Tama Rogers, Culinary Arts Graduate and Current Health Information Technology Student
Though she began her career as a nurse, Tama Rogers found her Shelton Statement through the Culinary Arts program at Shelton State. A Shelton State Foundation Scholarship recipient, Tama entered culinary arts after her husband succumbed to a lengthy illness. When caring for her husband, she knew how to handle his physical needs, but was unsure how to provide proper nutrition. In an effort to prevent this struggle for others, Tama plans to combine her culinary skills and her nursing skills to provide total patient care for those battling cancer.
The Alabama Community College System approved the expansion of the C.A. Fredd Campus’ Building 700. The expansion will create a multi-purpose classroom and event center and renovate four classrooms.
In September of 2018, Shelton State announced the official opening of its new Child Development Demonstration Suite on the C.A. Fredd Campus. The Suite includes a model classroom for toddlers and two year old children, as well as a model classroom for three and four year old children. The Suite provides Child Development students with hands-on experience in a real-life environment and allows opportunities for observation and instruction.
In addition to the opening of the Suite, Shelton State was also approved to host two pre-kindergarten classrooms. Part of the Alabama First Class Pre-K program, the pre-K classes on the C.A. Fredd Campus will begin in fall 2019.
Learn More
Over the course of the 2018-19 academic year, the College’s Student Services Offices were structured to develop a one-stop experience for students. With all offices located on the first floor, students are now able to easily go through the admission process, receive information concerning financial aid, participate in advising, and make payment.
“Making this change has made a difference for students and families,” said Amanda Harbison, Dean of Students. “A common goal across departments is to create an environment for student success. We are happy that Student Services is able to contribute to that success through this adjustment.”
The College’s Automotive Services Technology Program met the strict industry standards required for the Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation. This is the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Mike Hobson, Shelton State Automotive Services Instructor, has been part of the ASE organization for twenty-five years both as an educator and a technician. Certified through ASE at the Master-level, Hobson has long been an advocate for the group. “I have taught in training programs where [Master-level certification] was not required, but I did it anyway because I believe doing so sets an example for students to remain highly qualified even if it is not a requirement in your current job description,” states Hobson.
A renovation project for the program was approved and began in October 2018. The renovation will add 2,000 feet of additional lab space and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2019.
Learn More
Following last year’s introduction of its Computer Science Technology (CST) program, renovations were completed on the C.A. Fredd Campus that included the installation of a new Apple computer lab. The lab is designed to enhance the student experience for the CST program.
Learn More
The Machine Tool Technology (MTT) and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) Programs expanded apprenticeship training opportunities with industry partners during the 2018-19 academic year. By the beginning of the fall 2019 semester, four companies will be operating apprenticeship training programs in conjunction with MTT and CNC. At least fifteen students are expected to participate.
The College now offers an Associate in Science degree option for students pursuing a STEM-related major or who have an interest in a STEM-related field. The new degree option encompasses additional mathematics and science courses allowing students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities fully prepared for junior and senior level coursework.
Shelton State’s Training for Business and Industry (TBI) increased offerings through the addition of several programs. Newly added options include injection molding training, patient care technician, and hospitality industry courses. Also new were the first certified logistics associate courses and the certified logistics technician courses.
Repairs were made to the Phase 2 generator to help provide much needed back-up electricity to life-safety functions, IT operations, and emergency lighting. The Bean-Brown Theatre fly-roof was completely renovated to address leaks, cracks in exterior siding, repairing gutters and downspouts, as well as re-painting the exterior of the renovated areas. The Cosmetology salon/lab area was completely renovated to include much needed electrical upgrades, customized training stations, flooring and painting. Security monitoring upgrades were made which included purchasing additional security cameras for both campuses, as well as the implementation of improved operational software. Shelton State’s recycling efforts were strengthened again by a continued partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa for the 3rd year. These efforts allow for more collection stations, improved pick-up processes, as well as enhanced coordination with the greater college community. Driven by workforce development initiatives, an Injection Molding Lab was completely renovated in an existing space, allowing for courses and training classes to be offered in an effort to help meet local workforce needs.
In addition to already popular programming, @theDome’s summer 2019 options included the updated STEM Academy. In the STEM Academy, student participants learned critical science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts that met National Science Standards.
In addition to the STEM Academy, @theDome programming began offering ACT Prep classes in summer 2018. Sessions are filled to capacity with students reporting significant score increases.
Learn More
The College hosted the Second Annual West Alabama High School Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Participating high school bands performed selections for audience members and participated in master class sessions with guest clinician Greg McLean.
Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Greg McLean is currently an Associate Professor of Music at Perimeter College (PC) of Georgia State University where he directs the PC Jazz Ensemble and teaches music theory, jazz history, music appreciation, and trumpet.
Learn MoreTheatre Tuscaloosa hosted the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s annual Community Theatre Festival (ACTFest) November 24, 2018. Community theatre artists from across the state showcased their work and competed for a place at the Southeastern Theatre Conference Community Theatre Festival. ACTFest 2018 featured eight performances by eight community theatres from seven Alabama cities.
Learn More
The Humanities/Communications department of the College implemented a program allowing students an opportunity to study abroad. “Education that Explores” was led by speech instructor Angela Gibson in March 2019. The ten-day journey took students to Spain, France, and Italy for exploration and experiences at cultural and historical landmarks.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Realizing the Dream Committee exists to raise consciousness about injustice and promote human equality, peace, and social justice by creating educational and cultural opportunities for growth, empowerment, and social change so that every person may experience the bounty of life’s abundant possibilities. The committee is comprised of representatives from Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, The University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
On August 30, 2018, The Legacy Show featured violinist Tami Lee Hughes at the Shelton State Martin Campus. As creator and director of The Legacy Show, Hughes personally selected songs, poems, and photos that demonstrated a broad range of history and culture over time.
Learn More