Latest news with #JacksonvilleStateUniversity
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
Human remains discovered off I20
HEFLIN — Possible human remains were discovered June 22 in a wooded area off Interstate 20 near mile marker 194, according to a news release from the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a report and confirmed the discovery, securing the area and initiating a coordinated response with multiple agencies. While the circumstances surrounding the discovery are being examined, the news release states there is no belief of foul play involved at this time. Evidence was found that guided authorities to 'possibly identify the deceased.' Authorities are "working diligently and respectfully to positively determine the identity of the individual,' the release states. The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office expressed appreciation to Jacksonville State University's Center for Applied Forensics, Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, the Cleburne County Coroner's Office, and other assisting personnel for their professionalism. The office also thanked the individual who made the discovery and notified law enforcement. The news release concludes by stating, 'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gadsden State students earn scholarships to four-year universities
GADSDEN — Gadsden State Community College students are making strides toward their academic future by earning scholarships to transfer to four-year universities across Alabama. These scholarships recognize students' academic excellence and leadership potential. In total, over $650,000 in two-year scholarships were awarded by five Alabama universities. Jacksonville State University awarded many two-year scholarships ranging in value from $3,000 to $21,180 over a two-year period for a total of $293,500. Awardees by scholarship include: — Presidential Scholarship ($21,180): Eleaxus Pettus — Achievement Transfer Scholarship ($12,000): Austin Bates, Jaylyn Minshew, Jessica Lammonds, Lexus Fall, Angela Dummar, Jaci Cash, Tabatha Steed, Lillian McDill, Jade Swinford, Rebecca Prestridge, Brittany White, Tiffany Savin, Barbara Montejo, Angelica Auden Ruiz, Jon Denney, Thomas Jackson, Johnathon Isbell, Mary Engle, Sarah Ford, Inez Martin, Krystal Cochran, Ella Hines, Lauren Bowles, Heath Stinson, Jaxson Sizemore, Hayleigh Perez, Ella Garmany, Emily Roe, Collins Davis and Hadie Negrete — Academic Transfer Scholarship ($6,000): Alexander Greenwood, Drue Walker, Jadyn Foster, Dakota McClellan, Alexa Compton, Khalil Khmila, Sam Timmons, William Lockmiller — Opportunity Transfer Scholarship ($4,000): Raegan McClendon, McKinley Wilson, Chloe Stephens, Michael Wilson, Alyssa Logan, Mattie Payne, Madison Hay, Jacob Rhinehart, Stephanie Maldonado,, Jackeline Rodriguez, Ava Dodd, Kara Grace, Reagan Sanders, Allie Wiggins, Emily Perez, Leah Campbell, Caitlyn Laughlin, Gwenivere Perry, Monica Burns, Elvia Cerrato-Ramirez, Cassidy Portwood, Halee Keener, Jazmyne Gregory, Kennadi Johnson, Luke Joplin, Kelsey Gibbins, Lillyan Jordan, Malaina Ellen, Tyler Doggrell, John Parrish, Sara Carlisle, Crimson Colbert, Emalee Morrison, Levi Long, Jenah Goosby, Lauren Boyd, Ella Walker, Gracie Smith and Kaylee Green — Gamecock Transfer Scholarship ($2,000): Makayla Wink, Harrison Burke, Julian Graziano, Carnecia Carter, Ella Clifton, Austyn Patterson, Miraha Thomas, Emily Fowler, J'Una Rollins and Hannah Mitchell — Spring Supplemental Transfer Scholarship ($1,500): Noah Barnes The University of Alabama at Birmingham awarded $208,500 in scholarships to Gadsden State students. The top scholarship — the Presidential Scholarship — worth $12,000 was awarded to three students: Lilly Rebarchik, Macey Johnson and Charles McIntire. — $3,000 scholarships: Deonna Sumpter, Tabitha Collins, McKinley Wilson, Jonathan Baggett, Hunter Hanners, Daniel Brown, Emily Perez, Dalton Chestnut, Rachel Bonnett, Jazmyne Gregory, Christopher McNeill, Reagan Mehta, Preslee Blackwell, Jonathan Baggett, Briteon Husk, Stephanie Maldonado, Derek Schmitz, Ainsley Rodgers and Kryston Barton — $4,000 scholarships: Reagan Mehta, McKinley Wilson, Preslee Blackwell, Briteon Husk, Zachary Scott, Hunter Hanners, Emily Perez, Stephanie Maldonado, Dalton Chestnut, Kaylee Green, Derek Schmitz, Chandler Evetts, William Brown, Rachel Bonnett, Joseph Brown, Lillian McDill, James Ingle, Ainsley Rodgers, Hung Mai, Christopher McNeill and Johnathon Isbell — $2,000 scholarships: Deonna Sumpter, Jonathan Baggett, Delaney Gilliland, Walker Thomas, Davian Turner and Ryan Kelly — $1,500 scholarship: William Brown — $500 scholarships: Hunter Hanners, Kaylee Green, Chandler Evetts, William Brown, Rachel Bonnett and Ainsley Rodgers The University of Alabama awarded 15 scholarships to Gadsden State students, including the full-tuition Alabama Community College Presidential Transfer Scholarship to Ellen Malaina and McKinley Kay. Other scholarship winners include: — Community College Merit Scholarship: Preslee Blackwell and Lillian McDill — Roll Tide Transfer Scholarships: Joseph Brown, Crimson Colbert, Mason Freeman, Michael Hoppenjans, Stephanie Maldonado, Emily Perez, Karl Ragland and Samantha-Lynn Thomas — Alabama Transfer Scholarship: Zachary Scott — Alabama's Promise Scholarship: Gracie Smith — UA Transfer Excellence Scholarships: Dalton Chestnut and Emma Croy Other institutions providing transfer scholarships are the University of Alabama at Huntsville and Athens State University. Sarah Daniel and Briteon Husk earned the Super Scholar Transfer Scholarship worth $3,000 to UAH, and the Transfer Merit Scholarship worth $1,500 went to Bryan Barrientos. Athens State University awarded six students with $2,000 transfer scholarships. Awardees include April Davis, Emma Earl, Matthew Fleming, Amy Glover, Justin Morris and Lane Self.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Life of equal pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter portrayed in film
JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) — Lilly Ledbetter's fight for equal pay for women started in her hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama. Decades later that fight hasn't been forgotten, and, in 2025, it's being dramatized in the film 'Lilly.' An exclusive screening of the film drew Jacksonville State University students and the community to the Stone Center Theatre on Thursday. Ledbetter, who died in October 2024, was the first woman to work in a management position at a Good Year Tire Plant starting in 1979. Ledbetter spent nearly 19 years working at the plant, making significantly less than her male colleagues. US citizen held by ICE despite judge seeing birth certificate After filing a lawsuit, and facing several setbacks, her case reached the U.S Supreme Court where she ultimately lost. Despite this, Ledbetter persevered and former President Barack Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into legislation in 2009. Some who attended Thursday's screening said Ledbetter's fight is inspiring to see on the big screen. 'It's very inspiring to see someone who grew up on Possum Trot Road take their case all the way to the Supreme Court and then beyond, with congress and President Obama's Fair Pay Act. So we're very excited, again to celebrate that legacy that didn't just impact our community, it impacted the nation,' said Rock Executive Director at the Randy Owen's Center Emily Duncan. The film is set to be released on May 9. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Steven Folks, former city manager, enters Anniston mayoral race
ANNISTON — After three decades of dedicated service to the city of Anniston, Steven Folks is ready to step into a new role: mayor. The longtime city employee and former city manager officially announced his candidacy Friday morning during a Facebook Live broadcast, making him the fourth candidate in the race for the city's top elected position. 'I think the city is headed in the right direction,' Folks said. 'And I've been a servant for 51 years—21 years in the Army, 30 years with the city—and the direction the city is going, I think it just excites me and incites me to just continue to be a part of this.' Folks, 69, wrapped up his tenure as city manager Thursday, ending a chapter that saw significant development, collaboration and revitalization efforts throughout Anniston. Born in Aiken, South Carolina, Folks joined the Army during his senior year in high school and later earned degrees from Gadsden State and Jacksonville State University. He began working for the City of Anniston as a temporary employee and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming city manager—without ever having held elected office. Now, he's vying for the mayoral seat, joining Kevin Cheatwood, Ciara Smith, and Ben Little on the ballot. Throughout his announcement, Folks emphasized his deep connection to the city and his desire to bring continuity and collaboration to city government. While Folks didn't pinpoint a single issue he would tackle first if elected, he stressed the importance of staying the course with the city's established roadmap. 'Our comprehensive plan is working. It's a roadmap,' he said. 'The progress of Main Street, the things that we're talking about with McClellan are exciting. Regional Medical Center is headed in the right direction. At the end of this year, we'll be doing something with the master plan for the airport.' Folks said he hopes to bring stability and a sense of shared purpose to the mayor's office, leaning into partnerships and regionalism. 'Working with our partners to the south and to the north… working with the county—those things are key,' he said. During his time as city manager, Folks helped lead several major projects. He described the development process with a mindset he adopted from his military days. 'In the Army, I learned that when you have a project you have to ask yourself three questions: how do I attain this? Then how do I maintain this? Then how do I sustain this?' he said. 'There's no need to embark on any new project if you can't answer those three questions.' Among his proudest accomplishments, Folks cited the city's 2022 comprehensive plan, the revitalization of Main Street, partnerships with health clinics like St. Michael's, infrastructure improvements, and a $2 million street paving initiative that began in 2019. He also highlighted successful collaborations with organizations such as Main Street Alabama, Jacksonville State University and various nonprofits that supported underserved populations. 'The key things, like St. Michael's Clinic, I think that has been a big issue, because, again, that's helping the most valuable resource we have, which is our people,' Folks said. Projects like the transformation of McClellan, the new City Market, and the development of the Fire Training Center also top the list of city achievements under his leadership. 'We're talking about the transition of McClellan to the city of Anniston,' he said. 'That could not have been done without our legislative delegation and also the county and the city working together in unison.' Folks also pointed to the soon-to-open extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail and the newly restored City Hall as significant milestones for the city—projects that combine economic potential with deep historical roots. 'When you get in [City Hall], the history that we have saved… I don't think there's anything like this,' he said, referencing the building's previous life as a post office and federal courthouse. 'Just think about the federal cases that've been held here.' For Folks, Anniston's story is one of resilience. He sees the community's ability to overcome obstacles—from the Monsanto controversy to the closure of Fort McClellan to the COVID-19 pandemic—as a defining characteristic of the city he has come to love. Folks addressed the naysayers who paint the city with a negative brush. 'We don't have time to spend a whole lot of energy on negativity,' Folks said. 'What I think we need to do is be patient, be persistent and have a brighter vision.' Reflecting on his own journey, Folks drew parallels between his military service and his municipal career. In both, he said, he started at the bottom and worked his way up. 'I started off as a private, and I retired as a sergeant first class,' Folks said. 'The positions I had were always ahead of that, because I served as a drill sergeant, a senior drill sergeant, a platoon sergeant, a battalion sergeant, and also as a First Sergeant. The same thing, starting in the city of Anniston—I started off as a temporary employee without any benefits, and I rose to where I am right now.' He emphasized the importance of seeing the city as a whole—beyond neighborhoods and districts—and working together for a common purpose. 'I always felt that no matter spending my time in Carver Center, it was never about Carver Center,' he said. 'It was all about one Parks and Rec field being one for one common goal, to be successful as a whole.' Folks is a father of three sons—one of whom is deceased—and has nine grandchildren, whom he calls the light of his life. As he begins this next chapter, he does so with the same servant's heart that guided him for 51 years. 'I tell everybody, my love and my passion for Anniston — I came here and I became a part of Anniston,' he said.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gadsden State names new dean of workforce development
Andy Robertson of Sand Rock has been appointed the new dean of workforce development at Gadsden State Community College, replacing Alan Smith, who recently moved into the role of vice president for capital projects, community relations and workforce development. 'Andy is a dedicated educator and passionate advocate for career technical education,' Smith said. 'He has excelled in his previous positions at Gadsden State and brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is well poised to lead the College's efforts in technical training and workforce development.' A 2003 graduate of Gadsden State, Robertson earned an Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology. He credits his two-year degree with helping him achieve success in his career. 'I am where I am today thanks to my two-year degree from Gadsden State,' Robertson said. 'I am proof of the direct impact the hands-on education can have on people's lives.' Robertson later earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Jacksonville State University in 2013 and a Master of Science in Education from Athens State University in 2024. He began his career at Gadsden State in 2015 as an instructor of Electronic Engineering Technology at Gadsden State's Ayers Campus in Anniston. Prior to that, Robertson worked for five years as a service engineer and briefly taught in the Pell City school system. Robertson became the college's workforce development coordinator in 2020 and also served as the division chair of Applied and Engineering Technologies at the Ayers Campus. During his tenure at Gadsden State, Robertson helped develop two apprenticeship-style programs: the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education and the Consortium of Machining Education Training. Both initiatives provide students with hands-on experience in partnership with industry leaders. He has also expanded the college's offerings by introducing several short-term certificate programs, including Additive Manufacturing and Mechatronics Advanced Automation. As dean, Robertson will oversee the Workforce Development Division, which includes specialized training, certifications and skill development for local industries. He will also manage the Skills Training Division, adult education and continuing education. 'I'm incredibly excited to take on this new role and continue the great work we've started in workforce development,' Robertson said. 'My passion for workforce development and career technical education comes from firsthand experience with the transformative power of skilled trades and education. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been seeing students complete a workforce program and immediately secure a job that provides stability and a path to success.' Robertson said that a technical education benefits more than just individual students. 'They strengthen families, businesses and entire communities,' he said. 'Seeing someone build a better future for themselves and their family is what makes this work so meaningful to me.' Looking ahead, Robertson aims to make Gadsden State a premier hub for workforce training in the region. He plans to align programs more closely with local industry needs and expand opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, and co-op placements to provide students with real-world training in high-demand fields. 'The role of Gadsden State's workforce development programs is crucial in meeting the needs of local industries and businesses,' Robertson said. 'We provide industry-specific training that ensures students are equipped with relevant skills to thrive in today's job market. By strengthening our connections with local employers, we can build a skilled workforce that drives economic growth in the region.' Robertson is also focused on overcoming regional workforce development challenges, such as skills gaps, labor shortages, and access to training. He plans to expand flexible learning options, including evening and online courses, to make workforce training more accessible. 'I plan to expand flexible learning options like evening and online courses to make workforce training more accessible to a wider audience,' he said. 'We will continue working closely with employers to identify skill gaps and develop targeted programs to bridge them, ensuring that students graduate with the skills employers are looking for.' Robertson's contributions to Gadsden State have been recognized with several accolades, including the Chancellor's Award for Administration in 2024 and the Eugene Prater Exceptional Achievement in Teaching Award in 2019. He is a graduate of the Faculty Development Institute, the Gadsden State Leadership Academy and Leadership Calhoun County. In July 2024, Business Alabama magazine featured Robertson in its 'Movers and Shapers' spotlight. Now, as dean, Robertson hopes to further elevate the college's reputation through partnerships and workforce development initiatives. 'By partnering with Gadsden State, businesses can create a skilled talent pipeline, upskill and retain existing employees and help strengthen the local economy,' he said. 'Let's work together to build the workforce of tomorrow, today.'
