ANC Student Snapshot - January 2020 - Bobbi Griffin

January 2020 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Bobbie Griffin

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗕𝗕𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗡, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲

Bobbie Griffin of Caruthersville has been named one of Arkansas Northeastern College’s Student Snapshot Recipients for January. Griffin was nominated by ANC Instructor in Art Holt Brasher.

Griffin is working toward her Associate in Arts Degree at ANC with plans to transfer to a four-year university to complete her bachelor’s degree in the future. She plans to become an occupational therapist and has found Arkansas Northeastern College to be a wonderful place to begin her education. “I chose ANC because I felt like it was the best fit for me. It’s really close to home and super affordable. To be completely honest, after high school I wasn’t prepared to go off to a huge four-year university. ANC was the best choice for me.”

Brasher, who nominated Griffin for the Student Snapshot recognition, has seen her evolve throughout the fall semester and has become a model student. “Bobbie can be very shy, but given the opportunity she has bloomed over the semester so far and gives it her all. She’s kind to her classmates and has become one of the voices I hear a lot. Her work is top notch, she makes A’s consistently and does so while being enjoyable, kind, and part of the class. She’s a student whom I wish many would model themselves after due to her courtesy, compassion, and willingness to learn. She even will sometimes speak after class to further her knowledge,” said Brasher.

While Griffin has emerged as an excellent ANC student, she acknowledges that the idea of college was a bit scary to her at first. “I started college right out of high school. I was 17 at the time and extremely nervous and excited. A lot of people couldn’t believe that I was going straight to college with no break in between. I’ve always been super driven, and just excited to learn and grow as I go along. I have the best family support system behind me and I always have. I try not to let anything in my personal life get in the way of my dreams.”

In addition to excelling in the classroom, Griffin has become involved in a couple of student organizations at ANC. She is a member of the Life Line Club. Lifeline Student Outreach is a service and awareness group. The main purpose is to identify and serve students with a specific need, whether academic, physical, medical, financial or individual and work, toward total awareness on the part of others. She is also a member of the Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society. “Both of these organizations helped get me involved with the community and just helping others who are in need. It is a real honor to be a part of them both and being around genuinely nice people who want to see me succeed,” added Griffin.

Griffin has excellent advice for those considering college, “Choosing where to attend college can be super stressful, but my best advice to those who are having trouble would be to just go with your gut. If that school has everything that you want, go for it. Try not to let anyone interfere with your decision. Decide what is best for you and your future.”

Fortunately, Bobbie Griffin has found that Arkansas Northeastern College has everything she wants, and she is thriving in college.

ANC Student Snapshot - January 2020 - Nikki Pearson

ANC Student Snapshot recipient for January 2020, Nikki Pearson

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘
𝗡𝗜𝗞𝗞𝗜 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Nikki Pearson as one of its
Student Snapshot recipients for January. Pearson, a Manila native, is majoring in
nursing and was nominated by ANC Nursing Instructor Dr. Kim Weathers.

“Nikki is always very well prepared for class and presents herself in a professional
and thoughtful manner. She continuously thinks of new and innovative ideas of ways
the class can reach out to the community,” said Weathers.

Pearson says she chose the Associate Degree Nursing Program because she wants
to help people and because nursing is ingrained in her as she has generations of
nurses in her family. Still, she has explored other interests and nursing will become
her third career. She became a hairdresser at 17 followed by a career as a flight
attendant for United Airlines before deciding to become a nurse.

She is excited about this new phase in her life, and enjoys her time outside of the
classroom. “I am a married mother of two fantastic boys. I love adventure, meeting
new people, and yard work.”

Arkansas Northeastern College was the perfect choice for Pearson. She
cites its closeness to home, affordability, and small class sizes as her
primary reasons for choosing to attend ANC, which is the beginning of her
new career goals. “I plan to continue my nursing education to possibly
earn a master’s degree. I am unsure of which exact field I’d like to work in,
but so far I have enjoyed the Post Anesthesia Care Unit and Labor and
Delivery. I plan to work at St. Bernard’s,” added Pearson.

Pearson touts ANC faculty for providing excellent instruction that really prepares
students for wonderful careers. “My favorite classes so far at ANC have been
Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Mrs. Rayder provided the foundation on
the study of the human body, which has proven invaluable to me in the
nursing program.”

While Pearson admits that the program is rigorous, she acknowledges that the
instructors care about students. “My advice to those considering college is to
start at ANC. The faculty care so much about their students’ success.”

In addition to her studies, Pearson is actively involved in the ADN Student Nurse Club
and has participated in free community health fairs as well as being a part of fund-
raisers for worthwhile organizations such as the Humane Society and LeBonheur
Children’s Hospital.

Overall, Pearson has had a great experience as a student at Arkansas
Northeastern College. She is preparing for an excellent career and understands
the struggle of being a parent and a student, but recognizes the future rewards
to her current sacrifices.

“To anyone who thinks they are too old, or too busy to get an education; I have
to say if I can do it you can. It’s hard work but it’s attainable. I like to will things
into existence so I’m a firm believer in making a claim on your future and it WILL
happen!”

ANC Student Snapshot - December 2019 - Shannon Dover

ANC Student Snapshot recipient for December 2019, Shannon Dover

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥, 𝗟𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼

Shannon Dover of Lepanto has been named one of Arkansas Northeastern College’s Student Snapshot Recipients for December. Dover was nominated by ANC Instructor in Office Management Tamatha Dudley and Assistant Professor in English Lanice Samford.

Dover, an Office Management and Business major, chose her field of study after working in an office for over 10 years. “I have always wanted a degree, and I knew the Office Management and Business Degrees were programs of study where I could excel. Office work is just something that I am good at and enjoy,” said Dover. 

Dover is excited about her educational path and plans to complete her Associate of General Studies in Computer Technologies Degree by December 2020 then her Associate in Office Management and Business Degree the following May 2021. Her enthusiasm extends to the classroom where she excels. “Shannon is in two of my classes: Business English and Business Communications. She is dependable, always attends class, attentive, and responsible. Shannon is pleasant and eager to do the work. She wants to learn, and I cannot say enough good things about this excellent student,” said Samford.

Samford’s sentiments are echoed by Dudley who also nominated Dover for the snapshot recognition. “Shannon is a very dedicated and bright student. She excels in all of her classes. She goes above and beyond what is required of her and is always willing to lend a helping hand,” said Dudley.

Dover, who is married with 21 year old daughter and 16 year old son, found the perfect place in Arkansas Northeastern College to reach her educational goals.

“I chose ANC because it was local, affordable, and I could take online classes. After attending ANC, I have come to love the student to teacher ratio. The classes are smaller than the big universities and the teachers actually care and want to help you through the class. The campus feels like a community, which makes it more comfortable to go to every day,” added Dover. 

Dover, who has a 4.0 grade point average, is becoming an active student on campus.  She is a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society where she serves as the points secretary.

While Dover plans to find an enjoyable job with a large business or in a healthcare office after graduation, she is soaking up the experiences she is gaining in the classroom now. “My favorite class this semester is Computerized Accounting. I am good at math and love working on the computer,” said Dover, who added, “This is the first semester that I have attended live classes at the college. Before I only took online classes. It has been a great experience coming to ANC every day for classes. It doesn't matter your age, everyone makes you feel like you belong.”  

Dover has excellent advice for those considering college, “ANC is a great place to start your college career. It helps you to understand college life and classes easier than a big university can teach you. At big universities, you're just a number and nothing else. At ANC you feel like you matter and ANC offers great degrees that can take you far in this area.”

ANC Student Snapshot - December 2019 - Erika Hastings

ANC Student Snapshot recipient for December 2019, Erika Hastings

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘

𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗞𝗔 𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦, 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗲, 𝗠𝗢

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Erika Hastings as one of its Student Snapshot Recipients for December. Erika is a Childhood Education Major from Steele, Missouri and was nominated by ANC Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Education Ryan Perkins.

“From the beginning, when I met her, she knew her degree plan and what she has to do. She always puts maximum effort into her assignments and sets the bar many times each week. She is always enthusiastic and has a very contagious attitude. Erika is going to make an excellent teacher in the near future,” said Perkins.

Erika is a very good example of how students can meet their goals in a timely way if they have a plan from the beginning. ANC provides excellent advising to help students find the appropriate educational track so that they are in the classes they need each semester. Erika is a very motivated student who began pursuing her goals early and should complete her Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood this spring. “I am 19 years old. I plan to graduate ANC in the Spring of 2020 then plan to transfer and work towards my bachelor’s degree. I graduated from South Pemiscot in 2018. I work part-time as a bank teller which I have been with for a year while I attend ANC full time,” said Hastings who said she chose her major because she always wanted to be a teacher. “When I was growing up I always wanted to be a teacher or an accountant. It was always between those two majors and when I started getting older I just knew teaching is something I would enjoy more.”

Since taking education classes, her love for the field has only grown. She credits Perkins for providing guidance to keep students engaged and help them understand what it will be like as a teacher in the classroom.

“My favorite class so far has been Intro to Teaching with Mr. Ryan Perkins. I took this class this semester, and it was a great class for beginners wanting to become a teacher. This is where you complete your field I observation when becoming a teacher and you get placed at a school (he aims for your choice if possible) and you have to observe 30 hours and even get to teach a mini-lesson to the grade that you are planning on teaching. It gives a more hands-on experience and helps you decide if teaching is really something you want to do.”

While Perkins sings Hasting’s accolades, he is not the only one to notice her excel. These opportunities for her to observe in the classroom have also proven to be an opportunity for her to be observed as well.

“Erika’s cooperating teacher at her field one placement in Armorel sought me out just to tell me how amazing she is. She said that Erika always asks the right questions, seeks knowledge, and is going to make a very good teacher one day. She was so glad Erika was placed with her for the field one experience. So, she is making herself known not only here at ANC, but in our community and schools that ANC networks with,” said Perkins.

Hastings, who bolsters a 3.85 grade point average chose ANC because it was close to home and offered her the best options to reach her educational goals. She offers advice for other students considering college.

“My advice for students trying to decide where to attend college is to stick with your gut feeling. Choose the college that has the best benefits to offer. Never choose a college just because someone else wants you to go there, do what is best for you!”

ANC Student Snapshot - November 2019 - Krislyn Hollis

November 2019 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Krislyn Hollis

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘

𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀, 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗠𝗢

Krislyn Hollis of Bragg City, Missouri, brings her “uniqueness” to Arkansas Northeastern College and has been named one of its Student Snapshot recipients for November.

ANC Instructor In Art Holt Brasher nominated Hollis for the Student Snapshot distinction for many reasons including her dedication to the arts and her academic drive. Hollis is currently managing a heavy course load, which she manages while broadening her artistic skills by creating her own pieces of art.

“Krislyn spends hours of free time in the studio working on her own independent work and finding time to clean the studio to help myself and other students,” said Brasher, adding, “I’m very proud of the work Krislyn puts into her studies, her art and her future. Her witty banter with fellow students and her instructors have made many enjoy her presence as much as I do in my own classes.”

Because of her artistic abilities, Hollis’ family encouraged her to major in a field where she already excelled. “I am a Fine Arts major. Most of my reasoning for choosing this major was

because my family has always wanted me to be an artist, but I also chose it because with a fine arts major, I'm not limited to just being an art teacher,” said Hollis.

During her time at ANC, her artistic skills have flourished and even her preferences have evolved. Brasher certainly has had an impact as his expertise in printmaking has brought that art form to ANC so students can explore a different type of art.

“My favorite medium used to be pencil, but I've now fallen in love with printmaking. At first, I didn't really want to take the class, but my anxiety made it impossible to tell my advisor to

drop me. So the first day I went to printmaking expecting the worst. Now, if I lived in a print room, I'd probably be happy. It's an amazing medium that can tell so many different stories

in their own unique ways, just like life,” added Hollis.

Hollis recognizes that she does not always conform to the norm and has embraced her differences. “My teachers have always described me as ‘unique.’ I'm always a bit unpredictable, and I always have been. A lot of my personality comes from surviving a few misfortunes and realizing I can either let them consume me or try and use my own short-

comings to better the lives of those around me. This helped a lot in high school when I moved from a rather large town to a school with only 200 kids k-12. I was already unique enough, but now I was a catfish in a koi pond. While it was a little difficult being so different, both in personality and upbringing, from my peers, I found that being different is the best thing to be. My weird upbringing and personality have made me shine through a lot in my life, both in good times and bad.”

At ANC, students like Hollis can find acceptance and the opportunity to utilize their differences to excel in almost anything. Because of ANC’s size and its helpful faculty and

staff, Hollis says she feels a communal sense in attending. “Even if I don't know everyone, I feel like I do. The classes are the perfect size to get to know every person, without even talking to them directly. As someone who adores observing others, ANC is a perfect spot to do it.”

Additionally, Hollis appreciates that she can continue her education at a reasonable cost and cites its closeness to home and affordability as primary factors in choosing ANC, adding, “I decided I wasn't ready for a four-year university just yet, as well as not having the money to cover a four-year tuition. ANC was perfect because while it is a two-year and

affordable, it offers enough variety in classes and majors that it almost feels like a four-year university.”

In all, ANC has provided Hollis a place to feel at home while gaining a wonderful education and enhancing her artistic skills. ANC has enabled her to do more than go to class, it has provided a wonderful platform for her artistic expression.

ANC Student Snapshot - November 2019 - Jose Juarez

Arkansas Northeastern College November 2019 Student Snapshot recipient, Jose Juarez

ANC NOVEMBER STUDENT SNAPSHOT PROFILE

JOSE JUAREZ, Blytheville

Arkansas Northeastern College would like to introduce Mr. Jose Juarez as one of its November Student Snapshot recipients. Jose is a resident of Blytheville who is planning to become a civil engineer. Jose began his ANC career as an adult education student. After completing his GED, he decided to continue his education.

As the father of six children, ranging in ages from 10 to 29, Juarez has found that ANC’s many online classes offer him the best flexibility for going to college.

“As an online student, I love my classes, especially those instructors who go out of their way just to make sure we are on track and not getting behind. In my personal opinion, I believe that it is what makes the difference in online learning. Last year, when I first started, I was in live classes and I love those classes as well. Once I was introduced to online learning, I was at first frightened about taking classes that way, but with time I got used to it and now I feel very comfortable in those classes.”

Juarez has maintained excellent grades in his coursework and was nominated for the Student Snapshot designation by ANC Associate Professor in History Dustin Kemper.

“Jose is a dedicated and driven nontraditional student. He is not only one of the hardest workers I have ever had in class; he is committed to the idea of learning and improving his knowledge and seeks out opportunities to achieve it. He consistently turns in assignments that are thoughtful and show the signs of genuine creative and academic labor. I wish we had hundreds of students just like him,” said Kemper.

Juarez is a great example of how determination and hard work can lead to success. Having spent a large portion of his life in the construction industry, he realized that he likes to build things which led to his choice of an engineering major.

ANC’s online offerings are helping him to manage a busy life while also attending college. He is an active person who loves to fish, hike, swim, and basically be involved in any kind of sports. Still, his favorite way to spend time is with his children. Through his hard work, ANC’s online schedule, and helpful faculty and staff, Jose Juarez is pursuing and succeeding in his goal of earning a college education.

“I would like to add a big thank you from the bottom of my heart to all faculty and staff members at ANC and the student body. From the time that I spent over at the adult education program, until now at the college level, everyone has made me feel welcome. This institution has become my home away from home for a very long time,” said Juarez.

ANC Leads ADTEC in Acquiring $2.3 Million Federal Workforce Grant

ANC Leads ADTEC in Acquiring $2.3 Million Federal Workforce Grant
October 7, 2019
Contact: Rachel Gifford, rgifford@smail.anc.edu, 870-838-2902

This summer, the Arkansas Delta Training & Education Consortium (ADTEC), led by the
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC), applied for a U. S. Department of Labor-
Education & Training Administration (DOLETA) grant aimed at the Delta Regional
Authority (DRA) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), entitled Workforce
Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC). ADTEC consists of five community
colleges serving 14 counties in eastern Arkansas, as well as three counties in Missouri
and one county each in Tennessee and Mississippi. On September 30, DRA announced
that ADTEC’s project, Arkansas Delta Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities
(ADWORC), was one of 18 projects, including 8 DRA projects, funded by the $29 million
Federal initiative. The purpose of the $2,324,336 proposal, funded 100% by Federal
dollars, is to increase the labor participation rate in the Arkansas Delta by preparing new
entrants to the workforce, particularly persons from impoverished backgrounds and the
formerly incarcerated, as well as dislocated workers for jobs in high-demand fields.
Increasing the labor force participation rate in the ADWORC region will enlarge and
augment the pipeline of skilled workers to build upon current economic growth through
existing and future employers.

The colleges joining ANC in the ADWORC grant are East Arkansas Community
College, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State
University-Newport, and Arkansas State University-Mid-South. ANC’s share of the grant
funds is $704,064 over the next three years with all funds supporting the ADWORC
initiative.

With ADWORC being specifically geared toward the hard-to-reach population, intensive
case management resources will be implemented. The additional funding from the grant
will allow each of the ADTEC colleges to hire additional personnel who will establish a
career placement pipeline, recruit heavily from the targeted populations, and deliver
training developed in conjunction with employers. Each of the ADTEC schools will utilize
the additional funds to provide much needed case management and career services to
new entrants to the workforce. Additionally, they will deliver workplace readiness
training, offer industry credentialing opportunities, and provide work-based learning
experiences through on-the-job verification (OJV) coaching. OJV involves the case
manager or other personnel functioning as a liaison between the client/new employee
and the employer to ensure that skills acquired through training are being properly
applied during either a paid internship or initial employment opportunity. Generally,
workplace readiness and industry-specific training at each of the colleges runs one
semester or less, while the work-based learning experience will vary from 90 to 120
days across the five colleges. Several of the ADWORC colleges will use grant
resources to offer cash incentives to participants for NCRC attainment ($50), ADWORC
training completion (up to $200), and employment attainment ($250).

With support from the Great River Economic Development Foundation, the ADWORC
Initiative in Mississippi County will leverage a subsidized wage incentive for Mississippi
County employers who hire ADWORC graduates. The project will also link community
partners to provide participant referrals to ADWORC. Over two dozen regional
employers wrote letters of commitment as part of the grant application.

Arkansas counties served by the ADWORC project include Mississippi, Craighead,
Greene, Poinsett, Jackson, Crittenden, Cross, Woodruff, White, St. Francis, Lee,
Philips, Monroe, and Arkansas. Arkansas counties are the primary service area;
however, the location of ADTEC partner colleges creates the opportunity to serve
eligible participants from counties in adjoining states. Missouri counties include
Pemiscot, Dunklin, and New Madrid. Additionally, Shelby County in Tennessee and
DeSoto County in Mississippi are included. All counties served by ADWORC are within
the Delta Regional Authority territory.

"The awarding of this ADWORC grant will fund a crucial piece of the puzzle that ANC
is putting together to combat the challenge of generational poverty by providing
disadvantaged individuals and households a direct avenue to a better quality of life
through training, education, and employment. We are collaborating with our college
and community partners to expand this design throughout the Delta region to serve
as a national model,” said ANC President Dr. James Shemwell.