ANC Board of Trustees Met via ZOOM - October 21, 2020

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met via ZOOM teleconferencing for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday (October 21) where they received copies of the Spark Magazine featuring works of art and literature by area elementary schools.

Elementary students from all Mississippi County Elementary schools submitted work for the
second edition of the Spark publication, which highlights the work of children grades kindergarten through sixth grade. While the initial publication of Spark last year featured students’ work for Blytheville, Gosnell, and Armorel schools, the second edition features artwork beyond the three initial schools to include Osceola, Rivercrest, and Manila school districts, as well as the KIPP School and the Delta School. Teachers from the respective schools collaborated with ANC faculty to collect the students’ work. Over 300 poems and pieces of art were submitted for this year’s publication. Awards for the selected winners were made by ACE Glass in Blytheville and laser-engraved by Sophisticated Stitch in Wilson, with both local businesses offering greatly discounted pricing in support of the effort. Forty submissions were selected for awards and special recognition. Awards were presented to students at each school in person by Dean for Arts & Sciences Ryan Perkins, Media Director James Hartley, and ANC’s Mascot “Ray.” Faculty and staff providing critical direction for the project were: Ryan Perkins, Dean for Arts & Sciences; Mallory Burnett, Instructor, English; and Danny Graham, Webmaster. Digital copies of the publication can be found on the ANC website.

Director of Student Services Courtney Fisher presented the College’s enrollment report for the Fall semester. While most colleges and universities across the nation have seen a significant decrease in enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ANC’s enrollment, while down, was higher than its staff’s earlier predictions. This may be partially due to the College’s larger online and ZOOM offerings. These offerings allow students to take classes without coming to campus, and ANC enrollment numbers show heavy increases for these types of classes. Fisher reported for this current semester the headcount for the 2020 semester is 1,358 compared to 1,562 in the fall 2019. Students enrolled in 12,058 credit hours this fall as compared to 13,182 last fall. ANC Faculty have worked hard to implement online and ZOOM classes and will continue to have such opportunities in the upcoming Spring 2021 semester.

The Board approved the hiring of four positions. Sarah Ellis has joined the staff as an Adult
Education Instructor; Maci Jones has accepted the position of Carl Perkins Coordinator, India
Kuykendall has been named as a TRIO EOC Advisor; and Mary Thomas is the new ADWORC Case Manager.

In other news, the Board heard a report regarding the recruitment of minority employees and
students. Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to the recruitment and retention of minorities represented in its faculty, staff, and students. To this end, various programs and activities have been instituted to accomplish this goal. Currently, minorities constitute 23% of ANC’s total employees and 32% of its student population. The purpose of the report is to document the progress of the College for the 2019-2020 academic year as it relates to the recruitment and retention of minority students, faculty, and staff. A copy of this report will be sent to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in compliance with Act 1091 of 1999.

The Board also approved the acceptance of continuation of two grants. The Educational
Opportunity Center (EOC) is a program designed to assist adults 19 and older in returning to
education - in college, vo-tech, specialized school or GED programs. The program requires the advisors to serve 1,097 participants in Mississippi, Greene, Poinsett, Dunklin and Pemiscot counties in Missouri and Arkansas during each grant year. Services include help with enrollment and the FAFSA process. The Board accepted of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Grant award for the 2020-2021 fiscal budget year for $391,147.

The Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program is a grant funded access program designed to assist school-aged children in grades 6-12 in programs and activities that guide them to college and careers. The program requires the advisors to serve 1,068 participants in 14 public schools in 3 counties throughout Arkansas and Missouri. Services include ACT preparation, financial literacy, FAFSA assistance, college tours, study skills enhancement, and more. The Board approved the acceptance of the Educational Talent Search (ETS) Grant award for the 2020-2021 fiscal budget year for $592,473.

ZOOM INET & ZOOM OPTIONAL Course Offering Methods and the New ZOOM Room were Major Topics in the Latest Board of Trustees Meeting

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met via ZOOM teleconferencing on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, where they approved the renovations of a campus space for a new ZOOM Room.

ANC President Dr. James Shemwell reported to the Board that due to COVID-19 much of the College’s course delivery options had changed or been enhanced by technology to allow student to continue learning from remote locations. In addition to its traditional live classes and online courses, ANC has added to its delivery choices with many ZOOM Internet and ZOOM Optional classes. Many students appreciate these courses and prefer them to the traditional classroom.

“The number of classes our students are taking this summer term has actually increased, so we feel that they are getting comfortable with this new technology,” said Shemwell, who added that the ZOOM classes provide students with live feedback from classmates and instructors much like traditional classes.

Because of this, and to continue offering classes under social distancing guidelines, ANC has increased its ZOOM OPTIONAL and ZOOM INET offerings. ZOOM OPTIONAL offers a live classroom where the instructor is located, and the student has the option to attend the live classroom OR to attend the class remotely and simultaneously using the ZOOM teleconferencing. In ZOOM INET, instructors are teaching from a remote location and students may only attend via ZOOM teleconferencing. Either way, the class meets at a designated time and date with an instructor presenting the material.

Due to social distancing guidelines, ZOOM OPTIONAL live seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore the Board approved a new ZOOM Room to provide an overflow space where students may still ZOOM into the class. The new ZOOM Room can also be used by any student for any ZOOM class as it will provide the necessary Wi-Fi connectivity to support the technology. Students coming to campus to participate in a ZOOM OPTIONAL class that is full will be directed to seating in the newly furnished, comfortable ZOOM Room, or they may go to any other remote area they wish as long as there is internet access. ANC provides free Wi-Fi in many of its parking lots, so students may even sit in their cars to attend a class.

“Technology has really opened up new avenues for our students. They can take online or ZOOM classes from home, which can solve problems with childcare or even work obligations. The flexibility we are offering students should alleviate many of the barriers that students have faced in the past, and the new ZOOM Room will give them a comfortable space on campus to relax while taking classes,” said ANC President Dr. James Shemwell.

ANC Vice President for Management Information Technology Services and Chief Student Affairs Officer presented a summer enrollment report to the Board. The numbers indicate a light increase over 2019 in the credit hours being taken. Headcount for Summer 2020 was 60 students less than 2019, but the student semester credit hour was 2,171 this summer as opposed to 2,132 in 2019.

Arkansas Northeastern College received notification of grant continuation from the Arkansas Department of Career Education for the Adult Education Program. The Board approved acceptance of the grant which includes the funding of four grants to be used solely for Mississippi County and totaling $358,725.22.

Before adjourning, the Board recognized the June 30, 2020, retirement of ANC Vice President for College Readiness Sherri Bennett who has 25 years of service to the College. Members of Bennett’s family and representatives from the departments she has overseen joined the ZOOM meeting for the reading of Resolution #75. The resolution expresses the appreciation of the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College and its College community to Ms. Sherri Bennett and honored her with the declaration that she be designated Vice President Emeritus of the College and spread Resolution #75 on the permanent minutes of the Board of Trustees.

ANC Gamma Beta Phi 2019-2020 Inductions

Pictured L-R: Front Row: Bobbie Griffin and Jose Juarez, Back Row: Ashley Rothwell and Somer Walker, Not Pictured: Trayvon Jackson

Pictured L-R: April Bryson and Sheila Villegas

𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗵𝗶 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

New members for the Arkansas Northeastern College chapter of Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society were inducted in two ceremonies for 2019-2020.  Gamma Beta Phi (GBP) is a national collegiate honor society and service organization with chapters in colleges and universities throughout the United States.  The new members of Gamma Beta Phi that were inducted on November 10, 2019 were Bobbie Griffin, Trayvon Jackson, Jose Juarez, Ashley Rothwell, and Somer Walker.  New members inducted on June 3, 2020 were April Bryson and Sheila Villegas.

The ceremonies included greetings, the objectives and expectations of GBP, the code of ethics for GBP, the meaning of the coat of arms for GBP, the induction of new members with the membership pledge, installation of the 2019-2020 officers, and closing remarks.  The fall induction ended with a reception for members and guests.  Due to COVID-19, the spring new members were not able to have a reception.  They received packaged cupcakes to take home to celebrate with their families.

The new members received a membership certificate, a GBP fact sheet, membership card, lapel pin, and diploma seals.

The Arkansas Northeastern College 2019-2020 officers for Gamma Beta Phi were: President - Karen Reyes-Lopez, Vice President - Angel Villegas, Secretary - Ashley Rothwell, Points Secretary - Shannon Dover, Treasurer - Somer Walker, and Historian - Bobbie Griffin.  Chapter Advisors are Tonya Harris - Advisor and Jernal Woods - Co-Advisor.

Congratulations to the new members of Gamma Beta Phi!

ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Tatum Tornkvist

May 2020 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Tatum Tornkvist

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗞𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗧, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Tatum Tornkvist of Caraway as the final Student Snapshot Recipient of the year. Tornkvist was nominated by Art Instructor Holt Brasher.

“I chose Tatum for my student spotlight nominee as he is an exemplary student with a willingness to learn and a wonderful work ethic. Tatum has been in my art classes for two semesters now, all the while making high grades and staying diligent on his work. He has faced hardships in his personal life and yet he has stayed grounded and determined to make the best grades he can and make some wonderful art as well,” said Brasher.

Tornkvist plans to major in art because he enjoys it and sees it as an avenue where he can express himself. “My major is Art, because personally I really enjoy it as a form, and it has really helped me get through the hardest parts in my life.”

Brasher touts the effort that Tornkvist puts into his work, but also how he deals with others.” I am proud of Tatum's consistency, his commitment to his work, and how he treats his classmates. Tatum offers critiques in class. The whole time he is enthusiastic and genuinely enthralled with other students’ artworks. He is a positive force that is willing to help others and share tools as are needed. I'm happy to have him in my classes and proud to call him my student,” said Brasher adding that he looks forward to seeing Tornvkist become a successful, full-time artist.

Tornvkist, who graduated from Riverside High School before coming to ANC, enjoys a variety of things outside of the classroom. In addition to his art, he plays the ukulele and loves playing video games. He cites low cost and the personal feel of a small school as reasons for choosing ANC.

“I chose ANC, because it's a good place to start your higher education, your tuition is more affordable, it is a smaller campus and it's close to home. I also had relatives that have attended ANC in the past and they've had nothing but positive things to say about it,” added Tornvkist.

It is no surprise that Tornvkist loves his art classes. “My favorite classes are Printmaking and Foundations. The classes are really fun to be a part of, and not only that, but really informative about the art field. Also, Holt is a fun person to be around.” 

His experience at ANC has been made better by developing a wonderful relationship with Brasher who cares about the success of his students and who notices those who work hard.

“Tatum is deserving of this recognition due to his resilience, determination, and commitment to his work and his art, as well as his treatment of fellow students. I commend him for his work,” said Brasher. 
 
For his part, Tornvkist seems to have blossomed under Brasher and gained confidence through Brasher’s reassurance. That kind of encouragement is not lost on Tornvkist, who has advice for high school students when considering college, “Sometimes the transition is better when you continue to go into a small campus where the teachers are able to get to know you.”

ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Danaja Bird

Arkansas Northeastern College May 2020 Student Snapshot recipient, Danaja Bird

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗝𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗

Arkansas Northeastern College is happy to announce Danaja Bird as one of its Student Snapshot recipients for the month of May. Former Assistant Professor in Education/Coordinator of ANC’s Education Program Ryan Perkins, who was recently named Dean of Arts and Sciences beginning in July, nominated Bird.

“Danaja Bird is an exceptional student. I had her in intro to teaching last semester and her placement teacher really liked her. She is so kind and sweet, and has such a positive outlook on things,” said Perkins of the education major.

According to Perkins, Bird will make an excellent teacher especially given that she has always had a desire to teach.

“I’m majoring in Early Childhood Education. Being a teacher is something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was a little kid. Being around children has always been such a joy for me. It’s also amazing to watch children learn, so why not pick a career where I can do just that?” added Bird.

Coming from a large family may have contributed to her career goals. She was only eight when she moved with her family from Missouri to Arkansas, and while it was an adjustment, she began to thrive. “I was raised by my two beautiful mothers, and I have six siblings. I’m the second youngest out of all of us. I have a really artistic mind so I like to draw, dance, make crafts, and cook,” added Bird.

With plans to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, that artistic ability should serve her well in her career goals. While she likes the hands-on approach in honing her artistic skills, she has been able to expand upon her interest in the arts since attending ANC.

“My favorite class right now is Art Appreciation. I love learning about the history and meaning behind each artwork. Plus, Mr. Brasher is a fun and interesting instructor.”

This is not surprising to Perkins who saw her intelligence and love of learning despite her quiet demeanor. “She is quiet and crazy intelligent, crazy in a good way, and very reserved, so she flies under the radar day in and day out. However, she is exactly the type of student I need others to see,” said Perkins who noted her excellent grades and studious nature.

Bird feels that ANC was a good choice for her because it is close to home and she feels comfortable that she is being well-prepared for the next step of transferring to a university. She also noted the affordable tuition that ANC offers as a deciding factor in decision.

She also offers some words of encouragement to those considering attending college. “My advice for students deciding where to attend college is to follow your heart. Don’t let anyone decide where you should or shouldn’t go. This is your future, your career, your decision.”

ANC Student Snapshot - April 2020 - Darrius Nichols

April 2020 Arkansas Northeastern College Student Snapshot recipient, Darrius Nichols.

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧

𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗦, 𝗕𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲

Arkansas Northeastern College would like to announce Darrius Nichols of Blytheville as one of its Student Snapshot recipients for April. ANC Instructor in Construction Technology Josh Chipman nominated Nichols.

“I have known Darrius for two years now. He was a high school student in the 2018-2019 academic calendar year and is now a college student finishing up his construction Certificate of Proficiency,” said Chipman who added that Nichols was a responsible student who works hard in the program.

Getting a start at ANC through the College’s Secondary Technical Center, helped Nichols decide to continue his studies. ANC Tech Center provides a wonderful opportunity for high school students to learn about different career options. The ANC Tech Center is a workforce education center that offers both high school and college credit in career and technical programs to all high school students in Mississippi County, Arkansas. It is housed in ANC’s Center for Allied Technologies and provides students with hands-on training in career and technical fields. Tech Center programs of study teach marketable job skills and offer industry certifications, as well as college credit. High school students taking advantage of the Tech Center are able to do so at no cost. All costs are covered by the school districts and the Arkansas Department of Career Education.

Nichols has enjoyed his time at ANC and has learned a great deal in his classes.

“My favorite class is taught by Mr. Chipman and it’s a construction class. It’s my favorite because not only is he a great teacher, but he helps a lot and knows the information. This class alone will also help with my future plans by getting me the skills I need to perform the things I will have to do,” said Nichols.

Chipman, who has many years of experience in both residential and commercial construction, brings a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge to his program. He enjoys working with the students, especially those like Nichols.

“Darrius is very punctual, professional, and demonstrates a great work ethic in the classroom. I feel that Darrius is a great representative of ANC, and I am proud of his work and glad that he is being recognized as one of ANC’s Student Snapshot recipients.”

Nichols, who grew up in Blytheville, has always been an outgoing person. As an energetic person who has trouble sitting still, he finds the hands-on work in the ANC Construction Technology Program to fit his personal learning style. “I’ve always wanted to do something and be involved. If I wasn’t doing anything, I felt like I was just wasting time. I like to get involved and I love to help out.”

This involvement can be seen in his community. Outside of school, Nichols is involved in many things including the Juneteenth Celebration each summer, which celebrates the abolishment of slavery. Additionally, he participates in the ‘Dancing for the Cure’ fund-raiser for cancer research. His ANC family appreciates his dedication to education and his desire to help others.

ANC was a good choice for him as he wanted to be close to home, and he has some words of advice for others considering attending college.

“Don’t follow the trend. Be yourself and go for what you like. Not for the popularity of the college or what others want. If it meets your needs, attend it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a community college, private school, or big university, go for YOU!”

ANC Student Snapshot - April 2020 - Sade Ford

April 2020 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Sade Ford

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗔𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗, 𝗕𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲

Sade Ford of Blytheville has been selected as one of Arkansas Northeastern College’s Student Snapshot Recipients for the month of April. While the ANC campus is currently closed to the public, most students are still engaged in classes remotely, and nominations for ANC snapshot student recipients occurred in early March.

Ford, who is enrolled in the HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) Program, was nominated by instructor Rick Sones who is excited to have her in class. “She is the only female in a predominately male-oriented field,” said Sones, who would like to encourage other females to consider the program. Given the latest data from the 2019 Economic Security Report where it showed that graduates of ANC’s HVAC Technical Certificate, working full-time, earned $58,193 in their first year of work following graduation. That is an excellent paying career for a one-year certificate program.

Though she seems to have found her fit at ANC, Ford admits that the decision to go to college came later for her, but her children helped her changed her focus. “I grew up in a single-parent home and watched my mom struggle to take care of us. Where I'm from, college is something that every parent wants for their child, but it isn’t always in the budget. I have four older siblings who set great examples for me, but I was the rebel of the family. I graduated from high school in 2007 and really didn't have an urge to continue my education. I had my first child in 2012 and when I became a mother it changed my outlook on bettering myself. She is the first thing that came into my life that made me want more out of life,” said Ford.

Still, she struggled to manage college, citing the wrong choice of a major. “What I majored in didn't really interest me, so it didn't have my full attention. Then in 2016, I gave birth to my son and I knew I had to do something to set a great example for both of my children. I knew I had to make sure that I had time to focus on furthering my education, so that's what made me enroll this fall.”

She decided to follow in her brother’s footsteps and attend ANC. “My brother just recently graduated from ANC, and he told me how great of an experience he had while he attended,” she said.

For Ford, getting her start may have been difficult, but choosing the HVACR Program was the best decision she could have made. “I chose this major because this is a field that my dad is in, and I would go out and help him sometimes. This is one of the only things that I have done that actually sparked my interest.”

According to Sones, her class performance is impressive. “Her grades, work ethic, and willingness to help others go above and beyond most people,” he said.

By finding her fit, Ford has evolved as an enthusiastic learner. “I'm only in my second class, but I love both of them. The things that I am learning are wonderful and very informative. I have the best instructor that I could have ever asked for. He is all about helping to ensure that we all pass this program with a great understanding,” added Ford, who plans to open her own business servicing residential units when she completes the program. However, she is still thinking further out into the future and would love to grow a business that eventually services industrial units as well.

When asked what advice she could give to others like her, she touted the opportunities that the Arkansas Northeastern College has to offer.

“Honestly, I would advise students to attend ANC. This has been the best experience I have ever had while attending college. It was also very easy to enroll and there are a lot of people at the college who are ready and willing to help with your success. The best decision I have ever made.”