Presidential Scholars Reach New Heights

Eighteen students from Snead State Community College set off on an adventure to Berry College in Rome, Ga., as part of a retreat for the 2011-2012 Presidential Scholars. 

The group departed Aug. 11 as freshmen and sophomores who didn’t know each other very well. They returned Aug. 13 as a team ready to tackle their leadership roles as Presidential Scholars.

“Being named a Presidential Scholar is one of the most prestigious honors for students at Snead State,” said President Dr. Robert Exley. “The Presidential Scholars not only received full tuition scholarships, but they set the standard for educational excellence for all of our students. To enhance their experience at Snead State, we open leadership opportunities for them such as this retreat to Berry College.”

The students participated in Berry College’s outdoor challenge course called BOLD, which incorporates lessons in communication and decision making, leadership formation, team effectiveness, group identity, and conflict resolution.

The BOLD challenge course is an extensive, nationally renowned course that includes a variety of both low and high ROPES experiences.  ROPES stands for “reality oriented physical exercise system.”  The scholars began the experience on Thursday afternoon with an excellent orientation to both the BOLD program and an introduction to the history of Martha Berry and Berry College.  On Friday, the students completed a custom-designed experience beginning with several ground-based low elements and culminating with an extended set of high elements – some as much as 35-40 feet off of the ground.  Each participant learns the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, encouragement and persistence. 

Charlie Potter, a second year Presidential Scholar, spoke of the value of the experience in that he pushed himself to be more of a leader this year by challenging himself more physically and accepting more responsibility as a leader within the group.  The entire group spoke of their desire to make a difference in the lives of others at Snead State Community College this year.

In addition to the retreat, Presidential Scholars will also participate in Snead State-sponsored projects such as providing tutoring services through the new Student Success and Career Center.  Brittany Wilborn, Director of Campus Engagement, and Lindsey Beck, College Recruiter, accompanied the scholars and fully participated in the program.

“The experience that, not only students, but I personally gained from participating in this program is life changing. We achieved goals that seemed unimaginable,” said Ms. Wilborn.

Presidential Scholars must have a minimum 23 ACT score and a grade point average of 3.75 to receive the Presidential Honors Scholarship. However, the group of first-time scholars participating this year averages nearly 27 on the ACT and have an average GPA of 4.04.

This year, Snead State has 19 Presidential Scholars, including Cassandra Upton of Boaz, Holly Scott of Boaz, Jordan Shelton of Union Grove, Brianna Pullen of Sardis, Hannah Jimmerson of Boaz, Chelsey Gillilan of Boaz, Phillip Estes of Albertville, Landon Naylor of Sardis, Charlie Potter of Boaz, Brady Keel of Boaz, Ashley Clontz of Albertville, Kelsey Hawkins of Holly Pond, Keelie Wilkes of Collinsville, Elizabeth Shaw of Douglas, Erin Kelley of Arab, Ashley Gilbreath of Boaz, Jade Sanders of Albertville, Jessica Reece of Boaz, and Chera Whitney of Guntersville.

Snead State & Athens Form Collaborative Program for Religion



Athens State University and Snead State Community College entered into an articulation agreement regarding the transfer of students between the two institutions.  The articulation agreement allows students to have an uninterrupted transfer of the Associate’s Degree from Snead State to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion at Athens State.



“We’re excited to offer this new opportunity for our students,” said Snead President Robert Exley.  “With Snead State and Athens both part of the Alabama Community College System, the partnership is a logical move that provides a seamless transition for our students who wish to transfer to Athens to earn their bachelor’s degree.  I foresee the development of the Religious Studies articulation program as the first of many occasions where Snead and Athens will join together to enhance learning for students.”

The associate’s degree is received by completing a course of study at Snead State to include History of World Religions, Survey of the Old Testament, Survey of the New Testament, and Introduction to Preaching Ministry.  Upon completion of these courses, students would matriculate to Athens State as a junior to complete the required coursework for a bachelor’s degree.



“Athens State has, since its inception, offered a curriculum option to serve students with an interest in the study of religion,” stated President Bob Glenn.  “This agreement with Snead State may be a launching pad, for both institutions, towards a more in-depth focus on the creation of specialized bachelor’s degrees.”

“I am delighted to be able to extend our partnership between our schools with this agreement. We have a wonderful relationship, and is another step we can take together for the benefit of students,” said Snead State’s Chief Academic/Student Services Officer Dr. Larry Miller.

The collaborative degree program is set to begin with the fall 2011 semester just now commencing at Snead State.  For more information, call 256-840-4125 or email:  djwatts@snead.edu.

Representatives from Snead State Community College and Athens State University met Thursday, Aug. 18, to sign the official articulation agreement to offer a collaborative program in Religion. On hand for the signing were, from left, seated, Dr. Robert Exley of Snead State Community College and Dr. Bob Glenn of Athens State University; standing, Religion Instructor Dr. Jonathan Watts and Chief Academic/Student Services Officer Dr. Larry Miller of Snead State, and Dr. Clarence Johnson, Dr. Tony Moyers and Dr. Robby White of Athens State.

Follow these instructions to register for fall classes

Internet Explorer Version 5 or Higher is REQUIRED to use the SSCC Online Registration website.

Step One

Access SSCC Online Registration.

Step Two
1. Enter your student number. Your student number is assigned by the Student Services Office.
2. Enter your PIN number. The PIN is a six-digit number. Students using their birthday should use the MMDDYY formatting. If you have changed your PIN, it will NOT be changed back to your birthday. Note: All students must see an advisor prior to online registration before their PIN is activated. Special dates are outlined for student advising sessions each semester. Please refer to the interactive course schedule for student advising sessions. Students who have problems with their PIN should contact the Student Services Office at (256) 840-4107 or studentservices@snead.edu. 3. Please Sign In or Cancel.Step Three
From the menu, you may select any of the following options:
* COURSE SCHEDULE LOOKUP - View course offerings online.
* PRE-REGISTRATION (Pay Charges) - This is the pre-registration section. Once you have pre-registered and paid your tuition for the upcoming semester, it will appear as DROP/ADD.
* PAY CHARGES FROM PRIOR TERM - Pay prior outstanding fees using the payment methods indicated in Step Five. If you need to pay your tuition, you must go through the registration process and select "calculate charges." This will take you to the payment options for paying your tuition.
* VIEW MY SCHEDULE - Print or reference your current schedule.
* UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT - View or print your grades and your unofficial transcript.
* VIEW RECEIPTS - View and print payment receipts generated by the Web Registration System.
* CHANGE YOUR PIN - Change your personal identification number.
Step Four
* To ADD or DROP a course to your schedule, type in the course section number as listed in the interactive course schedule. Click the "ADD/DROP" course button, and this will add it to your listing. To drop a course that you have added, simply click the "DROP COURSE" button to the right of the course at the bottom of your screen. Note: If you do not want to type in each section number, you can use the "SELECT COURSE" button to search the current course schedule. Once you find the course you want to take, you can click the "PUSH" button beside the course, and it will automatically insert course section number for you.* To view your listing, scroll to the bottom of the page.
* Continue the process of adding courses (or dropping them) until your schedule is complete.
* If your schedule is completed, click the "COMPLETE REGISTRATION" button. Note: You have NOT been added to the class roll or any changes to your schedule have NOT been saved until the "COMPLETE REGISTRATION" button is pressed.

Step Five
* You will now see a screen that provides information related to the tuition amounts that you are to pay for the schedule you have chosen. Available financial aid coverage will also be displayed on the screen. Note: To complete the entire registration process, you must pay the amount in the cash due column by midnight on the day you register. Failure to pay your tuition on time will result in removal from class. If you feel the financial aid applied to your account is incorrect, call the Office of Student Services at (256) 840-4107 or studentservices@snead.edu.* Pay with Visa or Mastercard. If you are satisfied with your schedule and are ready to pay your tuition and fees by Visa or Mastercard, you can do so online by clicking on the "COMPLETE REGISTRATION/SETTLE ACCOUNT" button. Complete the credit/debit card information form and follow directions as presented on the web.
* Pay with check. If you plan to pay your tuition and fees by check, you should click on the "PRINT PRE-REGISTRATION MAILER" button. Place a copy of your printed schedule along with your check to ensure receipting to the proper account. Mail your check to: Snead State Community College, ATTN Business Office, P.O. Box 734, Boaz, AL 35957. Note: this document will only print if your PC is connected to a printer. This will print a copy of your schedule along with the tuition/fees you owe. Send in a check for the amount shown on this mailer.* Pay in person. You may pay in person during regular office hours at the Business Office, located in the McCain Learning Resource Center. You may pay by check, Visa or Mastercard.

History Instructor Participates in Unique Opportunity

Snead State Community College History and Political Science Instructor Grover Kitchens (pictured at left in the Library of Congress) attended a National Endowment for the Humanities workshop on Thomas Jefferson in Washington D.C. in July.

The workshop is sponsored by the “We the People” grant from the federal government and has the idea that to truly understand history the participants must visit the “landmarks” of history. The “Thomas Jefferson: Legacies and Landmarks” workshop does just that.

Mr. Kitchens was chosen from community college instructors nationwide and was one of only 50 participants in this particular workshop. He had access to some of the most historic documents and items in the life of Jefferson.

“To be able to walk the paths of and view the products of Jefferson’s life was amazing,” said Mr. Kitchens.

Points of interest during Mr. Kitchens’ visit to Washington, D.C. included the Library of Congress, Monticello, and The University of Virginia. 

“All of these areas were greatly impacted by Thomas Jefferson. When the Library of Congress was burned by the British, the core of the new collection was from Jefferson,” said Mr. Kitchens.

He viewed the original collection from one of the founders and the writer of the Declaration of Independence. His tour of the Library included presentations by scholars and the author Peter Onuf, who wrote “The Mind of Thomas Jefferson.” 

According to Mr. Kitchens, the home of Monticello was full of innovations, books, and innovative architecture, and the culmination of those ideas was in the founding of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Va.

“The location of Monticello is a pivotal place in the life of Jefferson who loved to be there more than any other place,” said Mr. Kitchens. “Tours of Jefferson’s former home included information on his plantings, gardens, innovations (such as the dumb-waiter) and architecture. Here he welcomed many friends, entertained as a gentleman of the era would, enjoyed family life, and, most importantly to him, read and corresponded by letter. The large number of Jeffersonian letters provided the information for many of the lecture topics during the workshop.”

One of the workshop topics centered around something that was near and dear to Jefferson - education.

“He felt that education was not as free as it should be and was too tied to the church and the constricted views of certain religions. Being a man who was well read in all manner of literature, Jefferson wanted a college that had as a focal point not a chapel, but a chapel to the mind - the library.

“Today we hold this view of exploration and investigation as the cornerstone of education. Jefferson is, most probably, the founder of this idea in America. The University of Virginia was one of his proudest accomplishments and not only was it innovative in ideas but also in architecture as well,” said Mr. Kitchens. “It is considered to be innovative in layout and function, and many colleges in the future would look to it as an example of how a college was supposed to look.



Capitol Building



“Thomas Jefferson was an inventor, great thinker, excellent writer, and one of the most important men in our history, and it was a great experience to be in the places that he called home,’ said Mr. Kitchens. “I am extremely honored to again be chosen for a National Endowment for the Humanities workshop and feel that they add a great deal to my classroom instruction.”

Mr. Kitchens has previously attended workshop events in Savannah, Georgia, and Oxford, Mississippi.

Financial Assistance is Available for Students Affected by April Tornados

Students who were adversely affected by the April 27, 2011, tornados that ravaged the area may be eligible for financial assistance to aid them in pursuing their education.

A Disaster Relief Scholarship is available to those students who meet the requirements:

• Be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) for the Fall 2011 semester.
• Possess a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
• Complete a FAFSA form and file it with the Snead State Financial Aid Office.

The deadline for the $500 scholarship is Wednesday, August 17. Applications are available in the Snead State Financial Aid Office. For more information, contact Financial Aid at financialaid@snead.edu.

In addition to the Disaster Relief Scholarship, there is another source for financial assistance available to tornado victims wishing to continue their education at Snead State. Through the authorization of the Alabama State Board of Education, Snead State may also provide assistance to students who were adversely affected by the April 27 tornados by providing a 50 percent tuition (excluding fees) waiver for students and displaced workers whose homes and businesses were destroyed during the tornado.

To be eligible for the tuition waiver, students must submit a SSCC admission applications, a completed 2011-2012 FAFSA and Financial Aid Policy form and documentation of loss of home or loss of employment related to the April 27 tornados. Students receiving funding through the Workforce Investment Act or other federal workforce assistance programs or receiving substantial tuition assistance from other sources are ineligible for the tuition waiver.

Fall registration is going on now. Classes begin Aug. 22.

Snead State FYI

Below is some important information for students coming to Snead State this fall.

Fall registration is now open for all students. Classes for the full Fall term and the Fall Mini I term begin Monday, Aug. 22.

• If you are a returning Snead State student, you do not need to consult an advisor prior to registration UNLESS you have changed your major or if you just have a question about classes. 
• New students may receive assistance with the registration process by visiting the Arab Center on Main Street in Arab or the Student Success and Career Center on the Boaz campus. Both are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• New students are encouraged to participate in Parson Days (new student orientation) to be prepared for classes this fall. If you missed Parson Days in July, you have two more opportunities to participate: Friday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. until noon.

New students starting classes this fall may have some new experiences. Here are some tips to be better prepared:

• If you would like to know how to find your classes on that first day, call and schedule a campus tour. One of our knowledge employees or student leaders will not only show you where to find your classes, they will also provide you with important information about parking areas, campus life, and more! You may contact one of our Student Recruiters to schedule a tour: Lindsey Beck at (256) 571-0612, lbeck@snead.edu, or Michelle Machen at (256) 571-0611, mmachen@snead.edu.
• Have you signed up for an online class, but you aren't familiar with Blackboard (Snead State's learning system)? Visit http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm for a selection of tutorials that will take you step by step through the system, so you can be more comfortable with your online class.
• There are many ways for the College to contact students once they register for classes. Each student may be contacted by their instructor through the Blackboard system. Students are also given a student e-mail address through which they may receive correspondance from the College. The student e-mail address is separate from the Blackboard messaging system. It is important that you check both methods of communication several times during the week.
• Snead State also utilizes social media sites to communicate with students. Even if you don't have a profile on these sites, you can view Snead State's page for information. (While you may view the page, you will not be able to ask questions or comment unless you have a personal profile on these sites.) Follow Snead on twitter at www.twitter.com/sneadstatecc, or like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sneadstatecc.

If you have questions that have not been addressed in this blog, feel free to contact Snead State:

• Financial Aid - financialaid@snead.edu, (256) 840-4107
• Admissions - studentservices@snead.edu, (256) 840-4108
• Student Success and Career Center - studentsuccess@snead.edu, (256) 840-4208
• Snead State Bookstore - lpatterson@snead.edu, (256) 593-1861
• Campus Directory

Director's mission is 'to get students involved'

Courtesy of Lionel Green
The Sand Mountain Reporter

As a graduate of the University of Alabama, Brittany Wilborn knows the college experience is more than books and classes, exams and grades.

As director of campus engagement at Snead State Community College, Wilborn helps students know it, too.

Wilborn, 25, worked as a transfer advisor at Snead for two years before earning the position of campus engagement director in October. The 2004 graduate of Geraldine High School also attended Gadsden State Community College.

"It's my job to get all my students involved and to make sure they have things to do on campus," Wilborn said. "And not just your smart, high GPAs, cream-of-the-crop students, but everyone."

Wilborn, who manages Snead's Student Success and Career Center, touts the College Completion Agenda, an initiative geared to increase the number of students receiving their associate degrees.
"We're really pushing the College Completion Agenda and really focusing on getting our students to start at Snead and to finish here," she said.

"I'm the point person for our Student Success and Career Center. We're there to help them with admissions, financial aid, scholarships, career advising, tutoring programs ... just anything they need to do. We have it in our center under one roof," she said.

Wilborn said participation in campus activities and the College Completion Agenda go hand in hand.
"Statistically, the more involved students are, the better they perform academically," she said.

Shelley Smith, Snead's marketing and public relations director, agreed, saying participation in clubs and organizations enhances student leadership abilities.

"With organizations like Phi Theta Kappa, they also have scholarship opportunities," Smith said. "With Phi Beta Lambda, they go to state competitions where they actually build on their business skills and workplace skills.

"Even though they're involved in doing things like dances, they're also learning and building on the education they're getting in the classroom. So it's only going to add to what they're getting from their instructors out of the classes," she said.

Wilborn said organizations on the Boaz-based campus filter though her office.

"My office does a lot of the student activities, as far as the dances," she said. "We do Club Rush at the beginning to put our clubs and organizations out there. I'm directly responsible for our Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and our Student Government Association."

Snead's enrollment of 2,100 students is an assortment of traditional students, such as recent high school graduates, and nontraditional students, ranging from the laid-off employee learning another skill to the stay-at-home mother looking to enter the workforce. Many commute to the college.

Despite the eclectic blend of students, Wilborn said Snead's population stays plugged in to community events.

"Our students are very proactive," she said. "If there's anything going on, they probably know about it before I do, and they are not hesitant to come to me and want to help and want to be involved.

"All the students are using Facebook and Twitter. If there's something going on, they're going to know about it, and they'll spread the word. That's one thing I found different from other community colleges is these students reach out to me and want to get involved and be a part of anything that's going on in the community."
Wilborn said Snead ultimately tries to prepare students for "the real world."

"We're just trying to put them in real-life situations that they can learn from," she said.

The joy of Wilborn's job is seeing students graduate and knowing their participation in Snead organizations helped them reach the next level.

"Through the clubs and organizations, some students were able to go to the University of Alabama or Samford or transfer period because of the scholarship opportunities that are gained by being involved at Snead," Wilborn said.