Alabama Community College System

JSCC Foundation Chairperson Honored for Philanthropy Jefferson State Community College Foundation Chairperson Stan Batemon was recently honored as a 2024 recipient of the Volunteer in Philanthropy Award presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. A native of Fultondale and an alumnus of Tarrant High School, Jefferson State Community College and UAB, Batemon’s lifelong dedication to service has profoundly impacted his community. After serving as a decorated U.S. Marine in Vietnam, he returned home and pursued degrees in biology and business administration at Jefferson State. His commitment to public service extended through his role as an Alabama state game warden and later as chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. During his tenure as a commissioner, and now in his ongoing role as chairman, Batemon has helped spearhead economic development initiatives that significantly contributed to the county’s growth. Under his leadership, St. Clair County has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the Birmingham metro region. In addition to his public service, he has been deeply involved in civic organizations, including the Pell City Chamber of Commerce and the Pell City Lions Club. His leadership also extended to founding the Pell City Leadership Program, which evolved into Leadership St. Clair County. As chair of the Jefferson State Community College Foundation board of directors, he continues his lifelong passion for education. Through his work to propel Jefferson State forward, Batemon has ensured his dedication to community and education will endure for future generations. #Alabama #PellCity #StClairCounty #Philanthropy #Tarrant #Fultondale #Community #AmericanLegion #Education #HigherEd #Birmingham #BirminghamAL #UAB #USMarines #USMC #Volunteer #Philanthropy #Service Alabama Community College System UAB Alumni Jefferson State Community College Center for Workforce Education American Association of Community Colleges Stan Batemon

The Alabama Community College System thanks the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils for its donation to the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) as the league announced Tuesday the launch of women's flag football to its athletics slate beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year! Tuesday’s announcement was conducted at the Cramton Bowl with participating college officials in attendance, including presidents, deans and athletic directors. Representatives from NFL FLAG, Alabama Recreation and Parks Association and RC&D were also on hand. “Women’s flag football is the fastest growing sport in the United States and arguably ever. It is skyrocketing,” said Izell Reese, a Dothan native and executive director of NFL FLAG. “At one time, females didn’t have a path to continue to play flag football beyond high school. It’s phenomenal to now hear of the opportunities that are going to come at the community college level. I can tell you the four-year colleges are thrilled about the opportunity you’ll provide.” Added RC&D Executive Director Katie Conner: “This initiative promotes inclusion, empowers women in sports and creates new opportunities for community college student-athletes. We are so proud we can be a part of this – something new and exciting for our state.”

“This agreement with the University of South Alabama provides our culinary arts graduates with an incredible opportunity to further their education and build a promising future in hospitality and tourism,” said Bishop State Community College President Olivier Charles. “This initiative also fosters collaboration between our institutions, benefiting students by reducing barriers in higher education.”

The Alabama Community College System was recognized this week for earning an Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) Award for its outstanding cleanup work earlier this year during the "Don't Drop It on Alabama" campaign! The ACCS made a significant impact across the state, collecting 18,377 pounds - or nine tons - of trash, debris, and recyclables across the state. This year's collection represents a 67% increase from last year's total of 11,000 pounds. Partnering with Alabama PALS and other organizations, our colleges have shown that collective action amplifies our impact, creating a lasting difference across the state,” said ACCS Vice Chancellor David Walters. Additionally, congratulations to Gadsden State Community College for receiving a $1,000 prize for its collection efforts. The school collected 7,950 pounds of litter, the highest amount among the ACCS. In addition to Alabama PALS, the ACCS thanks the support received from Coca-Cola UNITED Careers, Paths for Success Foundation, and the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils!

Thank you to Leidos for investing in Drake State Community and Technical College and Alabama's community college students!

“The CDL program is one of our most popular and fastest growing programs,” said Ingram State Technical College President Annette Funderburk. “The addition of these simulators will allow us to expand the program while also allowing our students to hone their skills by giving them more time with their hands on steering wheels and feet on gas pedals.” Added ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker: “These donations from ADECA will allow these men and women who have decided they want to do better, the opportunity to compete for a job in career field of their choice upon their release." Thank you, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs!

This week in the Adult Ed classroom, I facilitated a hands-on experience with the Transfr Virtual Reality system for immersive career simulations. Collaborating with the LBW Rise program, this student explored a range of career experiences including EV Battery Replacement, Oil Change, Demolition of an Overpass & various Healthcare options This technology offers a unique, hands-on approach to exploring diverse career paths. This is an exciting time to be part of EdTech! Adult Education - Alabama Community College System Alabama Community College System #Collegeisforeveryone LBW Community College

The Alabama Community College System's Skills for Success training continues to aid Alabamians at a rapid pace, offering free trainings in skills like skid steers, fiber optics, carpentry, hotel operations, ambulance operator, and much more! “We work with industries across the state and ask: What’s your need? What are the skills involved? What do people need to know?” said Skills for Success Workforce Director Houston Blackwood. “Then we work with those industries and companies, and we build each course that we then give to community colleges around the state, and they deliver them in the way it best fits for their particular area. And that’s what makes it magic: we can reach every community, every high school, every person in Alabama — and they all have access to this no-cost training that is built by the very industries that need the workers.”

Congratulations to President Jon Koh on being among those announced in the upcoming 24-25 Alabama Leadership Initiative class. ?? Leadership Alabama is a statewide program for Alabama leaders engaged in creating a network for positive change. The program has three goals—education, connections, and personal development.

This weekend marked the launch of the Skills for Success Veterinary Assistant pilot with Northwest Shoals Community College! A huge thank you to Dr. Cathy Davis from Tennessee Valley Animal Clinic, P.C. for graciously opening her clinic over the weekend to support our training efforts! Our dedicated participants are diving into essential skills and techniques to prepare for their future as entry-level Veterinary Assistants. The course wraps up today, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the field! Alabama Community College System #ACCSinnovationcenter #ICskillsforsuccess #ALrapidworkforcetraining #ACCSuccess #makelifebetterAL