ATLANTA METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGEAnnual Report 2014-2015

Believe. Begin. Become

About AMSC

Originally established as Atlanta Junior College in 1974,

the college became the thirty-firstinstitution of the University Systemof Georgia with an initial enrollmentof 504 students. e name of theinstitution was officially changed toAtlanta Metropolitan College duringthe 1987-1988 academic year and toAtlanta Metropolitan State Collegein 2012. Atlanta Metropolitan StateCollege offers a unique campusenvironment for its students. ecollege is located within the city ofAtlanta, which boats an urban population of approximately 3.4million, a thriving economy, and an

international outlook with all the cultural resources of a thrivingmetropolitan area.

MissionAtlanta Metropolitan State College(AMSC) is a four-year unit of theUniversity System of Georgia,offering day, evening, weekend, andonline courses. e college is locatedin the southwest area of the city ofAtlanta, and is positioned on anexpansive beautifully landscapedcampus. It is also convenientlyaccessible via MARTA (Atlanta’spublic transportation system).Atlanta Metropolitan State Collegeprovides a unique campusatmosphere for its students, offeringdegree programs in more than 46areas of study.

AMSC is accredited by the SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools.It also has a rich history that is tiedto the city of Atlanta for which it isnamed. e academic programs and

services offered by the college arehigh in quality, comprehensive andunique. Associate of Science andAssociate of Arts transfer programsare available along with a JointEnrollment Program and an HonorsProgram. e courses and programsat AMSC are accessible, affordableand available seven days a week. Inaddition to traditional collegecourses, we also offer classesthrough a Morning, Evening andWeekend College.

Students find their nicheparticipating in dozens ofwholesome honorary, professionaland social clubs and organizations,including Student GovernmentAssociation, Phi eta Kappa,College Choir, the InternationalStudents Organization and theAMSC student newspaper, eStudent Times. In addition, AtlantaMetropolitan State College has astrong record in intercollegiateathletics and holds fourchampionships in the Georgia JuniorCollege Athletic AssociationConference for men’s basketball.

Senior AdministrationGary A. McGaha, Ph.D.

President

Mr. Larion M. Williams

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Mark A. Cunningham

Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness

Dr. Cynthia D. Evers

Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Michael Heard

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mr. Freddie L. Johnson

Vice President for Fiscal Affairs

Director of Media Relations and Communications:

Sheila Tenney

Photographer:

Carl Johnson

Printer:

Martino-White Printing, Inc.

University System of Georgia

Dear Atlanta Metropolitan State CollegeFamily and Friends,

On May 8th, we said farewell to thelargest graduating class in AtlantaMetropolitan State College (AMSC)history, but more importantly, wewelcomed them into the growing ranksof Trailblazers. At commencement, Ithanked our graduates for their passionto learn, the need to serve, the need togive back and impact others.

AMSC continues to be a majoreconomic and educational engine as wecontinue to make a difference in thiscommunity, the city of Atlanta and thestate of Georgia. Each year, we buildon a stellar reputation and expand theimpact that AMSC has on a growingstudent population, area employers,organizations, and communities. ispast year, AMSC was approved to offerthe Bachelors of BusinessAdministration (BBA) to compliment agrowing number of four year degreeprograms.

e College continues to make animpact that reaches far beyond theAtlanta Metropolitan community.AMSC’s high quality academicprograms and expanding footprintcontinues to encourage graduates to bechange agents in a challenging world, all

while preparing currents and futureleaders.

AMSC’s increasing enrollment humblyspeaks to the value of the institution asa distinctive and affordable learningcommunity. We are appreciative foryour ongoing support for the Collegeand our students and graduates as theymake an impact both financially andpersonally in their workplaces,communities, and beyond.

e College is seeing the fruits of thecommitment to holistically educatingstudents and future leaders and workingcollaboratively with communitypartners to cut new pathways to thefuture. We will not retreat from theseendeavors and will continue to seek andbuild high quality programs forstudents, promote alumni, seekmeaningful and measurablepartnerships with the community andfriends in the public and private sectors.

As President, I believe that thechallenge of maintaining institutionalexcellence and quality, in the face oflimited budgets, provides anopportunity for us to be creative andunrelenting in determining what isessential to our mission, to use theresources acquired wisely, and to find

alternative ways to fund the corepurposes of the institution. A majorgoal of the institution will continue tobe improving the Atlanta community byeducating residents who attend AtlantaMetropolitan State College.

As in the past, this Annual Report offersa limited but expanding report of someof the accomplishments and milestonesfrom the previous academic year.ank you for your continued supportfor our students and AMSC as thefuture remains bright for this importantand vital institution of higher learning.

Very best regards,

Gary A. McGaha, Ph.D.President

Letter froM the PreSident

On behalf of Atlanta Metropolitan StateCollege President Gary A. McGaha,Ph.D., the Atlanta Metropolitan CollegeFoundation, Inc., the students thatattend this great institution, theadministrative cabinet, the outstandingfaculty, and staff, “ank You” for yoursupport for AMSC this past academicyear. Your investment is greatlyappreciated. As a result of yourfinancial support, this vital institutionof higher learning continues to reachnew levels of success in enrollment,academic programs, student supportservices, and community partnerships.

e Honor Roll of Donors consists ofall contributors who made donations toAtlanta Metropolitan State College(AMSC) and/or e AtlantaMetropolitan College Foundation, Inc.from July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015.

Every effort has been made to includeall gis and donors to the College ore AMC Foundation, Inc. during thisperiod. However, if your name is notlisted, we sincerely apologize for anyinadvertent errors or omissions thatmay have occurred.

anks again for your continuedfinancial support and vote ofconfidence in our work on behalf of thedeserving students that attend thisinstitution.

Very best regards,

Larion Michael WilliamsVice President for InstitutionalAdvancement & Executive Director – AMC Foundation, Inc.

Atlanta Metropolitan State College

honor roLL of donorS

2014-2015 donorS

Organizations and Corporations$100-$1,000AMSC Alumni AssociationCorinth Missionary Baptist ChurchGreater Atlanta Economic AllianceHendessi & AssociatesHillsman, Inc.METROPOWER, Inc.Network for Good

$1,001-$3,000AIRMA, Inc.Atlanta Job Corps CenterAtlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.Capitol City Bank & Trust CompanyCitizens Trust BankChick-fil-A, Inc.Delta Air Lines, Inc.Emory Health CareGeorgia Power CompanyNew Calvary Missionary Baptist ChurchPositive American Youth, Inc.Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.Quiktrip CorporationSigma Gamma Rho, ETA Sigma ChapterSouthwest AirlinesUnited Way of Greater AtlantaWillie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.

$3,001-$5,000AmeriGroup CorporationBB&T BankFollett Higher Education GroupPepsi Beverages CompanyRumph & Associates

$5,001-$10,000Wells Fargo

$10,001-$24,000United Way of Greater Atlanta

Foundations$150-$1,500AD King Foundation, Inc.AMC Foundation, Inc.AT&T FoundationGeorgia Power Foundation

$1,501-$10,000Davis Family FoundationGeorgia Pacific FoundationJames & Celest Dallas FoundationMcMillan USG Foundation Achievement ScholarshipPepsico FoundationWines & Spirits Wholesalers of GA Foundation

$10,001-$30,000USG Foundation, Inc.

In-Kind SponsorsAFLACCBSGACVS CaremarkDelta DentalEyeMedGA United Credit Union Health PerxKaiserMartino-White Printing, Inc.MetLifeMinnesota Life SOAR Hospitality Group, LLCTIAA-CREFUS Bank VALIC Financial Advisors Inc.

2014-2015 donorS

Contributors 2014-2015$1-$499Mary AllenBurney BaileyCurtis Bailey Jim BaileyLouella BaileyLeroy BaldwinAbdullatif BassamMark Bauman Leatrice BellEva BirminghamMorris BlasingameElizabeth BraynonNicholas BridgesKristen BroadySharon BrownElizabeth BraynonPamela BryantEarnestine ButtoneConstance ChapmanMichelle ChapmanShondaleette ChatfieldVasanta ChivukulaDarlene ColemanDavid CorkerHenry CrawfordAbigail CrawfordBarbara CruterGrady CulpepperMark CunninghamMarie Decuir-JacksonKaren DegannesSandra DemonsWilliam DorseyJames DowdellEmerson DudleyRosa DuffinSharon Duhart

Sunita DuggalJoseph DyeCharles EasleyMoses EctorAnthony EkwuckaWeldon ElbertBrandon FambroMorgan FelderBonita FlournoyPamela FosterShirley FranklinMary FrazierRutha FrazierKeionna FreemanNatalie GatesMichelle GeisertDion GeorgeArgent Sue GibsonKierstin GilliamGwendolyn GlassSharmen GowensVance GrayRandy GunterCrystal GuyJames HarmonAlfreda HarrisGwendolyn HarrisDeLise HopsonBambi HouseChancellor Hank HuckabyNikki HunterElouise JacksonMarie JacksonSasha JacksonSheila JamesDiYanna JilesBarbara Johnson

Cheryl Johnson Natasha JohnsonCheryl Johnson Sweetie JonesJamie KellamKathy KempLillie KingDeborah LeePatrice LomaxAntonio LongJames MackLisa MalloryBarbara ManningMulugeta MarkosJoann MartinEdward MatusekDon MayKenja McCrayCedric McMillerBertha MeltonPamela MiddletonLarry MilesKatie MitchellBryan MitchellBarbara Small MorganBrandon MorganJohn MorrellRobin MosbyDiane Moss-TuttBobby OliveDelores ParkerMonica and John PearsonKathleen Joy PetersLoretta PhelpsJames PittmanJoAnn PittmanJanie Pope

C. Clayton PowellJasmine PrestonMelissa PrimoseRobert QuarlesKokila RaviDelta RawlsRegina RawlsBernice Rector Teresa Reese Janis Reid Keith ReynoldsTamara RiceWanda RichardsonShirley RobinsonTracey Cook RobinsonMeda RollingsChristopher RuffinTom and Freda RumphJames SandersRussell ScottRichard SellersStephanie SidneyRegina SimmonsNathan SloneCatherine SmallCassandra Smith Craig StevensClaudia StokesJason SweetGeorgianne omasLinda ompsonCurtis ToddCharles TurnerMarilyn UdehAline Van PuttenDon WallaceYolanda Ward

Anthony WebbDeborah Scott WebbHoward WeemsMichael WilcoxDorothy WilliamsHoward WilliamsNathaniel WilliamsStephanie WilliamsCorliss Willis-Muhammad

$500-$999Darryl HicksPatricia Smith Walter and Marilyn SullivanMarilyn TaylorJasper Wilson

$1000-$1999Langston and Charlotte AtkinsJagdish AgrawalCynthia EversMichael HeardFreddie Johnson Joseph and Rosalyn SilverWillie WatkinsCathy Wisner

$2000-$5999Frank and Velyna JohnsonMarcus GreenHazel MaysGary McGahaElridge McMillanTom and Freda Rumph

$25,000 Anonymous

ALuMni SPotLight

VINCE T. FLEETWOODUnit Sales Manager / General Manager

Vince Fleetwood currently serves as theUnit Sales Manager (GM) of Pepsi BeveragesCompany facility located in Athens, GA. He beganhis position as Pepsi’s Unit Sales Manager inOctober 2012.

Mr. Fleetwood has more than two decades ofexperience in the beverage industry – all withPepsi. Vince joined the Pepsi team in August 1994and has held a variety of sales and operationalpositions in different locations around the Georgiaarea. Mr. Fleetwood’s responsibilities and influenceextends throughout all areas of the organizationincluding strategic planning and execution,product launch and development, and peopleleadership. He has received notable awards such as“District Sales Leader of the Year”, 2004- 2007.Vince was recognized in 2007 as one of the top 10DSL’s within Pepsi South East Region “Top TenClub”. Among other awards, Vince received the“ACE” (Aspire, Commit, Excel) award in 2008 and2010. He has achieved success throughunderstanding the importance of having strong

teams that embrace the importance of striving forgreatness DAILY.

Currently, Mr. Fleetwood is responsible for theAthens facility day-to-day leadership and generalmanagement of the company which is responsiblefor 2.8M cases, $30M Revenue, and $7.2M NOPBTwhich service 15 counties. Under his leadership,Pepsi (Athens) has been able to consistentlyachieve year over year growth. He has been able todrive a healthy P&L all 3 years that he has been inthis role.

Mr. Fleetwood is no stranger to Atlanta as he is anAtlanta native. He graduated from Lakeshore HighSchool in 1987. He continued his studies andgraduated from Atlanta Metropolitan with anAssociates of Business degree. He currentlyresides in Lawrenceville, GA with his wife andthree boys. In his spare time he is a sportsenthusiast, youth league football and basketballcoach, and frequently finds himself speaking to theyouth about his road to success. If it wasn’t forGod by his side . . .

eConoMiC iMPACt

Atlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)continues to be a major economic engine inthe city of Atlanta, pumping $102 millioninto the Atlanta metropolitan economyduring Fiscal Year 2014, according to astudy conducted by the Selig Center forEconomic Growth in the University ofGeorgia’s Terry College of Business. e$102 million represents a 2.00% increase forAMSC since the FY 2013 report.

In addition to the $102 million in totaleconomic impact generated byAMSC during FY 2014, the study

determined that Atlanta Metropolitan StateCollege is responsible for 1,038 full-andpart-time jobs, up from 984 from the

previous year. Fromamong these

positions, 283positions, or 27 percent,

are on-campus jobs while 73 percent, areprivate or public-sector jobs.

e report quantifies the economicadvantages and significant benefits thatAMSC conveys to metropolitan Atlanta andFulton County. e $102 million representsthe economic impact of spending byAtlanta Metropolitan State College, itsfaculty, staff, and students who attended theinstitution in FY 2014.

“Atlanta Metropolitan State Collegecontinues to be an educational andeconomic asset to the metropolitan area,”said Gary A. McGaha., Ph.D., President ofAMSC. “e report continues toemphasize the consistent growth, andfinancial stability that AMSC brings to theregion during this period of economicrecovery.”

Atlanta Metropolitan State College ImpactsLocal Economy by $102 million

Economic Highlights

Total Economic Impact: $102 million.Employment Impact:

1,038 jobs. On avg. $1 million ininitial spending generates 14additional jobs.

Labor Income Generated:$45 million, an increase from $43million.

Personal Services:Faculty/Staff spending supports 398jobs, up from 389

Student Spending:Supports 507 jobs which is anincrease from 466 jobs.

Established in 1974, Atlanta MetropolitanState College is a four-year unit of theUniversity System of Georgia, and theCollege is fully accredited by the SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

CollegeFish is an interactive website enablingcommunity college students to successfullytransfer to a senior institution. Chapter President(2014-2015) Janet Walker is emphatic aboutAtlanta Metropolitan State College (AMSC)students connecting to this site and hasencouraged them to use CollegeFish to search forschools and scholarships, as well as mentored themin the process of creating a profile. On our collegecampus she has setup tables with give a way bagscontaining helpful CollegeFish information and

reminders and she has posted flyers and postersaround and in the Office of Student Activities and placed baby Ike’s and bookmarks in the cashierwindows in the Business Office, the President’sOffice, the Library, and the Registrar’s Office. Shealso set up display tables in all of the buildings oncampus.

But that wasn’t enough for Ms. Walker. She hasfacilitated trainings and workshops on CollegeFishat the chapter, regional and international levels.On the chapter level, Janet organizes and leadstraining sessions at least twice every semester. Onthe regional level, she makes sure a CollegeFishdisplay table and items are available for anychapter that needs them and offers training andguidance. In fact, Janet has been nicknamed “eCollegeFish Lady.” One time she gave herCollegeFish supplies to a new chapter. In addition, Janet joined advisor, Michelle Geisert, at a trainingsession for new advisors held summer 2014 atGeorgia Military College in Milledgeville, GAwhere she provided an informative and wellreceived session on CollegeFish. At theinternational level, Janet has attended a number ofCollegeFish webinars and volunteered at theCollegeFish Booth at the 2014 NerdNation inOrlando. She is proud to support this part of Phieta Kappa and, for her amazing enthusiasm, herchapter, with the support of the region, nominated

her to Phi eta Kappa International Headquarterswhere she received one of five CollegeFish FanaticAwards at the Annual Convention held in SanAntonio. We are very proud of our very ownCollegeFish Lady. To learn more aboutCollegeFish, just look for Janet and Ike aroundcampus or head to collegefish.org.

Phi thetA KAPPA AnnuAL Convention

Janet Walker named one of five 2015 CollegeFish Fanatics at thePhi Theta Kappa Annual Convention

georgiA regionAL Phi thetA KAPPA

ServiCe ProjeCt

Five members of Beta Beta Tau participated in the Georgia Regional Service Project at the Spring 2015 Conference. Memberscollected and brought items for packaging and sending to service men and women overseas. We each wrote a personal note ofthanks to be included in the boxes. e service people were thrilled to receive the care boxes.

Georgia Regional Selfie atthe Annual Convention inSan Antonio

Georgia Regional Phi eta KappaPresident Gerald Andre, Chapter OfficerNicolas Vaz, and Chapter AdvisorMichelle Geisert attended the 2015 Phieta Kappa Annual Convention in SanAntonio, Texas. During the AwardsCeremony on Saturday evening, it wasannounced that Beta Beta Tau Chapterwas named one of the Top 100 Chaptersfor the second consecutive year based on

combined scores on the Honors inAction Research and College Projects. Asecond award was presented to Dr. CurtisTodd, PTK Advisor and Beta Beta Taualumnus, where he received a Phi etaKappa International AlumniAppreciation Award. A third award wasgiven to Chapter President, Janet Walker,where she was named one of fiveCollegeFish Fanatics. Collegefish is anonline program where college studentscan register to be connected withscholarships at baccalaureate awardingcolleges. It was an exciting night for thechapter and the Georgia region.

eta Beta Tau hosted the inaugural Georgia Regional Phi eta KappaBootcamp July 2015 to regional

members. e day long session providedtraining in the Honors in Action and CollegeProjects as well as achieving Five Star Statusand enrolling in CollegeFish and was a jointeffort with Regional and chapter officers fromGeorgia Highlands College and AtlantaMetropolitan State College. We hope to raisethe research and writing skills of members aswell as make the region more competitiveinternationally.

betA betA tAu ChAPter MAKing A

differenCe in the georgiA region

Janet Walker,2014-15 ChapterPresident, ReadyTo Sign inBootcampParticipants

B

Beta Beta Tau has been very busy oncampus this past year. We partnered withthe AMP Board and the Psychology Club tobring important programming to AtlantaMetropolitan State College (AMSC.) Ourevents included Quests of HumanExpression: Tattooing As Body Art,

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct on CollegeCampuses, and our second AnnualAnti-Bullying Panel. We were named a top100 chapter at the Annual Convention inSan Antonio in April 2015 for these eventsand we plan to continue with moreprograms this year.

fALL 2014 induCtion CereMony

Georgia Regional and Chapter Officers at Annual Convention

AwArdS reCeived At the

2015 georgiA regionAL Convention

Chapter AwardsHonors In Action, eme 3: Quests of HumanExpression: Tattooing as Body ArtBeta Beta Tau, Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Honors In Action, Top Scoring Chapter across allthemesBeta Beta Tau, Atlanta Metropolitan State College

College Project: Title IX and Sexual Misconduct onCollege CampusesBeta Beta Tau, Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Distinguished Chapter of the Region Award for topscoring chapter in combined scores of Honors inAction and College ProjectsBeta Beta Tau, Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Member, Officer, andAdvisor AwardsDistinguished Chapter OfficerJanet M. Walker

Individual Regional AwardsGeorgia Hall of HonorSamuel Yeomans, 2014-2015 Chapter Vice President

Sarah Anne Staples AwardJanet M. Walker, 2014-2015 Chapter President

Georgia Distinguished AlumnusDr. Curtis Todd, AMSC and Chapter Alumnus,Chapter Advisor

Georgia Distinguished AdministratorDr. Cynthia Evers, Vice President of Student Affairs

e chapter also received two scholarships to the2015 Honors Institute at University of New Mexicoin Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Awards Receivedat the 2015 InternationalConventionDistinguished AlumnusDr. Curtis Todd, AMSC and Chapter Alumnus,Chapter Advisor

Top 100 Chapters for our combined scorescombined scores on the Honors In Action topic(e Art of Expression: Tattooing as Body Art) andthe College Project (Title IX and Sexual Misconducton College Campuses.)

Janet Walker, e 2015 Collegefish TransferTriumph Award (one of five in the CommunityCollege Student c ategory) for her outstandinginnovation, advocacy, and ambassadorship at thechapter, regional, and international levels onteaching, training, and helping students, staff andadvisors at collegefish.org.

5 Star Status for the eighth consecutive year.

Educational Opportunity CenterFirst, the Educational Opportunity Centerwould like to thank the Atlanta Metropolitan StateCollege for its continued support. Armed with ourmission and a super staff, EOC has fulfilled each ofits major objectives for the past twelve years. Wepledge to continue to be strong partners with all ofour participants and stakeholders. Our stakeholdershave been excellent in providing us with the supportwe need to assist our participants in pursuing theireducational endeavors.

e Educational Opportunity Center of AtlantaMetropolitan State College is a federally fundedgrant program from the United States Departmentof Education. e program was funded $230,000.00to assist 1000 participants from Upson, Lamar,Spalding, and Pike Counties. We will continue tostrive for academic excellence as we offer ourparticipants the best in customer service whileobtaining their educational goals and options.

e need for the Educational Opportunity Center isclearly validated by 1) a high percentage of residentswho dropped out of high school-31.4%; 2) anextremely low college-going rate-16.4%; and, 3) thehigh number of families in the target areas withincome below 150% of the poverty level-58.3%.erefore, with great pride, the EducationalOpportunity Center is proud to announce thatduring the academic recruiting year, it wassuccessful in selecting and serving the educationalneeds of its 1000 participants. Participants whowere interested in enrolling in post-secondaryeducation, an adult literacy program, needed careerinformation and guidance, financial and economicliteracy, financial aid, mentoring, tutoring, academicand personal counseling, and course selection,received assistance from the willing staff at theEducational Opportunity Center. Exceptionallyrewarding, the Annual Performance Report to theDepartment of Education revealed that theEducational Opportunity Center exceeded its goalsin meeting all four mandatory objectives. eseambitious but attainable objectives address theneeds of our participants in the target areas. 85.8%of the Educational Opportunity Center participants’

population is both low-income and first generationcollege students.

Together with our dedicated and committedpartners in education, we hosted a series ofFinancial Aid/Scholarship Awareness Workshops(one of the workshops was held in conjunction withthe Georgia Student Finance Commission at GriffinHigh School and Spalding High School). As a resultof this and other workshops at the high schools, 185College Admissions and Financial Aid applicationswere completed and 153 High School Seniors wereaccepted into postsecondary institutions.

Additionally, we hosted a series of Financial andEconomic Literacy Seminars in conjunction withlocal banks and lending institutions. In an effort tobetter equip our participants for college andbeyond, the Educational Opportunity Center alsoprovided the following workshops: CareerAwareness, Resume Writing, Goal Planning,Decision Making, Preparing and Succeeding inCollege, College Matters, Motivating the AdultLearner, Proven Successful Test Taking and StudySkills, Federal Loan Default/Rehabilitation, Stressand Time Management, and Dress for Success.

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e Educational Opportunity Center assistedparticipants with various postsecondary educationalrequirements such as ACT/ SAT Preparation,Completing FAFSA, Completing CollegeApplications, and GED/Adult Literacy Preparation.We also host career readiness services to inmates atthe Griffin and Williamson Diversion Centers,Workforce Development Centers, Department ofLabor, Family and Children Services, HousingAuthorities, and Public Health Departments.

e Educational Opportunity Center joined forceswith the Southern Crescent Technical College inomaston and Griffin Georgia on March 24-25,2015 to host two of the largest Self-EmpowermentExpos in our target area. Students and potentialstudents from Clayton, Henry, Taylor, Talbot,Monroe, Butts, and Fayette Counties along withUpson, Lamar, Spalding, and Pike Counties tooktotal advantage of the many services offered duringthe Expo. Representatives from Gordon StateCollege were in attendance to answer questions andprovide additional counseling to those students who wish to obtain Associate and/or Bachelor’s Degrees.

ree of the Educational Opportunity Center formerparticipants and recent post-secondary graduateswere fortune enough to attend the AlumniReception and STEM Conference held at the AtlantaMetropolitan State College on April 17-18, 2015.ese former participants were afforded theopportunity to meet and exchange meaningfuldialogue with other former participants, TRIOstudents, program directors, and educational andcommunity leaders. We believe these participantsand students will establish a lifelong friendship thatwill prove to be helpful throughout their academicand personal careers.

e Educational Opportunity Center providedmonthly workshops for students at the Upson LeeLearning Academy. ese students have dropped outof regular high school and returned under alternateeducational plans. e tailored workshops allowstudents to receive personal and educationalcounseling that fosters exceptional behaviorpropelling them toward obtaining postsecondaryeducation.

e Educational Opportunity Center participantswitnessed the ultimate college experience when theyvisited the Albany State University, the SavannahState University, the Atlanta Metropolitan StateCollege, and the Clayton State University fororientation and college activities. Participants alsoattended five college fairs representing over 200colleges and universities (one of which was hostedby the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and State FarmInsurance Company). Over 300 participants receivedadmission, financial aid, and scholarshipinformation to help them with selecting the right

college or university for them.Participants especially enjoyed seeingthe living facilities and eating in thecafeteria with the other college students.

Our staff attended professional developmenttrainings hosted by Georgia Association of SpecialPrograms Personnel, National EducationalOpportunity Center Association, SoutheasternAssociation of Educational Opportunity ProgramPersonnel, and Council for Opportunity inEducation. Eagerly, the Educational OpportunityCenter Staff took the challenge and committedthemselves to better serving their participants.Topics of discussion included new legislation andregulations, policies and procedures, the latest intechnology, and many other topics that will assureTRIO personnel’s success as we continue to workwith participants and students.

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e “Summer Connection” Seminar held at the Monroe G. Worthy Educational

Complex was a huge success. Over 200participants and potential participants were

exposed to various educational and culturalcommunity resources. Guess speakers and vendorsdelighted our participants as they shared theirexpertise and inspired them to pursue theiracademic goals and objectives. As a result of thisseminar, participants have found employment,housing, and educational access. e attendees

were overwhelmed with delight and gratitude asthey received valuable information that we believewill equipped them with lifelong skills.

e Educational Opportunity Center busy butrewarding academic year, culminated with afantastic summer college tour to New York City andour nation’s capital Washington, DC. Participantstoured and received valuable postsecondaryadmission and financial aid information fromHoward University, Seton Hall University,Manhattan College, and Rutgers University. Ourparticipants were overwhelmed with knowledge asthey visited the White House, M. L. King Jr., WWII,Jefferson, FDR, and Lincoln Memorials, WashingtonMonument, Capital Building, Smithsonian Institute,and the National Museum of Natural History inWashington and the 911 Memorial, Staten IslandFerry to view the Statue of Liberty, RockefellerCenter, Empire State Building, Central Park,Strawberry Fields, Grand Central Station, and theAlice in Wonderland Sculpture. Just for fun, theparticipants also attended a Broadway Play “FindingNeverland, in beautiful Times Square and “AmateurNight” at the Apollo.

ank you to everyone who played an active part insuccessfully assisting the Educational OpportunityCenter with another great year of counseling andproviding information on college admissions toqualified adults who entered and/or continued a program of postsecondary education.

Educational Talent SearchSmall Program Makes Big Impact• Educational Talent served 600 students in

2014-2015

• Recruited 60 new middle and high school

students

• Reviewed over 100 new student applications

• Provided a Career Focused Summer Enrichment

for 50 middle school students

• Provided an Educational and Cultural trip to NYC

for 30 students

• Provided over 100 college application fee waivers

to TS seniors

• Provided over 100 SAT/ACT waivers to TS juniors

and seniors

• Participated in the Saint Phillips Church Annual

STEM Workshop with 50 middle school students

• Completed over 50 FAFSA applications

• Provided over 800 free summer meals to TS

students

• Provided college admission assistance for over 60

students

• Provided career exploration for over 300 students

• Facilitated college tours for over 90 students

• Reviewed over 900 student report cards and

transcripts

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In July 2015, U.S. Department of Education awarded AtlantaMetropolitan State College an additional 5 year grant for StudentSupport Services Program. is new award will ensure thatStudent Support Services will continue to serve 140 selectedstudents until 2020. e participants received academic tutoring,advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection,assistance with information on both the full range of studentfinancial aid programs;benefits and resources for locating publicand private scholarships; and assistance in completing financialaid applications. e goal of SSS is to increase the collegeretention and graduation rates of its participants. is federallyfunded grant was subsidized by the United States Department ofEducation for this past year in the amount of $220,000.00.

• 83% of participants served by SSS project met theperformance level required to stay in good academicstanding at Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

• 82% of all participants served by SSS project havepersisted from one academic year to the beginning of thenext academic year or have graduated during theacademic year.

• 77% of the SSS participants are low-income, firstgeneration college students and/or students withdisabilities.

Student Support Services Program

e 2014-2015 academic year was a dynamicone for the omaston Upward Bound (TUB)program. We served 56 students including 21seniors. Both the students and parents initiatedan academic plan of action that will continue toaid the students in graduation and collegematriculation. Seven of our studentsparticipated in the Move On When Readyprogram at either Gordon State College orSouthern Crescent Technical College.

During the year, TUB offered over 250 hours oftutoring to our students and 150 hours ofacademic instruction during in the summer. e

staff spent over 400 hours in academiccounseling and advisement. Our students alsotoured nine colleges and participated in severalcultural events like our mentoring initiatives,Poised for Purpose and Succeed Like a Man.Students also collaborated with localorganizations, Dissipating Disparities, Inc. andthe Emancipation Proclamation Committee tovolunteer for community events.

One of our students, Sterling Neill, graduatedwith a dual Associates degree in Science and Artfrom Gordon State. Sterling is a 2015 recipient ofthe Gates Millennium Scholarship and will be

attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.She also participated in the Summer Bridgeprogram at Gordon State.

omaston Upward Bound had 38 scholars whoparticipated in the Summer EnrichmentProgram with 35 being residential on theGordon State campus. Twenty of our graduateswere accepted into an institution of higherlearning with several students receiving meritbased and local scholarships to assist them intheir costs of attendance.

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2014-2015 Thomaston Upward Bound Program

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e AMSC Upward Bound Program is a federallyfunded program that serves low income, firstgeneration students. e primary purpose of theUpward Bound Program (UB) is to provide studentswith the motivation and assistance to attend andgraduate from a post-secondary institution. e UBprogram recruits participants from 10 target highschools located in Clayton and Fulton Counties. eUB program is composed of three separate grantsthat serve a total of 210 participants.

e Upward Bound staff has been actively servingparticipants through an array of programs and eventsduring the 2014-2015 academic year. e programsponsored special weekend retreats for each gradelevel of participants to provide intense assistance incollege-readiness activities such as how to choose acollege, college tours, financial aid guidance as well asmotivational speakers. e staff has prepared 39college-ready participants in the graduating class of2015; twenty one (21) of the graduates participated inthe summer Bridge Program by taking courses atAMSC during the summer of 2015. Eleven (11) ofthe graduates will continued their education atAMSC this fall. Also, the UB graduates of 2015earned over $250,000 in scholarships for college.

Our Upward Bound participants in grades 9 -11 havea variety of positive opportunities provided by theprogram. irty three (33) participated in thesummer work study program on campus at AMSC,which provided the students with job shadowing, career information, and money for school. Five (5)students participated in the AMSC Dual Enrollment

Program in which they earned college credit. Also,115 students participated in the Upward BoundSummer Academy which provided academicenrichment in math, science, English, foreignlanguage, and other courses as well as weeklongeducational/cultural trip to Washington, DC in July.

The AMSC Upward Bound Program

Drs. Curtis L. Todd, Kokila Ravi, Harry Akoh, andVance Gray presented at the 8th Annual – 2015Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)Conference and subsequently published theirresearch findings in e Online Journal of DistanceLearning Administration. SoTL, the premiereconference on the scholarship and teaching forhigher education was held at the Coastal GeorgiaCenter in Savannah from March 25th – 27th.Attendees came from across the United States andeight foreign countries.

e AMSC team presented their research, coursedevelopment, instructional experiences, andscholarship focused on adult learners and onlineeducation. eir presentation “e Development ofan Online Adult Learner-Focused Program:Rewards and Opportunities” was well received and

garnered broad-based attendance from conferenceparticipants. e presentation endeavored toexamine holistically a number of issues; First,online and adult learner-focused courses addresssome of the pressing needs facing institutions ofhigher learning and students: access, convenience,quality and rigor, and enhanced instructionalstrategies to meet the needs of adult learnersre-entering college. Second, increased demands foronline degree programs and courses that offer theflexibility and convenience suited to the competingdemands on adult learners’ time, and the need toprovide robust courses and programs anchored inevidence based practices designed to improve andenhance teaching effectiveness to meet establishedstudent learning outcomes. One way AMSC hassought to meet this need is with the development ofan online adult learner-focused program. e

peer-reviewed journal article also examined theseissues, as well as evaluated various aspects of theCollege’s online adult learner-focusedprogramming activities and levels of studentsatisfaction.

Dr. Todd is an Associate Professor of Social Work.Dr. Ravi is the Assistant Vice President forAcademic Affairs and Coordinator of DistanceEducation. She also serves as the Prior LearningAssessment Director and InstitutionalRepresentative for Quality Matters. Dr. Akoh is anAssistant Professor of History and serves as theDepartment Head for the Division of SocialSciences. Dr. Gray is Interim Dean for SocialSciences and Assistant Professor of PoliticalScience.

fACuLty teAM PreSentS At nAtionAL ConferenCe –

PubLiSheS reSeArCh Study

From le to right:Dr. Harry Akoh,Dr. Kokila Ravi,Dr. Curtis L. Toddand Dr. Vance Gray

Summer 2015, Atlanta Metropolitan State College(AMSC) launched its first campus-wide studentInternship Program. e primary mission of theAMCS Internship Program is to provide studentslearning experiences that integrate classroomknowledge and theory with practical applicationand skill development, in a professionalenvironment. Moreover, students are affordedopportunities to explore career possibilities, gainvaluable experience, develop marketable skills, andestablish networking and professional relationshipswith potential future employers. Students haveshown overwhelmingly positive support of theAMSC Internship Program, with numerousapplications being submitted within days ofpublishing the internship program on the AMSCwebsite. “Internships are an essential part of mystrategy for achieving career goals. My familyassisted me in researching to find internships. I amalso thankful for the support AMSC provided me infinding internships,” says Benjamin Allen, a formerAMSC Pre-Engineering major and former MARTAintern.

e AMSC Internship Program spans a wide rangeof internship types and variations. e Collegepartners with various corporations, businesses,community/non-profit organizations, andmunicipalities to offer substantive, career-orientedinternships, covering the gamut of career needs andaspirations of students. In addition, students mayselect from either paid internships or those thataward academic credit. Research shows that at least65% of students who obtain meaningful career jobshave some form of internship experience on theirresume, and that internships are the fastest growingmethod that companies use for “vetting” or

interviewing for future employment, particularlyfor high paying positions.

e AMSC Internship Program is an institutionaleffort. e program is governed by a campus-wideCommittee, with representatives from each of thefive departments on campus: Academic Affairs,Fiscal Affairs, Institutional Advancement,Institutional Effectiveness, and Student Affairs. eAMSC Office of Special Programs, a unit ofInstitutional Effectiveness, manages the internshipprogram, which includes maintaining theinternship website, processing student applications,and implementing the array of services thatstudents receive who are enrolled in the internshipprogram, including: (1) access to a database ofinternship postings, (2) resume building, (2)business etiquette training, and (4) faculty/staffmentorship, offered throughout the internship toensure success. e Internship Program has beendesigned to support students' academic,professional, and personal interests throughcarefully vetted placement and applicationprocesses for both interns and internship sites. Toqualify for the AMSC Internship Program, studentsmust have the following minimum eligibilityrequirements: (1) currently enrolled AMSC student,(students must remain enrolled throughout theinternship), (2) sophomore or above (meaningearned a minimum of 30 credit hours), (3) goodacademic standing; maintain a minimum gradepoint average (GPA) of at least 2.5, and (4) report toand work with an internship advisor or mentorthroughout the process. In addition to the AMSCinternship eligibility requirements, students mustmeet the requirements set by potential employers.

For more information about the AMSC InternshipProgram and how to apply, students contact the Office of Special Programs,internships@atlm.edu, via phone at 678-623-1281,or visit atlm.edu/internships.aspx. e Office ofSpecial Programs is located in L-206. Potentialinternship sponsors are invited to contact the Officeof Special Programs to develop new internshipopportunities for students.

AMSC LAunCheS Student internShiP ProgrAM

On Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at theUniversity System of Georgia Board ofRegents meeting; Atlanta MetropolitanState College received approval forthe establishment of a Bachelor ofBusiness Administration (B.B.A.),effective April 15, 2015.

e new B.B.A. program allows AMSCstudents to complete a baccalaureate degreein Business Administration, rather thanrequiring students to transfer aercompleting an associate’s degree. Students in the program receive a solidfoundation in the basis of businessadministration and management.

rough guided elective courses, the B.B.A.program provides students the opportunity topursue specific areas of interest bycollaborating with AMSC’s existing campusprograms. Students who desire to pursuemanagement positions in Digital andEntertainment industries have theopportunity to take at least two courses fromthe Digital and Entertainment Designprogram currently being offered in theDivision of Humanities and Fine Arts. Students interested in entrepreneurshipcareers have the opportunity to take threecourses in entrepreneurship. ey also haveaccess to resources existing within the AMSCCenter for Entrepreneurship. e Center forEntrepreneurship provides assistance inwriting business plans and opportunities forprofessional internship placement and otherapplied experiences.

AMSC is the only access institution withinthe University System of Georgia (USG) inthe Metropolitan Atlanta area offering abaccalaureate degree in BusinessAdministration that prepares students topursue employment or graduate work inbusiness management. Program courses drawfrom existing AMSC programs within theDivision of Business and Computer Scienceand the Division of Humanities and FineArts. A three credit hour Internship/Co-op isrequired of all students in the BBA program.e primary delivery method for the BBAdegree program is the “face-to-face” format.Other formats and technological methods areutilized, including hybrid and online coursesto provide flexibility in scheduling.

bbA ProgrAM

AMSC Women’s Basketball team finished 4th in theConference with a 1st Team All-ConferenceSelection, Ta’Asia Wright. Ta’Asia Wright was alsovoted freshman of the Year in the Conference.

e 2014-2015 Women’sBasketball team wascomprised of allfreshmen. All will bereturning as sophomoresfor the upcoming season.

AMSC Men’s Basketballteam finished 4th in theConference with twoAll-ConferenceSelections, Carnilious

Simmons was the Conference leading rebounder,finishing third in the nation in rebounding. He wasvoted to the All-Conference Team. CarniliousSimmons and Brice Booker were voted to the 1stTeam All-Conference Freshman Team. AntoineHurst graduated this spring and will be attendingCoastal College. Glenn Holloway, early signee, willbe attending Alabama State University this fall.

AMSC’s Athletic Program had another stellaracademic year. Of the 19 players in the program, menand women, 11 were inducted into the Phi etaKappa Honor Society. (6 women and 5 men)Ta’Asia Wright and Carnelious Simmons will bePre-seasoned All conference and potentialAll-American candidates. Both students aremembers of Phi eta Kappa.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CoaCh RobeRt PRitChett

Director of athletics

AMSC SPortS

AMSC CoMMunity PArtnerShiPS

B.E.S.T. AcademyAtlanta Workforce

Development Agency

City of AtlantaGeorgia Department of CorrectionsProject GRAD Atlanta

Job CorpsGeorgia State Board of

Pardons and Parole

TRIO-AtlantaTSA-Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta

International AirportYouthBuild-Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools Clayton County Public Schools Dekalb County School District Fulton County School System

Officers

Skip Vaughan, ChairVP & General Manager/Georgia Market, PepsiBeverages Company

John O’Callaghan, Vice ChairPresident/CEO Atlanta NeighborhoodDevelopment Partnership, Inc.

Pamela D. Cross, TreasurerVice President/Senior CommunityDevelopment Officer Wells Fargo

Gary A. McGaha, Ph.D., PresidentAtlanta Metropolitan State College

Larion M. Williams, Executive DirectorVice President for Institutional AdvancementAtlanta Metropolitan State College

Board Members

Rep. Stacey AbramsAttorney/CEO Sage Works, LLC

Veronica AdadevohAgency Owner/State Farm Insurance

Dr. William “Bill” DavenportArea Manager, Georgia Power

omas W. DortchChairman/CEO TWD, Inc.

Dr. Cynthia EversVice President for Student Affairs,Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Sharmen GowensBusiness Development Director/Sciberus/MyPledger

Gita Hendessi-GardnerPresident Hendessi & Associates

Joe JacksonPresident/CEO, Greater AtlantaEconomic Alliance

Freddie JohnsonVice President for Fiscal Affairs,Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Bobby L. OliveRetired, VP for Student Affairs, AtlantaMetropolitan State College

Leisa StaffordAlumni Association President,Atlanta Metropolitan State College

Tita StewartAssociates Vice President, AMERIGROUPCommunity Care

Michael L. urmondAttorney, Butler Wooten Cheeley & Peak, LLP

Willie A. WatkinsCEO, Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home

Dianne WisnerCommunity & Civic Leader

AtLAntA MetroPoLitAn CoLLege foundAtion, inC.BOARD O F D I R EC TORS 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5

Neil L. Pruitt, Jr. (Chair)Kessel Stelling, Jr. (Vice Chair)C. Dean AlfordW. Paul BowersLori DurdenLarry R. EllisRutledge A. Griffin, Jr.

C. omas HopkinsJames M. HullDonald M. Leebern, Jr.Doreen Stiles PoitevintSachin ShailendraE. Scott SmithBenjamin J. Tarbutton, III

Richard L. Tuckeromas Rogers WadeLarry WalkerDon L. WatersPhilip A. Wilheit, Sr.Henry M. Huckaby (Chancellor)

Board of Regents of The University System of Georgia

SCeneS Around CAMPuS

ATLANTA METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE1630 Metropolitan Parkway, S.w.

Atlanta, georgia 30310

telephone: 404.756.4000

fax: 404.756.5619

www.atlm.eduUniversity System of Georgia