Athens State University - Pam Jarrett

For Further Information

Guy McClure

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

256-233-8296

For immediate release

March 21, 2013

www.athens.edu

Pam Jarrett Joins Athens State University Fundraising Efforts

                ATHENS, Ala. – Pam Jarrett has been hired by Athens State University as the Assistant Director

of  Development for the Office of Advancement.  Before joining Athens State’s development team, Jarrett served as a Consultant for Creative Consulting LLC, where she specialized in assisting educational and governmental agencies with fundraising.

                “We look forward to having Pam work with us,” states Vice President for University Advancement Rick Mould.  “As the University enters into a comprehensive campaign, her skills will position us to have experienced personnel needed to meet our goals.”

                Jarrett also held previous positions with Arbonne International and Allstate Telecommunications.  

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Calhoun’s Student Recognized as Alabama’s 2013 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar

N E W S  R E L E A S E

March 22, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  

Janet Kincherlow-Martin

Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events

(256) 306-2561

 jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calhoun's Conn Recognized as Alabama's 2013 Coca-Cola
 New Century Scholar

State's Top Scoring Student is among 50 New Century Scholars to Share in $100,000 in Scholarships

Calhoun Community College  student Karen Conn is among the 50 community college students from the United States, Canada, and the Federated States of Micronesia to be named 2013 New Century Scholars – receiving a total of $100,000 in scholarships. The New Century Scholars Program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

New Century Scholars are the highest scoring students in each state, plus one student from Canada and one additional student chosen from among one of the remaining seven sovereign nations where Phi Theta Kappa is represented internationally. Selection is based on the score earned by the students in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, for which more than 1800 applications were received this year.  

Each scholar will receive a $2,000 scholarship and plaque and will be presented on April 23, 2013, at the American Association of College Presidents (AACC) Convention in San Francisco.  New Century Scholars will also be recognized April 5-6 during the annual convention of Phi Theta Kappa to be held in San Jose, California.

A resident of Athens, Alabama, Conn is a Nursing student at Calhoun with a current GPA of 3.985.  She will graduate this May with her associate's degree and plans to continue her education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She aspires to be an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

Recently recognized as a member of the 2013 All-Alabama Academic Team, Karen 's academic accomplishments have landed her on the President's List in the Fall of 2010, Spring of 2011, and the Fall of 2012 at Calhoun.  She was also named Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 2012.

Karen is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, currently serving as president of Calhoun's Sigma Lambda Chapter.  She is also an active member of the National Student Nurse Association (NSNA) chapter of Calhoun, where she serves at the Student Government Association Representative.  

"I know I speak for the entire Calhoun family when I say how very proud we are of Karen's accomplishments," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck. "To be recognized as the top scoring student in Alabama is truly a significant achievement, and one for which Karen has worked very hard to earn," Beck added.

The New Century Scholars program and All-USA Community College Academic Team, which is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group and presented by USA TODAY and Phi Theta Kappa, share a common application and together recognize outstanding community college students. More than 1,800 students were nominated from more than 800 community colleges for recognition. Judges consider grades, leadership, activities and most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

"We appreciate the support of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize the outstanding academic achievement and leadership accomplishments of these outstanding community college students," said Phi Theta Kappa's Executive Director, Dr. Rod Risley. "These scholarships provided by organizations like Coca-Cola make the goal of college completion possible – especially during these challenging economic times."

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 2.5 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 135,000 students inducted annually.

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Athens State Representatives to Speak at Bank Street Bash

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

March 19, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Representatives to Speak at Bank Street Bash

ATHENS, Ala. - Athens State University President Bob Glenn and Adjunct Professor Deanna Knox are scheduled to speak at the Second Annual Bank Street Bash held at the Princess Theatre in Decatur, Alabama, Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 pm. The event will include a preview of the Bank Street Players production of The King and I, which will be performed April 4, 5, and 6 at the Princess. 

Glenn will speak about the upcoming additional phase planned for the Alabama Center for the Arts which will include a theater curriculum.  Knox will speak about the importance of theater within the community and its impact on children.

              Tickets for the Bash may be purchased at the door and are $35 each or $60 for a couple. All proceeds will go toward helping Bank Street Players to continue developing local talent, and to bring more of the performing arts to the Princess stage.

The Princess Theater is located at 112 2^nd Avenue in Decatur, Alabama.  For more information visit www.bankstreetplayers.org.

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Calhoun’s Williamson Named 2013 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar

N E W S   R E L E A S E

March 19, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  

Janet Kincherlow-Martin

Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events

(256) 306-2561

jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calhoun's Williamson Named 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar

Andrea Williamson, a student at Calhoun Community College, has been named a 2013 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each Silver Scholar receives a $1,250 scholarship and a special medallion.

A native of Hartselle, Alabama, Williamson currently holds a 4.0 GPA at Calhoun, and will graduate this May with her associate's degree from the college.  Following graduation, she plans to transfer to the University of North Alabama to pursue her Bachelor's degree in public communications.

Williamson is actively involved in  both college and community activities, which include serving as Vice President of Scholarship for Calhoun's Sigma Lambda chapter of Phi Theta Kappa; a member of Calhoun's Student Government Association and a former Calhoun Warhawk student ambassador.  She will be among the students honored later this week in Montgomery as a member of the 2013 All-Alabama Academic Team and has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Student in Calhoun's History and Speech departments.

"We are so excited and extremely proud to have Andrea recognized as Coca-Cola Scholar this year," commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck.  "This recognition adds to the growing list of Calhoun students who have been honored on the national level for their academic accomplishments," Beck added.   

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive recognition locally during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa's Annual Convention.

Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit no more than two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

"We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for their vote of confidence in community college students by investing in their futures," said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa. "Their support is especially welcome during this challenging economic climate, as more and more community college students need additional resources to help them complete their degrees."

"The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges," said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals."

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 2.5 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 135,000 students inducted annually.

        

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Athens State University Department of Art Student Wins Disability Poster Contest

For Further Information
Guy McClure
256-233-8296
Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

March 15, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Student Places in State Disability Poster Contest

ATHENS, Ala.  - Athens State University art student Jeanette Blasios was awarded 2nd place for the Alabama Postsecondary Division in the 2013 “Ability Counts” Poster Journalism Competition.  Blasios will receive $200, a certificate and a citation for meritorious service will be presented to her professor, Dr. Pamela Keller.

           The contest is sponsored annually by the Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.  The contest focuses attention on the abilities of Alabamians with disabilities and promotes a greater awareness of the contributions that people with disabilities make to the workplace and the community. Students from around the state competed in either the journalism essay or the poster contest.

          The poster contest included entries in three categories: junior high, high school, and postsecondary.  The Alabama Governor’s Committee on the Employment of Disabilities is a program of the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, whose mission is to enable Alabama’s children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential.

          Blasios will be honored, along with other state winners, at an Awards Luncheon on May 3, 2013 at the Capital City Club in Montgomery.

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Athens State University Alumni Foundation Presention for Upcoming Tour of Ireland

 For Further Information

Guy McClure

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

March 18, 2013

www.athens.edu

Ireland Trip Presentation at Athens State

Athens, ALA. – Athens State University’s Alumni Association is hosting a trip presentation on the upcoming trip to Ireland. The presentation will be on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Learning Commons of the Library. Jack Brinson with Collette Vacations will be on hand to show highlights of the trip and answer questions for our travel to Ireland’s Coastal Treasures- November 7-15, 2013. If you are traveling with us or thinking about traveling, please join us for the presentation. Refreshments will be served. 

The travel program, open to anyone – not just Athens State alumni, introduces you to another side of the Emerald Isle. Visit rollicking Dublin, historical Limerick, charming Kinsale, and Galway, “the City of Tribes.” Tour the Old Midleton Distillery and learn how Irish whiskey is made. Discover Ireland’s ‘wild west’ region of Connemara. Cruise Killary Harbour, the only natural fjord in Ireland. Visit the Irish National Stud to see majestic thoroughbreds. Learn about daily life with a visit to an Irish farm. Step aboard the Jeanie Johnston, a recreated “famine ship.” Travel to Kylemore Abbey, home to Ireland’s oldest community of Benedictine nuns. Explore Ireland’s history at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise and at the Cobh Heritage Centre. Toast it all with a drink in Europe’s official ‘oldest pub!’  

Included in the price of the trip are airfare from Huntsville, hotel, hotel transfers and 11 meals (7 breakfasts and 4 dinners). Rates range from $2,919 for triple occupancy accommodations to $3,249 per person for single occupancy. For more information about the trip or to RSVP for the presentation, call the Office of Alumni Affairs at 256-233-8185. 

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Athens State University College of Education Alum Wins Alabama Power Award

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

March 19, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Alum Receives New Teacher Grant from Alabama Power

ATHENS, Ala. – Jackson Knox Schuster, a 2012 graduate of Athens State’s College of Education and a teacher at West Morgan High School, was one of twelve first-year teachers in Alabama schools have to receive a $1,000 grant for classroom materials and supplies from the Alabama Power Foundation.  Jackson was nominated by the faculty of the College of Education, as one of the most promising graduates of 2012.

The Alabama Power Foundation awards more than 1,000 grants annually with non-ratepayer money and has assets of more than $120 million, making it one of the largest corporate foundations in the state. The foundation funds The Alabama Power Foundation has given more than $135 million through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships.

Grant candidates were submitted by the state’s public teacher colleges.   Winners were selected by a committee that included education school deans. Each winner graduated from a state-approved teacher program at an Alabama public four-year college or university.

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Attached picture:  Jackson Knox Shuster

Calhoun Students Honored During Regional PTK Conference

N E W S   R E L E A S E

March 19, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  

Janet Kincherlow-Martin

Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events
(256) 306-2561

jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calhoun Students Honored During Regional PTK Conference

        During the recent District 2 regional conference for Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for two-year college students), Calhoun’s Sigma Lambda chapter came away with a number of top honors.

        Calhoun student Ruby De La Peña was honored with the Most Distinguished Officer award.  Selection for this award is based on the recipient’s demonstration of leadership, promotion of Honors in Action and other engagement in  PTK, and enthusiasm for PTK’s Hallmarks.  Chapter co-sponsor Ragan Chastain received the Paragon Advisor honor, awarded to chapter advisors with less than four years of service and who have made significant contributions to the growth of the individual members, serve as the chapter's advocate on campus, and encourage the chapter to be involved on the local, regional and/or international level of the organization. An advisor may receive this award only once.  In addition, student member Gabe Marrero was elected incoming Regional Vice President for District 2.

        Honors earned by the entire chapter included the College Project Award, given to a chapter that has established a supportive relationship between the chapter and the college’s administration and the Honors in Action Award for the chapter’s Honors Study Topic, The Culture or Competition, a project to assist locally-owned small businesses.

Other awards earned by the chapter were the  Chapter Excellence Award, the 5 Star Chapter Award, Oberndorf Scholarship Fundraiser -2^nd place, and Region’s Most Distinguished Chapter Award – 1^st runner up.

       “The student leaders and faculty advisors involved with Calhoun’s PTK chapter continue to distinguish themselves at the local, regional and national levels,” commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck.  “We are so very proud of their accomplishments and their tireless efforts in promoting academic excellence,” added Beck.

        

        Calhoun faculty members Ragan Chastain and Necia Nicholas serve as sponsors for Calhoun’s Sigma Lambda chapter.

     

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Athens State University Athenian Players Present The Glass Menagerie

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

February 14, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State’s Athenian Players to present The Glass Menagerie

ATHENS, Ala. - The Athenian Players of Athens State University present their inaugural production of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie.  This play, directed by Assistant Professor of Drama, Dr. Hugh Long, will be performed in the Black Box Theater at Calhoun Community College.

Performances will run the weekends of April 11 – 13, and April 19 – 20 at 7:30 p.m.   Matiness performances will be held on Sunday April 14 and Sunday April 21 at 2:00 p.m.  Admission will be charged at the door and is $10.00 per person, $7.00 for students and seniors.

In addition, there will be a special dinner and theater performance on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center on Athens State’s campus.  Dinner will be served by Picasso’s Grill with the cost being $30 per person.  Call 256-233-8243 for reservations.

“We are beginning a rebirth of Athens State University Drama with the great Southern Playwright, Tennessee Williams,” states Dr. Long, “and with the Athenian Players fostering a North Alabama theatre culture & community firmly grounded in our wonderful academic institutions of Athens State University and Calhoun Community College”

The cast consists of Laura Poe as the mother, Jensie Britt as her daughter, Colin Whitworth as her son, and Forrest Johnson as the gentleman caller. 

More information can be found at www.athens.edu/athenianplayers.

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Calhoun Students to Participate in Alabama Community College Leadership Day

N E W S    R E L E A S E

March 11, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:  Janet Kincherlow-Martin

Public Affairs, Community Relations and Special Events

                                                        (256) 306-2561

                                                        jkm@calhoun.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Calhoun Students to Participate in 2^nd Annual Alabama Community College Leadership Day

This Thursday, March 14, 2013, four student leaders representing Calhoun Community College will join hundreds of other students from Alabama’s public two-year colleges to participate in the Second Annual Community College Leadership Day in Montgomery.  

Calhoun students Regina Adams, president of the Black Student Alliance; Karen Conn, president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter and a member of the 2013 All-Alabama Academic Team; Victoria Sims, Student Government Association president; and Andrea Williamson, PTK Vice President and also a member of the 2013 All-Alabama Academic Team have been selected to attend on behalf of Calhoun

The goal of this event is three-fold:  (1) to provide an opportunity for these student leaders to be exposed to Alabama's legislative process in action; (2) to raise awareness among the state’s elected officials about the tremendous impact made by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and its member institutions; (3) and to inform members of the legislature about the challenges faced by the students and their respective institutions. 

“This is the second year for this event and the second year that Calhoun students have participated,” commented Calhoun President Marilyn Beck. “I am so very proud of the four outstanding student leaders who will be representing our college on Thursday.  What a wonderful and unique opportunity this day will be for them as they are able to speak directly with their elected officials to discuss their community college experience and to talk about the value and importance of Calhoun and the Alabama Community College System,” added Beck.

Activities planned for the day include a legislative breakfast at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel with Governor Robert Bentley, who will provide the keynote address and sign a proclamation recognizing Community College Month.   Other speakers will include ACCS Chancellor Mark Heinrich, who will share his vision for the System; House Speaker Mike Hubbard; Senator Jabo Waggoner; Sen. Vivian Davis Figures; and House Ways & Means Education Committee Chairman Jay Love, who will provide an update on the ETF budget.

Following the breakfast, the students will board buses to the State House, where they will meet with members of their local legislative delegations and have the opportunity to observe the House and Senate in action.

     

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