On Wednesday, February 1, Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) welcomed several state legislators and Alabama Community College System (ACCS) directors to campus for a state-of-the-College overview. Guests included: Senator Billy Beasley, District 28; Representative Berry Forte, House District 84; Representative Jeremy Gray, House District 83; Boone Kinard, ACCS Director of External Affairs; and Joe Williams, ACCS Regional External Affairs and Congressional Liaison.

CVCC President Jackie Screws welcomed everyone and gave a presentation highlighting college successes, statistics, and the challenges presented since the 2020 pandemic. Among the most significant achievements was a 20% overall increase in Fall 2022 enrollment over the previous year. President Screws also shared positive strides in adult education, dual enrollment, and workforce development, as well as the achievements of the athletics department and the acquisition of four buildings on campus previously owned by Troy University.

“We are firm in our belief that Chattahoochee Valley Community College is a jewel in this community, and it is our pleasure to serve as leaders in this region,” she said. “We know that in order for our college to thrive, we must effectively tell our story.”

President Screws also emphasized that in order for the College to continue on its trajectory of success, support from state legislators is imperative. She introduced college administrators who shared valuable points about the College relating to their respective roles.

Nicole Jackson, Dean of Instruction, gave an update on the new credit programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Paramedic, and Pharmacy Technology. She also discussed CVCC’s non-credit courses available through Workforce Development, and stressed how they are working to fill our local industry needs, and how CVCC is curating apprenticeships with local businesses and industries to get students the necessary hands-on training to further their careers.

Dexter Jackson, Dean of Financial Affairs, reviewed the current state of campus facilities and infrastructure. He shared ongoing and proposed renovations, upgrades, and repairs. He also outlined facility and infrastructure needs.

Dr. Sherri Taylor, Dean of Students and Campus Services, shared how Student Services has contributed to enrollment growth and retention through effective recruiting and community outreach. In the near future, all of Student Services will be consolidated into one building to provide a one-stop shop for all student needs. There will also be improved services offered to support veteran student success, thanks to a $600,000 federally funded Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Services (CEVSS) grant.

“Many of our students face unique challenges, and we want to be sure we are providing all the support we can to ensure they are set up for success,” said Dr. Taylor. “These students aren’t just a number; they have a name and a face and a story.”

Boone Kinard, Executive Director of External Affairs for the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), gave the final presentation with a review of the areas of proposed funding requests for the ACCS in the draft 2023 Legislative Agenda. Some highlighted areas include operations and maintenance across campuses, competitive compensation to hire and retain skilled faculty and staff, the ACCS Innovation Center Skills for Success program, the career coach program designed to equip each college with at least one dedicated employee, dual enrollment scholarships, correctional education services, expanding Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs, and addressing workforce challenges specific to the automotive and aviation/aerospace industries. Most of these areas, if supported will directly benefit CVCC.

The College is grateful for these dedicated and passionate representatives who support us in our shared mission for student success and a strong workforce. As CVCC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the College continues to grow and be a valuable resource to the community.

For more information, please visit www.cv.edu.