First Faculty Access Award Presented
Ron Layne, Mathematics and Developmental Studies Instructor, was presented the first Faculty Access Award by A-B Tech's Disability Services Office for his commitment to creating a climate that fosters success for all students.
"Ron understands the need for accommodations and delivers them in a respectful manner, assuring confidentiality," said Annie Clingenpeel, Disability Services Coordinator/Counselor. "He's a great professional and is very approachable for students."
Students registered with the Disability Services Office nominated faculty members who demonstrate abilities in developing support in the classroom, delivering accommodations in a respectful manner, assuring confidentiality or being a good role model.
In one student's nomination, Layne was described as "...very understanding and very helpful.... He goes the extra mile and (does) everything he can to help you understand."
"I think that Ron extends himself to students. He is known for creating a climate that invites students to be successful. He is supportive while helping students understand math," said Clingenpeel.
"It is a privilege working for such a determined group of individuals," said Layne. "They deserve all the respect that I can provide in a classroom and give more than I ever hoped when I became a teacher. Our students rock!"
The award was announced in conjunction with the college's observance of Disability Awareness Month in October. Layne will receive the award at the Student Services Holiday Party on Dec. 16.
A-B Tech Automotive Program Receives National Certification
A-B Tech's automotive training program recently received certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
In order to achieve the recognition, the program was first self-evaluated on 10 standards including purpose, administration, learning resources, finances, student services, instruction, equipment, facilities, instructional staff and cooperative work agreements. Then an educator with ASE certified master technician designation led a team of local technicians to conduct an on-site evaluation. NATEF recommended that ASE, a national, non-profit organization that certifies technician-training programs, certify A-B Tech.
"It means we are in articulation with other schools," said Richard Wolfe, Chair of Automotive Technology, making credit transfers between other certified schools seamless.
Certification has been awarded to A-B Tech's automotive program in the following areas:
Engine, engine performance, brakes, steering and suspension, manual drive trains, automatic transmissions, heating and air conditioning and electrical systems.
Three area high schools, Enka, Reynolds and Roberson, are certified in brakes and electrical systems. Their students can transfer directly to A-B Tech after graduation with those two credits.
"All instructors have to be ASE certified," Wolfe said. "We spent a large amount of time and effort to get this certification, but it should help get donations from manufacturers and local dealerships for the program."
The program is certified for five years, after which it will be reviewed to ensure that it continues to meet industry standards.
The Great American Smokeout
A-B Tech's Student Government Association participated in the Great American Smokeout Nov. 18. The American Cancer Society event is celebrated nationally each year to encourage smokers to commit to being smoke-free for one day, with the hope that they will work toward a smoke-free life. Smokers who pledged to be smoke-free received a "Quit Kit" of gum, candy and information to help them overcome the urge to smoke. Each person making the pledge was asked to give up one cigarette, literally. Nearly 100 people pledged to be smoke-free.
Coming Attraction
A-B Tech Acting II student Jeff Heiser portrays Norman, a doughnut shop employee, and Acting II student Bonnie Allen is Sheila, his giddy girlfriend, in the A-B Tech Drama Club's production of The Boys Next Door. The production, the first ever by the Drama Club, will be presented at 8 p.m. Dec 2-4 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Asheville High School Studio Theatre on Victoria Avenue across from A-B Tech. Ticket prices are $3 for A-B Tech students, $5 for other students, and $10 for adults. Reservations may be made by calling 254-1921, ext. 219.