Journeys 2015 2016 final

Atlanta Technical College • 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW • Atlanta, Georgia 30310 • 404.225.4400 • www.atlantatech.edu

2015-2016

i n t o t h e w o r l d o f a t l a n t a t e c h n i c a l c o l l e g e

JOURNEYS

The idea of exploring—of discovering previously unchartered territory—has fascinated people for centuries. Life as we know it has been signi� cantly impacted by discoveries ignited by curiosity and tenacity in classrooms and laboratories, on earth and in space,

and equally by chance as much as by careful planning. In that same spirit, the quest for new knowledge and new landscapes of opportunity fuels the campus of Atlanta Technical College.

At Atlanta Technical College, we encourage our students to use their experiences in the classroom and in the community to explore new possibilities for their professional and personal lives. � e landscape is vibrant and dynamic, and new academic programs, � ourishing student organizations, and transformational experiences in and beyond the classroom open new territories for academic, community, and global engagement.

� is is the season to break away from the ordinary and to go beyond boundaries. Set your course, pack your dreams, and begin your own journey by exploring Atlanta Technical College within these pages. We invite you to Journey with us and challenge you to change your world.

It will be worth the trip.

Alvetta P. � omas

As set forth in its student catalog, Atlanta Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affi liation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). For further information regarding these laws (Title VI and IX) or to request reasonable accommodations upon enrollment

(Section 504/ADA) contact:

Sylvie Moses, equity/special needs coordinator404.225.4434, [email protected]

Atlanta Technical College, Cleveland Dennard Center, Suite B164, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Exploration is the engine that drives innovation. Innovation drives . . . growth. So let’s all go exploring.

Edith Widder

Alvetta Peterman Thomas, Ed. D.President, Atlanta Technical College

Letter From � e President

In 2010, Atlanta Technical College became the � rst school in the technical college system to o� er an associate’s degree in supply chain

management. � is year, the college took another pioneering step by signing an articulation agreement with Clayton State University. � e “two-plus-two” plan aligns the two schools’ programs, allowing Atlanta Tech supply chain management graduates to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree in the � eld.

“� is is a � rst in the history of Atlanta Technical College, a true two-plus-two agreement that allows a seamless transition between Atlanta Tech and Clayton State,” says Dr. Alvetta Peterman � omas, president of Atlanta Technical College. “Recruitment intensity for quali� ed supply chain workers is high. � is partnership is a glowing example of how two post-secondary institutions can work together to respond to an industry’s need. Together, we are creating multiple pathways for students to enter the supply chain ecosystem.”

“Supply chain” refers to the sequence of processes involved in the distribution of any product or service, from the purchasing of raw materials to the delivery of a � nished product. “It’s not a small, niche � eld, explains Kemith � ompson, Atlanta Technical College supply chain management program manager. “Supply chain surrounds us and touches all other industries. Health care, automotive, technology, food and beverage and pharmaceutical companies all use supply chain principles to help them plan, build, store, ship, and deliver their products and services competitively in a global market.“

According to the workforce trends report released by � e Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, online job postings in supply chain and logistics are growing 4.5 times faster in Atlanta than postings nationally. With its ports, international airport, rail and highway systems, Georgia plays a leading role in the industry. In fact, Savanah’s [port] Garden City Terminal is the largest single container terminal in North America, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Furthermore, the state is home to four of the top ten warehousing companies and more than 11,000 logistic service providers. It’s a growing employment sector in Georgia.

� e Atlanta Technical College program provides students with several points of entry into the supply chain � eld. In as little as eight weeks, students can complete the warehousing and distribution program and embark on promising careers in the industry. � ose seeking to become more pro� cient in logistics and procurement can enroll in the associate degree program for intensive training in the areas of transportation and logistics management; global sourcing; business regulations and compliance; and macroeconomics. “For the past � ve years, we’ve been laser-focused on providing our students with multi-dimensional opportunities to join the supply chain � eld,” says � ompson. “� is partnership will allow our students to bene� t from the robust bachelor and master degree programs o� ered at Clayton State University, giving them access to greater career op-portunities.” � e � rst cohort of Associate of Science degree holders from the Atlanta Technical College supply chain management program is eligible to enter Clayton State University in Fall 2015.

I N S I D EFEATURES

JOURNEYSis published by the

Offi ce of Communications & Marketing at Atlanta Technical College.

VOL. 7, NUMBER 1

EDITOR & WRITERTerreta A. Rodgers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pia Forbes

Laura Raines

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shana Dezelle

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS American Technologies

The Offi ce of Communications & Marketing

Front cover photo by American Technologies

Inspiration by the students and alumni of Atlanta Technical College

Letters to the editor are welcome. They may be edited for clarity and length.

Unless otherwise noted, articles may be reprinted as long as credit is given.

All inquiries and comments should be sent to

JOURNEYS EditorAtlanta Technical College

1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SWAtlanta, GA 30310

404.225.4604E-mail: [email protected]

A UNIT OF THE

Exploration is the engine that drives innovation. Innovation drives . . . growth. So let’s all go exploring.

Edith Widder

FEATURES

…Forming Partnerships to Improve College Attainment

Moving Beyond Boundaries

3 Special report – Clayton State University and Atlanta Tech Sign Historic Agreement

4 Bridge Builder Awards

6 Innovating Education

9 Putting Students First

12 Increasing Our Global Footprint

14 Changing the World

16 Profi les: Student of the Year, EAGLE Student, and Teacher of the Year

19 Helping Georgia Firms Prosper in a Global Economy

JOURNEYS

Honoring those who build bridges to success

The Atlanta Technical Foundation (ATCF) will pay tribute to three exemplary corporate leaders who are making their mark on the education sector during the 14th Annual Bridge Builder Awards. Rodney Bullard, executive director of the Chick-� l-A Foundation; Quinnie Jenkins-Rice, regional leader, Community A� airs for Southwest Airlines; and Detlev von Platen, president and CEO of Porsche

Cars North America will be honored during the Bridge Builder awards dinner to be held April 16 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta.

� e annual event is an opportunity for Atlanta Technical College and the ATCF to recognize local leaders whose work helps advance educational collaboration as a means to fortify the local economy. It also serves as a fundraiser to support student scholarships, emergency assistance loans and grants, and � e Halle International Exchange Program. Past recipients have included Ambassador Andrew Young, Ingrid Saunders Jones, Ann Cramer, Vicki Palmer, Billye and Hank Aaron, and Michael � urmond.

4

…Celebrating Leaders Who Are Bridging the Gap

2015 Bridge Builder Award

Honorees

Rodney BullardExecutive Director

Chick-fi l-A Foundation

Quinnie Jenkins-Rice

Regional Leader for Community Affairs & Grassroots

Southwest Airlines

Detlev von Platen

President and CEOPorsche Cars North America


JOURNEYS

Rodney BullardRodney Bullard is the vice president of Community A� airs at Chick-� l-A, Inc., and executive director of � e Chick-� l-A Foundation. He leads the company’s corporate philanthropic and social responsibility strategy, which is focused on fostering youth development and furthering educational opportunities.

Under his leadership, the foundation has been instrumental in sponsoring youth development initiatives such as the JA Biz Town and JA Financial Park. � ese Junior Achievement programs occupy 50,000 square feet in the Georgia World Congress Center. Each year, more than 30,000 students from the metro area visit JA Biz and JA Financial Park to participate in interactive experiences promoting entrepreneurship, � nancial literacy, and 21st century skills.

� e foundation also collaborates with nonpro� t and civic groups to encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles. One example is the Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes (FCA) Power Camp. � ree years ago, � e Chick-� l-A Foundation partnered with the Salvation Army to host the � rst camp at Morehouse College. Now, camps are held at both Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology to give kids from local Boys & Girls Clubs the opportunity to be mentored through “inspiration and perspiration.”

Before coming to Chick-� l-A, Bullard served as an assistant United States attorney, facilitating the Justice Department outreach agenda. Many of these e� orts focused on two critical areas: 1) deterring youth from criminal activity and 2) assisting parolees with re-entry into educational, workforce, and personal development programs. For his service, the United States attorney general presented him with the Department of Justice Director’s Award.

Prior to his role as assistant U.S. attorney, Bullard was a White House Fellow, working directly for the NASA administrator. He is a decorated veteran who served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, eventually working at the Pentagon as a Congressional Legislative Liaison in the O� ce of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Bullard is an alumnus of the United States Air Force Academy, Duke University School of Law, � e University of Georgia Terry School of Business, and � e Harvard Business School. He serves on several national and local boards, including the Salvation Army National Advisory Board of Directors, the University of Georgia Terry School of Business Board of Directors, the Junior Achievement USA National Board of Directors, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation Board of Directors, and the Leadership Atlanta Board of Directors.

Quinnie Jenkins-RiceQuinnie Jenkins-Rice is a communications and aviation professional who serves as regional leader of Community A� airs & Grassroots at Southwest Airlines. In her position, Jenkins represents Atlanta, New Orleans, Birmingham, and several Caribbean destinations. She is responsible for establishing and strengthening relationships with key businesses, civic, community, and political leaders in markets across the country.

Jenkins-Rice, a lifelong proponent of community engagement, directs Southwest Airlines programs that advance fair and equitable access to education, employment, and services, ultimately strengthening the communities the airline serves. She has had a signi� cant role in furthering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, particularly those focused on aviation and avionics.

In addition, Jenkins-Rice is an advocate for arts education initiatives. One such program is the Southwest Airlines Art & Social Engagement Project – a semester-long course at Emory that teaches student artists to create public art projects re� ecting social issues. She also serves on the advisory board for Usher’s New Look Foundation, promoting character, leadership, and academic development through the arts. New Look students in grades 8-12 are provided with mentors and experiences to help them develop personally and professionally. To date, 100 percent of the program’s seniors have graduated from high school and continued to post-secondary education or employment.

Prior to joining Southwest Airlines, Jenkins-Rice spent six years on the Corporate Communications team at AirTran Airways, where she served as a spokesperson and was responsible for internal communications and corporate volunteerism. � ere, she championed community and educational institutions, such as Atlanta Techni-cal College, providing the funding for scholarships and externship experiences.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Jenkins-Rice graduated from Archbishop Chapelle in Metairie, Louisiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journal-ism from � e University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Jenkins-Rice is active in the Atlanta community, serving on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber and the Advisory Board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. She has also given her time to numerous charitable organizations such as March of Dimes, Hands on Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Society, and the YWCA of Greater Atlanta. Recognized for both her business and charitable contributions in the community, Jenkins-Rice was named a Woman of Excellence by Atlanta Daily World and one of Atlanta’s 100 Black Women of In� uence by the Atlanta Business League.

Detlev von PlatenDetlev von Platen is president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., (PCNA), based in Atlanta, and the importer of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States. As president, he oversees the import and distribution of Porsche cars in the United States through the retail operations of some 200 U.S. dealers. PCNA provides sales support marketing, parts distribution, and other functions, including sales and service training. PCNA is also responsible for four ports of entry in the United States.

As president, von Platen sets the vision and standard for community engagement at the company. � rough earth-conscious initiatives, such as the “Porsche Intelligent Performance” program, employees focus on continuous improvement in the area of sustainability by � nding ways to save fuel, lower emissions, and improve green technology. As a result, the company was presented with the PACE Award from the Clean Air Campaign for its e� orts.

von Platen is also setting the standard in furthering educational attainment. Under his leadership, donations and sponsorship funds are distributed to community programs that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to resources and services. In addition, Porsche supports activities geared at promoting natural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations. To improve the path to gainful employment for students, Porsche plans to expand collaborative partnerships with community colleges, universities, and technical col-leges including Atlanta Technical College, that emphasize workforce development.

von Platen’s tenure with Porsche began in 1997, when he joined Porsche AG. He then assumed the management of the Porsche brand in France, which at the time of his assignment was Sonauto, an independent importer. In 1999, he established and then oversaw the PAG subsidiary, Porsche France, as president and CEO. Before leaving Porsche France for his current position, von Platen helped to expand apprenticeship programs and led the French subsidiary to a historic sales record of 2,863 car sales in 2007. He assumed his position at Porsche Cars North America April 1, 2008.

Prior to arriving at Porsche, he was employed with BMW, joining BMW France in 1988 as a marketing manager in the motorcycle division. In 1991, he joined BMW AG, the parent company, where he held several sales and marketing positions within BMW AG’s BMW Motorrad, BMW Motorsport, and Central Marketing divisions.

Detlev von Platen is married and has four children. While he has numerous hobbies and interests, among his most passionate is being a small aircraft pilot. He also enjoys rugby as a spectator and takes pleasure in running and diving, as well as other outdoor sports. von Platen studied economics at the University of Tours and also has studied business management.

5

JOURNEYS

Innovation in education is a way of life at Atlanta Technical College. “It has to be,” says Murray Williams, Vice-President of Academic A� airs. “We are in the business of preparing students

for a rapidly-changing, global marketplace. � at means we have to stay on top of workforce trends and be prepared to break new ground.”

� at ground starts with developing the degree, diploma, and certi� cate programs that meet the demands of today’s workforce. � e college has recently added programs in industrial engineering technology and industrial systems technology. It has expanded its electrical program to include wind and solar sustainable energy technologies and opened a new bioscience technology research wing. “You might be surprised to learn that our bio-science technology students are helping to create new medical devices, and they’re working with the same kind of equipment found at the Centers for Disease Control. � is is not your old idea of a tech school,” says Williams.

In 2010, the campus opened the $14.8 million Brenda Watts Jones Allied Health and Technology Complex in order to meet workforce needs in health care. Dental hygiene, nursing, surgical technology, physical therapy assisting, pharmacy technology, and radiologic technology are among the college’s allied health programs.

� ose programs came directly from industry requests for trained workers. “Our business and industry advisory committees keep us aware of changing workplace needs and the equipment and technology needed to keep our students on the cutting-edge of learning,” explains Williams. “New equipment is expensive, but it is an essential part of a technical education,” she says.

� e allied health complex is equipped with two state-of-the-art surgical suites. “� ey are so authentic that we are in the process of

having them registered with Georgia as emergency surgical sites,” shares Williams. In fact, every program in the allied health division is equipped with cutting-edge technology used in business and industry. � e dental hygiene program provides free dental hygiene services that are open to the public. Students use instruments such as the DIAGNOdent Caries Detector, which uses laser technology to

determine caries involvement of the hard surfaces of teeth. � is may alert patients to early oral health concerns. In addition, dental hygiene students use intraoral camera technology to video patients’ mouths, servicing patients with real time images of their oral health. � ese videos o� er patients perspective on needs for improved oral care.

A few feet from the dental clinic, nursing, paramedic, and EMT students practice their assessment and clinical skills on computer-programmed patient simulators, a practice advocated by nursing educators and hospitals. � e allied health building is also home to the Atlanta Tech Picture Archiving Communicating System (PACS) lab. It supports the radiologic technology program, which will soon o� er

CT and MRI scanning specialty certi� cates. Atlanta Tech is the only school in Georgia to have a PACS lab.

“� ink of it as IT meets imaging, and you’ll have some idea of whatPACS technology means for imaging technologists, doctors, and patients,” explains Andrew Gardner, radiologic technology instructor. Instead of waiting for the � lm to be developed and delivered, the equipment can send diagnostic images to computers in the ER, ICU or operating room simultaneously, speeding diagnosis and treatment. Technologists can also manipulate 3-D images in the operating room to assist surgeons. “Every hospital uses this technology now,” says Gardner.

For that reason, all radiologic technology programs teach it as part of the curriculum. “But our students aren’t just reading about it. � ey’re

…Innovating Education


6

Blowtherm paint booth.

JOURNEYS 7

Atlanta Technical College students in the radiologic technology lab.

Radiologic technology instructor and students viewing digital images in the ATC PACS lab.

JOURNEYS

gaining real practical experience in using it. � ey’re touching the dials, learning how it functions, and also learning DICOM, the standard medical language used in all imaging,” he said. “Working with the latest and greatest equipment is an asset. It feels good to know that our teaching is current and relevant and employers are ecstatic. All ten students in our last graduating class found jobs immediately.”

Gardner is proud that the equipment allows him to give his students cutting-edge skills, but he also believes it makes it easier for them to learn. “Research has shown that most technical college students are kinesthetic and visual learners. � ey learn best by looking and doing rather than reading about something,” he explains. � is learning style is one of the reasons that the college has been intentional in ensuring that students across the campus have access to labs that feature the latest technology.

Adam Ferrando, Dean of Industrial and Transportation Technologies, explains the relationship between education innovation and strong economies. “Having a quali� ed workforce is critical to our economic growth; employers want workers who have the ability to contribute to their operation on day one,” says Ferrando. “� e way that we develop a highly-skilled workforce is by educating students on the very equipment they will use in the workplace.”

Signi� cant upgrades have occurred in the automotive collision lab, which now features a new Blowtherm paint booth and a 3-D virtual paint simulator. � e automotive repair program has incorporated sustainable energy equipment into the curriculum to prepare students for the new and emerging technology centered on hybrid and alterna-tive fuel vehicles. Additional enhancements have also occurred in the drafting technology and industrial engineering programs.

� e drafting department recently acquired a 3-D printer that allows students to prototype complex new products and produce tangible architectural models. In addition, campus administrators have secured and installed more than $1 million in advanced manufacturing technology equipment for use in the industrial engineering and industrial systems technology programs. With the help of funding provided by the United States Department of Labor through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program, Atlanta Technical College students have access to innovative machinery and software often found at the nation’s leading research institutions and governmental agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

“We have made a commitment to our students and to employers that we will narrow the gap between education and the workplace, and we are making good on that promise,” says Williams. “By continuously eyeing the future and preparing our students to master emerging technology, we are addressing the needs of existing and burgeoning markets. So when our students graduate, they don’t just get a degree but pro� ciency in their � eld of interest.”

Programmable logic controller used to control industrial robots.

8

ATC student conducting experiments in the new bioscience wing.

JOURNEYS 9

Putting Students First

JOURNEYS10

…Putting Students First


First 11 Days of Engagement Convocation.

Our nation’s economic success hinges on the ability of businesses to � nd highly-skilled, quali� ed workers. While Americans have returned to school in record numbers over

the past � ve years, the number of them graduating is disproportion-ately low. � e data shows that the issue of student completion is particularly alarming at technical and community colleges. Often, students applying to these institutions � t into high-risk categories – � rst-generation college-goers, displaced workers who have been out of the education system for many years, veterans and transitioning personnel, and high school dropouts.

To meet the unique needs of high-risk students, Atlanta Technical College put in place an aggressive student success initiative focused on putting students � rst. With these interventions, ATC is leading from the front, and early indications suggest that students are responding well. Last year, the number of ATC graduates increased by 43 percent, the highest increase among all of the Technical College System of Georgia schools. In addition, the number of awards conferred increased by 53 percent.

The method ATC has signi� cantly improved the rate of persistence to graduation by instituting a comprehensive student support program that inte-grates a myriad of intervention strategies. “Atlanta Technical College engages students in success initiatives before they even begin classes, “explains Dr. Rushton Johnson, vice president of Student A� airs. “Prior to the start of each term, we o� er a new student orientation where � rst-year and transfer students are given an overview of the full realm of the college experience in engaging and digestible formats.” � e small-group orientations give students the � exibility to ask ques-tions, spend quality time with academic advisors, and get acclimated to campus surroundings.

First 11 Days of EngagementNational research suggests that the faster students become socially integrated into a college, the more likely they are to remain at the same institution. For this reason, ATC began the “First 11 Days of Engagement” campaign. During the � rst 11 days of each term, incom-ing freshmen are o� ered purposeful activities to help them connect to the college. Welcome activities include a convocation ceremony where students hear from inspirational speakers and take a pledge of integ-rity; a campus carnival; a student organizations and support programs fair; and a #DayOne social media photo campaign. � e response to the “First 11 Days of Engagement” has been overwhelmingly positive, with student surveys re� ecting an uptick in student satisfaction.

JOURNEYS

First Year AdvisingAfter the “First 11 Days,” � rst year students are guided to the First Year Advisement Program o� ered through the Student Success Center (SSC). “Our students are often faced with life challenges that may impede their progress,” says Johnson. “For this reason, our Student Success Center o� ers much more than the traditional academic advising services found at many schools. Students receive coaching, counseling, life and study skills training, encouragement, and access to community resources that can help them solve problems with transportation, childcare, and other needs.” � roughout the year, SSC coaches also work hand-in-hand with the faculty to identify � rst-year and returning students facing challenges. � ese students are sent to the SSC for supplemental support.

The Learning Support CenterAnother resource available to students is the Learning Support Center (LSC). � e LSC provides clients with free tutoring and assistance with developmental studies modules. In addition, learning support special-ists lead college success courses that connect developmental studies students to information, resources, and support that will contribute to a successful college experience. As an added service, the LSC sta� partner with general education faculty to make writing labs and math workshops available to students.

The Reading OasisFive years ago, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools asked all colleges to assess student learning, identify an area that needed improvement, and develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to address it. “We found that many of our students needed better reading skills, especially those in degree programs that require them to pass licensure exams to be work-eligible,” said Sharon Dewberry-Outlaw, Reading Oasis coordinator. “� at’s when the Reading Oasis Center of Excellence was born.”

Sherri Ray-Head, a 62-year-old mother of nine who graduated in May 2014 with a degree in early childhood education, explains how ATC student services contributed to her success. “I felt like a little � sh in a big pond, and people in my social circle said I was too old for college,” shares Ray-Head. “I credit the ATC QEP reading program with teaching me coping skills and showing me I could do it.”

Students come to the center by teacher referral or because they want help on their own. “We assess their reading skills and develop a personalized plan that may include comprehensive and vocabulary skills; study, test-taking or computer skills; and just about anything else they might need,” said Dewberry-Outlaw. “If we can’t help them with a problem, we � nd someone who can.”

A teacher referred Ray-Head to the reading center. “I was frustrated because I read so slowly and it took so long to complete assignments. � e specialists taught me speed-reading techniques. I kept at it and graduated summa cum laude,” says Ray-Head who is now working in education.

“Once they � nd us, most students stay with us until they graduate,” said Dewberry-Outlaw. “We help over 300 students per semester, and we know we’re making a di� erence.”

Student Engagement ActivitiesRay-Head found her way with the help of the QEP; others � nd strength in the extracurricular o� erings. � e college sponsors a variety of clubs and organizations that help students grow outside the classroom. Organizations, such as the student government association, Phi Beta Lambda, DECA, and SkillsUSA, reinforce skills and training that are relevant to students and their future lives,” said Johnson.

� e Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males (AIM) is another campus program having an impact on student success. AIM was established in 2009 to address the unique challenges of minority male students. Summer programs introduce at-risk middle-school boys to college pathways and a better future. AIM members on campus bene� t from personal career counseling and leadership development programs.

The Life Balance Program One critical component of the ATC student support model is the Life Balance Program (LBP). Students and members of their families have access to free professional counseling through the LBP. “We live in a high-stress society,” shares Debra Saunders, dean of the Arts and Sciences Division. “When students have someone outside of the classroom to speak with about � nancial, familial, and academic trig-gers, it allows them to perform at higher levels inside the classroom.”

The FutureA key priority for the college is the construction of a Student Success Center. � e Atlanta Technical College Foundation is launching a $3.3 million capital campaign to fund the project. � e Student Success Center will be located on the ATC main campus and will serve as a centralized location for all of the student support programs.

Dr. Johnson summarizes the importance of college success programs saying, “We know that by supporting students, we are building a stronger workforce and community. � rough our student success initiatives, we are changing lives, communities, and the world.”

11

Tutoring session in the ATC Learning Support Lab.

JOURNEYS12

…Increasing Our Global Footprint


March 14, 2015, when fi ve German Students arrived at Atlanta

Tech, was the beginning of a new era in international relations

for the college. In late 2014, administrators were notifi ed that

the college would receive backing from the Joachim Herz Stiftung

(Foundation) to broaden its international footprint. The founda-

tion, which is one of Germany’s ten biggest charitable organiza-

tions, will provide 16,000 euros to help the college send eight

students to Germany, over the next two years to participate in

four-week internships. Similarly, institutions from throughout

Germany will send students to ATC for assistance with classroom

observations and internship placements.

At the urging of The Honorable Randy E. Rolle, who is the Counsel

General of the Bahamas and a full time student in Atlanta Tech’s

hotel, restaurant, and tourism program, ATC began recruit-

ment efforts in Nassau, Bahamas. Ingrid Galinat-Garcia, ATC’s

coordinator of international students and global initiatives, and

Tamoura Jones, department chair of the culinary arts and & hotel/

restaurant/ tourism management programs, joined Mr. Rolle in

Nassau for a student recruitment fair. While in the Bahamas,

ATC staff also met with The Honorable Jerome Fitzgerald, minis-

ter of Education, Science and Technology, to discuss the possibil-

ity of developing international exchange programs between ATC

and Bahamian institutions.

JOURNEYS 13

A delegation of students and faculty from

ATC’s sister college, Felix Fechenbach-

Berufskolleg, arrived on the Atlanta Tech

campus January 31, 2015, to participate

in a two-week English immersion ex-

perience organized through The Halle

Exchange. The German visitors lived with

their U.S. peers and attended classes

at ATC. They also spent time visiting

Governor Deal at the State Capitol and

discussing international relations with

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

In 2013, Dr. Aiwu Sun, president of Nanjing Institute of Industry

Technology (NIIT), spent two weeks at ATC as a member of the

Vocational Education Leadership Training Program. Impressed by

what he observed, Dr. Sun organized a visit for 13 of his staff.

For two weeks last August, the NIIT group shadowed Atlanta

Tech staff and engaged in discussions with them centered on

emerging trends in global technical education.

Thirteen students and four staff members

from Atlanta Technical College partici-

pated in the German phase of the Halle

International Exchange program, visiting

Detmold, Germany, September 6 through

September 20, 2014. While overseas,

they spent time at educational and cultural

sites; studied the infl uence of cultural,

language, management, and learning

styles on productivity and effi ciency in

team building and on various workplace

sites; and examined the differences in

workplace expectations in Germany and

the U.S.

JOURNEYS14

...Changing the World � rough Service and Activism


Service to others is one of the essential tenets and core values of Atlanta Technical College. Students, faculty, sta� , and community partners

work together to engage in public service activities to enhance the global community. In fact, service-learning is routinely woven into the

fabric of the education process as a means to teach students how to leverage their skills and talents to quell societal ills.

Community Service

Environmental Protection� e location of Atlanta Technical College presents a unique opportunity for students enrolled in the bioscience program to simultaneously collect environmental data and give back to the community.

Under the direction of Deborah Ortiz-Young, bioscience instructor, Atlanta Technical College is participating in the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program sponsored by Georgia Adopt-A-Stream. Students enrolled in the Bioscience Environmental Laboratory Technologies Technical Certi� cate of Credit program analyze samples of water, plants, and small organisms to assess the health of the natural environment and determine the quality of the water in Perkerson Creek.

� e Georgia Environmental Protection Depart-ment does not have enough sta� to test and monitor all of the state’s creeks, rivers, and streams. Volunteers like the students from bioscience are needed to help screen the biological, physical, and chemical parameters of our bodies of water. Results summarizing conductivity, alkalinity, nitrate concentrations, phosphate levels, and temperature are uploaded to the Adopt-A-Stream database and submitted to the Georgia EPD for review and archiving.

Dental Hygiene ClinicNational research has shown that residents of marginalized communities often neglect oral health care due to a lack of insurance, time, and resources. In an e� ort to make good oral hygiene accessible to everyone in surrounding communities, Atlanta Technical College has opened a community dental hygiene clinic. Working under the supervision of expert faculty hygienists and practicing dentists, students conduct free dental screenings and clean-ings on quali� ed patients. In addition, students volunteer on the Colgate dental van, traveling to local schools to conduct oral health evaluations and to educate children on proper dental care.

Habitat for HumanityStudents enrolled in skilled trades programs at Atlanta Technical College band together to volunteer and make their mark on the Atlanta community. Under the supervision of ATC instructors and professional tradespeople, the students devote their time and talents to building a� ordable housing for low-income Georgians through Habitat for Humanity. Students assist with roo� ng, framing, electrical installation, and painting projects, utilizing green building techniques to construct energy-e� cient homes for working families.

Books for Brighter BeginningsAccording the National Association for the Educa-tion of Young Children, reading aloud to children is one of the most important activities for building knowledge in children. To promote literacy, the Atlanta Technical College chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) hosted the Books for Brighter Beginnings Book Drive to collect books for parents to read to their children. For three weeks, NTHS members collected new and used books. At the conclusion of the drive, 449 books were donated to parenting programs.

JOURNEYS 15

Social and Economic InequitiesTo bring the issues of racial injustice and societal imbalances to the forefront, the Atlanta Technical College Institute for Males (AIM) hosted “� e State of the Black Male,” March 11, 2015. During this one-day forum, young men from the AIM Collegiate Academy presented their � ndings on disparities that exist between men of color and their peers in the areas of education, health, justice, and employment. Following the presentations, a panel of community experts led a community dialogue on strategies to overcome inequities in these and other areas.

SelmaFrom March 7-9, 2015 many people around the world crowded around television sets, laptops and handheld devices to watch the activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the March from Selma to Montgomery, and the rati� cation of the Voting Rights Act. As the world watched from their homes, 10 students from Atlanta Technical College witnessed the historic events � rst-hand. � e students and their chaperones retraced the steps of the civil rights foot soldiers who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. � ey also participated in the forums organized by Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Inc., examining the current status of civil and human rights around the world.

Social Justice

Human Traffi ckingAccording to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Atlanta metropolitan area is one of the leading areas in the nation for human sex tra� cking. By one estimate, the number of young people tra� cked in Georgia each month is between 300 and 500. Several young women with strong ties to Atlanta Technical College are working through Circle of Friends: Living Water for Girls to dimin-ish human tra� cking both locally and globally.

Two survivors of tra� cking, known only as Rachel and Azariah, turned to Atlanta Technical College seeking pathways to � nancial independence. Rachel completed the forklift operation program at the college, and Azariah is completing the adult education program. Both women have become activists for the rights of children and young people, speaking out against human tra� cking and commercial exploitation. � ey traveled to New York with Circle of Friends to participate in a United Nations discussion on tra� cking during the 59th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, held on March 13, 2015. In addition, the pair has shared their stories with local community groups to bring awareness to the plight of children and youth in Georgia. Currently, the Georgia Assembly is reviewing a bill named after Rachel that will establish a resettlement fund for victims of human tra� cking.

Rachel testifying at the Senate. Photo courtesy of Circle of Friends.

AIM panel. ATC students on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

JOURNEYS16

When you meet Yesmeen Jiles, the 2015 Atlanta Technical College Student of the Year,

you are instantly struck by her welcoming essence and infectious smile. Often referred to as the “� e Spirit of ATC,” one of her peers described the 5-foot dynamo as the type of person who greets you in the halls and encourages you to have the best day of your life. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for many people who are facing adversity. For behind her electric smile is a story of pushing through hardship.

Raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jiles grew up without money, direction, and often without parental supervision. At times, she had to assume the role of parent, caring for a mother who struggled with drug addiction and mental illness and a grandmother who had su� ered two debilitating strokes. “Everywhere I looked, I was surrounded by boundaries —real and perceived,” explains Jiles. “I had to get out and change my trajectory for myself and for my daughter.”

Upon arriving in Atlanta in 2009, it was her daughter Ah’Jae who triggered the transformative action. During a routine car ride, the ten-year-old shared her plans for college. A devoted mom, Jiles wanted to provide direction for her daughter’s dream. She recalled seeing ads for Atlanta Technical College (ATC) and decided to visit the campus with Ah’Jae to gain some perspec-tive. What she got was far beyond what she ever imagined. When she left campus that day, Jilesn was enrolled as a student.

“I didn’t think I was a suitable candidate for college. I simply wanted to be able to help my child be the � rst person in our family to go to college,” Jiles recounts. “But for every reason I gave the admissions representative for not becoming a student, she had a solution. It was amazing.”

Balancing college life and home life was not an easy task, but Jiles once again moved beyond her boundaries with the help ATC’s student support programs. “Atlanta Tech set me on a whirlwind of transformation,” she says. “� ey gave me a sense of direction and the tools and resources I needed to be a successful student, parent, and citizen.”

Jiles will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in business management and solid leadership experience under her belt. William Arthur Ward once stated, “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” For Jiles, the latter is true, having been selected as Atlanta Technical College’s 2015 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) Student of the Year. As the GOAL winner, she will serve as an enthusiastic am-bassador for technical education – something that comes naturally to her. “� is college creates conditions for people of varying ages, background, and interests to move to � nan-cial independence,” shares Jiles. “I am excited about helping others � nd success here.”

Still, with all she has on her plate, nothing is more important to her than setting an example for her daughter to follow. “Kids don’t do what you say; they do what you do,” she says. “When times get hard for Ah’Jae, I want her to be able to say, ‘I saw my mother move beyond her boundar-ies, and I’m sure I can do it, too.’”

…By Changing the Trajectory


ATC Admissions Assistant Sallie Watson, Yesmeen Jiles, and Ah’Jae Paige.

JOURNEYS 17

According to Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan humanitarian, “If we want to change things, we must � rst change

ourselves. If we want to play—if we want to change the world—we must � rst show up on the � eld to score.”

For years, Emmett Ruth, the 2015 ATC EAGLE Student of the Year, wanted to change the world, but with his limited educa-tion, he was forced to sit on the sidelines. “I left high school in the eleventh grade because I thought I could make a living without an education,” he says. While Ruth was moderately successful for a number of years, market expectations changed, as did his career outlook. Jobs previously held by people with life experience now required post-secondary education. “I wanted to advance in my career, but I couldn’t maneuver through the work-force. I just didn’t meet the requirements,” he shares.

� e frustration and stress of trying to � nd employment began to take a toll. “At a point, I just stopped trying,” says Ruth. “I was lying around the house feeling sorry for myself. � en I stopped to notice how courageously my mother was facing her battle with cancer. She was � ghting, so I thought, ‘Who am I to give up?’”

Ruth’s mother unwittingly provided him with his mission and his motivation. At the age of 47, a reinvigorated Ruth enrolled in the adult education program at ATC. “I came to get my GED, but it has been so much more,” he shares. “I’m supported by sta� and inspired by fellow students, and I’m discovering my voice.” He plans to use his newfound knowledge and con� dence to show up on the � eld to score.

When explaining his mission in life, Ruth re� ects back to the days of yesteryear when he helped his ailing mother. “I noticed that on the days that my mother was feeling particularly low, she dressed her best,” recalls Ruth. “� ere was something about expressing her uniqueness that made her ready for the next challenge.”

Now, Ruth wants to enroll in one of the ATC public service programs to learn to help others. “Every day, I see strong men and women who have worked hard to retool and reinvent themselves,” shares Ruth. “My goal is to open a non-pro� t to help them develop proper skills and impressions to transition back into the workforce. I have transformed my life, and now it is time to help others do the same.”

…Showing up to Score


JOURNEYS

Born and raised in Indiana (East Chicago and Gary, respectively), Damon Scott earned a bachelor’s

degree in Afro American Studies from Indiana University. He chose Afro American Studies in part because he was inspired by African friends who were knowledgeable of their history. He also landed on the discipline as a major because in spite of high scores in his � rst accounting class, his grade point average was not su� cient for the undergraduate business program – a fact that would become part of a life-changing revelation.

Later, Scott pursued and earned a master’s degree in accounting from the DePaul University Graduate School of Business. He credits two things with motivating him to get the degree: 1) the � rst accounting class with Professor Gary Gold, a certi� ed public accountant and law student, and 2) the desire to never again be asked what he was prepared to do professionally.

He proved what he was prepared to do, putting his education and natural talent for numbers to use at some of the country’s most celebrated accounting � rms – Arthur Andersen, J.P. Morgan and Co., Grant

� ornton, and Merrill Lynch. He met with success doing acquisitions and transaction ser-vices but was moved to make a change when the stories of poor and disenfranchised people su� ering from predatory lending began to come to light. “I have always been committed to serving others,” explains Scott. “While I understood � nance, I recognized that many people did not, and they were paying the price. I decided to pursue a law degree so that I could educate and defend poor people.” � us, he began his studies at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

Scott attended law school part-time, commuting to Michigan from Atlanta most weekends. To � nance his tuition, he picked up additional work as an adjunct professor at Clayton County Schools’ Perry Learning Center. For two years, Scott juggled his dual roles, bringing what he was learning in his capacity as a student to the classroom where he served as teacher.

� ough he became monocular years before, Scott never considered himself disabled. But when law school required Scott and others with visual de� ciencies to take the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, the results

were telling: His scores for reading compre-hension su� ered under timed conditions. With accommodations, his scores improved signi� cantly. Additional testing revealed a learning disability and helped him acquire the tools he needed to compensate.

� e diagnosis explained why in spite of how hard Scott worked in college, his grades were not strong enough to get into the business program. But more importantly, it was a mo-ment of discovery with respect to his students.

“Being diagnosed with a learning disability was my “aha” moment,” says Scott. “People are turning to technical and community colleges in large numbers these days to � nd paths to self-su� ciency. For many of them, an undiagnosed disability can sti� e their success. I decided to commit myself to teaching full-time to help students overcome obstacles and embark on promising careers.” At Atlanta Technical College, Scott, who was recently named the 2015 ATC Teacher of the Year, has found a home, one where he is able to utilize all of his education and life lessons to help his student move beyond their boundaries.

18

…Overcoming Obstacles


Damon Scott (center) with ATC honor students.

JOURNEYS

In this edition of Journeys, we had the pleasure of chatting with Harold Craig, Vice President of Economic Development. Here’s what he had to o� er on how the department’s programs and resources allow the college to meet the needs of Georgia companies:

ATC: A recent study conducted by Dr. Je� rey M. Humphreys, Director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, concluded that Atlanta Technical College has an economic impact of more than $63 million. How does the Economic Development Division contribute to the success of local businesses?

Mr. Craig: In my experience, highly successful businesses are ones that can adapt to the changing dynamics of the marketplace. We provide our clients with knowledge, pro-grams, and resources that enable them to assess their existing operations, adapt their business practices, and then thrive in the market.

ATC: How does the Economic Division engage the business community?

Mr. Craig: One way that we connect with business leaders is by inviting them to attend our annual economic forum. During these events, strategic corporate leaders such as Den-nis Lockhart, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Keith Parker, President and CEO of MARTA; and Paul Meyer, Assistant General Manager of Operations, Maintenance, and Transportation for Harts� eld-Jackson International Airport; provide updates on economic indicators, predictive analysis reports, and other � ndings that provide insight into the pulse of the economy.

Following the insightful presentations and lively Q&A, we update our partners on the workforce development resources o� ered through the Economic Development Division and then administer a market survey. � is survey allows us to hear directly from business leaders about their current and future business needs.

ATC: What are the outcomes of the business forums?

Mr. Craig: Perhaps the most signi� cant outcome is that we walk away with empirical data that can be used to address the real needs of the business community. Our economic development specialists review the data and then follow up with clients who have expressed an interest in improving their operational outcomes.

ATC: Many of the leaders who take advantage of the complimentary consultation seem to sign on for contract training services o� ered through the Economic Development Division. Why are these services attractive options for business leaders?

Mr. Craig: � ere are three over-arching reasons why the contract training services are attractive to the business community:

1. Portability. Our programs are o� ered at the location and time of the client’s choosing. If a plant needs to re-train workers who cover the swing shift, we can o� er a course either online or during nontraditional hours to meet their needs. In addition, training can take place at the client’s facility or on our campus. Atlanta Technical College has a state-of-the-art confer-ence center that can meet the needs of most, if not all, of our clients.

2. Competitive pricing. Atlanta Technical College is a state agency, and many of the people pursuing a college degree understand the � nancial value of attending a public institution. � e same applies on the economic development side. We can provide the same sought-after courses and training programs as for-pro� t companies, but at a fraction of the cost.

3. Customization. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client. � ey are tailor-made to achieve desired outcomes and can address professional, technical, and operational needs. In the human resources industry, much of what we do has been coined “just-in-time learning.” We work with companies to identify the speci� c things their employees need to learn to do their jobs better, then we deliver training in those skills. � e companies don’t have to worry about the cost of maintaining large training departments; they can simply call on us whenever there is a need.

ATC: Nationally, companies such as Starbucks and McDonald’s have adopted this type of “just-in-time” training model. Who are some of the clients served by the Atlanta Technical College Economic Development Division?

Mr. Craig: Our clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to entrepreneurs who are just getting started. � at is really the beauty of what we do – there is something for everyone at Atlanta Technical College. Speci� cally, our local clients have included � e Coca-Cola Company, Harts� eld-Jackson International Airport, the Georgia Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Atlanta, Delta Airlines and Latham Tires, to name a few.

ATC: How can business leaders learn more about the services provided by the Economic Development Division?

Mr. Craig: Information on the Economic Development Division is available on the Atlanta Technical College website www.atlantatech.edu under the Business and Industry tab. Interested parties can also contact us at 404.225.4488.

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...Helping Georgia Firms Prosper in a Global Economy



Acclerating Opprotunities

pg.19


1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW • Atlanta, Georgia 30310

Journeys 2015 2016 final

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Transcript of Journeys 2015 2016 final