Campus Connection

Nestled in the heart of the mountains, the A-B Tech Madison Site serves residents of three counties as well as parts of eastern Tennessee.

Name: A-B Tech Madison Site

Director: Connie Buckner

Location:Off U.S. 25-70 in Marshall. It serves the residents of Madison, north Buncombe, and Yancey Counties, as well as areas of eastern Tennessee.

Mission: The Madison Site serves as a gateway to the main campus in Asheville.

Highlights:

• Enrollment is up for the Fall semester. The total enrollment is now at 215 students.
• GED enrollment is up, as well as the number of instructors and hours offered. The campus has now included GED testing.
• Students and members of the community repeatedly tell the staff and instructors how thankful they are that they provide classes and testing in Madison County.
• There is constant feedback from students and members of the community about the high caliber of the staff and instructors. "We are proud of the job our instructors (and staff members) do," says Buckner. "They are so professional and accommodating to students and visitors alike."

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Big Plans Await Scholarship Recipient

Kathleen Aquilino has maintained a steady GPA of 4.0, is recently married, volunteers for Meals-On-Wheels, has been working as a CNA for almost two years, and is on her way to becoming an LPN with plans of entering the Associate Degree Nursing Program. She is only 19 years old.

A-B Tech's Foundation has awarded Aquilino $1,200 with both the Ruth Woodward Geddings Memorial Scholarship and the Grace Joan Love Schneider Endowed Scholarship.

"This scholarship has made college a reality instead of just a dream," writes Aquilino. "The chance to attend A-B Tech will advance my ability to serve others in the medical field."

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5-4-3-2-1-KICK-OFF!

It's that time of year again. The Universal Campaign Kick-off is scheduled for the General Staff Meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3, and the divisional meetings begin the following day. This year's theme is Beach Party, so bring your flip-flops and your SPF 45, and get ready to soak up some good vibrations-and give some out. The money collected during the Universal Campaign goes to the A-B Tech Foundation and The United Way. The Foundation uses the funds to provide scholarships, new technology, professional development, renovation and expansion of facilities, and general support to ensure quality in all areas of the college.

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A Hot Topic Is Addressed

No ifs, ands, or butts about it, one of the main topics of concern for staff, students, and faculty on the Quality Enhancement Plan survey was the designation of smoking and non-smoking areas. Ned Fowler, Dean of Allied Health and Public Service, was appointed to head a Smoking Concerns committee. The committee has now designated specific areas on campus as smoking and non-smoking. The goal of the committee is to address the issue from both sides.

Generally, the main entryway and walkway into a building is designated non-smoking, while an alternative entryway or patio is smoking. These areas are marked with signs on the doors while a plan for more permanent signage is in the works. Beech Tree Deck, the popular student gathering spot, has been labeled non-smoking, while several nearby areas are smoke-friendly.

Along with signage, the committee is looking at creating shelters for smokers on campus. "As far as I can tell, (this plan) has been successful," says Fowler. "But it's still in the developmental stages."

Fowler adds, "We encourage everyone to exercise courtesy and understanding while we implement these programs. If we all work together, this system will make our campus more inviting to everyone."

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Tech Talk is published for employees of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College by the Communications Office.

Executive Editor: Mona Cornwell

Managing Editor: Jodi Ford

Send submissions to Mona Cornwell, Director of Communications, at mcornwell@abtech.edu

Publication of the next issue is scheduled Oct. 1. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 18.

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