Northwest Shoals Community College – Shoals Insider

Northwest Shoals Celebrates Success of Upward Bound student Soraya Fonseca

Tracie — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 22:39:55 +0000

Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) Upward Bound Phil Campbell Project participant Soraya Fonseca has been awarded the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship.This will secure her place at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, upon her graduation from Russellville High School in 2024.

The QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship is a testament to Fonseca’s hard work, academic excellence, and commitment to serving others. This four-year full scholarship to Dartmouth College, one of the esteemed Ivy League institutions, recognizes her exceptional achievements both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout her high school journey, Fonseca is a NWSCC Dual Enrollment student and active participant in the Upward Bound Phil Campbell Project. She demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and dedication, serving as a Golden Tiger Mentor and as Vice President of Tutoring for the Alabama branch of the virtual educational nonprofit, Ask Us Another.

Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work at local soup kitchens and an elementary after-school program. Additionally, Soraya founded the MISC Organization, a mental health space that operates online, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to supporting others.

“Soraya embodies the values of excellence, dedication, and community service that we strive to instill in all our Upward Bound students at NWSCC,” said Sherry Campbell, Program Manager of Upward Bound Phil Campbell Project. “Her success is a testament to her hard work and perseverance, and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of her journey.”

Fonseca took a proactive approach to seeking opportunities, including applying for the QuestBridge scholarship during her sophomore year, demonstrating her commitment to personal and academic growth. Her selection as the recipient of this prestigious scholarship is a well-deserved recognition of her achievements and potential.

NW-SCC sees increase in fall enrollment due to distance learning

Staff — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 14:45:46 +0000

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL, ALA. — Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) enrolled 3,543 credit students for the fall 2018 semester, which is an increase of 101 students, or just under three percent, from fall 2017 figures (3,442).

According to NW-SCC President Glenda Colagross, in order to continue to grow, the College must continue to listen to the needs of traditional and non-traditional students in the area. “It is always exciting to see growth in our student population, but to continue this growth, we have to be flexible,” said Colagross. “The needs of our students have changed so much through distance education. Many of our traditional and non-traditional students prefer taking classes online instead of in the classroom. It is all about flexibility and convenience.”

The largest increase in student enrollment came from students taking only distance education courses. From fall of 2017 to fall of 2018, NW-SCC saw a 65% increase in the distance only students. Students taking at least one distance course increased by 47%.

“Our students are more technology driven now than ever before,” said April Cookson, Director of Distance Education. “For the first time this fall, we took our capacity limits off our distance course offerings, and you can see that there is a growing student population that prefers the online format.”

Also, NW-SCC reports significant enrollment increases in high school dual enrollment and nursing. The dual enrollment student population increased approximately 28%, and Associate Degree Nursing students increased approximately 17%.

According to Tom Carter, Assistant Dean of Admissions/Recruitment, much of the increase in high school dual enrollment can be attributed to new high school partnerships. “So many high school students are seeing the benefit of taking college courses while in high school,” stated Carter. “Our high school partners are doing a great job making sure their students have access to Northwest-Shoals to fast-track their college experience and be successful.”

The 3,543 credit student headcount is an unofficial student census following the registration of all dual enrollment high school students. Credit student enrollment does not include students who may be auditing a class or enrolled in non-credit workforce training courses. Fall semester enrollment numbers are not official until verified by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) at the end of the semester.

NW-SCC to hold Saturday registration this weekend

Staff — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 00:47:21 +0000

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — With the fall semester right around the corner, Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will host a registration event this Saturday, August 11, 2018, on the Shoals Campus.

This Saturday (8/11) from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., NW-SCC will help new and current students apply and register for the fall semester. The Saturday registration event will offer one-stop assistance in the registration process with admission to NW-SCC, course advising, financial aid, placement testing (for those who arrive by 12:30 p.m.), and with payments through the cashier’s office.

The entire registration event will take place on the Shoals campus in the Victor P. Poole Administration Building (building 100) with the exception of placement testing (held in building 127).

For those who have not yet applied for admission to NW-SCC, they can apply online at www.nwscc.edu. Students who have not already applied for financial aid are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) immediately. The FAFSA can be submitted online at www.fafsa.gov, and the NW-SCC school code is 005697.

Fall semester classes begin August 16. For more information about the registration event, please contact Assistant Dean of Admission and Recruitment, Tom Carter, at 256-331-5262 or visit www.nwscc.edu.

Northwest-Shoals Spring 2018 President’s List and Dean’s List Honorees Announced

Staff — Wed, 16 May 2018 15:38:30 +0000

Muscle Shoals & Phil Campbell, AL — Northwest-Shoals Community College has announced its President’s and Dean’s Lists for the Spring Semester 2018.

Requirements for the President’s List are a semester grade point average of 4.0 and completion of a minimum semester course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work.

Earning President’s Honors were:

Brilliant, AL	Holly Prescott
Cherokee, AL	Katlin Thorn and Silvia Tomlinson
Courtland, AL	Dakesha Davis
Decatur, AL	Minnesha Jones
Double Springs, AL	Benjamin Berry, Nathaniel Harris, and Alex Tidwell
Florence, AL	Brandie Adams, Jasmin Barocio, Nicole Baskins, Adrianna Bonds, Timothy Danielowicz, James Davis, Jessica Davis, Kai Dollerson, Daniel Downing, Erika Elrod, Brandi Fox, Madisyn Garrett, Nickolas Garrett, Nicole Gist, Chance Hunt, Alissa Jenkins, Caleb Lambert, David McNair, Joshua Medaris, Hannah Miller, Alexandra Nabors, David Presley, Samuel Segars, Richard Seibel, Tyler Senn, and Allyson Williams,
Hackleburg, AL	Madeline Randolph
Haleyville, AL	Margaret Allen, Hunter Bales, Heather Comeens, Molly Morrison, and Cherilyn Todd
Hodges, AL	Kerry Lawler
Iron City, TN	Cody Robbins
Killen, AL	Amberly Brooks, Katherine Carlos, Darby Gooch, Taylor Latchem, Colby Morrow, Joshua Narmore, Rowan O’Connor, Lesa Rose, Patrick Smith, and Bryant Terry
Lawrenceburg, TN	Hannah Luker
Leighton, AL	Michael Dickens
Lexington, AL	Jake Burbank, Ethan Gibson, Morgan Mizell, and Sara Word
Lynn, AL	Lauren Belcher and Austin Stephenson
Moulton, AL	Patty Cottongim, Jarrett Hollis, Emily Mitchell, Brittney Pearson, and Melissa Watson
Mt. Hope, AL	Samantha Loden
Muscle Shoals, AL	Leoma Agee, Alyssa Birt, Erica Bohannon, Michaela Coan, Hannah Goff, Teiara Granville, Julia Henley, Adam Irslinger, Dirk Jeffreys, Crystal Jordan, Wesley Lawrimore, Tina Layne, Benjamin Letsinger, James Lytle, Bethany Montgomery, Nhi Nguyen, Roderic Norris, David Sherrod, and Christian Williams
Phil Campbell, AL	Bethany Litteral, Kody Lowery, Lex May, and Abby Swinney
Red Bay, AL	Brooklyn Bolton and April Tucker
Rogersville, AL	Brenna Birdwell, Morgan Phillips, Amanda Reding, Candace Taylor, and Crystal Williams
Russellville, AL	Fredy Argueta, Susie Boyd, Megan Brockway, Emily Dickerson, MaKayla Franks, Jace Gallagher, Wendy Garcia, Lariza Garcia Delgado, Lauren Goines, Melissa Hernandez-Jimenez, Daniel Jenkins, Pedro Lucas, Caitlyn Morgan, Jennifer Morgan, Kaylee Rickard, Sierra Robinson, Jacob Rogers, and Kaitlyn Vandiver
Savannah, TN	Elizabeth Gonzalez
Sheffield, AL	Ivy Clark
Spruce Pine, AL	Elijah Crandall, Kristy Hamilton, Michael Roberson, and Hunter Swinney
Town Creek, AL	Samantha Culver, Chase Johnson, and Jonah Sprinkle
Tuscumbia, AL	Amanda Adkins, Kristin Davenport, Sydney Head, Javon Irons, Markus Jones, Emilee Moseley, and Elisa Tennyson
Vina, AL	Luke Stanford
Waterloo, AL	Tanner Dowdy

Requirements for the Dean’s List are a semester grade point average of 3.5 or above but below a 4.0, and completion of a minimum semester course load of 12 semester credit hours of college-level work.

Earning Dean’s List Honors were:

Anderson, AL	Makensey Hogue and Aline Simpson
Bear Creek, AL	Mason Cantrell
Cherokee, AL	Casey Durham, Darby Kennedy, Erica Malone, and Alexis Nalls
Double Springs, AL	Brantley Garrison, Emmalee Martinez, Olivia Martinez
Florence, AL	Natshiela Bates, Tori Beck, Brian Berry, Katlin Bretherick, Lyndsey Brooks, Austin Bruce, Clayton Chapin, Kayla Creasy, Zachary Crunk, Jason Dodge, Anna Elliott, Hollis Garrard, Erin Gilbert, Taylor Glover, Lea Hackney, Conner Hall, Michael Haney, Leslie Helton, Joshua Hensley, Haley Holden, Steven Hunt, Benjamin Kilburn, Sabrina Montgomery, Kaitlyn Moss, Braydon Poss, Kayla Robinson, Conner Sims, Johni Sutton, Samuel Watson, and Kaylee Woods
Hackleburg, AL	Kailee Colburn and James Norton
Haleyville, AL	Kolby Benford, Brayden Cagle, Benjamin Godsey, Melissa Harris, and Frank McAlpine
Hamilton, AL	Andrew McClung
Killen, AL	Levi Akers, Rebecca Alexander, Lydia Dial, Gera Evers, Lakota Gray, Cassidy Hannah, Cody Jordan, Stokes Kasmeier, Mary Jodi Larson, Carley McKinney, Anna Richardson, Ian Richardson, Sara Smith, Kolby Stamps, Paige Wilbanks, and Katie Wright
Leighton, AL	Michael Bates, Lasebre Boling, Rachel Clotfelter, and Susannah Clotfelter
Lexington, AL	Jacob Sewell and Mycala White
Loretto, TN	Sydney Hallmark
Lynn, AL	Jesse Pendley
Moulton, AL	Addie Cottongim, Abbey Cross, and Delaney Terry
Mt Hope, AL	Amber Lynch
Muscle Shoals, AL	Caitlin Bentley, Joseph Boshell, Dustin Bratcher, Daniel Dent, Samiksha Gautam, Lauren Leeds, Shelby Oakley, Bailey Phillips, Britten Randolph, Lisa Slusher, Clinton Stacy, and Courtney Willingham
Phil Campbell, AL	Mackenzie Elkins, Kathryn Gibson, Klaudia Harris, and Dillion Jackson
Red Bay, AL	Autumn Higginbottom, Angel Martinez Sanchez, and Alanis Welch
Rogersville, AL	Jason Barksdale, Emma Covington, Brock Davis, Matthew Glover, Ragen Meadows, Ashlie Murphree, Noah Richardson, and Fabien Valles
Russellville, AL	Cody Adams, Ryan Askew, Emilia Bahena, Hayden Bell, Christopher Fernandez, Nathaniel Franklin, Jorge Gerardo Rendon, Debbie Gomez-Mayen, Kayla Hughes, David Lugo Barrera, Mercedes Mitchell, Kaitlin Nolen, Leslie Perez Argumedo, Joshua Pinkard, Sarah Rose, Allison Standridge, Josue Vargas, Elijah Wade, and Christopher Yancey
Sheffield, AL	Trace Morris, Tuesday Richey, Tamara Sibley, Brittany Stark, and Rachel Thompson
Spruce Pine, AL	Levi Hargett, Allison Harvey, and Jordan Sharp
Town Creek, AL	Bradley Ellis, Allie Kelley, and Janie Wilson
Tuscumbia, AL	Carlee Benson, Emma Bratton, Cyntonia Carroll, Sera Davis, Collie Despigno, Quentin Evans, Darby Frederick, Leah Gunderman, Laura Haley, Johnathon Hardy, Shaynna Hodge, Adam Rainey, Kyle Rogers, and Nancy Stowe
Waterloo, AL	Isaiah Bryant, Christopher Gean, Corbyn Jones, and Skyler McFall
Anderson, AL	Makensey Hogue and Aline Simpson
Bear Creek, AL	Mason Cantrell
Cherokee, AL	Casey Durham, Darby Kennedy, Erica Malone, and Alexis Nalls

NW-SCC to Celebrate Black History Month

Staff — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:22:02 +0000

MUSCLE SHOALS & PHIL CAMPBELL – Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will feature an I Have A Dream! concert on the Phil Campbell and Shoals campus in celebration of February as Black History Month.

Thursday, February 22, 2018, the NW-SCC Cultural Affairs Committee will hold an I Have A Dream! concert on the Phil Campbell campus at 12 p.m. in the Student Center. The concert will feature the NW-SCC Chorale and Jazz Band, Jayla Green and Elizabeth Harris.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018, the NW-SCC Cultural Affairs Committee will hold an I Have A Dream! concert on the Shoals campus at 12 p.m. in the Hospitality Center. The concert will feature the NW-SCC Chorale, Jayla Green, Harvey Thompson, Theron Brown Jr., and Howell Sledge (son of music legend, Percy Sledge).

Events on each campus will conclude with a “Soul Food” tasting.

For more information on any of the events, contact Casey Eggleston at (256) 331-5357, NW-SCC Cultural Affairs Committee.

NW-SCC helped Franks find her path to Pharmacy School

Staff — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:27:35 +0000

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.

NW-SCC awarded $447,942 for Youth Success Program Grant

Staff — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 17:52:44 +0000

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — The Youth Success Program (YSP) at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) has been funded for $447,942 for the 2017-2018 by the Governor’s Local Workforce Areas (GLWA).

“We were thrilled to receive the news that we were funded for the 2017-18 academic year,” said Youth Success Program Coordinator, Cindy Statom. “We can now continue to positively impact the lives of more young people and help them reach their educational and employment goals.”

Over the past year, the YSP served 152 out-of-school youth which surpassed the goal of 125. Through the help of the YSP program: 24 students received their GED or high school diploma, 35 entered college (YSP provided $37,460 in book scholarships and tuition) and 57 obtained employment.

The Youth Success Program (YSP) at NW-SCC serves out-of-school youth ranging in age from 16-24 in the following counties: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence and Winston counties. YSP identifies and assists those who have been unable to complete their education and need guidance and assistance deciding between continuing their education and seeking additional training toward employment.

YSP offers services such as job skills/employment training, GED support, college enrollment assistance, tutoring and mentoring.

For more information on the NW-SCC Youth Success Program, call 256.331.5262.

Northwest Alabama Job Fair employers to have over 450 jobs available

H. Wayne Nix — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 18:19:46 +0000

Event: Northwest-Shoals Community College’s (NW-SCC) Shoals campus will host the Northwest Alabama Job Fair featuring 26 area employers with over 450 job openings available.

Who: Employers participating are listed at nwscc.edu/jobfair.shtml

What: The Job Fair will feature 26 area employers along with industry representatives, the Shoals Career Center and the following NW-SCC programs: Ready to Work, Adult Education, Career Technical, and Admissions/Financial Aid will have booths with representatives to assist and answer any questions people may have.

When: Thursday, July 14 from 4 – 8 p.m. and Friday, July 15 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon

Where: NW-SCC Shoals campus; Patriot Center (Gym, Bldg. 118), 800 George Wallace Blvd., Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

UNA Looks to Strengthen Partnership with Northwest-Shoals and Other Area Community Colleges

H. Wayne Nix — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 19:29:04 +0000

UNA President Dr. Kenneth Kitts hosts group of community college presidents.

FLORENCE, Ala. – Officials from Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) were on the University of North Alabama campus Thursday afternoon for a special meeting. NW-SCC President Dr. Humphrey Lee and UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts met to discuss ways in which both schools could strengthen their partnership with each other.

NW-SCC is often seen as a feeder institution for UNA and because of that Kitts said he wanted to make sure the two schools are doing everything they can to work together in order to make higher education a priority in the Shoals. Kitts said that UNA is always looking to have more students transfer from NW-SCC, but the University also refers some students to NW-SCC as well.

“As the two institutions of higher education in the Shoals, it’s important for us to work together as much as possible,” said Kitts. “And really, it comes down to one thing; we are looking for every opportunity to help people have access to education. Of course, we hope this renewed effort will result in more students matriculating to UNA, but more importantly, this will show students that both of these institutions have their long-term educational goals in the forefront,” he said.

In addition to the meeting with the Northwest-Shoals representatives, the presidents and other key staff from Bevill State Community College, Calhoun Community College and NW-SCC participated in a strategy luncheon Thursday at Rogers Hall on the UNA campus. Presidents Dr. Jim Klauber (Calhoun), Dr. Larry Ferguson (Bevill) and Dr. Humphrey Lee (NW-SCC), along with other officials, engaged in discussions concerning new student referrals, transfer enrollment trends and possible partnership opportunities among the institutions. Kitts said he hopes that UNA can form better partnerships with all the community colleges in northern Alabama.

“When we work together, the real winners are the students; and that’s always our No. 1 priority,” Kitts said.

Pre-Registration Open for Northwest Alabama Job Fair at NW-SCC

H. Wayne Nix — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:23:19 +0000

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. — Avoid the summer heat and long registration lines by pre-registering at nwscc.edu for the Northwest Alabama Job Fair at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC).

Online pre-registration will be open June 20th – July 13th. NW-SCC will host the job fair Thursday, July 14 from 4 – 8 p.m. and Friday, July 15 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon in the Patriot Center (gym) on the Shoals campus.

“The job fair will be an excellent way for employers to recruit upcoming Northwest-Shoals graduates, current students, university graduates and area residents,” said Dr. Humphrey Lee, NW-SCC President. “We are expecting a great event with employers from all over Northwest Alabama and the Huntsville area.”

Prior to the job fair, the Shoals Career Center will be providing FREE “Job Shops,” teaching job seekers how to best handle the process of finding a new or better job, on an as needed basis. Job seekers can take advantage of everything from resume` writing assistance, interviewing techniques, dressing for success and much more. The Shoals Career Center is open from 7:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.; Monday – Friday. For more information, call 256.383.5610 or email sheffield@alcc.alabama.gov.

According to Cari McCanless with NW-SCC Workforce Solutions, the College hopes to use this event as a resource for its industry partners. “Through this job fair we hope to provide an avenue for our industry partners to fill some of their current and future needs with qualified individuals for employment,” stated McCanless. “We have put this job fair together with the mission of being able to help anyone who walks through the door to find a job, find a better job or get them on the right track to getting that job through Northwest-Shoals.”

Along with industry representatives, the Shoals Career Center and the following NW-SCC programs: Ready to Work, Adult Education, Career Technical, and Admissions/Financial Aid will have booths with representatives to assist and answer any questions people may have.

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

For more information on the job fair or if you are a company that would like to participate, please contact NW-SCC Workforce Solutions office at 256.331.5325 or cari.mccanless@nwscc.edu.