Career Center Spotlights Academic Programs
Career Counselor Peggy Bulla shows Phil Leftwich, interim dean of Business and Hospitality Education, some of the Biotechnology information available at the Career Center's bulletin board, during the center's open house. Toby Mapes, Biotechnology chair, was on hand to answer questions.
Peggy Bulla, Career Counselor, has created a way to support the programs of study at A-B Tech through the Career Center and its bulletin board.
"My intent is to stimulate interest in that work and to present information for students. This includes practical application of that particular work. We want to show the impact of the industry on local, state, national and global levels, which brings it down to earth," she said.
Every six weeks, a new program will be featured on the bulletin board across from the Career Center. Currently, Biotechnology information is being displayed through November. This includes a timeline highlighting the history of Biotechnology, which dates back nearly 10,000 years.
"Dr. Mapes' assistance brought us so many amazing details for the display. He deserves a special thank you," said Bulla.
Each bulletin board will have standardized information including the program's vision statement, practical applications, the industry in North Carolina, jobs available in the field and the types of courses students will be expected to take.
An Open House was held Oct. 25 for faculty to sign up to have their program featured.
"The Career Center extends an open invitation for faculty to call, or stop by, to register their program for future displays," said Bulla.
The following are examples of information about Biotechnology featured on the current Career Center bulletin board:
- Practical Applications of the Biotech Industry...
- New body armor for military/police forces: Scientist are working with a fiber found in goat's milk that makes a material stronger than steel!
- Mustard plants will be able to warn of animal pathogens (such as anthrax) and chemical warfare agents, serving as "sentinel plants."
- A Danish company has developed a plant that turns red when its roots come in contact with land mines.
Father and Daughter Inducted Into Phi Theta Kappa
From left, Vicki Miller, President K. Ray Bailey and Lloyd Hill at the Oct. 19 Phi Theta Kappa induction in Ferguson Auditorium.
A-B Tech's Alpha Upsilon Eta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inducted 76 new members in a ceremony Oct. 19 in Ferguson Auditorium, including Criminal Justice Technology Students Vickie Hill Miller and her father, Lloyd Hill.
Hill came to A-B Tech after losing his job of 20 years when Steelcase closed its doors. "I have always had an interest in law enforcement. That came from being in the service. When the opportunity came to get in the program, I jumped at it," he said.
Miller worked at Continental Teves before it shut down its facility. She received a diploma in 2003 from Blue Ridge Community College in Surgical Technology. She now wants to complete a bachelor's degree at Western Carolina University and work in forensics.
Both had semesters where they achieved 4.0 averages, and both acknowledge it took some help to get where they are today.
"It's helpful that we can study together," said Miller. "We know what each other is talking about. It's not like it's two different fields."
"It's been great to meet the students and faculty here. All the people are wonderful," said Hill. "I have to give the instructors credit. We do appreciate them."
Hill cited Veronica Dooly for her help in keeping him on track and helping stay enrolled. "She is really wonderful. All of my instructors are," he said.
He also can't help but brag on his daughter. "I'm proud of her. I'm there in the honor society because of her. She taught me how to do it," he said.
Miller also enjoys being able to come to school with her father. "It's odd, but at the same time it's good for me to have the competition," she said. "It's a place we never thought we would be together."
"We see a new opportunity opening up at A-B Tech," said Hill. "I'm proud to be here."
"I'm glad I've grown up enough to accept education a big part of my life," Miller said. "It took me 16 years to decide to work at college and I'm thankful for the opportunity."
Future Phlebotomy Student Camps for Admission
Marilyn Bentley wasn't about to let the opportunity for a new career slip through her fingers. When A-B Tech started admitting students for 16 coveted spots in the phlebotomy program, she made sure she would be first in line.
Toting a thermos, newspaper, pillow and blanket, she arrived at the Azalea Building at 6 p.m. on a Sunday night, completely prepared to stay until the Admissions office opened Monday morning.
"I had a funny feeling there would be a large quantity of people there," Bentley said. "I have been on the job for 31 years and I have never clocked in late. I wanted to be here on time and not miss this opportunity."
She had worked for 15 years at Taylor Instruments and 15 years at Continental Teves. Both companies moved their facilities out of the country. "I decided at 50 years old, I was going to get a chance to go back to school through the government with NAFTA, since our jobs went out of the country," Bentley said.
"I did it because I knew there are a lot of displaced workers in manufacturing and a lot are going into the health care field, because the manufacturing jobs are gone," she said of her overnight car camping experience.
"For a lot of people that come into phlebotomy, this is their first step into professional life," said Melissa Hyatt, Medical Laboratory Technology chair.
"Education can help you. My sister lost her job after 31 years. My daddy lost his job when he had been there 44 years," Bentley said. "I have no insurance after 31 years in manufacturing."
Bentley's sister kept her company throughout the night, and the security guards frequently checked on them. "They were so helpful and I know they kept watch on us. There are a lot of good people out there. I found that out after getting laid off," Bentley said.
At around 4 a.m., Bentley heard another car pull up, so she pulled a chair out of her car and parked herself in front of the door to Azalea, ready to be admitted. "I knew what it took to be there that morning. I made sure I had everything all the forms and paperwork in order. I knew I didn't want to be back working in the same type of place."