Jackie Clemons of Mountainboro scrolled through on her social media feed one day  when one particular post caught her eye.

She saw a graphic on Snead State Community College’s Facebook page advertising an extended application deadline for the Certified Adult Nursing Assistant Program. 

“I was interested in the program because I needed to know about caring for my aging family. The study materials were on long-term care and home care,” she said.

At the time, she had no idea that enrolling in the program would equip her to handle a major change in her life.

“Little did I know, it was God preparing me for my husband’s future cancer diagnosis.”

Jackie’s husband, Chris, discovered a knot on his neck at the beginning of her second semester. At first, it was dismissed as something antibiotics and other medications would take care of. They planned a bucket list trip to camp at Disney’s Fort Wilderness in Orlando, Fla. The knot on his neck reappeared during their trip.

“We made another doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. Because of the unknown, waiting for doctors’ appointments is one of the most agonizing ventures ever!”

During this time, Snead State closed its campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and students with face-to-face classes migrated to online learning. Before this, Jackie was working in a nursing home as part of her CNA requirements, but the pandemic prevented her from continuing that.

“Chris’ biopsy and throat cancer journey began shortly thereafter. Battling throat cancer is one of the most horrific cancers to live with. May God bless everyone fighting this disease, and pray for their caregivers,” she said.

As her husband’s full-time caregiver, she has put what she learned in the CNA program to use. But when she first checked into enrolling, she wasn’t convinced going to college was the right choice.

Her first chance to enroll came one day when she was running errands. She passed by the Admissions Office at Snead State, but didn’t stop. Once she arrived back home, however, the burden to find out more about the CNA program was overwhelming.

“I decided to call (then Nursing Program Director) Dr. (Dee) McClellan to have her talk me out of it due to the fact I was old and had already scheduled my second total knee replacement for that year,” said the 60-year-old. “But no.  The CNA class was offered through a grant program initiated by Dr. McClellan. She saw a critical need for preparing as many as possible to care for the numerous aging adults. Her words (to me) were ‘go to admissions right now.’” 

When Jackie went to enroll, she didn’t realized that the CNA classes began in three days. The biggest challenge for her was figuring out how to get a copy of her high school transcript 41 years after her high school graduation. The transcript is an admission requirement for Snead State, but Jackie said the Admissions staff was “great in assisting with getting me in the system on such short notice.”

Jackie had retired as a U.S. Postal Service postal clerk after 30 years of service, and the idea of going to college after all that time was daunting.

“I felt apprehensive about how I would be accepted by the other students. I worried the teacher and students would dread having the ‘old one’ slow us all down. But it gives you an opportunity to mentor and share any life experience and skills that might help the younger students. They didn’t seem to mind having a grandmotherly friend,” Jackie said.

“Jackie was a joy to have in the Adult CNA/HHA (Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Assistant) class. Her faith, sweet spirit, tender heart, patience and gentleness were all great assests that seemed to help her fit in with the long-term care residents during clinicals,” said Jessica Kirkwood-Harp, CNA and Clinical Nursing Instructor at Snead State.  “I am extremely proud of this inaugural Adult CNA/HHA graduating class, but I am especially honored to have been a witness to God’s plan and purpose for this season in Jackie’s life.”

Even with the challenges Jackie faced with her husband’s cancer, she appreciated the joys she found while working at the nursing home.

“Our class was made aware of an acronym, ADL, meaning activities of daily living. Being able to dress yourself is one. If you want to feel good about what you can do, when COVID-19 allows, go visit or volunteer at a nursing home. It really touched my heart when a 12-year-old girl (did) and was excited about painting the fingernails of the lady residents. It doesn’t take riches to be a blessing,” she said.

Jackie has no immediate plans to continue her education, “but it’s a future possibility,” she said.

For now, her focus is on helping her husband get healthy. The two enjoy camping and spending time with their five children and 11 grandchildren. Jackie also has a passion for southern gospel music, which gives her another reason to love Snead State.

“I am a mediocre pianist but played and sang with different groups part time for a span of 40 years. Snead allows the greatest gift for southern gospel enthusiasts each summer with the Alabama School of Gospel Music held on campus.” 

In addition to being a student, Jackie also participates in the Snead State Community Choir, a non-auditioned group of singers made up of Snead students, faculty, staff, and persons from the Sand Mountain region who love to sing.

She graduated in distinction in the spring 2020 with her CNA certificate. Throughout her experience as a Snead State student, Jackie said she appreciate the work of the faculty.

“Each teacher at Snead has had a devout desire for giving you the best opportunity to be successful. Kudos to Mrs. Jessica Harp for giving 110 percent to all of her students. Maybe that career you said you wanted to be when you grew up – it’s now within your reach.

“Negotiate with your excuses! From mechanics to music lessons, SSCC will help you find your niche!”

For more than 20 years, Snead State Community College teacher Grover Kitchens has influenced the lives of countless students.

The Gadsden native began working at Snead in 1999 and has continued growing his career as a Parson. He is now looking to move on to another career phase by publishing a dissertation of the history of Snead State.

Kitchens has been in the classroom at Snead since 2008 teaching Western Civilization and political science. His path to the classroom wasn’t typical.
For more than 20 years, Snead State Community College teacher Grover Kitchens has influenced the lives of countless students.

The Gadsden native began working at Snead in 1999 and has continued growing his career as a Parson. He is now looking to move on to another career phase by publishing a dissertation of the history of Snead State.

Kitchens has been in the classroom at Snead since 2008 teaching Western Civilization and political science. His path to the classroom wasn’t typical.

“I had gotten my degree in finance and originally wanted to get into banking,” he said. “But I figured out it just wasn’t for me. I began working in the bookstore at Gadsden State Community College and in 1999 took a job at the bookstore at Snead. I’ve loved it the whole time I’ve been here.”

Kitchens taught occasionally between 1999 and 2008 but became a full-time member of the Snead State faculty in 2008.

“I never really thought about writing a dissertation until I became a full-time employee,” he said. “Then, when I decided to finally do it I chose to focus on the history of Snead. Specifically, I focused on its transformation to a junior college in the 1930s.”

Snead State was officially designated as a junior college in 1935 and was known as Snead Junior College at the time. Kitchens said he spent a good amount of time focusing on just how the institution went from a grade school to a junior college.

“When I started researching the subject, I had preconceived notions about what I’d find in the research,” he said. “I actually found so much more than I thought I would. The history of this school is so interesting. One of the most interesting parts of its founding is all the different people who made it happen. I think anyone who has an interest in Snead will find the information just as interesting as I did.”

Kitchens said the dissertation should be ready by late fall.

“All of my work on it will be done in October,” he said. “Then I’ll defend the dissertation. After that, I believe we’ll have a copy of it in the Snead State archives and there will be a copy at the Boaz Public Library.”

The many hours of research he put into the subject helped Kitchens learn new things about the school but also reminded him of why he has a strong connection to the campus and its people.

“I love this place and it’s because of the atmosphere, the history and the Snead family,” he said. “If a student needs help I can direct them to the exact person who will help them best. It is absolutely like a family here and I love the campus. There aren’t many junior colleges in this state that have historical buildings on campus like we do. All of the school’s tradition is rooted in the founding, and that is a big part of my dissertation.”
Just because he’s getting ready to put together 200 pages worth of research doesn’t mean Kitchens won’t be in the classroom this fall. In fact, he’s gearing up to teach five different classes.

“I knew the first time I stepped into a classroom as the instructor I was in the right profession,” he said. “I absolutely love teaching, I love working with the students and the people I work with are great, too.”

He concluded, “My goal with the dissertation is tell a history of place for Snead going all the way back to 1898. It’s very unique school with an interesting history that deserves to be recognized.”

Snead State Community College congratulates the following students who received their degrees and/or certificates during the Summer 2020 term.

Albertville

• Tucker Reed Bonds, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Emma Clarissa Cole, an Associate in Science degree in Special Education.
• Jason Cole Eason, an Associate in Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Joe Figueroa, and Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Marla Brook Franklin, an Associate in Science degree in Elementary Education.
• Laisa Gijon-Ortiz, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Derrek Wayne Harris, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Corey Cale Hooper, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Gisselle Mares, an Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice.
• Morgan Scott Mitchell, an Associate in Science degree in Psychology.
• Jordy Nieto Morales, an Associate in Science degree in Exercise Science and Wellness.
• Evan Blake Nixon, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Lencha Juan Pascual, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Applied Business, a Certificate and a Short-Term Certificate, both in Management.
• Pola Juan Pascual, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Applied Business, a Certificate and a Short-Term Certificate, both in Management.
• Mya Castellon Patino, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Raul Quebrado, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Alejandra Ramirez, an Associate in Science degree in Pre-Nursing.
• Christopher Cole Robinson, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Dylan Brett Sealey, an Associate in Science degree in Business

Altoona

• Haven Elizabeth Ellison, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Vanessa Serrano, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Arab

• Kelsey Chastain, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Mary Elizabeth Julian, an Associate in Science degree in Biology Education.
• Evan Tyler Latham, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Olivia Anne Logan, an Associate in Science degree in Mathematics.
• Emily Xiuwen Sorrells, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Jason Mack White, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems Technology.

Attalla

• Te’Aundra Ioina Monay Leonard, an Associate in Applied Science degree, a Certificate, and a Short-Term Certificate, all in Child Development.
• Yulisa Sayani Lopez-Antonio, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Seth L. Lowry, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Baileyton

• Anna Rose Dube, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Blountsville

• Derick Lee Bullard, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Science Technology and Short-Term Certificates as a Computer Technician, in Cyber Security, and in Web Technology.
• Amanda Leighanne Martin, an Associate in Science degree in Elementary Education.

Boaz

• Sadie Rae Crawford, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Danielle Renea Estes, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Applied Business, a Certificate and a Short-Term Certificate, both in Finance.
• Joel Felipe, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Estrella Martinez Gonzalez, an Associate in Applied Science in Applied Business, a Certificate in Accountancy, and a Short-Term Certificate in Accounting Technology.
• Macy Leigh Hammond, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Hunter Blake Hays, an Associate in Applied Science in Applied Business, Certificates in General Business and Management, and Short-Term Certificates in General Business and Management.
• Ches Macklyn Hubbard, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Roomie M. Jasne, an Associate in Science degree in Psychology.
• Hermelinda Jimenez, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Abby Elizabeth Lombard, an Associate in Science degree in Pre-Nursing.
• Cindy Guadalupe Lopez, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Brett Austin Maltbie, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Makenzie Grace Massey, an Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Jonah Chad Miller, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Carley Lynn Moore, an Associate in Science degree in Public Relations.
• Tyler Dwayne Myers, an Associate in Science degree in Music.
• Madison Rae Payne, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Joana Lenette Schaeffer Millan, an Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice.
• Anita Shay Stancil, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Gracie Mae Walker, an Associate in Science degree in Speech Pathology.

Chelsea

• Autumn Denise Cox, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Collinsville

• Chelsea Cherie Nelson, an Associate in Science degree in Physics.

Crossville

• Banks S. Jolley, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Decatur

• Cooper Andrew Wood, an Associate in Science degree in Special Education.

Fayetteville, N.C.

• Richard Barrett Dempsey, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Florence

• Presley G. Witt, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Gadsden

• Jacob A. Allen, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Brandi Nickol Duckett, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Applied Business, Certificates in Accountancy, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Management, Management and Marketing, and Short-Term Certificates in Accounting Technology, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Management, Management and Marketing.
• Rhonda Elaine Lasseter, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Roxanne Minyard, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Kaylie N. Sims, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Linley A. Stephens, an Associate in Science degree in Pre-Nursing.

Guntersville

• Joseph Robert Amburn, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Science Technology and Short-Term Certificates as a Computer Technician, in Cyber Security and in Web Technology.
• Charles Ryan Couch, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Science Technology and Short-Term Certificates as a Computer Technician, in Cyber Security, and in Web Technology.
• Yiselle Amairany Munuz-Gonzalez, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Damon Jeffrey Sulayman Saye, an Associate in Science degree in Business.
• Alexis Ann Soto, an Associate in Applied Science degree and a Short-Term Certificate, both in Office Administration.
• Brandon Thomas Stewart, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Alyssa Kate Townson, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• LeeAnn Underwood, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Applied Business and a Certificate and Short-Term Certificate, both in General Business.
• Sara Elizabeth Woodard, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Hillside, N.J.

• Justin Stewart, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Horton

• Zoee Revae Cornett, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.
• Arnold Ivan Ramos, an Associate in Science degree in Poultry Science.
• Melanie Lynn Riley, an Associate in Applied Science degree, a Certificate and a Short-Term Certificate, all in Office Administration.
• Rosalinda Sanchez-Moreno, Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Jasper

• Emily Claire Guthrie, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Jonesboro, Ga.

• Fredric Ali Hill, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Mobile

• Tonique Gunn Burns, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Northport

• Tamia Makayla Knight, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Oneonta

• Esther Chavez, a Short-Term Certificate in Child Development.

Opelika

• Natasha Kelley Humphrey, an Associate in Applied Science degree and a Certificate, both in Child Development.

Piedmont

• Amanda Nicole Noah, an Associate in Science degree in Elementary Education.

Rainbow City

• Lanny Oscar Whitt, an Associate in Applied Science degree and a Certificate, both in Power Plant Technology, and a Short-Term Certificate in Reciprocating Engines.

Rainsville

• Keala O Kea Kua Morgan, an Associate in Science degree in Health Services Administration.

Roanoke

• Manasseh Miamen, an Associate in Applied Science degree and a Certificate, both in Industrial Systems Technology, and Short-Term Certificates in Automation and Basic Electricity.

Southside

• Gillian Nicole Smith, an Associate in Science degree in General Education.

Tuscaloosa

• Thomas Michael McMillan, an Associate in Applied Science degree and a Certificate, both in Industrial Systems Technology, and Short-Term Certificates in Automation and Basic Electricity.

Union Grove

• Kaylo Jimenez, an Associate in Science degree in Biomedical Sciences.

Snead State Community College is proud to announce the Dean’s List for the Summer 2020 semester. Students must hold a minimum of 3.50-3.99 grade point average and be enrolled in 12 or more hours of regular college level courses to be eligible for the Dean’s List. 

Albertville
Marla B. Franklin, Morgan S. Mitchell, Ebony Vae Nunnelley, Christian Taylor Roberts, Breanna Nicole Stewart, and Makayla B. Loveday.

Altoona
Jacob Peppers.

Attalla
Haley Smith.

Auburn
Kennadi Morgan Jackson, Scott Tucker Sprayberry, and Jay Scott Karlin.

Birmingham
Dylan Michael Fraser.

Boaz
Andrew Van Chapman-Murphy, Makenzie Grace King, David Reagin Langley, Jonah C. Miller, Ramses Osiris Negrete, Cailey Breanna Talton, Gracie M. Walker, and Sydney Alese Hanson. 

Gadsden
Roxanne Marie Minyard.

Grant
Bailee M. Chandler.

Horton
Arnold Ivan Ramos.

Jacksonville
Roberta Marie Kolb.

Montgomery
Jarrett Anderson Smith and Bre Leonna Thomason.

Opelika
Thomas W. Summers.

Scottsboro
Emily Ann Wilson.

Tuscaloosa
Arielle Avita Lewis and Kaila Sclabassi.

Snead State Community College is pleased to announce its President’s List for the Summer 2020 semester. To be eligible for the President’s List, a student must maintain a perfect grade point average of a 4.0 (all A’s) and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours of regular college-level courses. 

Alabaster
Victoria Ryann King.

Albertville
Ian Salvador Basilio, Brandy Michelle Hunt, Susana Leslie Juarez-Soriano, Emilie J. Minor, Casey L. Peters, and Ruth C. Etienne.

Alexander City
Kylie Dickson.

Altoona
Haven E. Ellison and Madison Marie Pryor.

Arab
Shawn Marcus Flack, Kahla D. Wright, and Megan C. Schwarze.

Ariton
Allison Diane Payne.

Atlanta, Ga.
Sloane A. Morocco.

Attalla
Daniel Jordan Bryant and Tonya Davis.

Auburn
Tyler Steven Williams.

Boaz
Mary-Kathryn Lang.

Carbon Hill
Emma Grace Guin.

Coker
Aidan M. Conway.

Guntersville
Mckenzie A. Taylor and Marissa Joyce Terrell.

Huntsville
Emma Anne Lynch.

Madison
Julie A. Richardson.

Marietta, Ga.
Cole Sottile.

Tuscaloosa
Kailey Brooke Aschton Griffin.

Union Grove
Charleston R. Burgess

Valley Head
Peyton Madison Muskett.

Vestavia Hills
Sadie Louise Daniels.

In one of the most competitive grant seasons for TRIO programs, the U.S. Department of Education announced that Snead State Community College received a grant to continue its successful TRIO Student Support Services Program for another five years.

Snead State’s TRIO SSS received $1,375,525 in grant funding to continue to provide 170 college students with tutoring, academic advising, workshops, college transfer tours, cultural events, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, and assistance with selecting courses. 

“To hear that we have been funded for another five-year cycle for TRIO Student Support Services is monumental. We feel honored to be selected and are ready to continue serving our students,” said Marie Smith, Director of Federal TRIO Programs. 

Services available through the TRIO Student Support Services program enhance academic success and help increase the likelihood that students will graduate or transfer with the lowest possible debt. In addition, TRIO Student Support Services motivates and prepares low-income and potential first-generation college students to continue their education beyond a two-year college.

“In this new period of uncertainty and ambiguity, it’s important that students enter into a caring environment to guide them on their path toward college completion,” said Director Smith. “The TRIO Student Support Services program is instrumental in providing students motivation and support in overcoming class, social and cultural academic barriers and succeeding in higher education.”

Snead State Community College also has an additional TRIO program called TRIO Upward Bound. The TRIO Upward Bound program serves 62 high school students at five area high schools in Marshall County. 

The Federal TRIO Programs, including Student Support Services and the Upward Bound program, are designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The staff of the TRIO SSS and UB programs are dedicated to close the educational gap and make high school and college assessable to students who may otherwise fall through the gap. 

Any students who would like to be a part of the TRIO Student Support Services or TRIO Upward Bound program may contact Director Smith at marie.smith@snead.edu for more information.

The Snead State Community College TRIO program didn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic stop them from serving their Upward Bound students with the annual Summer Academy.

The Upward Bound students could not come to campus this summer due to the College closing to the public, so the TRIO staff went to the students.
“Each year, the TRIO Upward Bound program hosts a summer academy to provide a six-week college experience. This year, we hosted a virtual academy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the academy was online, my team and I worked to create a memorable, fun and meaningful experience for our participants,” said TRIO Programs Director Marie Smith.

The Upward Bound program serves high school students from Asbury, Boaz, Brindlee Mountain, DAR and Douglas high schools. The theme for the virtual summer academy was “TRIO 2020 Upward Bound is Virtually Unstoppable,” a theme the TRIO staff lived up to. The summer academy allows the high school students to take core college classes in math, English, science, and foreign language, and those were still offered online this summer.

The students also participated in life skills and enrichments classes sponsored through the TRIO program. The enrichment classes covered topics such as financial literacy, career challenges, motivation, self-confidence, and ACT prep and were delivered through the College’s BlackBoard system. Students were successful in completing 96 assignments and tests during the summer.  

Another component of the Summer Academy includes university tours and cultural events for students. Though they were unable to participate in these activities in person due to the pandemic, they were able to attend these events through live video. 

“The Upward Bound staff worked around the clock, creating a virtual summer academy program that would keep the students active and learning throughout the summer months,” said Director Smith. “It has certainly been a success.”

The Summer Academy didn’t just serve students through virtual classes. Each year, the program also provides meals to participants while they stay on campus for the academy. That aspect looked different this summer, but it didn’t stop. Students were provided food through no-contact scheduled drop-offs each week.

Director Smith and Academic Advisor April Harris delivered food and supplies to the students each week for six weeks. They averaged around 150-200 miles in travel delivering food each week. The total number of miles traveled for the summer was 1,476.

“Food was left at a student’s mailbox or porch.  Some students were waiting on their porch or standing outside when we pulled up, so we were able to speak with them while maintaining a social distance,” said Director Smith. “I know this was a blessing for these students to be able to receive these services through such rough times. It was also a blessing for TRIO to be able to provide these services.”

At the end of the Summer Academy, the TRIO program provided participants with backpacks, school supplies, and T-shirts to begin the new school year. 

Any students from Asbury, Boaz, Brinlee Mountain, DAR and Douglas high schools who would like to be a part of the TRIO Upward Bound program may contact Director Smith at marie.smith@snead.edu for more information. 

A Snead State Community College alumna was selected for the University of Alabama’s Blackburn Institute, an organization that focuses on student involvement in improving the campus and the state.

Angela Barajas Salcido of Boaz graduated from Snead State in 2019 and is majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Studies at the University of Alabama. She learned about the Blackburn Institute from a member of the previous class. 

“I was attending a meeting for the Hispanic Latino Association, and one of the members mentioned that the nominations for the next class had begun,” she said.

To be considered for the Blackburn Institute, a nomination has to be received, and those nominated will be emailed an application with information about the selection process. After submitting the application, nominees participate in two rounds of interviews – a group interview and a solo interview.

One of the Institute’s biggest initiatives is the Daniel Community Scholars Program. The program splits each class into groups that are in charge of creating every aspect of a service project. At the end of each year, the Institute hosts a showcase to spotlight the different projects. One group is selected to receive a scholarship to fulfill a project, and the entire class will then work on the selected project together.

“I attended the Daniel Community Scholars Showcase that fall (before I was selected) and loved all of the projects,” Angela said. “Blackburn also has a lot of connections with the community within UA and the state of Alabama. They reach out to sponsors, fellows and other important members of the community to establish connections with the current classes.”

Angela is the Community Partner Specialist for her Daniel Community Scholars group. She will be reaching out to members of the Tuscaloosa community who are working in the same area of service as her group. 

“I meet with them and will be the connection between the community and my group. I am excited to research and find different organizations within the Tuscaloosa community to reach out and learn from,” she said. “I am excited to be able to work on a project that’s purpose is to help build a better state. 
“I hope to be able to make connections that will help me in my future endeavors. I am hopeful that I will make friends and associates from whom I can grow and learn. I hope to continue to grow and open up as a person. I want to meet all kinds of people and to be able to view different parts of my community from other perspectives.”

Born in Santiago Tangamandapio in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, Angela moved to the United States when she was four years old. Growing up in Boaz, she graduated from Susan Moore High School before attending Snead State.

“I absolutely loved my time at Snead and will forever be grateful for all of the opportunities that it has given me. When I first started at Snead, I was very timid but wanted to change that. I forced myself to expand outside of my comfort zone and joined multiple groups. Through these organizations, I was able to give speeches, meet lots of people, and throw myself into large social situations.

“I loved every second of being a part of the Snead State Ambassadors, Pan Latino, and the Presidential Scholars. Thanks to these organizations, I had full confidence to sign up for pretty much every organization I was interested in at the University of Alabama. It also helped to prepare me for the interviews and my communication skills. (At Snead,) I was introduced to how college works and the different programs that are used.”

Prior to enrolling at Snead State, Angela said she had no idea what career path she wanted to choose, but Snead helped her figure that out.

“The best decision I ever made was to attend Snead State Community College. I was able to take the most random classes from ethics to art history to psychology and loved being able to explore and be creative with my schedule. I was able to get the grades necessary to attend the University of Alabama on a full-ride scholarship. I am so thankful for my time at Snead and will always recommend attending a community college. Snead State was an experience that I will forever be grateful to have had.”

After graduating from UA, tentatively set for 2021, she plans to attend law school and study international and immigration law. 

“I hope to eventually make my way into politics and hopefully continue service projects throughout the state of Alabama. The Blackburn Institute values diversity and action within the community. I hope to learn ways on becoming a more active member and to learn to begin my path into diversifying politics,” she said.

The Blackburn Institute was founded by Dr. John L. Blackburn, who placed a role in the University of Alabama’s integration. The Institute believes in change, positive progression, and facing critical issues. 

“I know Blackburn will open doorways for me to have difficult conversations and allow me to expand my viewpoints in order to hopefully one day serve my community.”

Though concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic have limited some of the events hosted by the Blackburn Institute, Angela remains hopeful that her group will be able to continue their work with limited interruption this fall. She also had one piece of advice for other students beginning college this fall.

“No matter what path a student takes, my advice would also be to get involved as much as possible. It will definitely make or break a student’s time at any institution.”

Snead State Community College expanded its partnership with Atrion Medical to meet a need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atrion contacted SSCC’s Industrial Systems Technology Department to request qualified students to serve as system technicians. Alejandro Gomez of Albertville was chosen to fill the skill gap for Atrion Medical during this challenging time.

Atrion Medical developed manufacturing processes to fabricate face shields for workers who are currently on the front lines of the pandemic. The face shields were donated to hospitals, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, local utilities, and some restaurants. The equipment associated with the face shield production process requires employees with a technical background for maintenance, troubleshooting and setup purposes. 

“Alejandro is industrious, has a strong interest in learning and the ability to catch on quickly. We happy to have him as an employee of Atrion Medical,” said Sandra Bales, Atrion’s Manager of Human Resources. 

Alejandro began working at Atrion Medical as a temporary employee but transitioned to full time employment on Aug. 10 working in the Facilities Maintenance Department as a Maintenance Technician Apprentice. He continues to train with Atrion Medical’s Journeyman Maintenance Technicians while attending Snead State, with the goal of graduating in May 2021 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Industrial Systems Technology. 

“Alejandro has been an exceptional leader in the classroom, and I am glad he was given the career opportunity with the wonderful folks at Atrion,” said Greg Randall, Division Director of Technology and Executive Project Director of Workforce Enhancement for Snead State.

Snead State also provides Ready to Work and Certified Production Technician training opportunities for Atrion Medical, which assist with employee retention and filling the skills gap on the production floor.

A Snead State Community College student placed at the Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference this summer. 

The conference was held virtually on June 24-26, and Snead State had nine students competing at the national level. Laura Jarquin of Boaz placed 10th in the Human Resources competition and was featured in a special edition of Tomorrow’s Business Leader. 

“It’s always exciting when one of our students places at the national level, especially competing against universities from all across the country,” said Meredith Jackson, one of the PBL sponsors at Snead State.

Phi Beta Lambda is a national organization for students interested in the fields of business and economics. The purposes of this organization are to develop competent, aggressive business leadership and to create more interest and understanding in the intelligent choice of business occupations.