Jefferson State Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Honored During Regional Convention

Both chapters of Phi Theta Kappa enjoyed another successful year. This year, the Beta Lambda Delta chapter (Shelby-Hoover Campus) hosted the Alabama state convention. The theme was “Explore Your World,” and the chapter did just that! They set up a “Mini-Epcot” experience where former Phi Theta Kappa members from Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, and Peru shared their home countries with our guests. They also put on a cross-cultural dinner experience with cuisine from around the world.

Beta Lambda Delta was honored as a Five-Star Chapter. In addition, they were named a Distinguished Chapter and received the Continuing Excellence Award. Finally, their officer team received an outstanding team award.

The Pi Pi Chapter (Jefferson Campus) welcomed Jefferson State English Instructor Matt Boehm as their new advisor. At the regional convention, Pi Pi was also honored as a Five-Star chapter. In addition, Savannah Smith was named an Outstanding Officer.

Later this month, the chapters will travel to Orlando, Florida for the PTK International Convention.

All members and advisors thank the students, faculty, staff, and administration of the college for their constant support!

41 Questions with James Buxton

When did you begin working at Jefferson State?  
I began in August, 2005

Where did you work before coming to Jefferson State?  
I worked in sales for several collegiate and sports gift companies and I marketed all over the southeast

What was your very first job?  
Down the street at Classic Gardens & Lawns (Carson Road)

Do you have any children?
Mason – 8, Meredith - 4

Where were you born?  
Birmingham

The most recent book you read was: 
First: What It Takes to Win by Rich Froning, Jr.

My favorite quote is: 
“Make every day count.”

My favorite movie is:  
Gravity and Braveheart

My favorite book is: 
The Bible

My favorite TV show is: 
The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

The website I read the most is: 
www.rollbamaroll.com and www.crossfit.com

My idea of a good evening is: 
Whatever my wife tells me is a good idea of a good evening.

What inspires you? 
Seeing people realizing their potential and making good use of it!

My best personality trait is: 
I think I have a servant’s heart. I love to serve others and make them shine.

My worst personality trait is: 
I over commit!

Who was your favorite TV or movie personality when you were a child?  
Hulk Hogan

The last thing I messed up on was: 
Trying to fix a toilet.  (Had to call plumber).

If I got a million dollars tomorrow, I would: 
Live debt free!

Where do you like to vacation? 
The beach with family. But our most favorite spot that we have been to is Glacier National Park in Montana. God’s creation is awesome!

Who do you admire and why? 
I do not really put people on a pedestal much…but I admire Peyton Manning because of the amount of character and leadership he has shown throughout his career.

When was the last time you cried?  
When my dad was in the hospital, before he passed in September.

What is the first thing you notice about people? 
How they carry themselves. Positive, Negative, Indifferent.

What is your favorite food? 
The 6th food group has always been in my opinion, hot dogs.  

What was the last movie you watched? 
The Lego Movie (Mason’s choice)

What is your favorite dessert? 
The 7th food group has always been in my opinion, Banana Pudding. I do not get birthday cake each year. I get cold instant Banana Pudding.

What is your favorite sound? 
My daughter saying “Hi Daddy!”

What is the farthest you have been from home?  
Seattle, Washington

The biggest problem facing the world today is:  
There is a lack of “determination” and “work ethic” which keeps people from succeeding. People want it the easy way and with little effort. If it takes blood and sweat, they give up too easy!

Favorite sport? 
CrossFit. Yes, it is a sport. College Football is 2nd.

Favorite team?
THE University of Alabama

Any pets? 
Cat

My biggest accomplishment has been: 
My family

My favorite musical group is: 
Huge Variety… Avicci, Hillsongs, Ellie Goulding…

Were you named after anyone? 
My grandfather

My favorite ice cream is: 
Neapolitan

What will the next five years hold for you? 
I hope to be stronger physically and survive my son’s pre-teen years!

What has surprised you the most throughout your life? 
How God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. My family is my rock and the opportunities this job has provided has been nothing short of a blessing!

What has brought you the most joy? 
My bride and my children!  

What would you do differently? 
Nothing!

What words of advice do you have for younger generations?  
Relationships are the key to being successful.  You have to find your own identity and not compare yourself to others.  God made you unique and you have so much to offer just by being yourself.  Develop a strong work ethic and never stop learning.  There is always a new skill, a new talent, a new way of doing something!  Iron Sharpens Iron!

What else would you like to tell us? 
I have recently become addicted to running. I used to hate it but it has since become a passion of mine. I am training now for my first half marathon, which is in Nashville then end of April. I hope to run my first full marathon by the end of this year. 

Quality Enhancement Plan

What is QEP?
The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), is a part of the reaffirmation process the college goes through to maintain its accreditation. It involves several types of research to help identify an area of need within our student population. The college responds by developing a comprehensive plan to address the need.

What did our college select for the QEP? 
Our college targeted developmental Mathematics (Math 090, Math 098) as a particular area of need for our students. Our plan allows qualified students to use an online learning environment in conjunction with increased instructor support to decrease the time spent in developmental mathematics

Who qualifies for the QEP? 
Students who have taken the COMPASS Placement test: 

• If the student scored a 31-40 on Section 2, he/she now qualifies for Math 098S. Math 098S is a four semester course that incorporates the most important review concepts from Math 090 and combines them with Math 098. This course can be completed completely online, at our learning success computer lab, or a combination of both. All aspects are supported by a specifically trained instructor.
  
• If the student scored a 29-38 on Section 3, he/she now qualifies for Math 100S. Math 100S is a four semester course that incorporates the most important review concepts from Math 098 and combines them with Math 100. This course can be completed completely online, at our learning success computer lab, or a combination of both. All aspects are supported by a specifically trained instructor.

How does a student sign up?
Qualifying students interested in signing up for one of the new QEP courses you can contact the instructor directly at qep@jeffstateonline.com to get registered for the course. At this time students cannot automatically register online.

Want more information?
You can speak directly to the instructor or head of the QEP program through the QEP e-mail address qep@jeffstateonline.com.


Amanda E. Kin
Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Jefferson State Community College
2601 Carson Road
GWH 117
Birmingham, Alabama 35215-3098
205-856-7882 – phone
205-856-7928 – fax
akin@jeffstateonline.com

Students Win Honors at Sigma Kappa Delta Convention

Pictured are Jefferson State Students (L to R) Helen Companion,
Kenecia Russell, and Kristin Massie

Members of Jefferson State’s English Honor Society earned awards for their writing during the Sigma Kappa Delta International Convention in Savannah, Georgia February 26 - March 1.

Winners of Sigma Kappa Delta's national writing contest were announced at an awards luncheon. Jefferson State Eta Epsilon Chapter Historian Helen Companion won first place in poetry, second place in poetry, and first place in short fiction. Member Kenecia Russell was awarded first place in the essay competition, and former Chapter Treasurer Stephanie Davis received second place in short fiction. In addition, Chapter President Kristin Massie presented a paper on the topic “Life Changing Literature” during the convention.

Sigma Kappa Delta is the English Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges. It was founded in 1996 at Cottey College. With over 100 active chapters located in the United States, approximately 2500 members are inducted annually. Sigma Kappa Delta's central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate studies.

For more information about Sigma Kappa Delta, contact sponsor Katherine Boyer at kboyer@jeffstateonline.com or skd@jeffstateonline.com.

U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions Visits Chilton-Clanton Campus

By Emily Beckett
Clanton Advertiser

U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) toured Jefferson State Community College’s Chilton-Clanton Campus on Wednesday morning and talked to school and community leaders about the importance of education and the state’s two-year college system.

Sessions said the success of the Chilton-Clanton Campus since it opened in 2008 is an indicator of the community’s need for a two-year educational facility, where people can earn a college degree close to home and then join the workforce.

“I think our community colleges play a critical role in America,” Sessions said. “When education is closer to people, they can access it better.”

Dr. Judy Merritt, president of Jeff State, talked to Sessions during his visit about the county’s lack of a hospital for more than a year and Jeff State’s continuing role in preparing its nursing students to work in the healthcare field, namely in another local hospital in the future.

“We need medical services here, and that’s part of our job, if we can provide that,” Merritt said.

Sessions thanked school and community leaders Wednesday for their work in ensuring the campus progresses in areas such as enrollment and program offerings.

“This campus has proven itself already,” Sessions said. “Keep up the great work.”

Fine Art Collection on Display

A rotating exhibit of Patrick Mayton's Fine Art Print Collection is on display in room 347 and 356 of the Health Science Building at the Shelby-Hoover Campus. You are invited to stop by (between 10 :00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday) to see the collection in person.

These Prints are hand-made, in very limited editions, by BFA and MFA students, and by professional artists and professors. These are not reproductions. These are original prints in a variety of processes including Stone and Plate Lithography, Intaglio, Relief, Screen-Print (Serigraphy), Monotype, Letterpress and Collograph.

The student work comes from Montevallo, UAB, ASU (Tempe, AZ), and Jefferson State.

Remember When...

1969 Jefferson State Cheerleaders

1970 Jefferson State Graduation

 

Meet New Jeff State Employee Kenny Moore

When did you begin working at Jefferson State?
Nov 12, 2013

Where did you work before coming to Jefferson State?
Vestavia Country Club

What were you responsible for in your previous job?
I was responsible for banquet staff, & daily banquet events, ranging from 30-1000 people

What was your very first job?
My very first job I was a grocery bagger at Food World

Where were you born?
St. Vincent’s Hospital “Where babies are from”

The most recent book you read was:
123 Magic: Early Childhood Development

My favorite quote is:
“If it were easy, anyone could do it” & “Sometimes you’ve done the best job, when nobody notices you’ve done anything at all”

My favorite movie is:
Ong Bak 1-3

My favorite book is:
The Never Ending Story

The website I read the most is:
Ebay.com

My idea of a good evening is:
Sitting on the front porch with a glass of tea

What inspires you?
My desire to be the person that I am meant to be

What most people don’t know about me is:
I have to make myself not smile sometimes

My best personality trait is:
My sarcasm

My worst personality trait is:
My sarcasm

Who was your favorite TV or movie personality when you were a child?
Didn’t really have one

The last thing I messed up on was:
This questionnaire

If I got a million dollars tomorrow, I would:
Not tell anybody

Where do you like to vacation?
I’m just starting to vacation

When was the last time you cried and why?
One year ago… over a television show

What is the first thing you notice about people?
Their body language 

What is your favorite food?
Combination House Lo Mein

What was the last movie you watched?
The Hobbit 2: The Desolation of Smaug

What is your favorite dessert?
Red Velvet Cake

What is your favorite sound?
Sarcastic laughter

What is the farthest you have been from home?
Durban, South Africa

The biggest problem facing the world today is:
Lack of respect

Favorite sport?
Football

Favorite team?
The Auburn Tigers

Any pets?
A boxer

My biggest accomplishment has been:
Getting hired at Jefferson State

My favorite musical group is:
Local Natives

My favorite ice cream is:
Haagen Das Sea Salt Caramel Gelato

What will the next five years hold for you?
Prayerfully, growth in my family, a closer spiritual walk, advancement in my career, and a hobby.

What has surprised you the most throughout your life?
The amount of love I’ve be privileged to receive.

What has brought you the most joy?
My family

What would you do differently?
Nothing

What words of advice do you have for younger generations?
Anything worth having is worth working for!

Jeff State Hosts Phi Theta Kappa Regional Convention

On March 7 and 8, Jefferson State's Shelby-Hoover Campus will host the 2014 Phi Theta Kappa Alabama Regional Convention.

The host chapter, Beta Lambda Delta of JSCC's Shelby-Hoover Campus, planned an exciting weekend where participants can explore their world and expand their horizons.

During the convention, participants will have the chance to engage in scholarly inquiry, expand leadership skills, brainstorm on Honors In Action and College Project initiatives, and fellowship with other Phi Theta Kappans from around the state.

In attendance will be ACCS Chancellor Dr. Mark Heinrich, Phi Theta Kappa Foundation CEO Dr. Nancy Rieves, Phi Theta Kappa Regional Coordinator Nora Lee, and Jefferson State President Judy Merritt. The Beta Lamda Delta chapter would like to give a special thanks to the host colleges for their generous support of the regional convention, including: Athens State University, University of Montevallo, University of Alabama, Birmingham Southern College, University of South Alabama, and the University of North Alabama.
Many people donated time, talents and resources to make this convention a success! We would like to extend our gratitude to Teresa Harrison, April Cookson, Terriron Fields, Dr. Humphrey Lee, Dr. Kim LaFevor, Henny Lui Mitchell, Lily Mendez, Emily Vonbartheld, Richard Phillips with Say What Logo & Print Design, the Athens State Alumni Association, David Bobo, Danielle Collar, Burt Veal, Rusty Payne, Made Subrata with NORI Thai; Sushi Restaurant, KK with Silver Coin Indian Grill, Chef Kenneth Moore, Chef Missie DeLoach,  Emil Boackle, Debby Jackson, Chef Joseph Mitchell and the JSCC Culinary & Hospitality Institute, Jon Martinez with Bloom, Patricia Conrad with The Tutwiler Hotel, St. Vincent’s Health System, Buffalo Rock Pepsi Company, and  Hilltop Montessori School. 

To view photos of the event, go to: alturl.com/uyxiz.

Recent Personnel Changes at Jefferson State

To help employees know about any Jefferson State personnel changes, the Human Resources Department has created a new page on the college website which lists recent changes. The link can be found in the "About JSCC" tab at the "Human Resources" link. Once there, you can click on the link "Faculty/Administrator/Staff Changes" to view the information. Below is a listing of recent changes.

Susan Stevens
Susan has accepted employment as the new Math Instructor on the Chilton-Clanton Campus. Susan’s office is located on the Chilton-Clanton Campus.

Michael Hicks
Michael has accepted employment as the new QEP Math Instructor.  Michael’s office is located in LWH on the Jefferson Campus.

William Ward
William has accepted employment as the new EMS Instructor.  William’s office is located in the GSB - EMS program on the Shelby-Hoover Campus. He is replacing Robert Dreyfus.

Kenneth Moore
Kenneth has accepted employment as the new Hospitality Culinary Purchasing Manager/Instructor.  Kenneth’s office is located in the Hospitality Management/Culinary Apprenticeship program on the Shelby-Hoover Campus. He is replacing Jim Colwell.

Amberetta Pippen
Amberetta has accepted employment as the new Educational Programs Career Counselor. Amberetta’s office is located in LWH—Educational Talent Search program on the Jefferson Campus. She is replacing Amy Sipper Hernandez.

Vanessa LeBlanc
Vanessa has accepted the position as Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Vanessa’s office is located in the PTA program—GSB on the Shelby-Hoover Campus. She is replacing Andrea Harrill.

Nader Zandi
Nader has accepted the position as Chief Information Officer.  Nader’s office is located in GWH—IT area on the Jefferson Campus.  He is replacing Peggy Vandergift.

Philip Guinn
Philip has accepted the position as Coordinator of St. Clair-Pell City Campus.  Philip’s office is located on the St. Clair-Pell City Campus.

Debra Fisher
Debra has accepted employment as the new Accounts Receivable Assistant.  Debra is located in GWH—Financial Services on the Jefferson Campus.  She is replacing Stephanie Miller.

Stephanie Miller
Stephanie has accepted employment as the new Assistant Purchasing Coordinator. Stephanie is located in GWH—Financial Services on the Jefferson Campus.  She is replacing Andy Terry.

Merissa DeLoach
Merrisa has accepted employment as the new Food Laboratory Technician in the Hospitality Management/Culinary Apprenticeship Program. Merissa is located on the Shelby-Hoover Campus in the Hospitality Management/Culinary Apprenticeship program. She is replacing Beth Wallace.

Tomeka Jones
Tomeka has accepted employment as the new Transfer Credit Coordinator.  Tomeka is located in AL—Enrollment Services area on the Jefferson Campus.  She is replacing Hunter Overstreet.

Amanda Kin
Amanda received an appointment to serve as Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness. Amanda’s office is located in GWH—IRIR area on the Jefferson Campus.

Liesl Harris
Liesl received an appointment to serve as Associate Dean, Transfer/General Studies Division, Shelby-Hoover Campus. Liesl’s office is located in HSB on the Shelby-Hoover Campus.  She is replacing Jeanette Rogers.

Stephen Moore
Stephen received an appointment to serve as Associate Director of Information Technology/Database Administrator.  Stephen’s office is located in GWH—IT area on the Jefferson Campus.

Shannon Ginn
Shannon received an appointment to serve as Coordinator of Testing and Assessment. Shannon’s office is located in LWH—Testing office on the Jefferson Campus.

Tiffany Lane
Tiffany received an appointment to serve as Assistant Coordinator of Testing.  Tiffany’s office is located in the GSB—Testing office on the Shelby-Hoover Campus.

Lynn Evans
Lynn received an appointment to serve as an Advisor for Nursing & Allied Health. Lynn’s office is located in the HSB—Enrollment Services area on the Shelby-Hoover Campus. She is replacing Tiffany Lane.

Cedric Rodgers
Cedric has received an appointment to the position of VA Coordinator Financial Aid. Cedric is located in AL—Financial Aid area on the Jefferson Campus.

Sandra Pugh
Sandra received an appointment to serve as Executive Secretary I to the Associate Dean, Transfer/General Studies Division, Shelby-Hoover Campus. Sandra is located in HSB on the Shelby-Hoover Campus.  She is replacing Cathy Brown.

Speech Team Competes at University of West Florida

Members of the Jefferson State Speech Team earned several honors recently during a Speech and Debate Tournament at the University of West Florida.

Team members TaShara Caldwell, Amber Pope and Kiara Sanford brought home the 3rd place Team Quality Award for their efforts.

Amber Pope won 3rd place in Program Oral Interpretation while Kiara Sanford won 1st place in both Program Oral Interpretation and Impromptu Speaking, 3rd place in Extemporaneous Speaking and 4th place in Poetry. Sanford also won 3rd place in pentathlon, making her the 3rd highest individual point winner at the tournament.

The Speech Team (Forensics Team) is an intercollegiate competition team that represents Jefferson State throughout the Southeast. Students compete in any of 11 different types of speeches or dramatic events. All Jefferson State students are encouraged to participate. The top students represent Jefferson State Community College at the national competition.

For more information about the Jefferson State Speech Team, including membership and scholarships, please contact Dr. Janice Ralya at jralya@jeffstateonline.com.

Open House & Student Art Exhibition

Opening Reception April 3rd 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
Fitzgerald Student Center, Fourth Floor

April 3-11
Jefferson Campus

April 14-18
Shelby-Hoover Campus

Best In Show Receives $100

All artwork due by March 21, 2014

For more information, visit our Facebook page at:
Jeff State Art & Animation Guild
or Pick-up information in H.Y. Carson Building, Room 300.

Also Featuring Art Work from Tarrant High School Students

Area High Schools Compete in Scholars Bowl at Jeff State

Jefferson State's Scholars Team helped coordinate the high school event.

Fifteen high school scholastic teams from around central Alabama faced-off at Jefferson State’s Shelby-Hoover Campus in February in the 2014 District Scholars Bowl Tournament.

“The teams are comprised of extremely bright students and they are serious about the competition,” said Tournament Director and Jefferson State Instructor Lucy Lewis. “It is exciting to watch them compete.”

Participating high schools were Altamont, Briarwood Christian, Evangel Classical Christian, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Hoover, Indian Springs, Moody, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Pelham, Ramsey, Shelby County, Spain Park, and Vestavia.

The two top scoring teams in each of the three pools will advance to the regional competition, and winners of that tournament will return to Jefferson State for the championship tournament on April 11, 2014. In the February tournament, Hoover High’s team earned first place in their pool and was the tournament’s overall points leader.

“The competition is very similar to a game show, where contestants compete to give the correct answer very quickly,” said Lewis. “It is easy to see the pressure increase as teams progress further into the tournament.”

Four-person student teams face-off in head-to-head competition. A moderator asks questions and individuals “buzz” in with an answer.

“The teams here definitely want to win, but this competition is also about celebrating our bright, young leaders of tomorrow,” said Lewis.

For more information about the tournament, email llewis@jeffstateonline.com.

Got Snow Photos?

Share your snow photos with us!

During the January Snow event, approximately 200 faculty and staff spent the night at the Shelby-Hoover Campus and approximately 65 spent the night at the Jefferson Campus.

Thanks to all of our faculty and staff who made the most of an inconvenient situation for each other and for our students. We are proud of you!

Send snow photos you would like to share to dbobo@jeffstateonline.com.