s GED test-takers.”

The current fee of $95 to take the full battery of GED tests that measure reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics skills will remain in effect into early 2012, or however long it takes to begin the computer-based GED testing.

Both the GED Testing Service and the TCSG want ensure that the CBT is working flawlessly before anyone takes the new electronic version of the test.

“The computer-based GED testing is an excellent program with great promise, but it won’t be implemented in Georgia until we’re fully confident that every issue with the new model has been worked out,” said Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education. “In the meantime, we’ll work to inform every adult learner that their test cost will not change in July as planned and encourage them to take full advantage of the test at the current fee level.”

It’s estimated that there are more than 1.3 million adult Georgians who are without a high school or GED diploma. Last year, almost 20,000 men and women in the state changed their lives for the better and improved their job opportunities by passing the test and obtaining their GED diploma.

And the Emmy Goes to - Chattahoochee Technical College

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:41:06 EST

Three Chattahoochee Technical College graduates are hoping to take home their first Emmy Award next month. The three, who studied television production technology, have been honored with nominations in the student production excellence – news category for the Southeast Regional Emmy Awards.

The three include David Sizemore of Woodstock for his work on “An Artist’s Story;” Joe Warner of Woodstock for his feature on Booth Western Art Museum Director of Special Projects and Historian Jim Dunham; and Dean Williams of Mableton for his interview with Bryan Gaynor of So You Think You Can Dance fame. Each production was executed as a part of an advanced projects class before graduation. They are the only nominees in the category.

“Last year we had one nomination, but lost to one from South Carolina,” said Ian Feinberg, lead instructor for the program. “Since there are only CTC students nominated in this category, we are assured of at least one recipient of the Emmy award.”

Taught at the college’s Mountain View Campus, television production technology students at CTC learn the behind-the-scene skills necessary to produce TV news, documentaries and entertainment shows. In addition to learning to operate cameras in the studio and in the field, students learn about production, directing, writing, lighting, editing, audio, graphics and digital-animation skills.

Chattahoochee Tech Graduation to Honor 1,200 Graduates in June

Thu, 26 May 2011 15:30:44 EST

This June more than 1,200 graduates of Georgia’s largest technical college will be honored in a ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This is estimated to be the largest graduation ceremony for the college yet with more than 300 potential graduates than this same time last year and up approximately 100 students from December’s graduation.

Scheduled for June 16, the ceremony will honor those completing their programs of study during the winter and spring quarters of 2011. In addition to being potentially the largest graduating class in the school’s history, this ceremony will also honor the first group of graduates completing the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The group of 18 students began the program in January 2010.

Other popular programs for graduates include the accounting, marketing management and business administrative technology for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. For those receiving a diploma, most studied cosmetology, medical assisting and practical nursing. The top three programs for those receiving a technical certificate of credit include early childhood care and education basics, healthcare assistant, and accounting certificates.

Appalachian - 114
Austell - 18
Marietta - 451
Mt. View - 70
North Metro - 417
Paulding - 99
Woodstock – 44

Georgia Workforce Investment Board Meets

Tue, 24 May 2011 9:47:39 EST

Workforce Investment Act, the nation’s principal workforce development legislation, provides funds to address the employment and training needs of dislocated workers and low income adults and youth. Funding comes from the Federal Department of Labor. On May 18, the Georgia Workforce Investment Board conducted its quarterly meeting at the Marietta campus. Members of Governor Deal’s staff, TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson, Dr. Sanford Chandler, Melvin Everson (Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development), Dianna Milhollin (U.S. Department of Labor) and Andrea Harper (GA DOL) were among the group who gathered to discuss the status of WIA funding, continued efforts of the Georgia Work Ready program, and future workforce development planning for 2012.

Chattahoochee Leaders Graduate from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:42:06 EST

The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development announces Chattahoochee Tech graduates from the 2011 Region 1 Multi-Day Training Program. Class participants represented a number of professional and non-professional economic development fields, including elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators and social service providers from thirteen counties in Northwest Georgia. The Academy provided each of the graduates an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels.

Chattahoochee Tech graduates at the May 3rd ceremony included Lori Fields, Lori McAllister and Jonathan Warner.

Created in 1993 by then-Governor Zell Miller’s Development Council, the Academy assembles a cross section of economic development professionals and resources to provide this training in all twelve service delivery regions in Georgia. The Board of Directors of the Academy consists of 22 members representing public and private economic development organizations and agencies from across Georgia. Since its organization, the Academy has provided training for thousands of professional and non-professional economic developers around the state, and since 1998 the Academy has been offered annually.

“One of the goals for the multi-day regional Academies is to encourage multi-county cooperation,” says Corinne Thornton, Executive Director of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. “Many times the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.”

Georgia EMC and Georgia Power provide facilitators for the program, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides staff support to this important program

The Academy’s multi-day program, taught one day a month over a four-month period, includes training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, downtown development, quality planning, redevelopment and other essentials for community success. In addition, the curriculum features specific leadership skills such as consensus building, ethics in public service, collaborative leadership and other segments needed for effective community leadership in economic development. Local elected officials receive certification training credits through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association for completion of this program, and the program is certified for CEUs through the UGA Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

The next Region One Georgia Academy for Economic Development will begin in February 2012. For more information on this, please contact Leamon Scott at 706-234-4571 or by email at leamon.scott@dca.ga.gov.

TCSG Announces New Website with Information about HOPE Changes

Sat, 14 May 2011 17:26:49 EST

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) unveiled a new website today that’s loaded with information about the recent changes to Georgia’s HOPE Grant and Scholarship program.

The www.TCSG.edu/HOPE website is a great resource for current Georgia technical college students as well as prospective college students, both young and old, to get the latest facts about earning and keeping their HOPE program benefits.

After lawmakers made the necessary modifications to the HOPE program earlier this year, many students are asking What about HOPE and me? To better answer that question, the new TCSG website has examples of six students with different academic backgrounds and places in their pursuit of a college education. Two are students already in college, two more are graduating high school, another is trying to decide on where to go to college, and the last is a non-traditional student who’s looking to college to help change careers.

Visitors to the website can also access frequently asked questions about the HOPE changes and find additional information about other ways to get financial assistance for college, like the federal Pell Grant. There are links to each of the 26 TCSG college websites and an online form to submit questions about HOPE directly to any of the technical college financial aid offices.

Downloadable videos about the HOPE program requirements will be added to the website in the coming weeks.

“The TCSG created this website to assist Georgians as they navigate their way through the HOPE program, which even with the recent changes is still one of the very best college financial aid programs in the country,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson. “For someone who’s enrolled at a TCSG college or is interested in attending one, getting and keeping HOPE means great cost savings on top of what’s already one of the most affordable college education values in the entire southeast. It’s important that people understand exactly what’s needed qualify for the HOPE program, what it now pays for, and how to use it to complete their college education. ”

Beginning in the fall, the average tuition for a full semester course load in a standard program at a TCSG college will be about $1,125. Under the recent changes, the HOPE Grant or Scholarship will pay $60.75 per TCSG semester credit hour (which is determined by a percentage the cost of tuition from the previous year), meaning that the average student using HOPE at a TCSG college in the fall will have to pay about $214 in out of pocket tuition cost. Also, students will be responsible for approximately $240 in books and fees that was paid for by HOPE last year, but is no longer covered.

The website also details an important new requirement that students maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) at certain checkpoints in order to keep the HOPE Grant. Previously, TCSG students receiving the grant had to maintain satisfactory academic progress, which was considered to be at least a 2.0 GPA.

Early on, there was some concern that all students would immediately need the higher GPA upon implementation of the new rule if they were to continue their HOPE Grant eligibility. However, the new rule only applies to those HOPE Grant recipients who cross the 30 or 60 semester hour checkpoint during the fall semester 2011 or later.

This means that newer students have additional time to improve their GPA, if necessary. Also, students who crossed a checkpoint with satisfactory academic progress before the upcoming fall semester will keep the HOPE Grant until they either graduate or reach the next GPA requirement at the 60-hour checkpoint.

Last year, three-quarters of the 191,000 students who enrolled at the 26 TCSG colleges relied on the HOPE program to help pay for their college education. That includes almost 138,000 students who qualified for the HOPE Grant to enroll in technical certificate and diploma programs, which usually take less than two years to complete, and another 7,400 TCSG students who used the HOPE Scholarship for two-year associate degree programs.

The Technical College System of Georgia offers more than 600 certificate, diploma and degree programs. Enrollment in the TCSG colleges has grown by almost 33 percent in just two years, with tens of thousands of new students taking advantage of the low tuition, great instructors and easy access to in-demand programs like healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and more. And almost 76,000 TCSG students studied online last year through the system’s Georgia Virtual Technical College.

For more information about the TCSG, go to www.TCSG.edu. More information on changes to the HOPE Grant and Scholarship programs can be found at www.chattahoocheetech.edu/content/file/campusannouncements/hopeInformation.pdf.

CTC Students Volunteer to Help Storm Ravaged Communities in Pickens County

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:32:23 EST

Armed with six vehicles full of food, clothing and toiletries, students from Chattahoochee Technical College set out to deliver items and volunteer in the Pickens County area May 7. These members of the college’s Public Safety Club spent the past week collecting donations at the college’s multiple campuses and hosting a fundraiser at the Stars and Strikes facility in Paulding County.

“We wanted to give back in whatever way we could,” said Marcy Hehnly, faculty director of service learning at Chattahoochee Technical College and the club’s advisor. “Obviously there are a wide variety of needs from different parts of our service delivery area and the surrounding communities. We couldn’t ignore the fact that these people in need are our neighbors, friends and families.”

In addition to collecting the needed items, students from the club coordinated the delivery to the disaster relief center and stayed to help stock the shelves and distribute goods to those who were seeking help. The items will be stored there until needed and requested by residents of the more than 120 dwellings damaged or destroyed by the tornado that touched down in Pickens County.

Though none of the college’s eight campuses suffered damages from the April 27 storms, the impact on the community could be felt by students, faculty and staff. Following news reports and firsthand accounts of the damage and destruction that the storms caused, members of the club began brainstorming ways in which to help. It wasn’t long, Hehnly said, until it became a college wide effort.

“We had faculty, staff and students dropping off donations and asking how they could help,” she explained. “The interest and outpouring of support made us very proud to represent the college Saturday.”

According to Hehnly, the club plans to return to Pickens County over the upcoming weeks to continue efforts through hands on clean-up projects.

Chattahoochee Technical College coordinates a variety of programs for students and organizations and groups within the community. Students choose from projects that might include working with children in child care centers, helping in the office of a health center, designing a website for a non-profit agency, mentoring adolescents, tutoring children or serving meals at a homeless shelter. In 2010 the college was recognized as an honoree on the President’s Higher Education Community Honor Roll with Distinction – one of four Georgia Colleges to earn that distinction.

Graduating High School Students SOAR to success at Chattahoochee

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:25:42 EST

More than 100 high school seniors will graduate this month with more than just their diplomas. These students will already have earned college credit from Chattahoochee Technical College – Georgia’s largest technical college.

Recently Chattahoochee Technical College held a ceremony for those graduating seniors. Students were awarded certificates and lauded for their efforts. Four high school seniors were recognized for having the highest grade point average, including from the Move on When Ready program: Courtney Bates of McEachern High School and Kenzie Murphy of Hillgrove High School and from the ACCEL program Nicholette Bradshaw of Hillgrove High School and Brittany Rainey of Homeschooled Veritas Classical School.

“High school students have many options to get a head start on that valuable post-secondary education,” said CTC High School Coordinator Michelle Bush. “The 102 high school seniors we have been lucky to know this year have shown great initiative and dedication to furthering their education. We are so proud of their accomplishments.”

Options for high school students wanting to earn college credits include:

ACCEL - Students receive both technical college credit and high school credit for academic courses taken through the college.
Move On When Ready - High school juniors or seniors enroll full time at the College and receive both technical college credit and high school credit for academic and technical courses taken through the college.
Dual Enrollment - Students receive both technical college credit and high school credit for technical courses taken through the college.
Joint Enrollment - Students enrolled in high school may take college courses for college credit only.
Articulation - Students can earn college credits for courses taken in high school.

Adult Education at Chattahoochee Technical College Honored Friday

Sun, 1 May 2011 17:42:36 EST

The $1,500 check presented to Chattahoochee Technical College Executive Director of Adult Education Jon Collins could not have come at a better time. Collins, who heads the department that helps Georgians earn their General Educational Development Diploma, was sitting in a meeting with other directors learning that the cost of the test was soon to more than double in price when he received an e-mail telling him of the award.

Collins accepted the check Friday at the annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week breakfast at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. Presented by Rachel Rowell, co-chair of the Manufacturing Appreciation Week Committee, the check will be used to provide scholarships to GED candidates who might not be able to afford the new $175-250 fee to take the once $95 test.

“That’s what those who can least afford it face,” Collins told the crowd. “In our community there are 14,632 Bartow County adults who do not have a GED or high school diploma.”

An estimated 1.1 million Georgians over the age of 25 are still without their high school or GED diploma. The odds work against individuals without a secondary education credential, especially in the 21st Century economy where as many as four in five jobs will require some level of postsecondary education. Today’s high school dropouts earn an average of almost $9,000 less annually than a person with a GED or high school diploma.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers GED prep classes at several locations in Bartow County, including the college’s North Metro campus in Acworth and the Summer Hill facility in Cartersville. Classes in reading, writing, and math are available free of charge for adults who need to earn a GED diploma or who need to improve proficiency in these subjects for employment or personal goals. A full list of locations is available at www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

“I really do appreciate this,” Collins said. “It will certainly serve a great population who will become the best employees you’ve ever had.”

Chattahoochee Tech, Cartersville Bartow Economic Development, and Cartersville Bartow Chamber of Commerce nominates Applied Thermoplastic Resources of Cartersville for Georgia Manufacturer of the Year

Sun, 1 May 2011 17:41:26 EST

Bartow County’s nominee for State Manufacturer of the Year might not have taken home top honors in Atlanta, but representatives from Chattahoochee Technical College, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce and other leaders in manufacturing were on hand to celebrate the nomination. Nominated by CTC, Applied Thermoplastic Resources was in good company.

“All of the companies that took home state honors had three things in common,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Economic Development Jonathan Warner. “They reinvested in their businesses so they could grow. Second, they were good corporate citizens. Finally, they continue to invest in their people. They understand that workforce development is a key component to their success.”

According to Warner, all of those traits can be found in Applied Thermoplastic Resources. Located on South Erwin Street in Cartersville, ATR is a post-industrial nylon manufacturer that uses the waste supply of north Georgia's carpet manufacturing industry. The company has more than 130 employees and is the largest re-processor of nylon resins in the world.

Recently the company entered a formal agreement with Chattahoochee Technical College and Georgia Quick Start that includes the hiring of about 27 new ATR employees for a total of 57 new jobs in the company's expansion. Georgia Quick Start will provide the training for free as part of an economic development incentive package in partnership with Chattahoochee Technical College. Most of the training will be held on the ATR site while other training will be done on the North Metro Campus of CTC.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College’s workforce development initiatives, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Technical College's 8th Campus Now Open

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:24:43 EST

Almost three years after ground was broken on what would become the eighth campus for Georgia’s largest technical college, a huge crowd gathered Thursday to see the doors officially open on Chattahoochee Technical College’s Canton Campus. The celebration, which was attended by local and state elected officials, community leaders, administrators, faculty, staff and students, was the official kickoff for the college’s 8th campus location overall and second in Cherokee County.

“We are so proud of this building and what it represents to Chattahoochee Technical College and the Cherokee County community,” CTC President Dr. Sanford Chandler said. “Our goal now is to see the seats in every classroom filled with students working toward their educational and career goals. We hope to see the campus develop into a center for workforce development and training for the many companies and industries here in Canton and the surrounding communities.”

The 62,500 square foot building took 16 months to complete after ground was initially broken in 2008. At a total cost of $11,998,841.93, the campus is now fully operational with 506 students enrolled in at least one of the 51 classes being held this quarter. More than 64 percent of those students are attending class close to home, as they are Cherokee County residents.

In addition to traditional classroom space, the new campus houses a library, four computer labs, medical and science labs, a bookstore, student center and tiered lecture hall. Faculty and staff offices are also located in the new facility, including a business office and a student/financial aid center.

Initial offerings for the campus include English, sociology, math, history, biology and psychology. Ultimately, course offerings will include HVAC, drafting technology and select classes in accounting, business administrative technology, management and supervisory development and marketing management.

“This beautiful new Canton Campus building is another important step in the growth of Chattahoochee Technical College and its mission of providing exceptional workforce development programs throughout its service delivery area,” said Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson. “The college worked closely with government and business leaders in Canton and Cherokee County who were highly committed to making this facility available to the citizens of their community. Now, local students will enjoy easy access to the world-class technical education programs and outstanding new career opportunities that are offered by the largest technical college in Georgia.”

CTC Receives its own Shuler Award for Successful Partnership

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 9:28:25 EST

He may not sing or dance, but Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler walked away with a Shuler Award Tuesday night. The college has partnered with the Shuler Awards, which celebrates musical theater in high schools across Georgia, since its inception in 2009.

About 25 of Chattahoochee Technical College’s television production technology students operated the cameras, equipment and manned the control room for the production. Filling the roles of camera operators, assistant directors, cable wranglers, video playback operators and many others that are found in the field, the CTC have worked for weeks to prepare. About 15 students were assigned to the crew with the other 10 filling volunteer positions.

“Our students ran the cameras, operated the control room and were the crew that will ensure the show is ready to be broadcast in June on WSB,” said lead instructor Ian Feinberg. “It is a huge undertaking that takes the students out of the classroom and puts them at the controls of a major production. It requires weeks of preparation and is a real test of the skills and abilities of our students.”

The award’s namesake Shuler Hensley presented the college’s own award to Dr. Chandler during the ceremony, surprising the college president. Having just presented the award for stage crew and technical execution, Dr. Chandler said he was surprised to hear the Tony Award winner calling his name to stay on the stage. Jokingly, Dr. Chandler told Hensley he didn’t sing or dance.

“This was a surprise and a great honor for the college, especially for the instructors and students in the television production technology program,” Dr. Chandler said. “Their hard work and dedication can be seen in so many areas of this show. It is a privilege for the college to be recognized for our efforts and the talent and dedication our students and instructors display.”

First held in 2009, the Shuler Hensley Awards are an initiative of the Cobb Energy Centre educational outreach program, ARTSBRIDGE. The program honors local high school students for their achievements in musical theatre production. This year more than 40 Georgia high schools representing 11 counties competed in categories including overall production, leading actor & actress, chorus ensemble and ten other categories.

Offered at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Mountain View campus in Cobb County, the television production technology program allows students to learn the behind-the-scene skills necessary to produce TV news, documentaries and entertainment shows. They learn to operate cameras in the studio and in the field, as well as production, directing, writing, lighting, editing, audio, graphics and digital-animation skills. The program strives to stay current with the industry’s state-of-the-art equipment, including a modern, on campus studio that offers students the opportunity to use the tools they need for the job. Graduates of the program have a wide variety of job opportunities in the television production field in the areas of video, audio, lighting, animation, and non-linear editing.

“There isn’t a program at any other college in the area that allows the students to get this type of hands on experience,” said Feinberg. “Projects like this give our students more credibility, more experience and more exposure in the industry.”

For more information on the television production technology program and other offerings at CTC visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Information about the Shuler Hensley Awards is available at www.shulerawards.org.

More than 40 companies to be on hand at CTC Career and College Fair - Opportunities for students of all majors

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:58:53 EST

Armed with training and education, Chattahoochee Technical College students will be looking better than ever at the school’s Spring Career and College Fair May 3. Almost 50 companies and organizations will be on hand to speak with job seekers about seasonal, temporary and permanent positions.

“Many people feel that the jobs are just not out there, but that’s not the case with these companies,” said Lucylle Shelton, Career Services Coordinator with Chattahoochee Technical College. “Every company attending this event will have jobs available.”

Planned for May 3 in the Student Life Center on Chattahoochee Technical College’s Marietta campus, the event will run from 10 am to 1 pm. Shelton said she expects more companies to sign on before the event. Many of the employers are looking for students with backgrounds in automotive, HVAC, electrical, computers and business, but opportunities exist for all fields of study. Also on hand at the event will be seven local colleges and universities where students can talk to recruiters about furthering their education.

“Participants should bring plenty of copies of their resume and be dressed as though they were going to a job interview,” Shelton said. “That means no jeans, tennis shoes, flip flops or tank tops. We expect everyone to dress and act like a professional.”

For more information on the Spring Career and College Fair, including information about the participating companies, visit http://ctc.experience.com or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Tech Students to Film Annual Shuler Awards

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:05:28 EST

As they have done each year since its inception, a group of Chattahoochee Technical College students will bring the performing arts to television sets across the area at the annual Shuler Awards. Directed by lead instructor Ian Feinberg, the group of 25 students will take the helm of the production so that it may be broadcast on local ABC affiliate WSB-TV Channel 2 as a 1-hour special later this year.

“There isn’t a program at any other college in the area that allows the students to get this type of hands on experience,” said Feinberg. “It is a huge undertaking that takes the students out of the classroom and puts them at the controls of a major production. Projects like this give our students more credibility, more experience and more exposure in the industry.”

First held in 2009, the Shuler Hensley Awards are an initiative of the Cobb Energy Centre educational outreach program, ARTSBRIDGE. The program honors local high school students for their achievements in musical theatre production. Last year 39 Georgia high schools representing 11 counties competed in categories including overall production, leading actor & actress, chorus ensemble and ten other categories. The inaugural program drew a viewing audience of 124,000.

For the production CTC students, who are studying television production technology, will take on roles such as camera operators, assistant directors, cable wranglers, video playback operators and many others that are found in the field. Approximately 15 students have been assigned to the crew with the other 10 filling volunteer positions. Already the students have been hard at work behind the scenes with creating animated show openings and nomination screens and preparing for the event.

“We have been involved in the planning for a couple of months,” Feinberg said. “Students have been attending rehearsals to plan how to photograph the event, as well as attending production meetings to plan and coordinate the sequence of events and logistics – like how to get performers off stage while the next segment begins.”

Offered at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Mountain View campus in East Cobb County, the television production technology program allows students to learn the behind-the-scene skills necessary to produce TV news, documentaries and entertainment shows. They learn to operate cameras in the studio and in the field, as well as production, directing, writing, lighting, editing, audio, graphics and digital-animation skills. The program strives to stay current with the industry’s state-of-the-art equipment, including a modern, on campus studio that offers students the opportunity to use the tools they need for the job. Graduates of the program have a wide variety of job opportunities in the television production field in the areas of video, audio, lighting, animation, and non-linear editing.

For more information on the television production technology program and other offerings at CTC visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545. Information about the Shuler Hensley Awards is available at www.shulerawards.org.

CTC Graduate Honored at 2011 BEA Festival of Media Arts

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:02:47 EST

Out of more than 900 entries in the annual Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts, a Chattahoochee Technical College graduate is one of 16 to be honored for his work this year. Joe Warner, who graduated with a degree in television production technology, submitted his interview/documentary short for the competition after completing it as a project for one of his classes.

“We competed against colleges across the country in the video, audio, news and interactive categories,” said lead instructor Ian Feinberg. “This is the third time we have one of the top prizes.”

The film was chosen as Best in Festival in the Student 2-Year/Small College competition – a category that features students in other technical and community colleges. Entries were evaluated on professionalism; the use of aesthetic and/or creative elements; sense of structure and timing; production values; technical merit; and the overall contribution to the discipline in both form and substance. Warner, along with other winners of individual categories, were honored at a special ceremony during the convention and festival in Las Vegas where he received a $1,000 cash prize and trophy. Additionally, Warner was given a new suite of software that is estimated at approximately $1,000 retail. “The other films he was up against were all great works and the competition was very stiff,” said instructor James Townley, who accompanied Warner to the festival. “He should be very proud of what he accomplished.”Warner, who currently freelances in WSB-TV’s local programming department, said he was excited by the news of his win and is trying to let it all settle in. This is the first time the Woodstock resident has entered the contest.

The video project focuses on Jim Dunham, who is the director of special projects and historian for the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. In addition to his role at the museum, Warner described Dunham as an actor, painter, historian and fast draw artist. Dunham began in the “cowboy” business in 1967 when he became active in “Fast Draw” clubs. His involvement and skill paid his ticket to Hollywood where he worked for 20th Century Fox teaching movie stars how to handle guns. During his career in film and television, he worked with more than 37 stars including Jimmy Stewart, Dean Martin, Scott Bakula, Armand Assante, Bill Bixby, Robert Culp and others.

“I interviewed him on his fascination of the old west, his work as an actor, and how he ended up working at the Booth Western Art Museum,” Warner said. “I would have to thank my instructor James Townley for the idea. He told me about Jim while I was thinking up a project to do for one of my classes. The subject really piqued my interest, and I decided to interview him.”

“I couldn't have done this without the direction of the faculty in the Television Program,” Warner said. “They taught me everything I know.”

As for what Warner will do next, he is leaving his options open.

“I think everyone in this field wants to be the next Spielberg,” he said. “I don't really know what's in the cards for me. Right now, I want to focus on learning as much as I can."

Green is the Way to Go in Chattahoochee Tech's HVAC Program

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:56:19 EST

The teacher has become the student this week as Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Clint Cooper undergoes a week long intensive train-the-trainer session. All of it is to prepare Cooper to teach students at the college what they need to know to become certified in some of the leading green industry jobs related to HVAC.

“Some of the greatest potential for job growth is in this field,” Cooper said. “It means more opportunities for graduates of our programs.”

The training Cooper is participating in focuses on two areas, according to John Diem, residential building science curriculum specialist. First, the training program focuses on the idea of green energy auditing - analysis of home energy efficiency and retrofitting. This type of work uses tools such as infrared scanners, blowers, monitors and other equipment set to measure the amount of energy escaping from a structure and costing the home owner money. Located on the Marietta Campus of the college, a green house facility has been set up to allow Cooper and eventually CTC students to practice the procedures and techniques in a simulated environment.

Additionally the training addresses the need for certified DET (duct and envelope tightness) verifiers under a new Georgia building energy code that will go into effect July 1. Among other things, the new code will require a blower door test for all new residential construction. This test, which must be performed by a certified DET verifier, measures the airtightness of buildings and helps locate air leakage sites.

According to HVAC Excellence Board Member Erik Rasmussen, someone with no experience or education in a field such as HVAC could expect about 800 hours of classroom and hands on training to become certified. However, students at CTC could qualify for certification with an additional 150 to 200 hours of training beyond the current curriculum.

“Chattahoochee Technical College is definitely moving in the right direction by answering the call for this type of green job training,” said Diem. “There are not many training opportunities or people certified in this in Georgia right now. So if you want to hire someone to do this type of work, you have to go outside of the state to get a professional. Clint hopes to become a solution for that and keep those dollars right here in Georgia.”

For more information on the HVAC program at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

CTC Public Safety Club Hosts Cookout for Spring Projects and Events

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:04:45 EST

Nothing says spring like the mouthwatering scent of burgers and hot dogs on the grill. At least that is what the Chattahoochee Technical College Public Safety Club from the Marietta Campus hope people thought as they broke out the grills for a community service fundraiser Wednesday.

Each year the club coordinates several of these cookouts to raise money for partnerships and projects they try to do as part of their activities. From working with local police departments on special projects to participating in annual events like the National Police Memorial Week in Washington DC and the Police Memorial Day held at the Marietta Square, the club uses the funds raised to give back to the community and learn more about public safety.

“We have and currently partner with Acworth PD on special needs projects, Paulding County Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Department for projects such as Public Safety Appreciation Day and their Family Summit on texting,” said Marcy Hehnly, Instructor/Faculty Director of Service Learning. “We also have done work with local elementary schools and will host a college day on May 7 for Lockheed Elementary and their selected students. Our club is all about helping the community and partnering to show our community the importance of giving back! That is after all what Public Safety is all about!”

Usually scheduled once or twice per quarter, the fundraising cookouts are manned by 10 to 15 Chattahoochee Technical College students. According to Hehnly, the club would like to raise about $500 each time.

This cookout took place Wednesday, April 13 from 11-1:30 at building B and F on the Marietta Campus of the college. Menu items included drinks, chips, hamburgers, hotdogs and bratwursts, as well as several combo items. The choices ranged from 50 cents for soda to $5 for a double hamburger.

For more information on the club or its activities, visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/current/publicsafetyclub/

CTC Students Place Well at Statewide Phi Beta Lambda Competition

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:15:28 EST

Students from Chattahoochee Technical College’s Marietta, North Metro and Paulding campuses competed April 8-10 at the annual Phi Beta Lambda State Conference in Atlanta. Nine students from Chattahoochee Technical College took home honors at the event where they competed with more than 300 other students from other colleges and universities.

“These competitions are important to students because it allows them to showcase their skills against their peers as well as to push themselves to achieve skills that will help them be successful in the business world,” said CTC Accounting Instructor Nate Aikens. “The competitions are either written [taken on scantron] or performance based [making presentations in front of judges].”

Phi Beta Lambda, a division of Future Business Leaders of America, hosts annual state and national competitions that recognize and reward excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. Through state-based competition at the spring State Leadership Conferences, students compete against other two-year and four-year colleges and universities in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Top state winners are eligible to compete for honors at the National Leadership Conference each summer.

The Georgia PBL State Leadership Conference showcased students competing in business related leadership events including impromptu speaking, future business executive, job interviewing, public speaking and sales presentations. Other competition areas covered topics consisting of principles of accounting for professionals, computer applications, business communication, business decision making, financial services, hospitality management, human resource management and network design.

The Chattahoochee Technical College was honored with several awards of its own, including the Anna Johnson Gold Seal of Merit, which was only awarded to three colleges for outstanding contributions to Phi Beta Lambda. Additionally, the college was recognized for local recruitment (3^rd place), acquiring corporate sponsors for the state conference (3^rd place), local annual business report (2^nd place) and for the largest membership increase for the 2010-2011 year. The local chapter grew from 13 to 39 students over the course of a year.

Students from Chattahoochee Technical College placing in the competition included:

2nd Place in Free Enterprise Project-Koshia Crowe of Temple and Angelica Harris of Rockmart
3rd Place in Community Service Project- Koshia Crowe of Temple and Angelica Harris of Rockmart
1st Place-Telecommunications Richard Bellfield of Cartersville
2nd Place-Accounting Analysis and Decision Making-Keith Simmers of Dallas
2nd Place-Hospitality Management-Catherine Williams of Kennesaw
3rd-Place-Desktop Publishing-Angelica Harris of Rockmart and Cathleen Harris of Rockmart
4th Place-Macroeconomics-Angelica Harris of Rockmart
4th Place-Sales Presentation-Deborah Wilson of Mableton
5th Place-Retail Management-Heather Leuck of Douglasville
5th Place-Sports Management and Marketing-Simone Crammer of Cartersville

For more information on programs and activities at Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

GED Testing Fees Set to Increase in July - National revamp of testing program leads to changes

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 15:25:30 EST

Georgia’s adult learners who want to earn their General Educational Development (GED®) diploma will soon have to pay more for the test following changes to the fee structure by the national administrator of the GED Testing Service.

The American Council on Education (ACE), which is the administrator, and Pearson VUE, a specialist in computer-based academic testing, are collaborating in a partnership to expand student access to GED testing nationwide. They announced the new testing fee structure in March.

The TCSG Office of Adult Education is the statewide provider for the GED test. Last year, almost 20,000 Georgians changed their lives for the better and improved their job opportunities by passing the test and obtaining their GED diploma.

Georgia’s GED test-takers currently pay $95 to take the full battery of five tests that measure reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics skills. Starting on July 1, 2011, the new fee structure will be $50 for each test, meaning the entire battery will cost $250 if the five tests are taken on separate days. The expense will be lower if two or more tests are taken together, and someone taking all five tests in a day can save $75.

The GED testing fee increase for Georgia adult learners had to be formally approved by the state board of the Technical College System of Georgia, which oversees the state’s Office of Adult Education. The board voted for the measure during its meeting in Atlanta on April 7.

“The increased cost to take the GED tests could not be avoided due to the higher fees from the national test administrator. We don’t want to catch anyone by surprise, and we’ll be doing all that we can to inform everyone about this change,” said Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education.

Persons who are ready to take GED tests now or who will soon complete their test preparation will be strongly encouraged to save money and take the test before July 1. The TCSG Office of Adult Education will be working closely with the staff at each of Georgia’s 45 official GED Testing Centers to ensure that adult learners, their families, and local communities are fully aware of the new fees before they take effect this summer.

Although the tests fees are increasing, Smith noted that the State of Georgia continues to offer all other adult education and GED preparation services free of charge to more than 90,000 adult learners, and there are added benefits for completing the program and passing the tests.

“Georgia’s adult learners can still receive individualized GED instruction, test preparation and readiness assessments, and college and career advisement at no cost at numerous locations throughout the state, including on most technical college campuses. And, once they earn a GED diploma, the state presents them with a HOPE voucher that can be used to enroll at a TCSG college, which in turn opens the door to receive the HOPE grant,” said Smith.

Georgia residents who pass the GED tests receive a $500 HOPE voucher to help pay for their expenses at an eligible Georgia postsecondary institution. The HOPE grant, which is separate from the voucher, will pay for most of the state technical college tuition. To keep the HOPE grant, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 college grade point average.

There are almost 1.1 million Georgians over the age of 25 who are still without their high school or GED diploma. The odds work against individuals without a secondary education credential, especially in the 21^st Century economy where as many as four in five jobs will require some level of postsecondary education. Today’s high school dropouts earn an average of almost $9,000 less annually than a person with a GED or high school diploma.

For a list of testing centers near you, visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/prospective/learningcenters/

Chattahoochee Tech - Last Quarter is Another One of Growth

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 13:27:36 EST

Another record was broken at Chattahoochee Technical College Monday when around 12,500 students were on the rolls for classes at the college’s eight campuses. While slightly down from the approximately 13,000 students Georgia’s largest technical college saw in the fall and winter, enrollment has increased by more than 900 students since this same time in 2010.

“Each quarter we are encouraged by the number of students making the decision to become a part of Chattahoochee Technical College,” said CTC President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “We are appreciative of their trust in us and are dedicated to helping them reach those academic and professional goals.”

Preliminary numbers showed 12,499 students registered for classes either at one of the college’s eight campuses or online. That is an 8 percent increase over last spring’s beginning enrollment of 11,605. An estimated 1,384 new students, as well as double digit increases at the college’s Austell and Woodstock campuses make up this growth. Also experiencing a double digit increase is enrollment in online classes, which now stands at more than 4,000 students – 31 percent more than last year.

More than 580 students are taking classes at Chattahoochee Technical College’s newest campus. The Canton Campus, which held a few overflow classes last quarter, now has a schedule of 53 classes, including drafting technology, biology, math and other general education courses.

Monday was also the start of the last quarter at CTC, as the college will join Georgia’s other technical colleges in transitioning to semesters this August. When classes for the quarter conclude this June, the college will offer a five-week mini-term for students before Fall Semester begins in August. With the deadline of that transition looming, students are preparing for the new academic calendar that will put them on the same schedule as more than 80 percent of the schools, colleges and universities nationwide, including Georgia’s K-12 and University System.

Officials say the benefits of a semester system will work well for the students. Longer instructional time with 15 weeks of class rather than 10, seamless transitions for those wanting to pursue 4-year degrees and a calendar alignment that better supports dual and joint enrollment opportunities for high school students will be the most beneficial parts of the transition, according to Chandler.

One adjustment that prospective students will have to make is that applications will now be due in July to attend classes at CTC in the fall. While the later start date of quarters allowed officials to delay application deadlines until late August in the past, students will now have to have all applications, forms, transcripts and test scores in by the new July 29 deadline to be eligible to register.

“Change always causes a little worry,” said Chandler. “But our students, faculty and staff are prepared for this transition. We have been working on it for more than a year, offering advisement sessions for individuals and groups, special events to talk about the changes and provided information through our website and social media to answer questions they may have.”

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545

ATR, Chattahoochee Tech, and Quick Start partner for job creation

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:35:06 EST

Bartow County manufacturer Applied Thermoplastic Resources (ATR) and Quick Start, Georgia’s premier workforce training organization, today announced plans for preparing the company’s projected 57 new employees as ATR expands its processes and products.

Chattahoochee Technical College will also be the company’s partner in maintaining a skilled workforce for the growing facility, where ATR plans to become the most successful supplier of environmentally friendly resins, products and services to the plastic industry by recycling plastic resins from the carpet industry and other industrial and post-consumer applications.

Quick Start is creating and implementing a training program focused on the needs of ATR’s maintenance team to enable them to support the new high-tech equipment, as well as training materials for new employees to help them learn new manufacturing processes.

Chattahoochee Technical College will be focusing on the long-term needs of ATR’s production and maintenance staff, and will also be providing consultation in the areas of human resources and safety. “Chattahoochee Tech looks forward to a long-term partnership with ATR for the benefit of Bartow County and all of Georgia. Our staff at the college will work very closely with Quick Start and with our community leaders here in Cartersville and Bartow County to ensure ATR has access to the finest workforce development solutions that will meet their needs now and in the future”, said Dr. Sanford Chandler, president of Chattahoochee Technical College.

“ATR is creating exactly the type of high-tech 21^st century advanced manufacturing jobs we’re proud to help bring to Georgia,” said Jackie Rohosky, Technical College System of Georgia assistant commissioner of economic development programs and head of Quick Start.“We’re honored to work with this world-class company and with Chattahoochee Technical College on such an exciting project.”

The Quick Start training agreement was developed based on a Project Study conducted at the ATR facility in Cartersville, Ga. The training agreement is based on the company’s commitment to provide approximately 57 new jobs for Georgians in the Cartersville area. Quick Start will be designing and developing training material, as well as providing instructors, for the classes.

The training program involves three distinct partners: ATR, Chattahoochee Technical College and Quick Start. Each partner will be responsible for the successful completion of this program. The partnership will not end when the Quick Start training is completed. Chattahoochee Technical College will be available to assist ATR with ongoing training programs.

Seniors Converge on Chattahoochee Tech's North Metro Campus

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:42:25 EST

Yellow buses lined the parking lots of Chattahoochee Technical College Friday morning as about 300 local high school seniors experienced a day as students of Georgia’s largest technical college.

“You can tell these students all about college as much as you want, but this is really a chance for them to experience it,” said CTC Director of Recruitment and Retention Erin Hamby.

After an early morning information session about everything from financial aid and admission to student activities and athletics, the students picked out programs they were most interested in learning more about. About 10 programs provided faculty to hold 30-minute mock classes that provided students a chance to ask questions and try their hands at some of the activities and assignments.

“Students performed surgical techniques, played with water colors, tried on fire equipment and got their hands into the dirt and plants,” said Hamby. “We hope they have a better idea of what these programs are really like and what opportunities are out there for them.”

The students from Allatoona, North Cobb, Etowah, Adairsville, Woodland and Cass high schools also learned more about the transition from high school to college with information sessions that highlighted some of the important factors of the application process. With Chattahoochee Technical College transitioning from quarters to semesters this fall, presenters explained that means an application deadline that is almost a month earlier than previous years.

“Apply by July,” Hamby said. “We are reminding prospective students that all documents, including transcripts, test scores and applications must be in our hands by July 29. We don’t want anyone to miss out on working toward their goal of a college education because of missing a deadline.”

Chattahoochee Technical College will offer another opportunity for prospective students and families to check out the offerings at the college in April. On Thursday, April 14 from 5 – 7 PM CTC will host Preview Day at the college’s North Metro campus in Acworth. Preview Day is a showcase of all majors offered at the entire college with faculty members from different programs of study on hand to answer program specific questions. In addition, attendees may speak to admissions and financial aid representatives, as well as to staff from other college departments.

Dinner will be served to the first 200 attendees. Prospective and current students attending will be registered for a drawing for an Apple i-pad to be given away after the event.

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College and the upcoming Preview Day, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Chattahoochee Tech Students Show Off Their Skills to the Judges at SkillsUSA

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:19:38 EST

Local Chattahoochee Technical College students put their skills to the test at the recent SkillsUSA competition. Nine Chattahoochee Technical College students participated in the local Skills USA competitions for their respective program areas recently earning four gold or first place finishes, two silver and two bronze.

“We are very proud of the students and their hard work,” said instructor Clint Cooper, who coordinates the competition for CTC each year. “It is a great example of their dedication to their coursework and goals for the future that they do so well in this event.”

Chattahoochee Technical College’s gold medalists include: Nathan and Micah Powell of Palmetto, Ga. for television production; John Bewlay of Marietta for HVAC; William Poole of Powder Springs for power sports and Jayson Miller of Dallas for residential wiring. These men will travel to Kansas City this June for the national SkillsUSA competition.

Also placing at the state event were Anthony Young of Dalton and Michael Sawyer of Resaca in the diesel event, earning silver and bronze respectively. Jacob Hollis of Villa Rica earned silver and Nathan Sheasby of Atlanta earned bronze in the food and beverage service category.

SkillsUSA programs include local, state, and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. The gold medal or top winners from each competition will compete at the national Skills USA competition in Kansas City this June. More than 5,600 outstanding career and technical education students — all state contest winners — will compete hands-on in more than 95 different trade, technical and leadership fields.

Chattahoochee Tech Places Fourth at 2011 PLANET Student Career Days

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 8:20:32 EST

More than 20 Chattahoochee Technical College students, instructors and staff members celebrated Sunday in Joliet, Illinois as it was announced that the team had placed fourth in the annual competition portion of PLANET Student Career Days that featured 60 colleges and universities from around the country.

“It was a great result,” said Shane Evans, instructor and division chair of technical programs. “The students performed well as individuals and as a team, which was certainly rewarded in today’s final outcome.”

For almost 20 years, the team has finished in the top ten in the nation, including a first place finish overall in 2008. Led by horticulture instructors Evans, John Hatfield, and Bejie Herrin, the team competed against about 800 students from both two-year and four-year colleges and universities. As many as 100 students competed in some of the competition’s 28 events. Most recently the team won first place honors in 2008 and 2010.

Chattahoochee Technical College’s team scored a combined 3,902.61 points, just behind top three finishers Brigham Young University – Provo, University of Michigan and Brigham Young University-Idaho. Along with the school’s fourth place award, the team had 18 individual or small group finishes in the top ten, including seven top three finishers in individual and group events. The school’s top finisher among individual competition was Humzah Khraim of Marietta, who came in fourth out of 807 competitors.

“These men and women have made us very proud,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “It is proof again that CTC’s programs and students can compete against the best and brightest in the industry.”

A record-breaking 10 students received scholarships from the PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation that were awarded during the competition. Eight students won AEF Scholarships in the amount of $1000 each. Two students won named scholarships in the amount of $1000.

Academic Excellence Foundation Scholarship winners include, Lisa Denison of Cartersville, Judy-Lynn Hoppe of Powder Springs, Allen Humble of Acworth, Humzah Khraim of Marietta, Anita Phillips of Acworth, Kevin Porter of Kennesaw, Annie Sanders of Powder Springs and Cassie Templeton of Acworth. Cheryl Gress of Kennesaw won the TruGreen Company Scholarship and Brian Watters Acworth won the Gachina Landscape Management, The Gachina Family Scholarship.

“We are ecstatic to learn that 10 of our students received PLANET AEF scholarships this year,” said Evans. “This is a largest number of recipients that have ever received a PLANET scholarship at CTC. PLANET received a record number of applications this year as well. This will be a tremendous help to our students during the current economic conditions and utilize this money to further their education goals.”

Marietta High Student Ready to SOAR with new iPad from CTC

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:59:31 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College staff presented Dylan Brady of Marietta High School with a new iPad just for registering to find out more information about getting college credit while still in high school. As a part of the SOAR into College program, high school students like Brady were asked to register online for information about the five programs offered through CTC that puts high school students in college classes.

“Offering an iPad was a great incentive for these prospective college students,” said CTC Director of Recruitment and Retention Erin Hamby. “It brought attention to the options high school students have and made them aware they don’t have to wait until they have a diploma to get started on their future.”

Options for high school students wanting to earn college credits include:

ACCEL - Students receive both technical college credit and high school credit for academic courses taken through the college.
Move On When Ready - High school juniors or seniors enroll full time at the College and receive both technical college credit and high school credit for academic and technical courses taken through the college.
Dual Enrollment - Students receive both technical college credit and high school credit for technical courses taken through the college.
Joint Enrollment - Students enrolled in high school may take college courses for college credit only.
Articulation - Students can earn college credits for courses taken in high school.

For more information about programs for current high school students, contact Michelle Bush at mbush@ChattahoocheeTech.edu or 770.528.4466.

Chattahoochee Technical College Students Head to National PLANET Competition as Reigning Champs

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:26:02 EST

More than 20 students, faculty and staff from Chattahoochee Technical College will board a plane March 16 for Joliet, Illinois to defend their title as the best of the best at the annual PLANET Student Career Days. For two out of the last three years, CTC students have taken home the trophy for the highest score and best performance out of 68 competing schools.

“Our past success can be attributed to hard working and dedicated students who are focused on the task at hand,” said Environmental Horticulture Instructor and Division Chair for Technical Programs Shane Evans “Many of our students work and have families while attending CTC and participating in PLANET. It is a testament to the quality of students that we have on a yearly basis by having employers from all over the USA recruiting our graduates.”

Student Career Days is an annual three-day event put on by Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) designed to help build careers for college horticultural students. Students from more than 60 universities and colleges from across the country will compete in events that are directly related to the skills necessary for a career in the green industry, including tree climbing, paver installation, wood construction, sales presentation, skid steer operation and plant identification. They also participate in a career fair and networking events.

Of the 21 students competing this year for Chattahoochee Technical College, 14 have competed before, according to Evans. Each of the students try out for their top choices in the 28 competitive events with CTC holding run-offs for some of the most popular ones. Team members are set in December.

“Landscape install tends to draw the largest crowd because it is the last event of the day and has no other completion competing against it,” Evans explained. “Many of our students try out for the identification events and equipment operation events.”

Last year, a record 68 schools and nearly 900 students competed when CTC hosted the annual event, including students from Canada and England. The top placing schools included Chattahoochee Technical College, Brigham Young University – Provo, Brigham Young University – Idaho, North Carolina State University, University of Maryland, Penn State, Colorado State University, Mississippi State University, Columbus State Community College, and Michigan State University. Next year’s event is scheduled for Kansas State University.

Even before the event starts later this month CTC students are already winning some of the prestigious awards. A record-breaking 10 students receive scholarships from the PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation that will be awarded during the competition. Eight students won AEF Scholarships in the amount of $1000 each. Two students won named scholarships in the amount of $1000.

CTC Students Propose Redesign of Upper Floor of the Strand Theatre

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:57:52 EST

Half a dozen interiors program students from Chattahoochee Technical College are putting their talents to the test in an effort to wow the staff and patrons of the historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. The task: redesign the fourth floor event space for visitors.

After a preliminary visit to the historic theater to examine the space and meet with executive director Earl Reece, the students have been working on their ideas using time in and out of class. In groups of three, the students will present their ideas to a panel Monday, March 14.

Previously the back of a projection booth in the 1930s has been transformed to a space for hosting events. Features include coffered ceilings, a teardrop chandelier and four windows and two doors overlooking the square, which feature transoms with decorative etching that can be seen from inside as well as from outside. The etching is a replica of transom etchings at The Strand when it was first constructed. The premier space can accommodate 64 guests for a seated and served luncheon or dinner, and up to 115 for a cocktail party. Also on the fourth floor is an open-air terrace where guests enjoy a view of the Marietta Square and the scenery of Kennesaw Mountain.

“It is a great partnership between the theater and the students studying interior design,” said instructor Ginger Burton. “The rest of the theater is just so magnificent. We want this room and area to match that same feel.”

While it is not a typical design project with furniture and lighting features, students have been brainstorming ideas for using the space. They have discussed and decided upon color schemes, as well as the use of built in spaces and overall functionality. These are all things that these students have been studying in their classes at Chattahoochee Technical College.

“We are keeping it simple but elegant, said Morgan Coffin of Canton, who is in a group with two other students – Wanda Hobgood of Talking Rock and Allison Brooks of Ball Ground. “We’re using a lot of gold tones. That will help in our idea of bringing back some of the historical features from the 1930s when the theater was first built.”

“We really want to bring out that old theater feel when you go inside,” said Brooks.

TThe other team, featuring Charles Hammonds, Jordan Johnson and Jennifer Pendleton of Woodstock, plans to focus on the theater’s elaborate details in their design.

“We’re trying to go a little more ornate with our design,” Johnson of Canton. “Looking back on the era when the theater was built, we’re trying to bring back a lot of those art deco details.”

Hammonds, also of Canton, said one challenge is the lack of a furniture layout. So the team is looking at adding depth and interest to the room with details such as arches and maybe columns. Also window treatments are being looked at as an option.

“It really is an extension of what we’re learning in the classroom,” Hammonds said. “We’re using all those technical things to make a great design and present it to the client.”

Projects such as the one for the Strand and other “real world” projects are very helpful for students, according to Burton. They allow students to experience the pressures of dealing with clients’ needs and meeting budgets.

“I feel more prepared for when I graduate,” Coffin said. “That way I know how to work with an actual client.”

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College and its interiors program, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

CTC Horticulture students to install landscaping for children

Mon, 7 Mar 2011 16:37:03 EST

A green place to play – that is what Chattahoochee Technical College students want to provide the children of the Center for Children and Young Adults. Students from the Horticulture Club joined with RPM Landscape and Pavers to install sod and other landscaping materials for the facility.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to give back to the community and practice what they are learning in the classroom,” said Environmental Horticulture Instructor John Hatfield. “Currently we have about six students participating in the project.”

Chattahoochee Technical College is home to the largest environmental horticulture program in the state. The program itself has 132 students and teaches elements important to the horticulture industry such as irrigation, plant identification, design and enhancement. Students enrolled in the program participate in a variety of projects such as the one at the Center for Children and Young Adults.

“I enjoy this kind of work,” said Allen Humble of Acworth. “It was a chance to get out here and work with John (Hatfield) and others on a worthwhile project.”

Along with labor from RPM Landscape and Pavers and Chattahoochee Technical College, Super Sod, Red River Hardscapes, Vulcan Quarry, John Deere and Arbor Hills Construction are providing the materials. Plans for the facility include a green lawn recreation area, patio for relaxing, vibrant plants and gravel walk ways. Bob Mullinax, president of RPM Landscape and Pavers estimates approximately $25,000 in supplies, tools and labor were donated to make the project happen.

“It is the companies and organizations that give back that will weather these economic conditions,” said Mullinax. This is the second such project he has organized with hopes of more in the future.

“We are very lucky to have great opportunities like this one,” Hatfield said. “Our students really get a lot out of the experience both personally and professionally.”

CTC Student Named Outstanding Student Marketer Finalist

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 16:53:13 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College student, Shannon Hames, has been named as one a finalist for Ken Burnhardt Outstanding Student Marketer Award. The award, which is granted through Atlanta chapter of the American Marketing Association, will honor one college marketing student $1,000 with the others receiving $500.

“Shannon is a tireless worker, who is driven to succeed – Her vision for her future is ‘the sky’s the limit,’” said her instructor, Rick Nelson.” While maintaining a 4.0 GPA at CTC, and preparing for the pursuit of a 4-year degree and beyond, she is demonstrating leadership as President of the CTC Chapter of the American Marketing Association, as well as doing a great job as an intern at WSB.”

Hames, a marketing management student at Chattahoochee Technical College, was also recently a finalist for the school’s GOAL award – the 2011 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and one of the final four students from CTC to compete for the Jack Cooke Kemp scholarship. In addition to her studies, internship and role as president of the collegiate chapter of AMA, Hames is a freelance writer, having been published locally, regionally and even nationally.

“It was like one piece of great news after another, and I am now starting to see the fruit of my labor,” Hames said. “It's a good feeling to know that when you put in the hard work, you see results. I have a 4.0 GPA but that's just the tip of the iceberg for what my education at Chattahoochee Tech has done for me.”

Recipients are recognized for demonstrating superior marketing skills, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above, dedication to their AMA collegiate chapter and a likelihood of a successful career in marketing. The winner will be announced at The AMY's (Atlanta Marketer of the Year) Awards Gala to be held at the Fox Theatre on March 24.

The 2011 AMY Awards ceremony will recognize companies and individuals who have made their mark on the Atlanta marketing scene during the 2010 calendar year. AMY awards will be presented for 10 different marketing categories, including the Outstanding Student Marketer of the Year for outstanding marketing achievement.

“I chose marketing because I enjoy the art of persuasion and the whole idea of public relations - putting your best face forward,” said Hames. “Because I am a freelance writer with The Georgia Voice and have seen success in persuasive writing, I thought it would be something that I would have a natural talent for. Writing good copy and speaking well are absolutely necessary in the field of marketing and it helps that I am good at and enjoy them both.”

Cartersville resident named new Executive Director of IE at CTC

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 16:43:34 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia’s largest technical college, has tapped John Parton to be its new executive director of institutional effectiveness. Parton began the position in February.

“I plan to continue the work of my predecessors in this role, as CTC has been blessed with some very strong IE professionals,” Parton said. “I will work with our IE staff and the CTC community to find and/or improve the strategic planning, accreditation and regulatory compliance, and quality assurance systems that this college needs in order to meet the needs of our students and community.”

Parton previously held the positions of coordinator of student affairs and director of admissions. He has worked at Chattahoochee Technical College for four years prior to this position. Previously he was the director of undergraduate programs for the Campbell School of Business at Berry College. A graduate of Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University, Parton holds degrees in government and public administration.

"John Parton possesses the ideal skill set to lead this function of the college," said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler. "He has exceptional student and academic affairs credentials, extensive knowledge of the college, and his passion for all things involved in institutional effectiveness is unparalleled."

Parton said it was his “love for all things IE” that drove him to apply for the position. Those areas of interest include assessment, strategic planning, analysis, policy (higher ed and government), grant writing/administration, academic AND student affairs, and issues related to accreditation and compliance.

“I’m also fascinated by the complexity of our College as an organization,” Parton explained. “I found the opportunity to direct IE efforts in an organization of CTC’s size, scope, and quality to be very appealing.”

The Institutional Effectiveness Department facilitates and monitors a comprehensive, continuous and integrated system of planning, assessment, and evaluation at Chattahoochee Technical College. The department monitors the application of results for improvements in programs and services to enhance and improve the college and demonstrates that the college is fulfilling its mission. The department also assists programs in acquiring and maintaining program accreditations and the college in maintaining its accreditation status.

Parton, his wife Sabrena, and three children live in Cartersville, where they have resided since 1998.

Chattahoochee Technical College names winner of Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction to Accounting Instructor Pennie Eddy

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:47:53 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College announced today the winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 26 member institutions. Pennie Eddy was named as the school’s winner. The announcement was made today at a luncheon honoring GOAL and Rick Perkins nominees, finalists, and winners.

Eddy beat out two other finalists for the title, including Nathan Akins and Daniel Bell. Bell, an automotive collision repair instructor, teaches students at the Appalachian Campus in Jasper. Akins teaches accounting both online and at the college’s Paulding Campus.

A resident of Gainesville and formerly a controller and part-time educator at another two year college, Eddy’s husband encouraged her to pursue education as a career. Eddy, who has taught accounting at the campus in Jasper for about five years, said the process of preparing for the college level competition helped her focus on why she is an instructor.

“It is about seeing the students be successful in their careers,” Eddy said. “I truly believe that technical college is the answer for today’s economy. We have the tools to retool the tool belt.”

Eddy will now compete against the winners from other technical colleges in Georgia at the regional level on March 15. The regional level of the competition includes Georgia technical college winners from the northern area of the state for the region Rick Perkins Award title. Each region will then select two finalists whose names will be announced in May at the annual Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and Rick Perkins Award conference. Those finalists will participate in an additional screening process for the state Rick Perkins Award title.

“I am truly honored to represent the largest technical college in the state,” Eddy said. “I believe we are in a position to be the premier two-year college in the nation.”

Shontell Hughes is Chosen as Chattahoochee Technical College's GOAL Winner

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:46:46 EST

Shontell Hughes, an accounting student at Chattahoochee Technical College, has been named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). Hughes was chosen by a panel of local leaders over three other nominees for the award.

From running a large business to now the winner of GOAL award for the largest technical college in Georgia, Hughes has had her share of ups and downs. The mother turned accounting student said she was happy with her career and choices until she received a new title in 2008 – displaced worker.

“I didn’t know what that word – displaced worker – meant to me,” Hughes told the audience at a a luncheon honoring GOAL and Rick Perkins nominees, finalists, and winners for CTC. “I knew where I was at. I wasn’t lost. I just didn’t have a job.”

After a string of interviews, career fairs, and sessions with employment agencies, Hughes realized that education was missing from her resume. Researching local colleges and universities, she chose Chattahoochee Technical College and hasn’t looked back since. Inspired by the work she saw in a job with an accountant, she began her journey toward a new career.

“I learned that as a displaced worker, I could find where I wanted to be,” she said. “Going to college at Chattahoochee Technical College has given me that opportunity.”

Hughes will now proceed to regional judging. All college GOAL winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta for two days in May. Nine finalists, three regional finalists from the three regions, will be announced while in Atlanta and if chosen, (he/she) will compete with the other eight GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2011 state GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion.

“Our judges had a really tough job,” said GOAL coordinator Lucylle Shelton. “They were inspired and touched by so many of the stories and things they learned from each of the finalists.”

Nominated by faculty, the four finalists were chosen out of 20 nominees from various programs at Chattahoochee Technical College. A screening committee of administrators and instructors at the college reviewed all the nominations and interviewed each of the students. Finalists include, Mary Borgese – a nursing student from Acworth, Shawn Gabel – a nursing student from Woodstock, Shannon Hames – a technical communication student from Acworth and Hughes – an accounting student from Acworth. According to Shelton, each of the finalists were students at CTC with a goal of changing careers.

Chattahoochee Technical College Student among 30 Adult Learners Honored as State's 2011 EAGLE Delegates

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:53:35 EST

The Technical College System of Georgia recently paid tribute to 30 adult learners, including Caroline Gaddy from Chattahoochee Technical College, for outstanding achievement in the state’s adult education program.

The students were recognized during a luncheon as Georgia’s 2011 EAGLE delegates. EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) is a TCSG Office of Adult Education program that annually honors an outstanding student from each of the state’s 30 local adult education programs.

This year’s EAGLE delegates represent the more than 95,000 men and women who are enrolled in adult education classes throughout Georgia. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel on February 11, 2011, was in conjunction with the TCSG Office of Adult Education’s annual Leadership Institute.

Gwendolyn Boyd, the executive assistant to the chief of staff at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and chair of the Johns Hopkins Institutions Diversity Leadership Council, gave the luncheon keynote address. An engineer who received her doctorate from Yale University, Boyd was recently was appointed by President Obama to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Both Boyd and TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson spoke of how the EAGLE delegates overcame life’s obstacles to earn the education and respect that they deserve. This year’s EAGLE delegates, they said, are role models for the million-plus adults in Georgia who have never obtained their high school diploma or a GED.

“The EAGLE program inspires all of us with the personal stories of our fellow Georgians who have found success through education and whose accomplishments make them so very deserving of our deepest admiration and respect,” said Jackson. “These men and women are shining examples of how adult education can transform lives, improve job prospects and create a brighter future for people throughout our state.”

Gaddy, who was born in London, lives now in Canton with her two daughters Victoria and Vanessa. She enrolled in adult education classes at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Cherokee Learning Center and is now a student in the health sciences program at CTC.

“I realized I needed help one day when my child had some homework, and I was unable to help her with it,” Gaddy said of her reason for returning to school. “That’s when I knew it was time to set a better example for my children. I knew I had dyslexia, but I did not know how bad it was until that day. So I enrolled so I could not only set the best example I could for my children, but also for myself.”

According to her adult education instructor, Heidi Schuler, Gaddy is a natural leader and problem solver. After hearing her speak at her GED graduation ceremony last June, the lead instructors from Gilmer, Pickens, Cherokee and Bartow counties selected her as the school’s 2011 Eagle Delegate. Schuler said she and the other instructors appreciated the hard work and determination it took for her to complete her GED despite having dyslexia.

“The speech she delivered highlighted not only these characteristics, but also her sense of humor and sincere gratitude for the Adult Education program at Chattahoochee Technical College,” said Schuler. “For these reasons, it was determined by the instructors from the various learning centers that she would make an excellent ambassador and delegate for the EAGLE Leadership Institute.”

After earning her GED in March 2010, Gaddy enrolled as a student at CTC, as well as taking on a job in the school’s Public Safety Department. That does not mean she’s forgotten her experience at the Cherokee Learning Center. When Schuler mentioned the need for a group of community leaders to support the program and its students, Gaddy volunteered to create the group and serve on it herself without hesitation.

“Since Caroline has been working with me, she has exhibited a strong since of purpose, a will to succeed beyond the norm and organizational skills both in her work and her studies that leads me to believe that this young lady will go far in life,” said CTC Director of Public Safety Willis Wade. “All of us who have had the pleasure to work with her are very proud of her accomplishments.”

While her current position is in public safety, she hopes one day to help people in a position in the healthcare industry. Her goals include becoming an X-ray technician before continuing her education in the field of ultrasound technology.

“I would like to learn as much as I can about everything while I’m at Chattahoochee Technical College,” Gaddy said in her application for the honor. “The goals I have set for myself are high, but I think I have the drive to get where I want.”

Chattahoochee Tech to waive training fees for Mine Safety and Health Training - Now through June 30, 2011

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:30:45 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College unveiled its Georgia Mining Industry Stimulus Package this week. The stimulus package, which is offered through the college’s Community and Economic Development Department, will waive training fees for our open new miner and annual refresher training through June 30, 2011.

“All of the recent economic indicators are reporting that this will be a year when the mining industry bounces back,” said Vice President of Community and Economic Development at CTC, Glenn Rasco. “We’ve been a leader in mine safety and health training for more than 20 years in Georgia so this seemed to be a perfect opportunity and time to provide this incentive to those in the need of the training.”

The Mine Safety and Health Training program was started on the Appalachian Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College in 1986 to help Georgia’s mining businesses comply with standards mandated by the federal Mine Safety & Health Act. New miners must complete 24 hours of training to work at surface mines; underground miners must complete 40 hours of training; and all miners must complete eight hours of annual refresher training. Required training includes hazard recognition, electrical safety, health topics and first aid.

Training fees typically run $95 for the three-day series of new miner training. The college also offers one-day annual refresher classes at both the Appalachian and North Metro campuses at a cost of $25 that falls under the waiver. Classes eligible for the waiver are limited to 25 participants. To be eligible for the fee waiver, a miner must be employed at a mine or a contractor with a Part 46/48B training plan.

Anyone interested in the mine training and health program through Chattahoochee Technical College should contact 706-253-4515 or visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/businessindustry/minesafety/ for more information.

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Chattahoochee Technical College's GOAL finalists announced

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:43:24 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College announced Monday the four finalists competing for the 2011 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). These four students will compete again Friday during an interview by five local employers.

Nominated by faculty, the four finalists were chosen out of 20 nominees from various programs at Chattahoochee Technical College. A screening committee of administrators and instructors at the college reviewed all the nominations and interviewed each of the students. Finalists include, Mary Borgese – a nursing student from Acworth, Shawn Gabel - a nursing student from Woodstock, Shannon Hames – a technical communication student from Acworth and Shontell Hughes – an accounting student from Acworth.

"The purpose of the GOAL program," said CTC Career Services Coordinator and GOAL Coordinator Lucylle Shelton, "is to spotlight the importance of technical education in today's world of work and to recognize outstanding achievement by students in Georgia's technical colleges."

After a lengthy interview process, one winner will be chosen from the four remaining candidates as the Chattahoochee Technical College nominee for the title of state GOAL winner. The local winner will compete in May at the state level against representatives from Georgia’s other technical colleges. The winner of the state GOAL title will receive the GOAL medallion and the grand prize of a new automobile.

Chattahoochee Technical College’s GOAL winner will be announced Feb. 18 at a special luncheon.

Chattahoochee Technical College narrows down list of Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction to three instructors

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 17:10:45 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College announced this week the three finalists for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System's 26 member institutions. The three instructors were chosen from the 12 who were nominated for the honor by other faculty and staff members.

Among the finalists are Nathan Akins, Daniel Bell and Pennie Eddy. Bell, an automotive collision repair instructor, teaches students at the Appalachian Campus in Jasper. Eddy, who is an accounting instructor, also teaches at the Appalachian Campus, as well as online. Akins teaches accounting both online and at the college’s Paulding Campus.

The three finalists will compete in another round of interviews Feb. 11 to determine the school winner, according to the coordinator of the competition, Mark Reddick. The winner will be announced Feb. 18 during a luncheon to honor both the outstanding instructor and outstanding student. Once selected, the winner will represent Chattahoochee Technical College at the next level of competition.

Chattahoochee Technical College now the Sixth Largest in the State

Mon, 7 Feb 2011 11:39:32 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College is now the sixth largest college or university in Georgia, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Already the largest technical college in Georgia, CTC moved up the annual list one spot, bypassing Emory University in Atlanta.

“Our enrollment has been continuing to grow over the last several quarters,” Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler said. “This growth is an exciting challenge for us in our efforts to meet students needs.”

Home to more than 13,000 students during both fall and winter quarters, Chandler expects annual enrollment to top 15,000-20,000 for fiscal year 2011. The college offers more than 100 programs at the degree, diploma and certificate levels throughout its six county service delivery area. Recently the college opened its eighth campus, which is located in Canton.

The highly successful merger of Appalachian, Chattahoochee, and North Metro Technical colleges led to the creation of the largest technical college in Georgia – Chattahoochee Technical College. Since then the college has experienced double digit growth each quarter from less than 10,000 students post merger to now more than 13,000.

Attributing the string of double digit growth records to a variety of factors, including economic conditions, desires for job opportunities and community members’ excitement over the opportunities at CTC, Chandler said the college is leading the way in finding innovative ways to provide quality education to those wanting to pursue it. With online and hybrid classes, the college is able to serve more students without having to use as much classroom and laboratory space. Additionally, the college is working with instructors and students to provide flexible scheduling that fits in with the school’s mostly nontraditional student base.

“Our students come here to receive a quality education and that is what we provide for them,” Chandler said. “In addition to providing solid academics, we are affording our students the activities to build a strong student life at our campuses.”

The two-year college now offers clubs, student organizations, competitive activities, as well as intramural, club and intercollegiate athletics. Students representing Chattahoochee Technical College have recently won many state, local, regional and national competitions in their academic fields, including a first place finish for the second time in three years at last year’s international PLANET Student Career Days competition in environmental horticulture competition. On the athletic front, the college has fielded teams in track, cross country, men’s basketball and now added club football and women’s basketball to the schedule.

In addition to strong academics, relevant workforce development and student life opportunities, Chattahoochee Technical College is an affordable option for many Georgia students. With such programs as Pell grants, Georgia’s HOPE scholarships and grants, many students do not pay out of pocket.

Chattahoochee Tech students bring home awards from World of Wheels

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:02:40 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College students and instructor Kevin Ruby took home two second place finishes at the recent World of Wheels show in Atlanta.

“This event on Friday is held just for students and gives them the opportunity to hear from well known celebrities in the custom car industry,” said Kevin Ruby, automotive technology instructor. “Afterwards they are allowed to enter the car show before the public does and view the cars and ask the car builders questions while they set up their cars and displays.”

Inspired by last year’s show, the students came back to Chattahoochee Technical College determined to take a more active role in this year’s exhibition. Projects included restoration of a 1978 Camaro as a student built project and a chopper. Ruby also decided to finish work on his 1957 Chevy show car to help promote the college and programs. With two of the three planned projects finished in time for the event, the group took home second place honors in the categories of Radical Hardtop and Chopper.

Students prepped the motorcycle for the chopper display for months before the show, assembling it in only 11 hours before the show. Roughly 30 students from the college’s Powersports Equipment Repair and Technology program used a variety of skills from engine repair to transmission repair to work on the projects. Ruby said he has spent five years of nights and weekends in his home garage to complete his 1957 Chevy for the exhibition, totaling around 1,500 hours to restore and customize the car.

The group is already planning for next year when they plan to display the almost complete 1978 Camaro and the 1957 Chevy at the annual event.

“This is something we plan to do on a regular basis is something I do every weekend practically and is a great way to connect with the general public and community. “

Chattahoochee Technical College Recruits for Second Football Season

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:00:24 EST

Football is not a common sight at Georgia’s technical colleges. In fact, only one Georgia technical college has fielded a club level football team – Chattahoochee Technical College.

In preparation for its second season, the Chattahoochee Technical College met with potential recruits Friday to show off the school’s athletic and academic opportunities to the standing room only crowd. This freshman class is extremely important, according to Head Coach Tim Freeman. This freshman squad will become the veteran sophomore players on the 2012 team, which Freeman plans to take to the NJCCA level.

“When you guys return for your second season you’ll make us more competitive,” Freeman told the group. “That will give us a good nucleus of players to take us to the next level.”

Accompanied by parents, high school coaches and other supporters, these potential recruits were given an overview of the academic and athletic opportunities at Chattahoochee Technical College. Of particular interest to the audience was the burgeoning athletic opportunities that boasts intercollegiate basketball, track and cross country teams, as well as the new club football and women’s basket ball programs.

The 2011 football team for CTC will play a 10-game season with the hopes of coming out on the winning side of the inaugural team’s 4-4 record that had the CTC Golden Eagle’s ranked 7^th in the NCFA 2010 National Coaches’ Poll. The 10-game season is scheduled to kick off Sept. 5 after an Aug. 20 scrimmage with Georgia Military College. Opponents for the team include four year colleges junior varsity teams, club teams and junior colleges in the southeast.

“We’ll have five home and five away games,” Freeman said. “So far we’re scheduled to face Georgia Military College, Shorter University, Birmingham Southern, and Valdosta State. We’re looking to beef up the schedule this season to get ready for that change to the NJCCA.”

Freeman added that he is excited about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season, especially with the large turnout at the college’s football recruiting day. Expected to sign about 30 new players to the 67-man team, signings will be announced Feb. 2.

Chattahoochee Technical College Expands Quarter Due to Snow and Ice from January Storm

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:15:32 EST

With four days lost to inclement weather, Chattahoochee Technical College officials announced Friday that the college will expand the quarter by three days in an attempt to make up the lost classroom and clinical time for students.

“The recent weather-related college closing has presented challenges in most of our classes meeting their required hours this quarter,” said Dr. Trina Boteler, vice-president of academic affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College. “This is especially true of those courses that have specific lab and/or clinical requirements. However, the timing of our closings has affected our lecture-only classes as well.”

Classes offered on a Monday-only, Tuesday-only, Wednesday-only and Monday/Wednesday schedule are especially affected, as those classes have not yet met for this quarter. In addition, since the upcoming Monday is the MLK holiday, those Monday-only classes will be in the position of not having their first day of class until January 24.

In order to provide the maximum amount of class meeting times and clinical opportunities with the minimum disruption, the decision has been made to extend the quarter by three days.

The current schedule shows the last day of the quarter as Wednesday, March 16 and finals on Thursday and Friday, March 17 and 18. The quarter will now end on Tuesday, March 22, (last day of class) and final exams for any of those classes that need the extra day will be on Wednesday, March 23.

Other changes to the academic schedule include:

Registration for Spring quarter will begin February 21 (instead of the currently listed 14th). There will be no priority registration for this term.
The last day to withdraw with a W for this term is February 25.
BannerWeb registration for Spring quarter will close on March 18.
Fee payment deadline will remain as March 21.
The first day of Spring quarter will remain as Monday, April 4.

These changes are currently being communicated to students through their classes, as well as through other electronic means.

New Policy Allows Students More Flexibility with Pell Funds in 2011

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 16:49:09 EST

Students receiving the Federal Pell Grant to pay for classes at Chattahoochee Technical College will now have the opportunity to use up to $300 of funds in the campus bookstore. This new policy goes into effect for Winter Quarter 2011.

“We’re getting a jump on a new federal policy to benefit our students,” said Executive Director of Student Financial Services Jody Darby. “This new policy will allow students to purchase some of their needed books and supplies in the campus bookstores using Pell on the first day of the quarter, if eligible.”

If a student’s tuition and fees are fully paid by either financial aid (HOPE, Pell, etc.) or by other sources, he or she may use up to $300 in Federal Pell Grant funds in the CTC bookstores. If a student has used Pell Grant in the bookstore and withdraws completely from the college or drops all classes for a quarter, he or she may be required to return those funds to CTC before being allowed to re-enroll or having records released.

The new policy will impact about half of Chattahoochee Technical College’s 13,000 students. According to Darby, almost 50 percent of students at the college received Pell Grant funds as a part of their financial aid package during Fall Quarter 2010. The college has paid out more than 7,500 such grants during summer and fall quarters.

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) is $5,550. The amount a student receives depends not only on financial need, but also the costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Should students have questions, Student Financial Services has staff on all of CTC’s campuses to assist.

Students may apply for Pell and all other aid available from CTC at www.fafsa.ed.gov (code 005620).

For more information on scholarships and other sources of aid, students can go to

www.gacollege411.org,www.fastweb.com, or www.ed.gov.

Preliminary Numbers Show Another Climb for Chattahoochee Tech

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 16:46:55 EST

With classes ready to start Thursday, preliminary numbers show another quarter of growth for Georgia’s largest technical college. Now with eight campuses, Chattahoochee Technical College has already registered approximately 13,200 students for classes in over 100 certificate, diploma and associate degree programs.

Numbers are hovering just below the record enrollment that the college experienced in Fall 2010 when 13,470 students were registered to start classes. However, the number of students is 14 percent more than last January when 11,365 students were enrolled in classes.

“The slow economy continues to push the surge in enrollment as new students seek to improve their job outlook,” said CTC President Dr. Sanford Chandler. “It is an exciting time to be here and seeing these thousands of students taking steps to reach their goals in terms of education and career development.

The new year has brought new changes to the college with the addition of its eighth campus – Canton. Located in the Bluffs at Riverstone Parkway, the new 62,500 square foot facility will house four biology classes during Winter 2011 before a full schedule of classes is launched in April.

Officials expect 96 students to attend class at the Canton campus this quarter. All of the other campuses have experienced growth compared to the same quarter last year, including online classes which have proven to be a popular alternative to attending classes in a brick and mortar classroom. Online classes have now become the second most popular option for CTC students.

Appalachian Campus
Austell Campus
Marietta Campus
Mountain View Campus
North Metro Campus
Online Course
Paulding Campus
Woodstock Campus

967
410
5,381
992
3,882
4,009
1,491
728

4% growth
76% growth
9% growth
20% growth
18% growth
32% growth
28% growth
41% growth

Appalachian Technical College, North Metro Technical College and Chattahoochee Technical College merged on July 1, 2009 making the college the largest technical college in the state of Georgia and the ninth largest postsecondary school in the state. The college has experienced double digit increases in enrollment every quarter since the merger.

Chattahoochee Tech's First Ever Lean Six Sigma Class Fuels Industry Need

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:58:12 EST

Chattahoochee Tech’s first ever Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Green Belt cohort completed their classroom training last month at the Marietta Campus, and will now move into their project and practical application phase of their training. In their projects, students will be applying the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma in real world situations to demonstrate their understanding of the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process. The Lean concept is all about identifying and reducing waste (materials, work hours, time ,etc.) in a process, and Six Sigma is a statistical methodology to document process improvement efforts. Our current cohort is training at the “Green Belt” level, which means upon completion of their training, they will be able to work in LSS project teams on large scale improvement efforts. This spring Chattahoochee Tech will offer training at the “Black Belt” level, which qualifies our students to lead teams of LSS specialists as key managers in their organizations. Several key companies that work with Chattahoochee Tech’s Community and Economic Development group, such as TI Automotive Group and Roytec, Inc. have offered project opportunities to our students.

For more information on Chattahoochee Tech’s Lean Six Sigma program, contact Elaine Mahon on the Marietta campus at 770-528-4550.

Students participate in a lean manufacturing simulation to practice concepts learned in class in a controlled environment

Class Photo
Back Row (left to right): John Mahon, James Meeks, Gary Szablak, Elaine Allison, Marcy Bronner, Lorna Jones
Sitting (left to right) :Dennis Marrow, Steve Zimmerman

Chattahoochee Tech's Canton Campus to Hold First Classes in 2011

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:07:49 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College’s eighth campus is almost ready for business. While the doors to the campus will be open this January to faculty and staff, students won’t begin classes at the new facility until Spring Quarter.

Construction is almost complete on the 62,500 square foot building, on which work began in 2008. That’s when the next phase of the project will begin, according to Chattahoochee Technical College Assistant Vice-President of Facilities David Simmons

“Once the construction crews are out of here we still have so many things that are left to do,” Simmons said. “In addition to furniture and signage, we’ve got to get computer systems installed, phones up and running, faculty and staff moved in and equipment placed and operational.”

Initial offerings slated for the campus include English, sociology, math, history, biology and psychology. Ultimately, course offerings include HVAC, drafting technology and select classes in accounting, business administrative technology, management and supervisory development and marketing management.

In addition to traditional classroom space, the new campus will house a library, four computer labs, medical and science labs, a bookstore, student center and tiered lecture hall. Faculty and staff offices will also be located in the new facility, including a business office and a student/financial aid center.

New Chattahoochee Tech Website Draws Students in With Design

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:04:43 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College’s newly designed website went live Wednesday after nearly nine months of development. The 2,318 page site - www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu - will feature information for current, prospective and former students, as well as other visitors interested in learning more about the school.

The dramatically redesigned site, created by Chattahoochee Technical College’s in-house web designer, embodies the school’s forward–thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of its students. Based on research with users, it offers:

rich content provided by faculty and staff about programs of study, admissions, financial aid, sports and student life
direct access to contacts for more information from almost every page
streamlined searching and more intuitive navigation
interactive exhibitions using multimedia and technology

“The site, which features the realistic design of a student’s desk, has been designed with student users in mind,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Webmaster David Powell. “It’s a fun design, but it is functional. Students will be able to use menus to navigate through the college’s information, as well as the search functions distinct to the website.”

The new web site features expanded content and streaming media including embedded videos, access to social media, interactive campus maps and much more. The redesign incorporates bold colors and graphics and completely new navigational tools. The new Chattahoochee Technical College web site will play a pivotal role in future marketing and recruiting efforts of the college. It is intended to communicate a brand personality that is student-centered, active, vibrant, engaged, exciting, current and real-world focused. Additionally, the new site combines the former sports site to provide seamless information for visitors.

While many visitors can access the page with cell phone technology, those with older phones may experience some difficulties. However, plans are underway to create a mobile site that complements the new website.

“It has been a massive undertaking,” said Powell. “The site is much more user friendly now, which will help users to navigate it easier and find what they need.”

CTC Students Among Those to be Honored Nov. 23 in Cobb County

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:55:16 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College student Lewellyn Payne has been named as one of the winning team members in a contest to design the architectural features of a bridge over Interstate 75 in Kennesaw. Payne, along with his teammates from Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University will be honored at the Cobb County Commissioners’ meeting Nov. 23.

In addition to being recognized by Cobb County, the winning team receives $250 per student and will have their names displayed on a plaque on the proposed bridge display. Another team, which included CTC student Seth Arthur earned an unscheduled honorable mention, and will receive $100 per student for the pedestrian portion of their design.

The contest, which was hosted by the Cobb County Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Town Center Area Community Improvement District, asked students to develop and propose architectural/context sensitive design elements to the basic bridge design. With about a month to work together as a team, each group presented their ideas to a panel of judges, including college presidents, a Federal Highway Administration representative, Georgia Department of Transportation officials, representatives from the Town Center Area Community Improvement District and county officials. Consulting engineers and Cobb DOT officials served as technical advisors to the student teams.

“I was so impressed with the work that was presented to us,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Sanford Chandler, who served as a judge with other college presidents, engineers and GDOT officials. “To have our students performing at that caliber for this contest is a great source of pride for Chattahoochee Technical College. They all proved to be great team players and excellent examples of the educational opportunities available here.”

The winning team, consisting of Donna Jones (KSU), Payne (CTC) and John Wilcox Tufts (SPSU), stated their goal was “to have a symbolic power for Cobb County as the gateway to Atlanta.” To accomplish this they created a design that they say both frames and references the dual points of Kennesaw Mountain.

Not only did the judges find the concept visually outstanding, they were impressed with the students’ attention to technical details, such as minimizing wind loading. The winning concept will give inspiration to the professional team as the bridge is designed.

More Than 1,100 Students Petition to Graduate From CTC in December

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:51:20 EST

Approximately 300 graduates from Chattahoochee Technical College are expected to walk across the stage Dec. 10 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Officials announced 1,140 students petitioned to graduate with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Following on the heels of the school’s graduation ceremony in June that honored 1,008, the December ceremony will honor students who finished their programs of study during summer or fall quarters. Summer produced the most graduates, with 592 petitions filed. Fall petitions, which must still be verified once classes and final exams are over, equal 548.

Of the more than 100 certificate, diploma and associate degree programs, several proved more popular among the 1,140 potential graduates. In associate degrees, accounting, early childhood care/education, marketing, business administrative technology, and criminal justice are the top programs for this group. Among those receiving diplomas, practical nursing, medical assisting, and business administrative technology top the list. And for technical certificates of credit, the most popular programs are automotive, air conditioning technician and early childhood care/education (ECE basics and child development specialist).

Most of the graduates called the Marietta or North Metro campuses their home with 451 of those who petitioned taking the majority of their classes at Marietta and 402 enrolled at the North Metro campus. That is 75 percent of the potential graduates.

For more information about the programs and opportunities at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Technical College's iPad Program to Expand Next Quarter to Include More Students

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:37 EST

Technology in the classroom isn’t new, but the use of the Apple iPad is a relatively innovative program at many colleges. For a few Chattahoochee Technical College students, the small device is proving invaluable in their educational experience. Now more students will get that chance as the program expands this January.

“This launch of the iPad is an extension of CTC’s continued innovation in technology application in the classroom,” said Trina Boetler, vice-president of academic affairs. “Originally, Dr. Sanford Chandler [CTC’s president] asked the Executive Council to come up with innovative ways to utilize technology throughout the college. Members started talking about electronic books, which just evolved into the use of iPads.”

Over the summer, 15 students in a literature class at the college’s North Metro campus in Acworth began using the devices instead of purchasing numerous paperback books to read the works of Hawthorne, Melville and others. But according to the class instructor and humanities department chair, Jason Tanner, the introduction of the iPad into the classroom did more than just save students money on books.

“We used the iPads as a textbook, first and foremost,” said Tanner. “The literature for the class was used as downloads on the device through Angel, links to the Internet to pull full text and downloaded texts from iBooks. It was a place to play audio versions for students to better comprehend. Having the literature at their fingertips was great. They had to readjust their ways of thinking about books.”

Through the pilot program, students are provided with an iPad for the quarter. Next quarter the program will be expanded to two classes – one on the Marietta campus and the other at the Acworth campus. That means about 40 students will have access to the technology in the program.

Unlike similar programs at other colleges in the region, CTC’s program reaches out to nontraditional students, as the average age of students this fall quarter is 28. Age wasn’t a factor in the students’ enthusiasm for the technology and the program.

“Students love technology and gadgets, whether those students are 16 or 60,” he explained. “They were hooked on day one. I think it proved to them that we cared deeply about how they learn, not just what they learn. I think the economic commitment mattered to them. I know the trust we put in each of them to keep and maintain (and turn in) an iPad got us a lot of credibility with the students.”

The 15 students in the first iPad enhanced class had already completed English 1101 and 1102 before signing up for the section of American literature. That meant they had been at CTC for at least two terms and shown academic progress by passing both of the freshman composition classes. It also meant the students were familiar with Angel, CTC e-mail and other programs and applications necessary for the class.”

Funded by CTC, the school received its shipments of the device only two months after they had been on the market. Students began using them in July in what Tanner described as a successful experience.

“There were some very tech savvy students who worked through some of the limitations, but most found ways to use the device in their other classes and personal lives,” he said. “I think part of that is that we went in small and thought small. We didn’t attempt something too large with brand new technology.”

Students in the class were asked to consider different possibilities for using the iPad in the classroom. Tanner said he was surprised by some of the responses. Even science classes have been mentioned as a possible home for the iPad technology.

“We will have one more pilot term to gauge the usage and any potential problems,” said Boetler. “At that point, we will look into electronic resources available through the iPad on a program-by-program basis to see which areas may be pursued.”

Application Deadline Fast Approaching for Class Entering Winter 2011

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:23:32 EST

Prospective students have a little more than two weeks to get all their documents in to Chattahoochee Technical College for winter quarter. The deadline for application packets, including a paper application, application fee, official test scores and sealed high school/GED and college transcripts, has been set for Friday, Dec. 3.

Chattahoochee Technical College offers more than 100 programs of study (or majors). A student can study to earn a certificate (approximately 9-12 months to complete), a diploma (approximately 1.5 years to complete) or an Associate of Applied Science degree (2 to 2.5 years to complete) Students can choose majors in our five different areas: Business Sciences, Technical Programs, Health Programs, Computer Sciences and Engineering Technology, and Personal and Public Services.

Financial Aid is provided to students to help them meet the costs of attending college. Many CTC students qualify for some type of financial aid. Students apply for HOPE, Pell and other federal and state aid via the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Registration for Winter Quarter has already begun under the priority registration system that caters to students with more credit hours. Access to online registration will remain open until Dec. 14 with fees due Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Classes begin Jan. 6, 2011.

More than 9,000 students have already registered for classes this fall – indicating potentially the fifth quarter in a row of record enrollment for Georgia’s largest technical college. However, final numbers will not be available until after classes begin.

CTC's Second Associate Degree Nursing Class Getting Underway

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:04:14 EST

Less than a year after Chattahoochee Technical College’s first cohort of students began studies toward the Associate Degree Nursing program, the newest class of 58 students sat through an orientation for the program last week. Selected from more than 300 applicants, the future nurses will begin classes in January 2011 in their journey toward graduation in August 2012.

“These students represent some of the best in the state,” said CTC Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. “The competition for admission was very stringent and required exceptional skills and academic records from all the applicants.”

Most of the students accepted into the program demonstrated a grade point average of 3.75 or higher. The students’ TEAS scores, a program admissions test of 170 multiple-choice questions in the areas of English, math, science and reading, was around 87 percent. More than 80 percent of the class had taken all prerequisite courses at CTC, according to Webb.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Chattahoochee Technical College, which began in January 2009, offers nursing courses over six quarters. In addition, there are six prerequisite courses and five core courses that must be completed before admission to the program that is taught at the Austell campus of the college.

“This is a very diverse class of students,” said Webb. “About 15 percent of the students are from the Jasper area and north. There are seven men in the class and at least half of the students are pursuing nursing as a second career.”

For more information on the ADN program at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

CTC's CNA Program Sees 100 Percent Pass Rate for Summer 2010 Class

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:02:58 EST

There are now 19 more certified nursing assistants who list Chattahoochee Technical College on their resumes. All of the students finishing the certificate program that is offered on the school’s Appalachian, Austell and North Metro campuses passed the national certification examination on the first try.

“This is the first time since the merger that we have achieved this accomplishment,” said CTC Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. “It represents a great deal of work and dedication from Dr. Christine Yarbrough, Dr. Linda Ferrick, Tammy Gentry and Michelle Duke. The instructors in this area are dedicated to training the best CNAs in the state, and under the direction of Dr. Yarbrough they are achieving great results.”

The CNA program is a part of the Health Sciences department. After the pre-requisite classes, including AHS 1011 Anatomy and Physiology, AHS 104 Intro to Healthcare, AHS 109 Medical Terminology and other general education requirements, the CNA class itself is one quarter in duration, including a clinical rotation at a local long-term care facility. The bulk of the course consists of lecture and skills in the classroom setting. These skills include hygiene and grooming, transferring and positioning, feeding and nutrition, cultural diversity, infection control and legal and ethical issues. After completing the program, students sit for a state certification exam consisting of 70 multiple choice questions and a clinical or skills evaluation test.

“The fact that all 19 CNA Candidates passed on the first try is significant to this school, said Dr. Linda Ferrick, CNA coordinator at Chattahoochee Technical College. “It rarely happens that all pass the first time. This indicates that the CTC students are well prepared to care for the public in their capacity as CNA's and can manage stressful situations. Testing is very stressful. The candidates do not know what skill they will be testing until they are called into the room. They must pass all critical criteria to pass the State Competency Exam.

“In all areas of healthcare, the Nursing Assistant is the backbone of the nursing department,” said Ferrick. “These are the people who have the most contact with the patient. The public believes that nurses are the eyes and ears of healthcare. The CNA is the eyes and ears of the nurses. I feel that all future nursing students should consider becoming CNAs first and learn the basic skills to care for the public when they need it most.”

Chattahoochee Technical College offers the CNA 100 every quarter. However, with the transition to semesters, there will be no class offered in the summer of 2011. CNA classes will resume in the Fall Semester as NAST 1100, Nurse Aide Fundamentals. Interested persons should first go to www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu, click on the Academic Programs of Study tab and then the Healthcare Assistant Certificate to find CNA registration requirements. If an individual has further questions, he or she may contact the school’s Dr. Linda Ferrick at lferrick@chattahoocheetech.edu.

“Chattahoochee Technical College is proud to introduce such well-prepared students into Georgia’s workforce,” CTC Allied Health Science Coordinator Dr. Christine Yarbrough. “These students will be able to secure jobs in an ever growing market in healthcare as representatives of the quality education they have received. Having a 100 percent pass rate is yet another demonstration of the outstanding accomplishments of the Health Sciences Department at Chattahoochee Tech.”

CTC Horticulture Students Highlight the Benefits of a Green Roof at Bartow County's CelEARTHbration this Month

Mon, 8 Nov 2010 12:05:15 EST

Most people don’t look at the roof of a house as a great place to grow plants and other vegetation, but a group of Chattahoochee Technical College students are singing the praises of the latest trend. The students of the CTC Green Roofs class will be displaying their own version of a green roof at the CelEARTHbration event at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. The free event is scheduled for Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We aren’t just talking about roof tops that are green in color,” said Bejie Herrin, environmental horticulture instructor at CTC. “Green roofs are building roofs that are at least partially covered with vegetation. They are natural insulators, reducing cooling costs and helping to manage storm water. A green roof can provide a restful retreat for people and animals, they also improve air quality and help reduce the urban heat island effect caused by cities absorbing and trapping heat.”

The students have been working to build a smaller example of the concept in their Thursday night class. For the annual eco family event, they will display a dog house with its own green roof and other demonstration material. Many of the students will also be on hand to explain the benefits of the design, including rainwater absorption, insulation, habitat for wildlife, and lowering urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect. The whole project – from concept to construction – is student driven, according to Herrin.

“The CelEarthbration is an opportunity for local vendors to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable practices that are available,” said Environmental Horticulture Instructor Shane Evans,. “Portions of this mirror what we offer in our Environmental horticulture program; water usage, plant material selection, integrated pest management, and soil conservation.”

For more information on the Environmental Horticulture Program, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Technical College Student Carole Sanders Appointed to Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Southern Region Action Council

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 14:17:09 EST

Mrs. Carole Sanders, Paulding Campus PBL Paulding Campus President, has been appointed to Phi Beta Lambda’s Southern Region Action Council by the Phi Beta Lambda National Officer Team. Her duties will include: assisting with membership and recruitment for the State of Georgia and surrounding states, mentoring students on building a successful Phi Beta Lambda chapter, and assisting with fundraising efforts to benefit the March of Dimes.

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) education association with a quarter million students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. The association has four divisions: 1) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) for high school students; 2) FBLA-Middle Level for junior high, middle, and intermediate school students; 3) Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) for postsecondary students; and 4) Professional Division for businesspeople.

Mrs. Sanders underwent a complex interview and application process to be chosen for this position and was chosen out of a pool of applicants from two and four-year colleges throughout the southeast. According to Business Sciences Division Faculty member and Phi Beta Lambda chapter advisor Nathan Akins “It is a great honor for Mrs. Sanders and our college for her to be chosen to serve in this crucial position in the Phi Beta Lambda organization.” Mrs. Sanders will serve in the position until June 30, 2011.

Chattahoochee Technical College PBL currently has chapters at the Marietta, and Paulding campuses. PBL students hold monthly meetings, sponsor various service projects throughout the year, and participate in conferences and competitions around the country. For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College, visit our website at www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

CTC to host a preview day at Appalachian Campus this Thursday

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:29:32 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College will welcomeprospective studentsto its Appalachian campus Thursday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. The campus, located at 100 Campus Drive in Jasper, is one of the seven for the state’s largest technical college. Anyone interested in learning more about the college is invited to attend the visitation day which will include, information about admissions, financial aid, student life and programs of study, as well as a BBQ dinner and a chance to meet the school’s mascot – Swoop the Golden Eagle.

“We organized this event to let graduating seniors get an up close view of the school,” said Erin Hamby, director of recruitment and retention at Chattahoochee Technical College. “But it is also an opportunity for people who are already out in the work force to look at the possibilities for coming back to school.”

Faculty and staff will be on hand to help prospective students better understand the admissions process and the services offered by the school, including financial aid and student life Representatives from the more than 100 certificate, diploma and associate degree programs will also be present to answer questions and give overviews of the types of subjects people can study at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Prospective students will also have the opportunity to learn about the college’s sports program, including and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and men’s basketball. Club sports teams include football, basketball, men’s baseball, women’s softball, golf, cricket and ultimate Frisbee. A new women’s basketball team is also in the works with plans to compete as a club team in the 2010-2011 season. CTC made history this year with the introduction of its club football team – the only two year college to have one in Georgia.

Job seekers to flock to Chattahoochee Tech's Oct. 26 career fair

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:39:56 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College students, graduates, friends and family will have the opportunity to speak with more than 34 companies about fulltime, part-time, and seasonal opportunities. One of the largest such events in the area, the annual college career fair is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in building D of the North Metro campus in Acworth. Also on hand will be representatives from 11 colleges and universities for students and participants wanting to discuss educational opportunities.

“While many students and graduates experience frustration in their job search, we are offering an opportunity to bring together job seekers and employers under one roof,” said CTC Career Services Coordinator Lucylle Shelton. “The area’s top employers are coming together to recruit and hire qualified candidates from right here at Chattahoochee Technical College.”

Ranging from well-known national corporations to leading local businesses, some of the hiring companies that have already registered to participate in the Fall 2010 Career Fair include: Berry Plastics, City of Marietta – Board of Lights and Water, CNN/Turner Broadcasting, BrightStar Healthcare, Edward Jones, Fastenal, First Data, Northwest Exterminating, Teachers R Us Staffing, Wachovia and many others.

Pre-registration by job seekers is not necessary for event, but Shelton says they should be prepare for career fair as they do any job interview. Business dress, resumes and professional demeanor are required of anyone wanting to interview and network for a job.

“Job seekers should bring plenty of copies of their resume and dress for success,” said Shelton, who has been teaching job search skills through workshops at many of the college’s seven campuses. “They should have a focused message about what they have to offer and what they are looking for in terms of a job.”

Marcus Engel to speak to Chattahoochee Tech students Wednesday

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:08:01 EST

Motivational speaker Marcus Engel will be presenting his story to students at the North Metro campus of Chattahoochee Technical College Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Engel, who will share his extraordinary story of recovery after being blinded and catastrophically injured by a drunk driver, was invited by CTC’s Disability Services in recognition of Disability Awareness Month.

“Marcus has a story that isn’t just interesting, but inspirational as well,” said Kim Ellis, CTC disability services coordinator. “He will be speaking twice on Wednesday so that any student who wants to will hear about how to overcome adversity in a positive way.”

Engel’s life was forever changed after he and some college friends left a Saturday hockey game in search of a midnight snack. They never made it to that diner. As the carload of teenagers pulled into a busy intersection, a drunk driver traveling at twice the speed limit slammed broadside into the small Toyota; only a thin piece of metal separated Engel from the full impact of the oncoming vehicle.

According to his website, he awoke to a world he would never again see, Engel faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles: survive hundreds of hours of reconstructive facial surgery, adapt to blindness and find happiness in a world changed forever. While still restricted to a hospital bed, a feeding tube and respirator, Engel set his goal: return to college as quickly as possible. This goal would sustain him through two years of medical recovery, a six-month stint at rehab school and one month training with a new Seeing Eye dog. Not only did Engel accept and embrace the challenge, but the life lessons he learned are now the guiding forces that inspire hundreds of thousands every day.

Chattahoochee Technical College provides support services for students with disabilities. Students with documented disabilities may have accommodations in the classroom. Accommodations may include isolated testing, extended time for class work and tests, interpreters, readers, note takers, text in alternative format and peer tutoring. Most recently, Ellis has formed an organization for students with disabilities. They plan on meeting several times a quarter to discuss relevant issues. They will develop a mission statement and a service learning project. The organization will have guest speakers and will also prepare presentations for the classroom.

“Students will gain from this program a better understanding of dealing with adversity in a positive way,” said Ellis. “Not only students with disabilities, but everyone. I hope that this presentation will energize students, and help them find ways to overcome obstacles in their path.”

Engel is scheduled to appear at 10 a.m. and noon this Wednesday in room 100 of the North Metro campus.

CTC makes a little Christmas for the Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:45:23 EST

Though some people haven’t even picked out their Thanksgiving menu yet, students in the Interiors program at Chattahoochee Technical College are already rolling out the ribbon and arranging the holly. The 12 students are busily decorating a home to be featured in the 2010 Woodstock Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, set for Nov. 13 and 14.

“This project takes us out of the classroom and puts our students right in the action,” said CTC Interiors Instructor Ginger Burton. “The students are getting to work with a client, stay within a budget and put into practice all of the things we have been learning in this program.”

The home will have a Christmas carol theme, according to Burton. Each student has based his or her designs off of popular tunes, including Away in a Manger, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman and The 12 Days of Christmas. The Holiday Tour of Homes features exquisite homes in the area that are professionally decorated for the holidays by local designers. The homes have unique features that make them distinctive. Visitors will be able to get numerous holiday decorating ideas to make their own homes more enjoyable during the holiday season.

In addition to Chattahoochee Technical College students, the tour features designers from the some of the area’s leading firms. That fact adds to the appeal, according to Burton, who hopes the students will learn from seasoned professionals and make future contacts for their careers.

“Opportunities like this are wonderful for the students,” said Burton. “Since moving the program from our original campus in Jasper to the Mountain View campus in East Cobb County, we are looking for connections that will make the experience even more rewarding for everyone.”

Tickets are $17 presale through November 10, and can be purchased online at www.jslwoodstock.org. Tickets may also be purchased on the tour dates for $20 at each home on the tour. Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at any of the homes on the tour.

Freshmen Class Headed for Success

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:23:08 EST

By Bettina Huseby

Pictured: Students holding doll heads: the Freshmen Class.
Students without doll heads: the Junior Class.
(L) Holding Clipboard: Mrs. Rebecca Patterson, Director of Cosmetology, and
(R) Holding Clipboard: Mrs. Sonia Gossett, Cosmetology Instructor.

Photograph by Chrissie Morgan

A new school year has begun for Cosmetology students at Chattahoochee Tech’s Jasper Campus. First-quarter freshmen are led by Mrs. Rebecca Patterson, Program Director. Her classroom isn’t very big. In fact, it’s a glorified storage closet. Its snugness promotes teamwork and ergonomic work practices among her students. Each work station includes a practice doll head, a blow-dryer, and various styling implements. Through the big picture window, the rookies can see the salon. That is where I am, along with my class; the third-quarter juniors. Our instructor is Mrs. Sonia Gossett, also known as “Little Uma,” because she’s a dead-ringer for movie actress Uma Thurmon. From our side of the big picture window, the freshmen look like guppies in a fishbowl. Sometimes we make fish faces at them. But they’re doing well. Really well. You can see for yourself just how beautiful their first week’s assignment turned out: they styled their practice doll heads for the big group photo accompanying this article. Mrs. Patterson’s reputation as a formidable student advocate is no secret around here. She’ll stop at nothing to protect her girls and ensure they have what they need so they can learn. This is her sixth year teaching. The last three have been with Chattahoochee Tech. Her favorite thing is teaching beginners. She enjoys seeing each student discover her own talent and passion for Cosmetology. So far, she’s inspired over 300 students.

Teaching is not a profession for the lily-livered or the timid, and teaching a trade involves hands-on application. Stylist shears are surgically sharp. Even skilled fingers get nicked and cut. Both our teachers’ lovely hands are scarred from their years of dedication to the profession. It’s a common misconception that Cosmo is easy. But it takes days, weeks, and months of repition to learn a new skill. Tensions run high, especially for those rookies swimming in the fish bowl. When a student tires, a teacher inspires. We figure if Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Gossett can juggle families, dual careers, and still manage to manage us, then we can do our part, too.

Mrs. Gossett has taught over 100 students in her 2 ½ years at Chattahoochee Tech. She loves sharing what she knows with us. She says it’s rewarding to see us learn. She feels good knowing she’s passing something along to others. When she’s not at school or pulling her heathen dog out of the flower pots at home, Mrs. Gossett runs her own Jasper business: the E Z Hair Salon and Spa, located at 268 Old Federal Road. A variety of hair, skin and nail services are offered in a relaxed setting. Her shop is open Monday through Saturday, and the phone number is 706-253-6610.

This story is well-stocked with feminine pronouns, because all current students of Cosmetology are girls. Boys are also welcome to consider a career in Cosmetology. For someone making life changes, technical school is a practical choice. Chattahoochee Tech will put you to work. It goes by pretty fast, once required core classes are complete: (English, Math, Computers, and Careers). After that, students can enter their particular fields of study. The Cosmetology Program is one year long. Those interested in enrollment can contact Mrs. Patterson at 706-253-4566, or drop her a line at rpatterson@chattahoocheetech.edu. They’re also welcome to visit the school’s salon, located in the 400 building, 100 Campus Drive, Jasper. Salon hours are Monday & Wednesday, 8:30 am to 12 noon, and Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. To become a client and enjoy a new “do”, a facial, waxing, manicure, or pedicure, call for an appointment at 706-253-4511. Rates are reasonable, and proceeds go back into the program.

For information on other courses of study, the school’s admission office number is: 706-253-4500. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Chrissie Morgan and Bettina Huseby are students of Cosmetology at Chattahoochee Tech. In addition, Morgan is a photographer, and Huseby is a freelance writer who occasionally contributes to The Progress.

CTC Radiography Program Score a 100 Percent First Time Pass Rate on National Registry Exam

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:21:30 EST

For the second year in a row, the graduates of the Radiography Program at the Chattahoochee Technical College North Metro campus have scored a 100 percent first time pass rate on the national exam. The exam is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The ARRT promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy.

Thirteen students graduated from the program in September and every student passed the national exam on the first attempt. The national exam requires a 75 percent in order to pass the exam; our graduates scored an average of 89 percent with the highest grade being a 96 percent.

First Row: Karen Bunch, Linda Traylor, Kitty Finnegan, Megan Fiveash

Second Row: Josephat Karicho, Bonnie Melton, Whitney Bingham, K. Justin Grier

Third Row: Deanne D. Collins (Program Director), Ashley Pedicini, Angela Mader, Brett Novak, Melissa Shumaker, Julie Miller, Jennifer A. Owens (Clinical Coordinator)

Beneficial Bugs: Lacewing

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:13:17 EST

Besides being an ingredient in polyjuice potion* the lacewing fly is also helpful as a predatory insect. It is actually bred specifically to be released into greenhouses to control pest populations and reduce the amount of pesticides needed! The lacewings are sold and distributed as eggs because when kept in close quarters they’ll turn cannibalistic. The eggs are then distributed through a garden, greenhouse, or field and the eggs hatch and the larvae eat problem insects. One lacewing can eat as many as 150 aphids a week! The list of pest bugs that the lacewing eats is too long to put here, but they are especially keen on mealy bugs and aphids.

The most common lacewing in North America is the green lacewing which is about 15mm long, with very large wings and bright gold eyes. The larvae are freaky looking, see the photo of the one eating an aphid. They have large pincers that are used to suck the insides out of their prey (yum!)

Now, don’t get these guys confused with lacebugs, ‘cause lacebugs are bad guys. They cause leaf damage to azaleas and pieris and such.

*Polyjuice potion is from the Harry Potter books; a potion that when drunk allows you to take on the appearance of another person. Yes, I am nerd in more respects than just plants...

Jessica Watters, GCLP, Horticulture Technician, Chattahoochee Technical College

Chattahoochee Tech Foundation Legacy Awards honors Ambassador Andrew Young

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 17:16:39 EST

Ambassador Andrew Young was honored by the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation at its signature fundraising event Oct. 7 at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta. Georgia Trend magazine served as the presenting sponsor for the sixth annual Legacy Awards luncheon.

“After the challenging process of merging three colleges and three separate foundations into one, the foundation trustees wanted to honor someone who is a unifier and who brings people together,” said Melinda Ashcraft, chair of the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation. “Ambassador Young was a natural selection for this tribute. He has a history of great work from his dedication to civil rights to his political career and now to his continued activism in favor of human rights.”

Young, a native of New Orleans, began his professional life as an ordained minister. He has worked for civil and human rights through his roles as a congressman, United Nations ambassador and mayor. A scholar of Gandhi’s concept of non-violent resistance as a tactic for social change, Young encouraged African Americans to register to vote – sometimes facing death threats in doing so. In 1964 he was selected as the executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, becoming one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s closest allies.

His political resume includes becoming the first African American from the Deep South since Reconstruction to be elected to U.S. Congress. It was an office he held until 1977 when President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the first African American to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Following his two terms as mayor of Atlanta, Young became co-chair of the committee that brought the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta. He is now co-chair of Good Works International and has authored two books, A Way Out of No Way and An Easy Burden, Civil Rights and the Transformation of America.

The Legacy Awards luncheon has been held annually since 2005. Foundation trustees nominate and select an honoree based on that person’s establishment of a positive lifetime legacy that has benefited the local, regional, state, or national/international community. Past honorees include Vince Dooley, Roy Barnes, Johnny Isakson, Conley Ingram, Bill Kinney, Truett Cathy and Betty Siegel.

The event is the signature fundraiser for the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation. Funds raised through event sponsorships and ticket sales are used to support students and programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia’s largest technical college with more than 11,000 students enrolled. While many of the students receive traditional financial aid to cover tuition and fees, they find themselves looking for additional funding for tools, uniforms, equipment and books. The foundation also provides support for college needs where state funding falls short.

“It is our way of honoring those in our community who exemplify the qualities of leadership and great works,” said Dr. Sanford Chandler, president of Chattahoochee Technical College. “Ambassador Young has not only created a lasting legacy in areas of international diplomacy and human rights, but he has also been a strong advocate for education.”

Chattahoochee Tech Student Wins Annual Scholarship by Sharing Story of Hope Through Cancer Treatment and Education

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 17:12:40 EST

Cancer steals so much from many of its victims – security, health, hope, and plans for the future. So when a cancer patient is a college student, it can take away the goal of education and higher learning too. But Chattahoochee Technical College student Alicia Ashwood is determined not to let that happen to her. As the winner of the 2010 Legacy Scholarship, the surgical technology student is moving toward a future shaped by her experience instead of being defined by it.

“I decided to nominate Alicia after reading an essay that I asked the students to write,” said Lorraine Wilderman, Chattahoochee Technical College surgical technology program director. “I told the students that I knew very little about them. But if they were willing to share some history as to why they chose surgical technology and some of the hardships or difficulties they may have encountered, I would consider nominating them for this award. Eight students gave me essays. All eight were sincere and very heartfelt, but Alicia’s was the most inspiring.”

Ashwood, a resident of Covington, Ga., once had dreams of becoming the next Michael Jordan. Encouraged by her mother to trade her basketball for the books, she graduated from high school with a 4.0 grade point average and began her quest toward higher education at Virginia State University. It was while she was there that the girl who had been nominated as president of her freshman class experienced a huge change in her life and her plans. During a friendly game of basketball, the young woman fell. Two months later she was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a malignant tumor that occurs most frequently in long bones.

The Georgia native returned home and began the fight for her life, enduring chemotherapy, pain, and the loss of the infected bone from her elbow down – now replaced with a graft that is held in place by screws and plates. She also watched as her mother struggled to keep up with the medical bills – working 12 hours a day to keep the family’s head above water and spending the other 12 at Ashwood’s bedside.

During those long days and hours of recovery, Ashwood developed a bond with her surgeon, one that inspired her to pursue a career in the medical field. With medical school out of question financially, she began to look at technical schools and financial aid. She finally chose Chattahoochee Technical College, sure that she would qualify for the Hope Grant.

One of 66 applicants to a program that only accepts 24 students each year, Ashwood received her acceptance letter earlier this year. However, the excitement was short lived when she received a letter from CTC’s financial aid office stating that she was not eligible for the HOPE grant that would have paid her $1,010 in CTC tuition and fees, as she had an outstanding loan in default at Virginia State. With nothing that could be done by financial aid offices at either school, Ashwood’s mom applied for a credit card to pay both debts in full, allowing her to begin classes in July.

“To go through what Alicia had to go through at such an early age had to be not only difficult for her but also her mother,” said Wilderman. “As a parent, I can only imagine.”

Now Ashwood is being honored with the annual $2,500 Legacy scholarship, which she says she will use to help pay her mother back for the academic expenses she has incurred. The scholarship, which this year is named after former Kennesaw State University President Betty Siegel, is a tradition for the foundation that supports the students of Chattahoochee Technical College. Through events and fundraisers such as the annual Legacy Awards Luncheon, the foundation supports students and programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia’s largest technical college with more than 13,000 students enrolled. While many of the students receive traditional financial aid to cover tuition and fees, they find themselves looking for additional funding for tools, uniforms, equipment and books. The foundation also provides support for college needs where state funding falls short.

Quick Start Announces Chart Training Initiative

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 16:05:00 EST

Training Agreement Signing Ceremony to be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. [Ball Ground, GA] - Quick Start, Georgia’s internationally acclaimed economic development program, today announced that it has entered into a training agreement with CAIRE Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, of Chart Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTLS). With instruction offered through Chattahoochee Technical College, Quick Start provides customized workforce training at no cost to qualified new, expanding and existing businesses in Georgia.

Earlier this year, Chart announced its decision to expand its liquid oxygen therapy manufacturing and customer service operations through the construction of a new state-of-the-art office and production facility on a seventeen-acre site in Ball Ground, Ga. “The opening of this new facility will support the creation of new jobs and long-term economic growth in this region of Georgia. Our partnership with Quick Start will enable us to fulfill our commitment to our customers by employing high-performing, well trained, and well-equipped staff to provide a quality product in the most effective and efficient manner,” stated Steve Shaw, President of Chart’s BioMedical Group. Construction is currently underway and production at this new facility is expected to begin in 2011.

“Quick Start and Chart have a history of partnership at the company’s Ball Ground manufacturing facility, and we’re honored to be able to support them again as they bring quality jobs to Georgians,” said Jackie Rohosky, Quick Start’s leader. “It’s also a privilege to be able to support operations in such a progressive company.” Quick Start has trained more than 779,000 employees through 5,800 projects within a broad range of industries.

The Quick Start training agreement was developed based on a Project Study that was conducted at existing Chart facilities. The training agreement is based on Chart’s commitment to provide approximately 80 new jobs for Georgians in the Cherokee County area. Quick Start is designing and developing training material, as well as providing instructors, for the classes.

The training program involves three distinct partners: Chart, Chattahoochee Technical College and Quick Start. Each partner will be responsible for the successful completion of this program. The partnership will not end when the Quick Start training is completed. Chattahoochee Technical College will continue to be available to assist Chart with ongoing training programs.

“We are very pleased to offer our continued support to Chart as they continue to expand in Ball Ground. We look forward to assisting them in developing and maintaining the highly skilled workforce they need to be successful,” said Dr. Sanford Chandler, president of Chattahoochee Technical College. “Because of our close ties with industry, economic developers, government leaders and chamber executives, Chattahoochee Technical College is able to respond quickly to the changing workforce needs of our industry partners and will continue to support Chart as their business flourishes and employment needs grow.”

Chattahoochee Technical College Grows again - Adding More Than 1,500 Students to its Rosters

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:01:51 EST

Fall Quarter at Chattahoochee Technical College doesn’t begin until later this week, but the state’s largest technical college is on the verge of yet another quarter of record enrollment. As of Sept. 27, approximately 13,470 students were set to begin their first day of classes this Wednesday. That is well above last fall’s enrollment number of around 11,515 students at a growth rate of almost 17 percent.

With seven campuses currently, the college’s most popular locations are its Marietta campus with 5,581 enrolled students and its North Metro campus at 3,854 students. However, online classes seem to be a preferred option with 4,237 students enrolled in at least one online class. That marks a 43 percent increase over last year’s 2,955 online students. Other campuses experiencing a large growth trend are Paulding and Woodstock’s campuses, which each almost doubled in size.

Appalachian Campus

Austell Campus

Marietta Campus

Mountain View Campus

North Metro Campus

Online Course

Paulding Campus

Woodstock Campus

947

367

5,604

1,107

3,871

4,250

1,531

657

Tickets Available for Chattahoochee Tech Foundation's Sixth Annual Legacy Awards Luncheon - Honoring Andrew Young

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:02:34 EST

Tickets are now available for the sixth annual Legacy Awards Luncheon – the preeminent fundraising event hosted by the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation. Scheduled for Oct. 7, this year’s ceremony will feature honoree Andrew Young – former United States Ambassador and mayor of Atlanta.

The luncheon is scheduled to begin at noon at the Atlanta Renaissance Waverly Hotel with a sponsors’ reception preceding the event. Ticket prices begin at $65 for an individual seat and $1,000 for table sponsorships.

For ticket or sponsorship information information, call 770-528-4461.

CTC Students to Compete in Cobb County Bridge Design Contest

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:59:05 EST

Six Chattahoochee Technical College drafting students have their eyes set on a bridge over Interstate 75 in Kennesaw. The Busbee-Frey Connector is the subject of a competition between students at Chattahoochee Technical College, Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. The 18 students taking part in the contest make up six teams of three, with each school represented on each team.

“They are required to design architectural enhancements for a bridge in the KSU area,” said CTC Drafting Technology Instructor Randal Reid. “After working together as a team, the students will present their ideas to a group of judges from the community and the industry.”

The contest, which is hosted by the Cobb County Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Town Center Area Community Improvement District, asks students to develop and propose architectural/context sensitive design elements to the basic bridge design. With about a month to work together as a team, each group will present to a panel of judges, including college presidents, a Federal Highway Administration representative, Georgia Department of Transportation officials, representatives from the Town Center Area Community Improvement District and county officials. Consulting engineers and Cobb DOT officials are serving as technical advisors to the student teams.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to use the skills they are learning in the classroom with other students from nearby colleges and universities,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Provost Ron Newcomb. “By working together in teams, the students are learning from each other and from their technical advisors while practicing presentation techniques that will serve them well in their career plans.”

In addition to gaining valuable industry experience, the students are competing to develop and present the best plan. The winning team will receive a cash prize and have their names displayed on a plaque to be installed on the bridge. Winners are expected to be announced in November.

Chattahoochee Technical College students participating in the contest include Joseph Honea, Graham Gedney, Gregory Sanders and Seth Arthur from the school’s Marietta campus and Lewellyn Payne and Joel Wright from the Appalachian campus in Jasper. All of the students are enrolled in the school’s Drafting Technology program, which teaches students to prepare detailed drawings of engineers, architects, and other professionals for use by electricians, machinists, technicians, and construction workers. Chattahoochee Technical College offers certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in drafting technology.

CTC faculty honor 223rd birthday of the American Constitution

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:25:36 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College students, faculty and staff celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day a day early this year by handing out copies of the document that will turn 223 years old this year. Faculty members manned the tables and handed out the more than 1,000 copies of the document that had been ordered.

“We want our students informed on the constitution and by giving them pocket constitutions, perhaps they will read them and become more familiar with them,” said Jodie Vangrow, Chattahoochee Technical College Social Sciences Division Chair. “Being aware of it is the first step in the knowledge quest!”

In addition to pocket sized versions of the Constitution, snacks were provided. Posters designed by one of the school’s American Government class were also on display for the day. As a school receiving federal financial aid money for students, celebrating such federal observances is important, according to Vangrow.

The nationally recognized Constitution Day is held Sept. 17 to commemorate the formation and signing of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

CTC Radiography Program Students Celebrate Pinning

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 17:01:00 EST

Chattahoochee Technical College Radiographic Technology students from the class of 2010 celebrated the culmination of their degree program with a pinning ceremony at the college’s North Metro Campus Sept. 16. The class of 2010 consists of 12 students from Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb and Paulding counties.

First Row: Karen Bunch (Paulding), Linda Traylor (Cobb), Kitty Finnegan (Cobb), Megan Fiveash (Cobb) Second Row: Josephat Karicho (Cobb), Bonnie Melton (Cobb), Whitney Bingham (Cobb), K. Justin Grier (Cherokee) Third Row: Deanne D. Collins (Program Director), Ashley Pedicini (Cobb), Angela Mader (Cherokee), Brett Novak (Cherokee), Melissa Shumaker (Cobb), Julie Miller (Bartow), Jennifer A. Owens (Clinical Coordinator)

Textbooks Now Available for Rent at CTC's Bookstores

Wed, 8 Sep 2010 16:45:10 EST

Students at Georgia’s largest technical college will soon have another option when it comes to procuring needed textbooks for the next quarter. Through a program with Nebraska Book Company, Chattahoochee Technical College bookstores will begin offering a textbook rental program that will save students up to 50 percent on some titles.

“It is something that we are very excited about,” said CTC Bookstore General Manager Kathy Weathersby. “Like everyone these days, students have limited resources and need options to keep costs down while still receiving the materials they need to succeed in class.”

According to Nebraska Book Company, which represents college bookstores around the country, the average college student spent approximately $280 on textbooks this past spring. While options for renting and purchasing textbooks over the Internet have increased, the introduction of the rental program at CTC will give students the option of paying a onetime rental fee for use the entire quarter.

Not all books will be available for rent, cautions Weathersby. Currently there are more than 15,000 titles nationwide that are part of the program. However, current estimates indicate that 20-30 percent of CTC’s required books will be eligible for the program. For a book to become part of the list of available titles for rent, the book must be the latest published addition and instructors must plan to use the book beyond the current school term. Other factors that might keep a book from the rental list include the addition of special Internet access, study guides, custom books for the school or if there is a new edition pending.

“We hope to be able to include as many titles as possible,” said Weathersby. “This is only our first quarter using this program so I’m sure the list of available titles will expand as the program grows.”

Books eligible for the program will be marked with special stickers that indicate their rental availability. Students interested in renting the book for the quarter will be asked to pay a rental fee that is based on a percentage of the new book cost. Most will cost 50 percent of the new book’s retail price (a $100 book would rent for $50). Additionally, students will need to provide a credit/debit card number and a valid e-mail address. Students’ HigherOne cards cannot be used with the program.

Students can keep the book all quarter, as they are due the last day of final exams. Should a student

decide to keep the book or fail to return it, he or she would be charged the difference between the rental fee and book’s retail price and a 10 percent restocking fee.

More information about purchasing and renting textbooks for the quarter, including store hours, is available at www.chattahoocheetechbookstore.com

Chattahoochee Technical College Extends Deadline for Admissions

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:12:25 EST

Prospective students have a little bit longer to get documents together for fall quarter at Chattahoochee Technical College. The deadline for the submission of fall quarter application packets (application, application fee, official test scores and sealed high school/GED and college transcripts) has been extended to Friday, Sept. 3.

Registration for Fall Quarter has already begun under the priority registration system that caters to students with more credit hours. Access to online registration will remain open until Sept. 17 with fees due Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. Late registration will be available Monday, Sept. 27 with classes slated to begin Sept. 29.

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College admissions, registration or financial aid, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

Chattahoochee Technical College Interiors Program is Going Places

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:10:51 EST

According to Chattahoochee Technical College Interiors program instructor Ginger Burton, keeping up with changes is a large part of the industry. Change is just what the approximately 40 students in the CTC program are preparing to go through. The program, which has been based out of the college’s Appalachian Campus in Jasper since Oct. 2006 will be relocated to the Mountain View Campus in Cobb County at the beginning of Fall Quarter.

“We’re excited to be a part of that community now,” said Burton. “It will offer some great opportunities for the students and the chance for us to build lasting partnerships with people in the industry, nonprofits and even with high schools in the area.”

With career opportunities in such areas as the retail sector, architecture and design firms, sales of specialty products, visual merchandising and in several niche areas, students at CTC choose between the diploma or degree programs. Both options provide education in the basics of design fundamentals, color theory, floor plan arrangement, window treatments, material selection, drafting and drawing and lighting. There is also an emphasis on business practices for entrepreneurial students wanting to start a business after graduation. Students focus on both presentation and technological skills before taking part in internships within the industry.

Another feature of the program is smaller classes and individualized attention. The smaller classes have allowed students to take part in a variety of projects within the community in both residential and commercial design.

“All of the classes are very hands on,” according to Burton. “We do a lot of projects where we get the opportunity to practice what we’re learning.”

Students have offered suggestions for enhancing the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce building, designed the new interior for the Community Bank of Pickens County, remodeled the Appalachian Campus Student Center and participated in the Bent Tree Tour of Homes. This year students will add the Woodstock Holiday Tour of Homes to their resumes.

Interest in the program has increased in recent years with more and more do it yourself and interior design shows on television. Most of Burton’s students have said they watch these shows and read design magazines regularly. Some of the students come to Burton’s classes with an eye for creative projects already, but many are simply fascinated by the whole process and want to be taught. Her students usually have either the creativity or technical abilities in place, but need education to stimulate the other skill set.

“It’s a creative industry, but there is a technical side to it too,” said Burton. “Both sides get exercised in this program – the creative and the analytical.”

For more information on the Interiors program at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 706-253-4618 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Chattahoochee Technical College Club Covering the Bases in Acworth - CTC Public Safety Club will participate in annual fundraiser in Sept.

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:47:02 EST

Members of the Chattahoochee Technical College Public Safety Club will be partnering with the Acworth Police Department to help raise money for the continued support of organized athletic opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities. This is a first time partnership between the student club and police department in the annual Covering the Bases event, which is now in its third year.

“We are hoping to raise a great deal of money,” said CTC instructor and Public Safety Club advisor Marcy Hehnly. “An additional goal is to allow students to see the rewards by partnering with a police department and seeing community outreach at its finest.”

The event, which is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sept. 18 and run until 7 a.m. Sept. 19, will feature continuous running/walking of hundreds of community volunteers and personnel from the Acworth Police Department. Initially, the money raised from the event helped pay for the construction of the Horizon Field, which is the first and only one of its kind in the area, featuring a synthetic rubberized baseball diamond playing surface. Now funds raised serve to promote awareness of the field, as well as provide supplemental financial support for programming and maintenance of the field. To date, Covering the Bases has raised nearly $50,000 for the Horizon League, which in the 2010 season supported more than 160 players.

Leading up to the 24-hour event, Chattahoochee Technical College students will be raising money through cookouts and soliciting donations through cookouts and soliciting donations from friends, relatives, classmates and co-workers. Special restaurant nights have been organized with Five Guys Burgers and Fries on Cobb Parkway in Acworth on Aug. 20, The Old Mill Restaurant in downtown Acworth on Aug. 27, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar on Barrett Parkway on Aug. 30 and Baskin Robbins on Cobb Parkway in Acworth on Sept. 8. Each of these establishments is donating a portion of their night’s receipts to Covering the Bases.

“Students are able to gain firsthand knowledge of how a community can come together and work as one,” said Hehnly. “It also has the propensity to show how police – sometimes looked upon negatively – have the ability to earn trust and respect within their own community sharing in a great partnership. By allowing students to become a part of this event, students become better people and gain respect for others. Today in our society we see so much negativity that it is important to not only see but be involved with such a rewarding experience.”

Donations on behalf of the CTC Public Safety Club should be sent to either Marcy Hehnly or Lyle Cartwright (Campus Life). Their checks can be made payable to Special Needs Development Group Inc. Anyone wishing to donate to the Special Needs Field can do so at the Acworth P.D. All donations and money raised will go directly to the Special Needs Development Group Inc., a non-profit public charity under §501(c) (3) of the Internal revenue code, and are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.acworth.org/coveringthebases.

See the flyer for more information and details