PHIL CAMPBELL — As Valedictorian of her senior class, MaKayla Franks knew she wanted to be a pharmacist and had several college scholarship opportunities. However, one college was at the top of her list when she [...]]]>

NW-SCC Sophomore, MaKayla Franks, holds her acceptance letter into the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University.

PHIL CAMPBELL — As Valedictorian of her senior class, MaKayla Franks knew she wanted to be a pharmacist and had several college scholarship opportunities. However, one college was at the top of her list when she finished her research, Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC).

NW-SCC sophomore, MaKayla Franks, found out last week her dreams were one step closer to becoming a reality when she received her acceptance letter into the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University.

Franks knew her freshman year at Tharptown High School she wanted to be a pharmacist. “There are so many different opportunities as a pharmacist, such as community or institutional pharmacy, that allow one to have hands-on experiences that go far beyond filling prescriptions,” said Franks.

According to Franks, NW-SCC offered several opportunities that were important to her when she was selecting a college. “Northwest-Shoals always seemed to be at the top of my list,” stated Franks. “I was instantly attracted to NW-SCC due to many factors including the smaller class size, the accessibility of classes due to two campuses, and the many scholarship opportunities.”

Franks says the part of NW-SCC that was most important to her and what really separates NW-SCC from other schools is the relationships the College provides. “When I say NW-SCC is my second home I mean it,” said Franks. “I have met amazing people here that have welcomed me with open arms. I will always have a network of friends and mentors that I can call on at any time.”

As a student at the NW-SCC Phil Campbell Campus, Franks has represented the College as an ambassador. As an ambassador, Franks said she obtained some of her most valuable skills. “As an ambassador, I have enhanced my leadership and organizational skills which I feel are key factors to succeed in not only Pharmacy School but in any career field,” said Franks.

After graduating from pharmacy school, Franks would like to return to Franklin County and give back to the community. She would like to eventually own her own pharmacy.

Regardless of the direction her pharmacy profession will be sure to take her, Franks will always be grateful for how NW-SCC helped her. “I have been blessed to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College, and I am forever grateful for my family here,” said Franks.

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will offer FREE job readiness workshops Tuesday, October 17th, and Wednesday, October 18th, prior to the beginning of the Northwest Alabama Job Fair each day on the Shoals campus.

The job readiness workshops will be held in building 115 on the Shoals campus from 3 p.m. [...]]]>

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will offer FREE job readiness workshops Tuesday, October 17th, and Wednesday, October 18th, prior to the beginning of the Northwest Alabama Job Fair each day on the Shoals campus.

The job readiness workshops will be held in building 115 on the Shoals campus from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17th, and 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 18th.

The Tuesday, October 17th, workshop will feature 5 Ways to Impress an Employer and a Local Employer Panel Discussion. The workshop will help job seekers learn how to stand out to potential employers and hear firsthand from local employers regarding the do’s and don’ts of the workplace. Presenters for the workshop will be Jennifer Smith, Co-owner of David Christopher’s; Clayton Wood, District Manager of Social Security Administration in Decatur, Ala.; and Alana Parker, Education and Training Director for First Metro Bank.

The Wednesday, October 18th, workshop will focus on the topic of job seekers disclosing disabilities to employers. The workshop will help inform job seekers on the disclosure of a disability and how it can be a decision that takes thought and practice. Participants will learn the appropriate methods of disclosure and resources that are available to them. This workshop is open for all individuals. The presenters for the workshop will be Nick Conway, Business Relations Consultant for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

NW-SCC will host the Northwest Alabama Job Fair Tuesday, October 17, from 4 – 8 p.m. and Wednesday, October 18, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Patriot Center (gym) on the Shoals campus. Online pre-registration for job seekers is available at www.nwscc.edu.

The Northwest Alabama Job Fair is a joint partnership between AIDT, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, NW-SCC, Shoals Career Center and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the job fair, please visit https://www.nwscc.edu/your-path-starts-here/special-programs/northwest-alabama-job-fair.

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL, ALA. — The Upward Bound program at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) has been funded $661,878 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, an increase of three percent from the previous grant cycle, by the U.S. Department of Education.

NW-SCC is one of 17 college or universities in the state of Alabama [...]]]>

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL, ALA. — The Upward Bound program at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) has been funded $661,878 for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, an increase of three percent from the previous grant cycle, by the U.S. Department of Education.

NW-SCC is one of 17 college or universities in the state of Alabama to receive the Upward Bound grant funding.

NW-SCC houses an Upward Bound program on each of the two campuses. Each program should receive funding for the next five years (2017 – 2022).

Phil Campbell Campus Program – $380,688; serves specified schools in Colbert, Franklin and Winston County
Shoals Campus Program – $281,190; serves specified schools in Colbert and Lauderdale County

“The Upward Bound Program, along with the other TRiO programs like Talent Search and Student Support Services, are so important to the students we serve,” said NW-SCC President Dr. Humphrey Lee. “All of these programs offer services to help remove obstacles toward a postsecondary education. Without these programs, many students would not be able to realize their dream of a college degree.”

The program is aimed at students between 9th and 12th grades who will be the first in their families to graduate college and come from lower income backgrounds. The program also encourages individuals to complete a two-year or four-year college degree.

The Upward Bound program is one of three TRiO programs, including Talent Search and Student Support Services, at NW-SCC. The programs are 100 percent federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students interested in applying for Upward Bound at NW-SCC can contact Elizabeth Harris, Upward Bound Coordinator/Counselor, on the Phil Campbell campus at 256.331.6277 or Casey Eggleston, Upward Bound Coordinator/Counselor, on the Shoals campus at 256.331.5357.

FLORENCE, ALA. – Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will hold its 2017 commencement exercises Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. Approximately 240 graduates will participate from the Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses.

Ceremonies will take place in the following order: Nurse Pinning [...]]]>

Dr. Glenda Colagross, Interim President, Southern Union State Community College

FLORENCE, ALA. – Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will hold its 2017 commencement exercises Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. Approximately 240 graduates will participate from the Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses.

Ceremonies will take place in the following order:
Nurse Pinning Ceremony (ADN) 4:00 p.m. Woodmont Baptist Church; Florence, Ala.
NW-SCC Commencement 7:00 p.m. Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum; Florence, Ala.

Dr. Glenda Colagross, Interim President, Southern Union State Community College, will provide the keynote address to NW-SCC graduates. She has served as Interim President of Southern Union State Community College since August of 2013. Colagross came to Southern Union from NW-SCC, where she serves as Vice President.

Throughout her professional career, she has received such distinctions and honors as being elected to the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in 2013, serving as president of the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) Instructional Officers Association, being recognized as instructional officer of the year, and playing an instrumental role in the implementation of reverse transfer agreements throughout the state. These agreements between universities and community colleges allow students to apply credits earned at a four-year institution back to the community college in order to receive an associate degree.

Colagross’ educational background includes Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from the University of North Alabama; and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama.

Approximately 750 students have completed requirements for graduation during the 2016 summer, 2016 fall and 2017 spring semesters.

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL — Kaylen Bishop and Ashley I Dulce Rosa Figueroa-Cifuentes were selected to the 2017 All-Alabama [...]]]>

The 2017 NW-SCC All-Alabama Academic team consists of Kaylen Bishop (pictured on the right) and Ashley I Dulce Rosa Figueroa-Cifuentes (pictured on the left). They are joined by NW-SCC President, Dr. Humphrey Lee.

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL — Kaylen Bishop and Ashley I Dulce Rosa Figueroa-Cifuentes were selected to the 2017 All-Alabama Academic Team for Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) and honored last Friday (4/14) at the All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Luncheon at Ross Bridge Hotel and Spa in Birmingham, Ala.

Bishop, a Haleyville native, currently is majoring in Secondary Education at NW-SCC and plans to transfer to the University of North Alabama.

Figueroa-Cifuentes, a Russellville native, currently is majoring in Criminal Justice at NW-SCC and plans to attend Athens State University.

The faculty and staff of NW-SCC nominate students from each campus of the college. The criteria for voting for a student is to choose students who “excel academically; demonstrate intellectual rigor in their course of study; show academic growth and potential; and use their two-year college education to better themselves, their schools and their communities.”

All nominees are presented to the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for final selection. Each community college in Alabama has two representatives.

The Alabama College System’s All-Alabama Academic Team Recognition Program was established in 1995 as an enhancement to the All-USA National Academic Team Recognition Program, which is sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today.

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will reopen from the holiday break Thursday, January 5, 2016, and resume 2017 spring registration.

Spring registration will be held in the Administration building on both the Shoals (Building 100) & Phil Campbell (Building 301) campuses. The office of Admissions’ hours of operation [...]]]>

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will reopen from the holiday break Thursday, January 5, 2016, and resume 2017 spring registration.

Spring registration will be held in the Administration building on both the Shoals (Building 100) & Phil Campbell (Building 301) campuses. The office of Admissions’ hours of operation will be 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Monday – Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Spring classes begin Monday, January 9, 2017.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the spring semester schedule, visit nwscc.edu.

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College’s (NW-SCC) Foundation will feature five hit songwriters from the Shoals; Gary Baker, Donnie Fritts, Donnie Lowery, Mark Narimore and Spooner Oldham, at the 24th Annual Pathfinder’s Dinner Monday, October 17, [...]]]>

Gary Baker is one of the songwriters that will be at the Pathfinders dinner at NWSCC.

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College’s (NW-SCC) Foundation will feature five hit songwriters from the Shoals; Gary Baker, Donnie Fritts, Donnie Lowery, Mark Narimore and Spooner Oldham, at the 24th Annual Pathfinder’s Dinner Monday, October 17, 2016, at the Shoals Marriott Conference Center in Florence.

The five Shoals songwriters have written hit songs for artists: Alabama, All-4-One, Aretha Franklin, John Michael Montgomery, Percy Sledge, Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Shenandoah, The Backstreet Boys and Waylon Jennings.

The semi-formal evening, sponsored by Helen Keller Hospital, will consist of a reception at 6:00 p.m., dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. (dinner music will be performed by the NW-SCC Jazz band) and entertainment at 8:00 p.m. Contributions are federal income tax deductible and all proceeds will go to the NW-SCC Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Tickets can be purchased online via PayPal at http://www.nwscc.edu/foundation/foundation.shtml
or by calling 256-331-5215/5240.

Tickets are $75, $600 per table (seats 8) and include reserved seating. Tickets are now available at all branches of First Metro Bank. For more information or tickets, please contact Teresa Harrison (256) 331-5215, teresah@nwscc.edu or Adriana Wuotto (256) 331-5240, awuotto@nwscc.edu.

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL, — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) enrolled 3,757 credit students for the fall 2016 semester, which was an increase of 57 students, or 1.5 percent, from final fall 2015 figures (3,700).

The 3,757 credit student headcount is an unofficial student census [...]]]>

Distance education only students up 32% this fall

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL, — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) enrolled 3,757 credit students for the fall 2016 semester, which was an increase of 57 students, or 1.5 percent, from final fall 2015 figures (3,700).

The 3,757 credit student headcount is an unofficial student census following the registration of all dual enrolled high school students. Credit student enrollment does not include students who may be auditing a class or enrolled in non-credit workforce training courses.

According to NW-SCC President Humphrey Lee, the key to growth is listening to area students. “We’re excited about the increase,” said Lee. “We really hope to build on this moving forward. We have to continually listen to the needs of students in our area and deliver programs that meet those needs.”

NW-SCC reports significant enrollment increases over fall of 2015 in Distance Education, Electrical Technology, Health Studies (Emergency Medical Services, Medical Assisting, Nursing, etc.), Business Administration and high school dual enrollment.

Students taking distance education only, increased 32%

Electrical Technology students increased approximately 49%

Business Administration students increased 21%

Health Studies students increased 10%

Dual enrolled students increased approximately 29%

“We can really see a change in the culture of the way our students are preferring to take courses,” stated Tom Carter, Assistant Dean of Admissions/Financial Aid/Recruitment. “They want to do what best fits their lifestyle and work schedules. It is our job to make sure we offer them the tools and do everything we can to help them be successful.”

MUSCLE SHOALS — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Public Relations Department received five (5) awards and was recognized for its outstanding marketing and public relations efforts by the Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association (ACCSPRA) last week.

During ACCSPRA’s [...]]]>

NW-SCC wins five (5) awards during the 2016 ACCSPRA Pyramid Awards and annual conference

MUSCLE SHOALS — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Public Relations Department received five (5) awards and was recognized for its outstanding marketing and public relations efforts by the Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association (ACCSPRA) last week.

During ACCSPRA’s recent annual conference in Orange Beach, Ala., NW-SCC’s Public Relations department accepted two (2) Pyramid Awards, one (1) Award of Achievement and two (2) Awards of Merit.The College was presented awards in the following categories for marketing and public relations materials created and/or used during the 2015-2016 year:

Pyramid Award (1st place) Catalog: 2015-16 College Catalog; Promotional Video: Man Enough to be a Nurse, #strongnurses

Award of Achievement (2nd place) Video Advertisement/PSA: 2015-16 Student Recruitment Commercial

Award of Merit (3rd place) Annual Report: 2015 President’s Report; Schedule: 2016 Summer Course Schedule

The Pyramid Awards ceremony recognized two-year college public relations, marketing and recruiting professionals who submitted marketing and public relations materials.

The mission of ACCSPRA is to enhance the image, strengthen and promote awareness and public perception of the Alabama Community College System.