The Annual Constitution Day Program will be September 15 at 9:50 a.m. in the L. D. Owen Performing Arts Center. The public is invited to attend. There will be refreshments prior to the program.
Faulkner State dedicates the John L. Borom Center
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Educational enhancement has never looked so appealing.
Faulkner State Community College is proud to announce the completion of the new Allied Health and Natural Science Building on its Fairhope Campus. The 52,000 square-foot building was dedicated on Friday, August 13.
Building Facilities
The new Health and Science Center, comprised of three floors, will enable the College to expand the amount of Allied Health and Natural Science programs and course offerings on the Fairhope Campus. These programs include RN and LPN Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Pharmacy and other science-based programs.
Due to the College’s continual record-breaking enrollments, and with more than 5,000 students expected to enroll this fall, expanding these programs will not only benefit the College, but it will give students many more options as they register for upcoming semesters.
By adding 22 high-tech classrooms and labs, the Center has created a learning environment like none other, especially for those who will be majoring in one of the College’s prestigious Allied Health programs.
With the College’s 100% pass rate for the nursing students taking the National Council Licensure Exam, adding this building will continue to enhance the Allied Health students’ learning experience.
The classrooms and labs will primarily be used for courses in Allied Health, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science and Microbiology. Additionally, the new building will have general purpose classrooms available for students taking core curiculum classes.
The third floor houses unallocated space to allow for program expansion and future program development.
LEEDing the Pack
With environmental awareness a top priority in today’s society, it is no surprise that one of the most important and unique features of the new Health and Science Center is the energy-efficient and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified designation.
In the building’s initial stages, energy-saving features were planned to make the structure environmentally friendly while still providing much needed space for classrooms.
Once the building is complete, the College will receive notice of it being named a silver-level LEED building. This is the first building in Alabama’s two-year college system to be considered for LEED certification.
From the automatic plumbing fixtures to the high-efficiency filters located in the HVAC (air-conditioning) system, this building was designed to provide only the best “green” features.
Although the majority of the energy-saving aspects are “behind the scenes,” there are several features students, faculty, staff and guests will notice upon entering the building. Vast amounts of indirect natural light from large windows located throughout the building and automatic light sensors in every hallway, classroom and bathroom will greatly diminish the use of electricity.
Lights will automatically turn on and off as a person enters and exits a room.
Features like this make this building one of few to be listed as a LEED certified, energy efficient structure.
Student Downtime
While energy efficiency and academia-enhancement were the focus in the construction of this building, designers also factored in student comfort by mapping out areas for socializing and personal enrichment in the contemporary style of the Sun Chief Den.
The Den, which is graced by the subtle beauty of the most modern furnishings, consists of comfortable and stylish seating groups, two 52” high-def televisions, a full vending area, and a double-sided gas fireplace for those chilly winter days.
The Den is located on the first floor and is adjacent to the beautifully landscaped outside terrace. The terrace is equipped with patio furnishings to provide students enjoyment from bay breezes and shading from the more than 150-year old live oak tree, a campus landmark.
If a student wants to have a last-minute pre-test review or even just wants to surf the Web, they can head to one of the conveniently located study areas on the second floor. These semi-private areas house laptop tables and natural lighting to enhance a student’s learning environment while utilizing the free Wi-Fi for personal or professional use.
Faculty/Staff Affected
Students are not the only ones who will enjoy the addition of this cleverly designed building.
The 14-seat boardroom dedicated to meetings or business luncheons will be accesible to all faculty, staff and community groups.
Complete with ergonomic, high-back chairs, full teleconferencing capabilities, and a PowerPoint and presentation friendly 52” high-def video-equipped television, this boardroom will become a high tech meeting area for community and campus leaders to participate in state-of-the-art video conferencing.
Twenty-seven faculty/staff offices are strategically and conveniently located throughout the new Health and Science Center to make faculty and staff easily accesible to students for academic advisement and career planning.
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Pictures from the Building Dedication on August 13, 2010
The building was named the John L. Borom Center for Health and Natural Sciences
Sun Chief Cheerleaders receive blue ribbons
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Faulkner State Cheerleaders bring home top honors from UCA Camp – August 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama— Faulkner State Community College’s National Championship Cheerleaders continued their flawless reputation by capturing blue superior ribbons in multiple categories at the 2010 Universal Cheerleaders’ Association College Camp.
After being named national champions two years in a row, it is no surprise the Sun Chief Cheerleaders brought home blue ribbons in every category, including game planning, chanting and cheering.
Going to camps held by groups such as the UCA, the cheerleaders have an opportunity to better themselves and their routines. During the 12-hours a day, four-day camp, the teams attended basket, pyramid, stunt, cheer and chant workshops to prepare them for the upcoming year.
More than 900 campers from across the nation represented the 60 colleges and universities at the UCA Camp. Competing against schools from the University of Alabama to Ole Miss to Western Kentucky University, the Sun Chief Cheerleaders rose above the cheering towers to represent Faulkner State as a major competitor in the Camp.
Faulkner State Cheerleading coach Celeste Robertson said the team performed at a standard that represented how hard the student-athletes work throughout the year to make an appearing effortless routine.
“The team is on a strict workout program that includes everything from free weights to yoga,” Coach Robertson said. “We run hills, do sprints, run marathons, stretch like crazy and lift weights. “
The cheerleaders’ week during the fall and spring semesters generally consists of four steady days of practice.
“Typically, we have conditioning and weights on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, running and cardio on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and practice Monday through Thursdays,” Coach Robertson said. “Cheerleading as a sport has become so athletic; so if you want to be competitive, there really is no ‘off season.’”
Though the cheerleaders work throughout the year to create a compelling routine, their hard-work pays off as crowds and fans jump at the opportunity to see the team in action.
“The competition routines are a constant work in progress,” Coach Robertson said. “We begin choreography in early August for the new student orientation, and from there, we make changes to music, difficulty levels, etc. as the year progresses.”
With 24 new additions to the Faulkner State Cheerleading team, this year promises even more high-flying, taller-towering, louder-chanting routines.
For those who want to see the action-packed Sun Chief Cheerleaders in person, the team performs at every basketball game, home and away. Home games are held on the Bay Minette Campus in the Jack Robertson Arena throughout the fall semester and in early spring.
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Rep. Shiver makes donation to Sun Chief Softball
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Shiver makes donation to Faulkner State Lady Sun Chief Softball Team – July 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama— State Representative Harry Shiver presented a check to Faulkner State softball player Jimeshia Bennett on July 6 for $1000 to support the Faulkner State Lady Sun Chief softball team.
“Faulkner State Community College is one of three community colleges in my district,” Rep. Shiver said. “I support the colleges in my area, and this money will help the women’s softball team.”
Pictured are: Jimmie Bennett, father; Sandra Bennet, mother; Jimeshia Bennett; State Representative Harry Shiver; and Athletic Director/Men’s Basketball Coach at Faulkner State Jack Robertson.
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Adult Ed Instructor, Freeman, Retires
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Adult Education Instructor retires – July 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama— After 15 years with Faulkner State Community College’s Adult Education Program, Instructor Mary Joyce Freeman has retired. Freeman, who began her teaching career in 1968 as a first grade teacher, started her second career in adult education in 1995.
“It has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s been such a pleasure working with everyone and getting to know all the staff members at Faulkner State,” Freeman said.
During her time in the Adult Education Program, Freeman encouraged hundreds of students to obtain their GED. According to recent information from the state’s GED Administrator’s Office, Faulkner State’s GED pass rate is 79%, which is above the state average.
“Mary Joyce is an inspiration to those around her, and she will be greatly missed,” Ken Adams, Director of Adult Education at Faulkner State said.
Pictured: Dr. Kenneth Adams, Director of Adult Education at Faulkner State Community College, presents Mary Joyce Freeman a framed certificate at a recent reception held in her honor.
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Paramedic Program gets hands-on experience
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under Photos
Faulkner State Paramedic Class performs car wreck “victim” extrication – June 19, 2010
Orange Beach, Alabama—“Make sure you communicate what you are doing with the [car wreck] victim,” Drey Resmondo, an instructor with Orange Beach Fire & Rescue (OBFR), told the Faulkner State Community College Paramedic class.
On Saturday, June 19, the students had the opportunity to put what they learned in the classroom to the test as they pried car doors open with the invincible “Jaws of Life,” knocked out windshields while protecting the “victim,” and learned the protocol of an intense real-life situation: a car wreck.
“The students learned the technical aspects of vehicle extrication and patient management of entrapped patients,” Vince Parker, Paramedic instructor at Faulkner State said. “They used the various tools for extrication, including spreaders and cutters.”
This is the second year Faulkner State students have had the opportunity to participate in this experience. Parker said other practical class sessions this year will include water rescue and rope rescue.
This marks the third year the Paramedic program has been available to students at Faulkner State Community College.
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Baseball Team welcomed home from World Series
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Faulkner State welcomes home its Sun Chief Baseball Team – June 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama– Faulkner State Community College faculty, staff and students lined the entrance to the College on Thursday morning to welcome its Sun Chief Baseball Team home as they returned from the NJCAA JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Due to an outstanding 2009-2010 season (overall 38-19-0, Conference 21-6) and as the winners of the 2010 ACCC State Championship, the Sun Chiefs, without a doubt, earned the honor to compete in one of the most prestigious sporting events in the NJCAA. Ten teams from across the nation arrived in Grand Junction on May 29 to begin the six-day tournament, before thousands of spectators.
The tournament was double elimination. After winning their first game on May 29 12-6 against Temple College, the Sun Chiefs lost the next two games against the College of Southern Nevada and Crowder College. The final game against Crowder College was full of suspense to the last moments of the game, as both teams played hard. Although Faulkner State started out with an early lead, Crowder eventually took the lead and the game on the final play, 19-18.
To show their pride and to extend congratulations to the team for an unforgettable year, the fans gathered to “welcome home” their 2009-2010 Sun Chiefs.
Coach Wayne Larker, Faulkner State Head Baseball Coach since 1985, said the experience was one he and the players would always be proud of.
“It was something that we will never forget; it was a great memory for all of the players. You can’t really express what it was like unless you went as a ball player or as a coach,” Larker said.
Outfielder Brian Knuckles agreed, saying: “There were more than 12,000 fans out there. They didn’t even know our names, and they were cheering for us.”
Knuckles said the most memorable moment of the tournament for him was getting hit in the ear with a 90 mph fastball. “I can definitely say that was my highlight. They even had the clip on the news up there. It’s all part of Sun Chief Baseball I guess…get on base any way you can.”
Larker said the team’s performance on the field and off was nothing short of outstanding.
“We are so proud of our team. They played their hearts out, and they definitely deserved the title. They will always be No. 1 in our book,” Linda Mack, a staff member who participated in welcoming the team home,” said.
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Charles Lake named PTK Distinguished Advisor
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Dr. Charles Lake recognized as Phi Theta Kappa Outstanding Chapter Advisor – May 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama– Although the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society is known for the students who characterize academic excellence, PTK also recognizes outstanding chapter advisors. Faulkner State Community College’s Dr. Charles Lake, who is a co-sponsor of the Pi Psi Chapter of PTK, was named a Distinguish Advisor at this year’s International Convention in Orlando, FL.
“I won the Outstanding Regional Advisor award back in March, and then I was nominated for the International Award,” Lake said.
Lake, who has been an Business Administration and Computer Science instructor at Faulkner State since 1986, became an honorary member of the Pi Psi Chapter in 1991 and was appointed advisor to the organization in 1996.
“Faulkner State has many outstanding students, who become Phi Theta Kappa members,” Lake said. “Because of this, I get to work with great students who are enthusiastic and motivated. It makes my duties thrilling and rewarding to work with so many inspiring people, who are part of the Phi Theta Kappa organization.”
Out of hundreds of advisors around the world, only 37 advisors were awarded the Distinguished Advisor’s Award at this year’s convention.
According to the PTK website, the Distinguished Advisor Awards are presented to advisors who make 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. The advisors must have served at least four years to be nominated.
“The support of Dean Lena Dexter [co-advisor of the Pi Psi chapter], Faulkner State’s President Gary Branch, and the Pi Psi Chapter officers made this possible,” Lake said. “I have them to thank for the support. I feel that this was a reflection on the efforts of these people, and I am blessed to have their support.”
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Award’s Day 2010
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Awards Day at Faulkner State highlights outstanding students – April 28, 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama– Faulkner State Community College recognized outstanding students, faculty and staff during its annual Awards Day sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society on Wednesday, April 28.
The annual Awards Day is an opportunity for the College to honor students for their academic achievements, leadership roles and community service. Among those who received awards, Rhonda Stacy of Bay Minette, who served as the 2009-2010 Phi Theta Kappa Pi Psi Chapter President, received the James H. Faulkner Award. The President’s Awards went to Patricia Cotton of Fairhope, Danielle Drake of Creola and Ellen Marian Quale of Daphne.
Representatives from Spring Hill College, Alabama State University and the University of Alabama were present to award scholarships for those planning to transfer to a four-year college.
Irene Klopner of Semmes, the recipient of the James D. Martindale Science Award, also received a tuition and room and board scholarship in the amount of $68,000. An annual $1,200 stipend and a laptop were part of the scholarship awarded by Alabama State University.
Not only are the students recognized for outstanding achievements. Each year, students vote for an administrator, faculty member and staff member who have exceeded their responsibilities and enhanced the students’ experience at Faulkner State.
This year, Dean Emily Martin, serving her first year as Dean of Instruction, was selected as Outstanding Administrator. Elizabeth Thompson Day, instructor for Office and Legal Administration and the Phi Beta Lambda sponsor, was selected as Faculty Member of the Year. Receptionist and Switchboard Operator Nancy Williams received the Staff Member of the Year award.
Fusion, an externally sponsored ministry-based student organization, was named Organization of the Year.
Overall, more than 20 students received academic awards. Awards of recognition for outstanding leadership were given to members of the Student Government Association, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Pow-Wow Leadership Society. Seventy-one students received the Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges award.
Dean Lena Dexter, serving her 25th year as Phi Theta Kappa sponsor, said, “Each year it gets better and better. The administration, faculty and staff of Faulkner State are extremely proud of each and every one of these students and their achievements.”
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Drummer Mike Clark visits the Music Program
Written on September 2nd, 2010 by sarag | Filed under News Releases
Students learn from jazz legend Mike Clark – May 3, 2010
Bay Minette, Alabama– The Faulkner State Community College Jazz Band had plenty to toot their horn about after meeting New York drummer Mike Clark on April 6.
“Everyone from Britney Spears to Prince uses his drum tracks,” said Rebecca Barry, who directs the College’s band under the supervision of Leslie Simmons, Fine Arts Division Chair.
Clark has played with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter and Phil Collins, to name a few.
Barry and Clark played in Hancock’s band Headhunters together on and off for two years. She asked Clark to visit Faulkner State when she heard he was playing gigs in New Orleans.
“I have known Mike for over five years, and we recorded a CD with him in 2005,” Barry said.
Clark held a free clinic for the students and shared his expertise in musical rhythms in Latin, Funk and Jazz genres. Clark also shared experiences about his musical career and the musicians he encountered through the years.
Local musicians attended Clark’s clinic in the Performing Arts Center.
“I can’t say enough about Mike taking time to give an almost impromptu clinic to all the local drummers and anybody else who wanted to attend,” Henry Jolley, a member of the Ted Scallan Band, said. “My band is working out of Pensacola and New Orleans. We play blues and what we call ‘jiggy’ blues with a New Orleans bent to it. To sit and watch at such close proximity to a legend is quiet rare and also it was FREE.”
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