State Parks Give Alabama $375 Million Boost

 

State Parks Give Alabama $375 Million Boost

PRESS RELEASE



MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama's 22 state parks aren't just nice places to visit. They are also big contributors to the state's economy, a new study finds.

Visitors to Alabama's 22 state parks in 2011 spent an estimated $152.4 million, according to the analysis by professors at the University of Alabama. Visitors' spending along with expenditures by the parks system had a total economic impact of $375 million and supported 5,340 jobs, say Samuel Addy and Ahmad Ijaz of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce.

The State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources commissioned the study. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Alabama's parks system. In 2012, state parks recorded more than 4.6 million visits.

"This study confirms what we who work in the parks system already know – that state parks are valuable tools to promote the state's economy," said Greg Lein, Alabama State Parks Director. "But the study give us real numbers for state parks' overall economic impact and the many public and private jobs that depend on them."

The economic impact of state parks compares favorable to that of national parks in the state. A recent report by the National Park Service said visitors to the seven national parks in Alabama spent $26.5 million in 2012 and their spending supported 381 jobs.

Lein points out that state parks must generate through user fees the vast majority of the money that pays for their operations.

"Our slogan is ‘Partners Pay the Way.' But it's more than a slogan. We really do rely heavily on our customers – campers, boaters, fishermen, bikers, golfers, etc. – to pay the bills. We want them to know their dollars count in the parks and in the state's economy."

The $375 million economic impact computed by Addy and Ijaz includes $140 million in earnings for thousands of people in various segments of the work force. State parks generate $10.9 million in state and local taxes, according to the report.

Lein went on to say that the report was an initial study that he hoped could be expanded in 2015 to include a survey of park guests to better understand their spending outside of the park.
The Alabama Tourism Department has named 2014 "Year of the Parks." From the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian foothills, Alabama State Parks reflect every facet of the state's rich natural landscape.

Throughout this anniversary year, Alabama's 22 state parks will host a variety of hikes, nature walks and programs, dining and camping specials and various other events highlighting 75 years of service to the people of Alabama.

(SOURCE: ALABAMA STATE PARKS)

Calhoun’s Dental Assisting Program Seeking Community Input in Preparation for Accreditation

The Dental Assisting program of Calhoun Community College is seeking continuing accreditation through the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). For the past year, the Program has been engaged in a thorough self-study process designed to maintain and improve the quality of the educational curriculum and training. A team of CODA site reviewers is scheduled to visit the college on June 26-27, 2014, to meet with Calhoun administration, program faculty, students, and community partners.


As part of the continuing accreditation process, faculty, students, program graduates, community partners, dental organizations, patients, and/or consumers are encouraged to submit comments about Calhoun's dental assisting program to the Commission. All comments must be received by CODA at least sixty (60) days in advance of the site visit and all comments must be signed to be considered. Signatures are removed from comments prior to forwarding them to the dental assisting program.


Comments must pertain only to the accreditation standards for the dental assisting program or policies and procedures used in the Commission's accreditation process. The Commission does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotions or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students. Comments are screened by Commission staff for relevancy. If comments are received that are not relevant to these issues, the individual will be notified that the comment is not related to accreditation and, where appropriate, referred to the appropriate agency.


A copy of the current dental assisting accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy on third-party comment may be obtained by contacting:

Commission on Dental Accreditation

211 East Chicago Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60611

Or by calling 1-800-621-8099, extension 4653

Deadline for comments: April 25, 2014

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Lanita Parker
Public Relations
Calhoun Community College
P.O. Box 2216
Decatur, AL 35609
(256) 306-2615
(256) 306-2877 (fax)
lap@calhoun.edu

Calhoun Receives $172,000 Grant for Cybersecurity Program

The Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education has announced the approval of a grant in the amount of $172,000 to Calhoun Community College for the college's new "Meeting the Needs of Cybersecurity Technicians" program.

According to the grant proposal, the award will be used for developing a laboratory environment with the latest equipment and software conducive to hands-on-training and research opportunities, enabling students to become Cybersecurity Professionals. With the addition of a state-of-the art training facility, Calhoun will increase interest and retention in the CIS program while preparing students for professional careers in the field of cybersecurity.~ At least 80 students, 40 each semester, are to be trained using the new equipment. CIS faculty members Nisheeth Agarwal, Charlene Nixon, and Niania Patnayakuni worked with the Grants Office to develop the proposal.

"Calhoun will be the first community college in the state to have a cybersecurity lab of this magnitude," commented Agarwal, Chair of the Huntsville CIS Department. "Our students will be able to receive certification as Certified Ethical Hackers, Certified Mobile Examiners, and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigators."

Fall 2013 enrollment in CIS courses at the Huntsville campus is 335, a 35% increase from fall of 2012. Calhoun projects that these numbers will continue to increase at an exceeding rate in direct correlation with job demand in the field of cybersecurity and competitive programs offered at the College.

For more information on Calhoun's Cybersecurity program, call 256-890-4751.

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Athens State University Host St. Patrick's Day Concert

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






For immediate release
March 7, 2014
www.athens.edu

Athens State Hosting Henri’s Notions for St. Patrick’s Day Concert

Henri's Notion

ATHENS, Ala. – The Livingston Concert Lecture Series at Athens State University is sponsoring a free concert by Henri’s Notions, regarded as the South’s premier Celtic band. The concert will be held on Monday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Sandridge Student Center. The event is free and open to the public, no reservations are required.


From soft fingerpicked ballads to hard-driving jigs and reels, Henri's Notions creates a musical mix of traditional Celtic and American music as well as their own compositions that have a rhythm and voice reflective of their Southern heritage, which lends a pleasing familiarity to the music. The Notions draw from a broad palette of melodious sounds: the ardent sounds of fiddle, lilting flute, keen tin whistles, all played over the resonant tones and drive of the rhythm section, consisting of acoustic guitars, percussion, and bass.


Lead voices dance through the intricate embellishments that bring to life the old ballads and songs and all members lend voices frequently creating close, rich, well-balanced harmonies. The group makes a point to provide backgrounds on the songs and instruments used during their performance and this has allowed Henri's Notions to connect with, educate and inspire audiences for over twenty years!


Henri's Notions has toured extensively in the Southern and Eastern United Stated from West Palm Beach, Florida and Dallas, Texas to New York City. The group has worked countless festivals and concerts and has appeared with such folk icons as Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, The Kingston Trio, David Grisman Quintet and top Celtic acts such as The Tannahill Weavers, Patrick Street, Paddy O'Brien, Brian McNeill and others.


Henri’s Notions performs year-round in concerts, festivals, special events, and school programs. As a touring member of the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Southern Arts Federation, grants are often available to eligible presenters.


For more information call 256-233-8296. This free event is sponsored by the Livingston Concert Lecture Series at Athens State University.

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Calhoun to Host Skills Extravaganza for Area High School Students

March 4, 2014

Calhoun to Host Skills Extravaganza for Area High School Students

Area high school students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to compete in a realistic environment before attending events such as the Alabama SkillsUSA Conference as they take part in the 4^th Annual Skills Extravaganza, Thursday, March 6, 2014, in the Aerospace Training Center at Calhoun Community College's Decatur campus.

Calhoun hosts the event each year as a precursor and preparation for students before they participate in state and national skills competitions.  According to Bethany Shockney, dean for Business, Technologies, and Workforce Development at Calhoun, students will compete in a number of areas and disciplines to include the following:  cosmetology, computer networking, computer programming, CNC turning and milling, drafting (architectural and mechanical), HVAC, job interview, machine tool technology, nail technology, and welding.  

"The students taking part in our Skills Extravaganza event will compete in contests which are based on performance standards equal to or greater than the SkillsUSA technical standards," said Shockney.   "These students will be able to measure their ability and prepare for reality, increase their competitive awareness, and align their expectations for success through real-world, hands-on activities," Shockney added.

Over 150 students have registered for the competition, representing the following schools:

• Allen Thornton Career Technical Center (Killlen)
• Arab High School
• Brewer High School
• Central High School (Florence)
• Etowah County Career Technical Center
• Earnest Pruett Center of Technology (Hollywood)
• Gadsden City High School
• Huntsville Center of Technology
• Lawrence County Career and Technology Center
• Limestone County Career Technical School
• Madison County Career and Technical Center
• Winston County Technical Center
  

For more information on the 2014 Skills Extravaganza, visit the Calhoun website at www.calhoun.edu/SkillsExtravaganza or call 256-306-2649.

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Athens State University - Distinguished Alumnus Award

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
March 3, 2014
www.athens.edu

Sims-deGraffenried Named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year at Athens State

ATHENS, Ala. - At a reception prior to their annual meeting on February 28, the Athens State University Alumni Association recognized Dr. Sandra Sims-deGraffenried by awarding her the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Sims-deGraffenried is a strong advocate for the University and has boldly shared her love for the institution with alumni, state officials and the community. She earned not only her bachelor’s degree but also her master’s degree from the University in 1970.

Sims-deGraffenried led a very public career as Executive Director of the Alabama Association of School Boards. She was known for her hard work and dedication to the issues most important to school boards and the communities they represented.

In 2012, Dr. Sims-deGraffenried was nominated to serve on the newly created Athens State University Board of Trustees. Her fellow trustees recognized her work and understanding of educational issues and elected her the first chair pro tempore under the new governance.
Vice President for University Advancement Rick Mould has long worked with Sims-deGraffenried on legislative issues for Athens State. In his introduction of her he remarked, “Sandra is passionate about Athens State University. She loves this institution and is dedicated to it. We are all proud of her

and her accomplishments in serving education. Tonight we recognize her and in this small way say thank you for representing our University so well. ”

Athens State President Bob Glenn presented Sims-deGraffenried with a framed proclamation from Alabama Governor Robert Bentley commending her for her career in education and her advocacy for the state institution. Glenn read the proclamation to the reception attendees.

Sims-deGraffenried is a native of Hartselle, Alabama and currently resides in Orange Beach and Huntsville.

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Art Students Take Top Prizes in State Competition

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
February 26, 2014
www.athens.edu

Athens State Takes Top Awards at the State Poster Competition

ATHENS, Ala. - The first, second and third place Post-secondary Division winners in the statewide Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 2014 “Ability Counts” Poster Competition are all from the Athens State University Art Department. Rachel Monroe was awarded first prize, Autumn Letson took second place and Megan Graves received third place. All are students in the Graphic Design track in the Art Department at Athens State University.

The purpose of this competition is to reward artistic ability and excellence, and to promote awareness of the talents that people with disabilities bring to the job market. This year’s theme is “Because We Are EQUAL to the Task”.

“Our students did a tremendous job of working creatively and professionally with this task, “ said the student’s instructor, Pamela Keller, Professor of Art for Athens State University at the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, Alabama. “ Students in the Advanced Graphic Design class enter this competition annually and because we have top quality students, we usually do have one or two posters place in the awards but this is the first year we have taken all three competition prizes. We are

extremely proud of the talent in our students and their level of ability.”

The competition prizes for the Post-secondary division are 1st place - $300, 2nd place - $200 and 3rd place - $100. The winners will be recognized at an upcoming awards luncheon in Montgomery.

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Attached photo: The three award-winning posters

Calhoun Community College To Join the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network

February 27, 2014

Calhoun Community College Announced Today as One of 12 New Colleges to Join the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network

Achieving the Dream today welcomes 12 new colleges into the National Reform Network 

as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary

(February 27, 2014) – Today at DREAM 2014, the national conference for the Achieving the Dream network, Calhoun Community College was among 12 community and technical colleges from eight states to be welcomed into the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network. This cohort, serving nearly 75,000 students, will immediately begin the challenging work of identifying and implementing evidence-based strategies for closing achievement gaps and increasing student retention, persistence, and completion rates.


"We are delighted to welcome the 2014 Cohort of colleges into the Achieving the Dream National Reform Network as we celebrate our 10th year of working to improve student success and completion rates across the country," said Achieving the Dream President and CEO William E. Trueheart. "These 12 colleges represent a diverse group of students whose success means much more than just a personal goal secured. It means improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for their community and our nation as a whole."


"Calhoun Community College is not unique in our challenges as we work toward our goal of 'Success for every student," commented Calhoun President Dr. Marilyn C. Beck. "However, with this wonderful opportunity to now work with Achieving the Dream, these challenges will become our strengths and the success of our students will continue to increase," Beck added.


The Achieving the Dream 2014 Cohort is as follows:

• Calhoun Community College (AL)
• Cowley College (KS)
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GA)
• Grayson College (TX)
• McLennan Community College (TX)
• Mohawk Valley Community College (NY)
• North Georgia Technical College (GA)
• Savannah Technical College (GA)
• West Georgia Technical College (GA)
• West Hills College Lemoore (CA)
• West Kentucky Community & Technical College (KY)
• Western Technical College (WI)

The Achieving the Dream Model: Each new college will commit to the Achieving the Dream Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement. Based on four principles, the Model frames the overall work of helping more students, particularly low-income students and students of color, stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. Each college will approach the work differently, but Achieving the Dream's five-step process will provide practical guidelines for helping keep the focus where it belongs and building momentum over time. Throughout the process, Achieving the Dream Coaches will offer customized support and help each college's core team implement data-informed programs and policies that build long-term, institution-wide commitment to student success.


Achieving the Dream, Inc. is a national nonprofit leading the nation's most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for student success in higher education history. The Achieving the Dream National Reform Network, including over 200 institutions, more than 100 coaches and advisors, and 15 state policy teams - working throughout 34 states and the District of Columbia - helps nearly 4 million community college students have a better chance of realizing greater economic opportunity and achieving their dreams.



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Recent Athens State Alum Receives New Teacher Grant from Alabama Power

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release
February 27, 2014
www.athens.edu

Recent Athens State Alum Receives
New Teacher Grant from Alabama Power

 

ATHENS, Ala. – Sara Arzman, a 2013 graduate of Athens State’s College of Education and a teacher at McDonnell Elementary in Huntsville, 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. Arzman was nominated by the faculty of the College of Education, as one of the most promising graduates of 2013.

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 college or university.

Arzman was recommended for the grant award by Assistant Professor of Education Tedi Gordon. In

her recommendation letter Gordon states, “Although a good pedagogic background is imperative, Ms. Arszman has the ability to communicate a love of learning and make connections to daily life. She possesses organizational skills as well as the ability to access and effectively use available resources in her efforts to make learning accessible for students.”

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Attached picture: Sara Arzman