(Acworth, Ga. – Sept. 30, 2014) More than 90 companies, organizations and universities will be at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to recruit students, alumni and community members. This Fall 2014 Career and College Expo has grown in size to now include three buildings of activities and information for job seekers and those interested in continuing their education. A wide range of companies will be represented seeking students and graduates in all programs for positions including entry-level, experienced, trainees, seasonal and full-time positions.

Participants in the Career and College Expo can sign in at any of the three buildings A, B or C and visit tables set up in each one. Lists of participating companies and staff will be available to point people in the right direction. Additionally, the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation and Chattahoochee Technical College Division of Economic Development will be on hand to provide information about services and offerings that will help students and alumni. Participants will also have the opportunity to have a free professional headshot taken for LinkedIn and other social media sites for career searches.

Chattahoochee Technical College Career Services Coordinator Annette Davis suggests participants research the companies prior to attending and become knowledgeable about the products and/or services the various companies offer.

“In addition, participants should target the companies that have positions in the field(s) they are interested in first, then visit some of the other companies,” said Davis. “Prepare a one minute commercial that summarizes your skills, qualifications, experience and goals. Practice this until you feel comfortable using this as your opening.  Anticipate the employers asking interview questions and practice your responses. Remember that you want to leave a lasting first impression with the employers.”

Davis stresses the importance of preparation for events like the Chattahoochee Technical College Career and College Expo. Participants and encouraged to come with copies of their resume and dressed professionally for an interview. Resume and interview tips are available online at chattahoocheetech.edu/career-services/. Current students and graduates may also have their resumes critiqued and practice interviewing skills prior to the event by making an appointment with Career Services.

Impressions are important, according to Davis. Dressing professionally, having a great resume and practicing answers are the first step. Firm handshakes, making eye contact and showing interest in the organization are also necessary.

To view a list of the registered organizations online visit https://ctc.experience.com/stu/cf_details?fhnd=6914.

(­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Acworth, Ga. – Oct. 2, 2014) An EMT’s job is to provide care in the field for a patient in distress. They aren’t usually attorneys or witnesses in a courtroom, but the students in R. Scott Anderson’s Emergency Medical Services class at Chattahoochee Technical College were playing those roles during Thursday’s mock trial exercises.

“The students walked in the first day of class this semester and were handed a summons,” said Anderson, who filled the role of judge for the exercise. “I chose the cases based on observations the students had made during previous ride-along experiences of with local professionals. These weren’t actual court cases, but they could easily be something that a professional would encounter.”

The students were placed on teams and picked roles to fulfill the task of bringing the scenarios from the classroom to the courtroom. Hours of research into medical terms and facts, as well as procedures took place before the mock trials. Each were played out in front of a jury of students from other health science programs at Chattahoochee Technical College.

According to Suzanne Lawrence, who was the defendant in the second case, the preparation has been intense. In addition to regular class assignments, clinicals and other obligations, the students spent hours each week researching information for their specific cases. That time was worth it, she said, because it was a different way to learn than typical lecture and note taking.

“It was hours upon hours of research and preparation,” Lawrence said. “I was up until 5 a.m. preparing for today.”

Making it more challenging, the skills discussed in the cases are not ones the students have necessarily learned yet, according to Anderson. However, it was not the skills that were the focus but the documentation that students have been learning about that was the key to both cases. Students have been learning to complete patient care reports that ask an EMT/AEMT to document everything from care given to the weather conditions and extenuating circumstances. The cases, said Anderson, were chosen and designed to emphasize the importance of those documents.

“Something that isn’t recorded is something you didn’t do,” said Peter Meadows, acting as the plaintiff’s attorney in the first case.

“I think this experience is invaluable,” said Theresa Stephens, who was an attorney in one of the cases. “We learn so much about completing the Patient Care Reports in this program. They really try to hammer it to you. But this exercise is showed us what a crucial document it is in trying to prove that you have provided the level of care required for your patient.”

Chattahoochee Technical College’s Emergency Medical Services Program is a diploma level-program, consisting of 45 credit hours of classroom and clinical work. The program covers both the U.S. Department of Transportation Emergency Medical Technician Curriculum and the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Curriculum. Successful completion of the program allows the graduate to take both the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT and AEMT certification examinations and receive Georgia licensure as an Advanced EMT. This program is based at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College.

(­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Marietta, Ga. – Oct. 17, 2014) The newly renovated restaurant at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Mountain View Campus is just about ready to open. Fresh paint, new furniture and a new name have students, faculty and staff ready to try some of the delectable creations this semester. Now called Degrees, the restaurant is open a limited number of days each semester beginning Oct. 28.

“About a year ago we sat down and began thinking about how we could update this area,” explained Program Director and Instructor Chef Hillary Gallagher. “We realized that the café needed a facelift and early in 2014 we set out to do just that.”

Housed in the same campus as the college’s Interiors program, Gallagher said she approached Interiors Instructor Ginger Burton about the process. Interiors students presented design concepts and the new look started to take form.

“We wanted to make it more contemporary,” said Gallagher. “But more importantly it had to be functional.”

Tables used in the space previously were not easily moved with their heavy bases. Available in only two sizes, the tables lacked cohesiveness to allow larger groups to dine together. The new tables allow various size groups with a smaller footprint, as well as add to the contemporary look with a table design that Gallagher said is one of only two of its kind in the state so far.

In addition to a restaurant, the space serves as a classroom to students. While the primary purpose of the program is food preparation, students in the program use the restaurant as a way to learn to work with the public and even such details as beverage service and computer programs required in the industry.

More than just the faculty of the college’s culinary program are excited about the new look. Students, who work both in the kitchen and front of the house for the program are thrilled with the new design. The seniors in the program, who are gearing up to cook for the restaurant, are putting the finishing touches on the menu. Most, according to Gallagher, have already invited friends and family to make a reservation for lunch.

“It has been interesting to see everyone putting their minds to work on this menu,” said CTC Culinary Arts Student Alexa Izzet of Jasper. “We’re looking at what the concept should be, what sides we can pair with each dish and what sauces will work best.”

Chattahoochee Technical College offers diploma and degree programs through its respected Culinary Arts program at the Mountain View Campus. The 62-hour degree program prepares students for the culinary profession. The program emphasizes a combination of culinary theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Graduates who are current practitioners will benefit through enhancement of career potential. Those entering the culinary arts field will be prepared to pursue diverse opportunities as cooks, bakers or caterers/culinary managers. Previously Izzet had studied art history and French, but realized that her passion toward culinary was stronger. A few months away from finishing the program, she is working at an Italian restaurant in Roswell and hopes to continue there after graduation.

“This drives me,” she said of her experience. “It is fun and interesting. Studying food is never ending.”

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College and its programs of study, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu. To make a reservation for lunch, visit http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/contact-us/degrees-thediningroom/.

(Dallas, Ga. – Oct. 22, 2014) One of the most popular technical programs at Chattahoochee Technical College will have an additional home in January. The Welding and Joining Technology Program, which was originally offered only at the Appalachian Campus in Jasper, will begin classes at the Paulding Campus during Spring Semester 2015. In this expansion that has been designed to provide students with better access to a mainstay program, Chattahoochee Technical College will essentially double the number of students who can enroll in this program of study.

“Welding continues to be one of the top programs in terms of career opportunities,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Associate Dean of Technical Studies Shane Evans. “In looking at the needs of employers and those of our students, this expansion makes sense and continues in fulfilling the mission of the college to communities it serves by developing a highly skilled workforce.”

The Welding and Joining Technology program includes training in shielding metal arc, oxyacetylene, tungsten inert gas, metallic inert gas, oxyfuel gas cutting, plasma arc cutting and gouging. Students learn about metals, electrodes and filler materials. In addition to classroom training, major emphasis is placed on the development of welding skills through actual hands-on practice. A full-time student who needs no preparatory coursework in English, math or reading and maintains satisfactory progress can complete the Welding and Joining Technology Diploma in four semesters. The program is offered at the diploma level and requires 50 credit hours for graduation.

Heading up the program at the Paulding Campus will be Jordan Hunter, who began working as a maintenance welder at the age of 18. The son of a man who owned his own welding business, Hunter has grown up in the industry.

“I did maintenance welding for a little over 7 years, production welding for a year, and machining for 3 years,” said Hunter. “In this time I have had the opportunity to work in several different environments with different types of metal and materials. I have learned different types of processes and preformed various types of welds in this time that have help develop my skill set and knowledge in the field. Hands on learning has been very beneficial to me, and that’s how I plan to help others.”

The 2009 graduate of Chattahoochee Technical College said he feels that having a new lab at the Paulding Campus will be a huge benefit to the community. Additionally, the demand for welders continues to grow. In 2010 The American Welding Society predicted the demand for skilled welders in the United States alone may outpace supply by 200,000 individuals, and this trend will grow by about 20 percent in the next few years. According to Hunter, this means Chattahoochee Tech students are entering a dynamic industry with more than 50 percent of the country’s products requiring welding.

“The campus is in the hub of several counties that have limitless job opportunities for certified welders,” said Hunter. “So being able to better accommodate those students and meet their educational needs around welding and joining technology is going to amplify the amount of careers that can be obtained, generating more economic growth in that area.”

Welding and Joining Technology is one of several programs at Chattahoochee Technical College eligible for the new Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant. Students eligible for the HOPE Grant can receive between $125 and $500 of additional grant money each semester if they qualify. Students who qualify for both grant programs could expect to pay less than $200 of pocket for tuition and fees in some cases out .

But to Hunter there are other benefits that make the program a great choice for students.

“What first interested me about welding is how it sets you apart from other in the work force,” he said. “You have skill set and certifications to back your skill set that many of your peers do not. This is huge advantage in the job market and helps you with a higher paying salary, and a job anywhere you want to move. The job opportunities really are endless.”

The art and science of researching a topic at one of Chattahoochee Technical College’s campus libraries has expanded beyond books and periodicals. One feature that is available to students is Films on Demand.

Almost 4,000 videos and more than 40,000 video segments are available for students to view either on or off-campus. Subject areas for these videos include careers and job searching, family and consumer sciences, guidance and counseling, nursing and allied health, as well as a wide range of other business, technical and trade education topics. The service is free to students through the library’s website.

Faculty members also have access to the videos that can be used in classroom presentations. Videos and segments can be added to Angel or as part of an assignment to supplement the information provided from textbooks and other sources.

The videos are available via GALILEO by selecting the Films on Demand database. The videos are also available by searching the library catalog. Off-campus access to GALILEO requires a password that can be obtained from one of the campus librarians.

The service is available through streaming video, so there is no need to download or install software to view. These videos are available 24/7. Students can view videos to be used as sources for their research papers or assignments. Additionally video segments can be used in classroom presentations. Films on Demand offers students the ability to cite the videos in research papers. Each video has a sample citation available in both MLA and APA styles.

For more information on this and other services provided by the Chattahoochee Technical College Library, students and faculty are encouraged to speak with a librarian at any of the college campuses or visit http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu/services/library/.

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 3, 2014) Chattahoochee Technical College recently announced changes to its College Credit Now programs that allow high school students to earn college credit before they graduate. The changes, which will start in January 2015, will make such programs more affordable and accessible for high school students to enroll in one of the College Credit Now programs.

Changes include removing the $20 application fee for prospective students for these specific high school programs, eliminating the college’s standard fees and bridging the gap between what HOPE Grant offers and the final tuition costs. A student must meet all of the current requirements of the college regarding the admission and enrollment. Books, materials, and any special fees will remain the responsibility of the student, parents, school system, or other resources.

College Credit Now programs are geared toward students still in high school and include Accel, Dual Enrollment, Joint Enrollment and Move on When Ready. Students can earn both high school and college credit, depending on the program.

For more information visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/enrollment/admissions/enrollment-for-current-high-school-students/ or email collegecreditnow@chattahoocheetech.edu.

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 6, 2014) The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations recently honored Chattahoochee Technical College’s Marketing Team with four Medallion Awards. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges in District 2. It’s the only organization of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at two-year colleges.

“These kinds of award-winning communications efforts reflect well on our talented team of professionals who are passionate about the students’ experiences and demonstrating how Chattahoochee Technical College truly transforms lives in this community,” said DeeDee Doeckel, Executive Director for Marketing.

Among the awards for Georgia’s largest technical college were the three gold awards and one silver. Chattahoochee Technical College received Gold Medallion Awards for its annual view book for prospective students, a brochure regarding the College Credit Now program for high school students, as well as a media relations campaign about the environmentally friendly initiatives of many of the college’s programs. Earning a Silver Medallion Award was the college’s media coverage of its most recent graduation ceremony and its 50 year tradition at Chattahoochee Technical College.

According to Director for Marketing Kim Crowe, the brochure and view book design stood out to the judges because of its clean lines, uncluttered appearance and colorful imagery. Available in both electronic and print form, the view book serves as a primary marketing tool for recruitment and other efforts at the college. The College Credit Now brochure, which also serves as a mailer, has a narrower audience but uses many of the same techniques of design. The publications were judged by an independent panel on the criteria of aesthetics, design quality and techniques.

The two award winning entries for news placement and media success story both demonstrate the college’s relationship with the local news media, according to Public Relations Specialist Rebecca Long. Both entries included multiple placements on television, radio and in newspapers throughout the six counties the college serves. Criteria for judging included evaluation of media relations tactics, placement results, and written materials.

NCMPR District 2 is comprised of community colleges in 11 Southeastern states, along with the Bahamas and Bermuda. The NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards is an annual award celebration honoring the marketing and communication efforts of community college marketing and public relations professionals. This year the district received 516 award entries, in more than 42 categories.

Chattahoochee Technical College’s Marketing Department leads the college’s branding efforts. Team members focus on strategic marketing initiatives, print and digital design, videography, web services, public relations, photography and editorial services.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

The students in Chattahoochee Technical College Instructor Diane Petty’s Project Management class have a pretty big project due this week. The 12 students in her class are working with other college officials, clubs and organizations to hold the college’s second annual Veterans’ Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Marietta Campus of the college.

“We wanted to honor our veterans,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Management student Julia Belt of Canton. “Our motto is serving those who serve us.”

Chattahoochee Technical College has approximately 400 students and more than 30 employees who are veterans. The program will honor these students, as well as alumni, faculty and staff who have served in the military. In addition to a ceremony, participants will have access to various resources, including the Veterans Affairs Mobile Center, the Chattahoochee Technical Library, Career Services, Disability Services and Fountain Gate Counseling Center of Kennesaw.

“In addition to the project management class,” said Instructor Diane Petty, “we have the Student Veterans of America Club and Phi Beta Lambda participating in the event.”

The organizations will be collecting items to create care packages for military members. Guests are asked to bring wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, socks, foot powder, or other items. In addition, the groups hope to add handwritten notes and letters to the care packages. With proceeds going to the CTC Scott Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship Fund, raffle tickets will be sold for a treasure chest of goodies. Monetary donations will also be accepted for the Scott Mackenzie Memorial Scholarship and Ron Green Leadership Scholarship.

The event will feature the traditional POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony, as well as Technical College System of Georgia Director of Military Affairs Col. Patricia M. Ross and Chattahoochee Technical College student and veteran Cassaundra Wenzler of Woodstock as keynote speakers.

“We are planning to have a few people speak about how the college helps veterans,” explained Wenzler, who served in the Army prior to coming to Chattahoochee Tech. “I’m going to tell my story. I’m excited to share my experiences with everyone.”

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 17, 2014) Chattahoochee Technical College recently announced the college’s top eight nominees for the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction and the U.S. Professor of the Year, a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System’s member institutions. The eight instructors were selected from the 23 nominated for the honor by other faculty and staff members.

The Carnegie U. S. Professor of the Year and Rick Perkins Award honors technical education’s most outstanding instructors,” said last year’s winner and this year’s coordinating instructor Judy Cannon. “The recipient must demonstrate a strong work ethic, a dedicated sense of loyalty and a healthy enthusiasm for promoting technical education. The nominee must be in good standing with the college, must teach in a technical certificate of credit, diploma, degree, or adult education/GED program, and must have been employed full-time as an instructor by Chattahoochee Technical College for a minimum of three years. Nominees will also be judged on attitude, communication skills, personal appearance, and character.”

The eight semi-finalists are Scott Allen, Amy Denney, Juanita Forrester, Tammy Gentry, Bejie Herrin, Stephanie Lawler, Diane Petty and Shari Szalwinski. The finalists will be announced next month with the school winner chosen in January. Once selected, the winner will represent Chattahoochee Technical College at the regional level of competition.

“The top eight will now go before an interview panel,” explained Cannon. “The panel will consist of administrators, community members, and students. The nominee will make a two minute introductory speech telling why he or she would be a good representative of the Technical College System of Georgia. The nominee will then have a 15 minute interview with the panel.”

Cannon won the award for Chattahoochee Technical College for 2014, and said it gave her a renewed and greater commitment and dedication to technical education. She said she is using every opportunity she can find to tell the community about the programs at the college.

“My advice for those in the running is to be yourself and enjoy this process,” said Cannon. “I would also add to be open-minded and learn as much as you can from everyone you meet along the way.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner’s Award immediately prior to his untimely death.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

(Marietta, Ga. – Nov. 20, 2014) Instructors at Chattahoochee Technical College have nominated 16 of their best students for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) competition.

Now in its 43^rd year, GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s technical colleges, as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

“The purpose of the GOAL program is to spotlight the outstanding achievement by students in Georgia’s technical colleges and to emphasize the importance of technical education in today’s global workforce,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Student Life Coordinator Faith Sumpter. It’s a pretty big deal. This is our student of the year program that honors outstanding students who excel both academically and outside the classroom. They are great representatives of the college as a whole.”

Nominees include:

A screening committee of administrators at Chattahoochee Technical College will review each of the instructors’ nominations then conduct personal interviews with the students. After the nominees have been ranked, four finalists will then be chosen to compete to be the college’s GOAL winner. Students come from all different programs at the college, representing many of the in-demand careers today, according to Sumpter. Finalists will be announced later this month and the school winner will be announced in January.

After another round of interviews and evaluations, the student judged most outstanding will be designated as the college’s GOAL winner and move on to the regional competition. Then three from each of the three regions will make up the nine semi-finalists, who will be named in April at the state GOAL conference in Atlanta. The nine regional finalists will then move to the state level and compete for the title of state GOAL winner.

The student who earns the state GOAL winner title is also awarded the important responsibility of traveling the state as the ambassador for the entire technical college system. To make that travel easier, the winner also receives a new car.

For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

(Jasper, Ga. – Dec. 16, 2014) Chattahoochee Technical College recently hosted its first meeting of the President’s Community Advisory Council for Pickens County. Consisting of 17 members, as well as Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb and Vice President for Facilities David Simmons, the group met for about 90 minutes at the Appalachian Campus of the college in November.

As a part of Dr. Newcomb’s efforts to re-focus attention on the individual counties and communities that comprise the area served by the college, officials with Chattahoochee Technical College are building advisory committees in each county served. Members of the advisory council were identified and selected from among key business, community and education leaders to serve two- or three-year terms.

“This is a dynamic and energized group of professionals who truly know and love Pickens County,” Dr. Newcomb said of the group. “Their feedback, involvement, and dedication will help Chattahoochee Technical College answer the needs of the community in terms of higher education and workforce development.”

Meetings are held in a forum setting with two essential questions planned to shape the dialogue. The first meeting allowed members to discuss the state of the college in Pickens County with information on enrollment, demographics, high school programs and initiatives, academic programs and economic development. Meetings will be held twice a year.

Members for the Chattahoochee Technical College President’s Advisory Council – Pickens County include:

• Reeder Burch, Distribution Manager, Royston
• Max Caylor, Retired Minister
• Mike Denson, Owner/Agent, Denson Insurance Agency
• Andrew Diemer, General Sales Manager, Day’s Chevrolet
• Jeff Downing, Gneral Sales Manager, IGA Food Store
• Mary Ghorley, Risk Services Coordinator, Piedmont Healthcare
• Matt Ledford, Opersations Manager, Quality Synthetic Rubber
• Chris LeMieux, Principal, Pickens High School
• Gerry Nechvatal, Community and Economic Development Director, Pickens County Chamber of Commerce
• Todd Payne, Vice President of Corporate Administration, Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation
• Mary Perkins, City President, United Community Bank
• Lula Mae Perry, Superintendent, Pickens County Board of Education
• Debbie Pickett, Director of Administrative Services, Big Canoe POA
• Jarod Trammell, Business Development Officer, Community Bank of Pickens County
• Anil Yadav, Physician/Owner, Prestige Medical Group
• Chris Wallace, Assistant Principal and CTAE Director, Pickens High School
• Lewis Williams, Human Resources Director, Quality Synthetic Rubber

(Acworth, Ga. – Dec. 18, 2014) The nationwide demand for paralegals and legal assistants is growing. As a result so is Chattahoochee Technical College’s Paralegal Certificate Program. The program, which is taught through the Economic Development arm of the college, has expanded to offering courses on two campuses now – both Marietta and the North Metro Campus in Acworth.

“Paralegal jobs are projected as growing faster than average, and obtaining a certificate in Paralegal studies will give the job candidate an edge over the competition,” said Economic Development Coordinator Cindy Holland. “Additionally, our program meets the requirements for certification by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) if a graduate wishes to obtain a national certification.”

Paralegals assist attorneys with many of their duties, including research, preparing documents and interviewing witnesses. With a lower salary than attorneys, paralegals are popular hires among insurance companies, law firms, medical groups, corporations and government agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for paralegals to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.

The program has previously been offered at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College since 1992, but moved to the Marietta Campus last year. Demand for the non-credit program that takes approximately one year to complete was so high that the program will be offered on both campuses. The program consists of 14 classes at the rate of two classes per week for six weeks. Taught by local attorneys, the program also offers networking opportunities whenever possible, inviting members of organizations such as GAP (Georgia Association of Paralegals) to speak to the students and offer them the opportunity to join these associations.

The Paralegal Certificate Program is eligible for WIA funding – a federal program that will assist laid off workers as well as long-term unemployed, low income, unskilled workers in retraining or new training to help them get back in the workforce.

The next classes available for entry are scheduled for February. Tuition is $­­139 per class or $278 each six weeks for those wanting to take both classes offered. No books are required for the classes.

“Paralegal students need good verbal and written communication skills and need to be able to master word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and legal research software,” Holland said.

There is no application or registration fee for the classes. Prospective students should call to register at least five business days before the class is scheduled to begin. Call 770-528-4586 or email Cynthia.Holland@ChattahoocheeTech.edu for a more detailed schedule and complete course listing.

(Marietta, Ga. – Jan. 6, 2015) Chattahoochee Technical College is ranked as 10^th in the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of the area’s 25 largest colleges and universities. The annual listing is part of the publication’s 2014-2015 Book of Lists, which contains 115 lists of Georgia schools, businesses, healthcare agencies, industries, hospitality, real estate and more.

“We are proud to say that Chattahoochee Technical College has been in the top ten for the past several years,” said Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb. “To be named one of the top colleges and universities in the state is a significant statement that students choose CTC for its quality education, the dedicated faculty and staff and the strong student support programs we strive to provide for our community.”

The ranking includes Chattahoochee Technical College as the largest of the Technical College System of Georgia’s technical colleges around the state. It is one of two 2-year colleges to make the top ten with Georgia Perimeter College ranked as 5^th in the state. The list is compiled based on Fall 2014 enrollment numbers and includes information about tuition, fees, accreditation and degree offerings.

More than 10,000 students are served by the college’s eight campuses and online course offerings each semester. Chattahoochee Technical College offers associate degree, diploma and technical certificate of credit programs in many in-demand fields. The college also offers a wide variety of student activities, competitive events, athletics and support services.

With online and hybrid classes, the college is able to serve more students without having to use as much classroom and laboratory space. Additionally, the college is working with instructors and students to provide flexible scheduling that fits in with the school’s mostly nontraditional student base. The approach has resulted in a large segment of students taking at least one online class each semester.

“Our students are primarily working adults with many outside responsibilities,” explained Newcomb. “We at Chattahoochee Technical College are striving to remain an accessible institution of higher education from the admissions process to registration and classes that fit the needs and schedules of individuals. We want to see students achieve their academic and professional goals with us.”

Spring Semester for Chattahoochee Technical College starts Jan. 12.

The Chattahoochee Technical College Libraries will be recognizing Black History Month with a display of resources about famous African Americans and related topics. Celebrated in the month of February, Black History Month is intended to raise awareness and increase education about the contributions and struggles of Black Americans.

“It is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of African Americans, who, throughout history, have made the United States the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Libraries Barbara Moore. “It’s also a time for us to learn about the experiences of African Americans in our society, and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.”

Students, faculty, and staff can visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/services/library/ to search the Chattahoochee Technical College Libraries’ catalog for black studies. Resources available through the catalog include books, films, online resources, and articles. Topics include a wide variety of African-American and African heritage history topics and events.

For more information on this and other services provided by the Chattahoochee Technical College Library, students and faculty are encouraged to speak with a librarian at any of the college campuses or visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/services/library/.

(Marietta, Ga. – Jan. 12, 2015) Chattahoochee Technical College opened the semester with an influx of new and returning students. As of the first day of classes, more than 10,000 students were on the rolls for the college’s diploma, certificate and degree programs. The numbers are in line with recent enrollment numbers from the past year, which have averaged between 10,000 and 11,000 students.

Campuses such as Marietta and North Metro in Acworth remain popular choices for students with about 70 percent of students attending at those two locations. Online classes remain a popular option, as they offer flexibility in scheduling that many students need. More than 4,000 students are enrolled in at least one online class with 1,575 students taking classes exclusively online.

Campus enrollment as of Jan. 12 stands at:

(Ellijay, Ga. – Jan. 12, 2015) The Ellijay Learning Center of Chattahoochee Technical College recently announced a new voucher program for GED students sponsored by Faith, Hope, & Charity Inc. Students enrolled in the GED Preparation Class program have the opportunity to receive gas, grocery, childcare and clothing vouchers based on classroom attendance and progress toward the completion of the GED through the support of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

“This innovative approach is one of the stepping stones needed in achieving a GED, which then allows moving into the workplace and, hopefully, pursuing advanced training and education,” said Adult Education Lead Instructor Libby Branch. “With potential obstacles being addressed through the voucher assistance program, the GED student can better focus his or her attention on the skills needed for the GED Test. Without this type of assistance, students who have needs outside of the classroom that are not being met find it difficult to maintain consistent study habits.”

“We feel the GED program is very valuable,” said Benevolence Director Cheryl Zellinger of Faith, Hope, and Charity. “This is a small way we can help students achieve their goals. Jan Day, a volunteer with our Benevolence Office helped Libby create this program. We understand the importance of education, and that knowledge is power.”

GED Preparation classes at Ellijay Learning Center are currently offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings at 760 Tails Creek Rd., also known as Highway 282/76. For more information about the new voucher assistance program, enrollment into the GED Preparation classes, and the optional online program, contact the Ellijay Learning Center at 706-276-1185 or Elizabeth.Branch@ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

(Acworth, Ga. – Jan 21, 2015) Chattahoochee Technical College hosted the first in a series of lunch and learn events targeting manufacturers in the Northwest Georgia region. The series kicked off Jan. 21, 2015 at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College with 79 participants from 23 locally-based manufacturing companies and featured Kelley Hundt, project manager at the Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech.

The series, which is co-sponsored by the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute, Chattahoochee Technical College, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, has been designed to provide actionable tips and tools of the trade specifically designed to help Georgia Manufacturers grow their business. The first event, which cost $15 to attend, focused on creating a visual management system. Lessons included real examples of such systems, plan-do-check-act cycles, system lay out, work processes, and employee motivation.

“Georgia Tech approached us to partner with them and the local chambers of commerce to target the manufacturers in the Northwest Georgia region,” said Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Operations in Economic Development Amy Leatherman. “We are offering quarterly lunch and learn events to discuss best practices in that particular industry. They have been doing this similar type of event in the Gwinnett county area and have had much success.”

The group will next meet April 1 at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College where the topic of project management will be discussed. Each event includes lunch, networking, a presentation, case study and a question and answer session.

Registration for future events will be posted at gamep.org/events-training/all-events-training/manufacturing-growth-educational-series/. For more information on Chattahoochee Technical College Division of Economic Development visit www.chattahoocheetech.edu/business-industry/.

(Acworth, Ga. – Jan 22, 2015) For Chattahoochee Technical College instructor Bejie Herrin being a good steward to the environment is more than just a buzz word. Her efforts in the field were recognized when Herrin was recently awarded the Carolyn Crayton Award and named as Keep Georgia Beautiful’s Woman of the Year. Named after the woman who started the original Keep America Beautiful Affiliate in Georgia and was the driving force behind the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, the award honors an outstanding woman who has demonstrated longtime leadership in raising public awareness about solid waste issues, litter prevention and/or the need for citizens to participate in activities that preserve and enhance natural resources and public lands.

“This award recognizes the work that has gone into the Environmental Technology program at Chattahoochee Technical College as well as the years that I have spent working with others on environmental awareness,” said Herrin. “Professionally, the award is like a gold star, saying, ‘This person has done a good job and is good at what she does, take note.’”

Herrin has been involved with Keep Cobb Beautiful for four years, serving on the general board for the first year, and on the executive board for the past three years – first as secretary and for the past two years as chairman. She also leads Chattahoochee Technical College’s Environmental Technology Program. Offered at the associate degree level, the 70-credit hour program is available at the North Metro Campus in Acworth. The program is designed to offer specialized training to those interested in career opportunities in the environmental science related fields, course work for the program includes general education, computer applications, biology, chemistry, industrial safety and an extensive array of environmentally specific classes. A key component of the Environmental Technology Program is the opportunity to work closely with instructors, as well as with professionals from the community.

“Keep Cobb Beautiful is important for providing the citizens of Cobb County with opportunities for environmental stewardship and beautification,” said Herrin. “Helping us maintain where we live as a great place to live.”

The award, which was a surprise to Herrin, was part of the 36th annual Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards Luncheon on Dec. 12 at the Marriott Century Center. The annual program honors individuals and organizations working to improve Georgia’s environment.

“Many thanks to Todd Niemeier for gathering information and putting everything together, to Jack Siegel for reviewing all the documents, to Marcy Smith, Shane Evans and Renee Lemon for their wonderful letters of recommendation,” said Herrin. “I truly appreciate all the work that went into submitting the nomination, the frosting on the cake was winning the award.  I never would have won if all of you had not put in the effort.”

(Marietta, Ga. – January 23, 2015) Chattahoochee Technical College announced Friday the winners of its outstanding student and instructor competitions. Shardé Beatty of Canton, a Business Management Technology student at Chattahoochee Technical College, has been named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). Chattahoochee Technical College Speech Instructor Shari Szalwinski of Marietta was awarded the college’s 2015 Carnegie Instructor of the Year Award.

“I first chose technical education in high school,” said Beatty, who graduated from Columbia High School in DeKalb County and with an associate degree in early childhood care and education from Southern Crescent Technical College. “I chose Chattahoochee Technical College because I wanted to learn more about business to be successful in my career goals.”

Beatty, who is the daughter of a single mother Darlene Beatty, has always had a mind for business. According to her speech, she became an entrepreneur at 8 years old, worked in her first job at 15 and by 18 was a leasing agent at an apartment complex. From there she moved up through various positions to property manager. She now directs an after school program in Cherokee County and recently started a career as a realtor. She hopes to someday own her own brokerage and appraisal business. Beatty is also the mother of a 4-year-old son.

As the school’s winner, Beatty receives a plaque, $26,500 scholarship from DeVry University to finish her bachelor’s degree, and a new Apple iPad. All four of the finalists will receive scholarships from the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s other technical colleges as well as the two Board of Regents colleges with technical education divisions.

Beatty will now proceed to regional judging. All college GOAL winners will travel to Atlanta for two days in April. Nine finalists will be announced while in Atlanta and if chosen, she will compete with the other GOAL finalists from the other state technical college campuses. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview them and choose one to be the 2015 state GOAL winner and the recipient of the GOAL medallion and a new Chevy Cruz. A car similar to the one the state winner will receive was on display at Chattahoochee Technical College at the awards ceremony courtesy of Day’s Chevrolet in Acworth.

Szalwinski will also move forward to regional competition with her newly awarded plaque and a new Apple iPad. An instructor in public speaking, Szalwinski could not resist making a few comments to the audience at the ceremony.

“I told the panel [of judges] that I was not the best instructor at Chattahoochee Tech or even in my department,” she said. “I routinely stand on the shoulders of giants at this institution.”

As the school’s Carnegie Instructor of the Year, Szalwinski also serves as the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction nominee in a statewide program initiated by the Technical College System of Georgia to honor outstanding instructors at the System’s member institutions. Nominations for the award come from faculty and staff. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction began in 1991 and is designed to recognize and honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the Rick Perkins Award was renamed in memory and honor of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Central Technical College, who received the Commissioner’s Award immediately prior to his untimely death.

(Marietta, Ga. – Feb. 3, 2015) Chattahoochee Technical College graduate Alarise Burton’s artwork will be featured in this year’s Winners’ Book and other publications for the 2015 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) and Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction. This was the fifth year for the contest, which is open to all students at Georgia’s technical colleges. This is the second win for a Chattahoochee Technical College student in this competition.

“I started with my vision of what I thought of when I heard the word GOAL,” said Burton. “The design features a runner crossing the finish line to signify accomplishing a goal.”

As the winner of the contest, Burton will be awarded $500 and her picture will appear in the back of the book. Her design was selected from submissions from technical college students throughout the state. Burton, is a resident of Powder Springs, Ga. and recently completed her studies in Design and Media Production Technology at Chattahoochee Technical College and now hopes to continue her education at Kennesaw State University. In the meantime, she’s begun freelancing with area companies to further her design skills.

Offered at the diploma and degree levels, the Design and Media Technology Program at Chattahoochee Technical College encompasses classes in visual media, graphic design and prepress, computer animation, photography, motion graphics and printing operations. Classes are taught at the college’s Mountain View Campus in Cobb County.

“Attending Chattahoochee Technical College has been a great experience,” said Burton. “It’s a good college and the instructors have been very informative and helpful in assisting me in launching a career.”

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College and its programs, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.