May 22, 2012

LogisticsART in the spotlight last week

Terri Handshoe signing her keynote speech

The LogisticsART program was the focus at the Columbus Region Logistics Council’s (CRLC) Education and Networking event “Demonstrating a New Approach to Logistics” May 15.  President Harrison led a panel of business partners and LogisticsART graduates in a discussion about the benefits of this program. The keynote speaker was Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest Airlines, who gave wise advise such as “hire attitudes, develop skills.” Putnam believes that business cultures that place emphasis on people as the utmost priority in determining their future find long-term impact and success. The goal of the event was to share the success of this program, in order to develop a sustainable model once grant funding ends in March 2013.

On May 17, approximately 40 graduates were awarded certificates of completion.  Among the graduates was the first hearing-impaired student to go through the program. Not only did Terri Handshoe graduate but she provided the keynote speech at the event, with the help of interpreters. Handshoe stated she “liked how the program prepares you for the current job market with job-readiness skills and a trade that is marketable.” To date, the program has 681 graduates and is well on its way to meeting the grant goal of 1080 graduates. You can view a video of Handshoe’s speech here

Foor named New Automotive Teacher of the Year

Automotive Technology instructor David Foor has been awarded the 2012 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT )New Automotive Teacher Award. The Council awards this distinction to only one automotive instructor in North America each year.

The goal of the award is to recognize outstanding beginning automotive teachers and to “enhance the ability of the recipient to deliver quality instruction to his/her students.” The award also helps to promote academic awareness of the professionalism in automotive education and foster contact and cooperation between automotive educators, industry, and educational institutions in North America, according to Dr. Andy Rezin, chair of the department.

Foor began teaching at Columbus State in 2010. 

Foor, center, and some of his Ford ASSET students were on hand to preview the 2011 Ford Explorer when industry reps visited campus in November, 2010.

Caterpillar brings simulator to students

Dr. Margaret Owens, assistant professor in Construction Management drives the simulator with instruction from Paul Darcangelo, Caterpillar simulator trainer.

Columbus State’s Construction Management program teamed up with Caterpillar last week to bring a trainer simulator used for heavy equipment operators to campus. Students and faculty were able to experience controlling and operating heavy equipment in the simulator, just as an on-the-job novice operator would be trained. There are increased opportunities for operators due to new hydro-fracking, energy and infrastructure markets with average annual salaries of $67,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The Construction Sciences and Engineering Technologies Department is currently looking into partner ships with manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to create a construction engineering certificate using the heavy equipment  simulator as a program elements.

Reminder: Seminar offered on Secrets of Highly Successful Grants

Learn from three experienced project coordinators of some of the College's most successful grants as they share their experiences. Teddi Lewis-Hotopp, Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education, will address Building college-wide partnerships; Suzanne Schaefer, ESL Afterschool Community at Wedgewood grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will discuss Forming and nurturing external partnerships; and Gary Clark, Health Information Technology (HIT) grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will focus on Using social media for recruitment and job placement. There will be a question and answer session afterward.

Facilitated by: Susan Stumpp, Grants Coordinator, Knowledge Resources and Planning
When: Thursday, May 24 (1:00 p.m.)  Register
Location: Innovation Center, CT 107
ALSO:  Friday, May 25 (10:00 a.m.) Register
Location: Innovation Center, CT 107