On Tuesday, May 16, Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) welcomed community leaders to a business and industry luncheon to discuss future strategies for the success of the College. Guests included: Travis Murphy, Voyage CPA; Dr. Adam McGhee, Auburn University College of Agriculture; Deborah Taylor, Alatrade Foods, LLC; Tiffany English, Phenix City Housing Authority; April Spear, Children and Family Connection of Russell County, Inc.; Honorable F.L.(Bubba) Copeland, Mayor of Smiths Station; Honorable Eddie Lowe, Mayor of Phenix City; Rev. Grant Parker, Epworth United Methodist Church; Rev. Adrian Chester, Greater Beallwood Baptist Church; Rev. Dr. Isaac Hudson, Nichols Chapel AME Church; Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Troy University; Chandra Wright, United Way & Foundation Board Member; Brookie Tate, President, National Panhellenic Council; Jasponica Florence Moore, Alpha Beta Omicron Omega, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Walter McKee, Lambda Iota Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Honorable Larry Screws, Russell County Commissioner District 7 and Lambda Mu Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; and Kathryn Ricks, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Alpha Sigma Alumnae Chapter. Members of CVCC faculty, staff, and administration were also in attendance.

CVCC President Jackie Screws welcomed everyone and provided updates on College successes, statistics, and developments. President Screws shared positive strides in adult education, dual enrollment, workforce development, and program updates, such as new credit programs in Medical Laboratory Technology, Paramedicine, and Pharmacy Technology beginning this summer. Screws emphasized the potential for future growth of the College as evidenced by the upward trend in enrollment and the acquisition of four buildings on campus previously occupied by Troy University.

“We are making great strides in developing our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan,” said Screws. “CVCC understands the important role it plays in education, and we will continue to work with our community constituents to identify new opportunities for education and training. The result is a strong, qualified workforce and thriving and successful individuals. It’s a win for all of us!”

Co-hosting the event was CVCC’s Workforce Development office led by Dr. Beth Mullin. Dr. Mullin gave a presentation highlighting the variety of available educational opportunities, internships, and paid apprenticeships with local businesses and industries to get students the necessary hands-on training to further their careers. Mullin also explained that CVCC offers customized training to businesses where the College brings the training onsite for employees.

Following the presentations, attendees were asked to participate in a Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, and Threats (SCOT) Analysis. Each table held independent discussions on how these four
criteria apply specifically to CVCC. A spokesperson for each group then shared the results with the rest of the attendees. Identifying challenges and opportunities was the focus for most of the discussions, with many focusing on student needs that aren’t always recognized, such as reliable transportation, internet access, food insecurities, and engaging hard-to-reach population groups.

“The SCOT Analysis discussions have given us invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face in supporting our diverse student population," said President Screws. "The solutions won’t happen overnight, but these are the conversations we need to have to continue the process of making positive and meaningful changes."

As CVCC proudly celebrates its 50th year, the College strives to be the first choice for education in the Chattahoochee Valley. The College is grateful for all of our stakeholders and the valuable input they provide. The next five years are poised to be an exciting time of growth and progress for the College, and it couldn’t happen without the support from community partners.

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