Former Snead President Leaves a Legacy

Courtesy of The Sand Mountain Reporter

Steve Thrasher remembers his former colleague and friend Dr. William H. Osborn fondly as a compassionate and caring man who will leave an indelible mark in the history of Snead State Community College.

Osborn, the president of Snead State Community College from 1977 to 1996, died Sunday and was laid to rest Monday.

"I knew him personally as well as professionally," Thrasher said.

"He was a very loving family-type person. He established a family atmosphere at the college where one did not exist before."

Thrasher served as business manager at the college for a number of years.

"I was there before and after he was," Thrasher said of Osborn.

"He was a very caring person who believed in promoting from within. He cared about the employees and their family situations and life circumstances.

"When economic times got tough, he did everything he could to keep employees instead of letting them go."
Osborn, 78, holds the distinction of the longest serving president of Snead State in the school's history.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of our former president, Dr. William Osborn," said current President Robert Exley.

"He served Snead State Community College faithfully for a number of years."

During Osborn's administration, the campus grew to include the Tom Bevill Continuing Education Center, the Chalmus Weathers Business Building and the William H. Osborn English Building.

Osborn established the Snead State Foundation and also guided the college in its journey from a junior college into a community college in 1992.

From this, he was able to add several career and technical programs, all while keeping the traditional junior college mission alive, Exley said.

Soon after his retirement, he was named President Emeritus of Snead State Community College and briefly served as Interim Dean of Instruction in 2000.

"When Anita and I first arrived, (Osborn) and his wife Joan were so kind to us," Exley said.

"They organized a reception at their home for us to meet many Snead State retirees.

"The evening was simply great fun and gave us a wonderful opportunity to hear many anecdotes about the college.

"We have a great college and Dr. Osborn certainly contributed much to what we are today."

Thrasher said although Osborn came from "humble beginnings," he became a leading educator serving in primary and secondary education fields.

"He was a very well-rounded person," Thrasher recalled.

"He was a high school teacher, college instructor, dean of two colleges and director of the postsecondary division of the state Board of Education before the junior college system was separated.

"He was very active in the community and participated in things like the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and Civitan club.

"He was a big gardener and loved fishing and all sports.

"He was just a very generous and caring type person."

Osborn is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Pam Osborn, of Boaz; daughters and sons-in-law, Mitzi and Mike McLaurine, of Montgomery, and Becky and Phillip Kinney, of Boaz; brother and sister-in-law, Clifton and Carol Osborn, of Southside; and eight grandchildren and one step-grandson.

Administration Building Renovation on Schedule



Rendering of the Front of the Administration building

  Construction crews have made quick work of the renovation to Snead State Community College’s Administration Building to keep the $8 million project on schedule for completion by the beginning of Fall 2012.

Built in 1921, the Administration Building has been vacant for over a year, during which extensive work has been done to ready the building for use as administrative and classroom space.



Rendering of the Back of the Administration Building



“As the project progresses, excitement and curiosity has been building with people on and off campus. We’re all anxious to see the finished product, which promises to be a valuable showpiece for the College,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley.

Renderings have been developed by Krebs Architectural Firm in Birmingham to give an idea of what the finished Administration Building will look like. A major component of the project has been the renovation of Fielder Auditorium, a beloved piece of the College’s heritage. The auditorium will have a 412-seat capacity to be used once again as a lecture/recital hall. A catering kitchen and commons/banquet room will be added to provide a gathering area for students and a place to support College events.

The 29,519-square-foot building will also include nine classrooms, seven faculty offices, the President’s Office, Academic Administration office, and the Academic Planning and Research office. Math classes will move from the Elrod Science Building into the finished Administration Building. A Snead Heritage room and space for the college cyber-library is included in the plans as well.

Once the project is complete, relocating faculty and staff offices will free up much-needed space in the McCain Student Success and Career Center and the Science Building. The Student Success Center will continue to be the location for key operations such as Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising, Recruiting, Testing, and Campus Engagement.

“As we moved forward with the Administration Building renovation, we’ve kept in mind the result of the renovation of the Norton Social Sciences Building. Norton was another historic building that over time had deteriorated until it could no longer be used. It was renovated to become a functional facility that also captures the charm and heritage that is Snead State Community College. We have the same expectations for the Administration Building,” said Dr. Exley.

The Administration Building was evacuated in June 2010 due to electrical and safety concerns. The sudden move provided the College with an opportunity to move forward with the much-needed renovation and to establish the Student Success and Career Center in the former McCain Learning Resource Center. The Student Success Center was identified by the College Leadership Team as a major initiative to pursue to meet the needs of students.  

Snead State Welcomes New Volleyball Coach

Snead State Community College announces today the appointment of a new head volleyball coach.

Dee Ayres accepted the part-time coaching position and officially begins in January. The Southside High School Volleyball Coach takes the position left vacant by Lisa Murray Bright. After serving as Snead State’s volleyball and women’s softball coach for two years, Coach Bright will continue as the softball coach and the academic advisor for athletics.

“I am really excited about taking over as the new volleyball coach, and I am looking forward to building on the success of the volleyball program and to cultivate young lives into professionals,” said Coach Ayres.

Coach Ayres’ athletic career includes successes she achieved in high school when she lettered in volleyball, basketball and tennis at Southside. During her senior year, the Lady Panthers Volleyball Team placed second at the State tournament.

After high school, she attended the University of North Alabama on an athletic and academic scholarship and played for the UNA Volleyball Team from 2003-2006. In addition to receiving her Bachelor’s degree from UNA, she was also a member of the 2003 NCAA Division II National Championship Volleyball Team at UNA and was team captain during the 2005 and 2006 volleyball seasons. In 2006, she helped to lead the team to the NCAA Division II National Championship game.

Over the course of her volleyball career, Coach Ayres’ team has won three Gulf South Conference Championships and one National Championship title and has made four NCAA Division II Regional appearances, two NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances, two Final Four appearances, and two National Championship games.

“We are excited to have Coach Ayres join the Parson coaching staff. With her experience and knowledge, I believe she will be a great asset to the athletic department and will wholeheartedly join us in assisting our volleyball student-athletes to a promising future as college graduates,” said SSCC Athletic Director Mark Richard.

For Snead State’s new coach, her job is an opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream.

“It is always been a dream of mine to be a college coach, and I saw the position at Snead State to be a great opportunity,” she said. “I am excited about seeing where we are as a team, so that we can begin to prepare for the upcoming spring season. I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with the Snead family.”

Coach Ayres already has a full to-do list prepared for the first few weeks as Snead’s volleyball coach. “There is a lot that I want to accomplish in the first few weeks. I am anxious to meet with the returning players and to contact the recruits.”

In addition to coaching volleyball, Coach Ayres teaches biology at Southside High School and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was named the Etowah County Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011.

PTK Answers the Question: 'Where Are You Wearing?'

Ever wonder who made the socks you’re wearing? Ever wonder how much it cost to make your favorite shirt? Snead State Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa has not only researched the answers to those questions; they are also informing students about “Where Are You Wearing?”

Each year the Phi Theta Kappa national organization selects a topic for a study project that’s referred to as the Honors in Action project. The purpose of the program is to encourage lifelong learning and allow members to explore real world issues. Members are given a topic, and it is their responsibility to research and create an event that brings attention to the topic.

This year’s Honors in Action topic addresses the economy, so the PTK officers decided to develop a “Where Are You Wearing” project that sheds light on the origin of the clothing people wear such as where the clothing was made, how much was spent to make the clothing, and how much the worker was paid to make the clothing. The group presented the information to Snead students on Dec. 7.

“The program is based off of economics relevant to our everyday economic standing,” said Director of Campus Engagement Brittany Wilborn, who also serves as the PTK sponsor. “The officers chose this particular program because they were curious to learn about the origin of their clothes. They were amazed with what they learned.”

Phi Theta Kappa strives to maintain a five-star chapter status with the national organization, and completing an Honors in Action project is one requirement to meet the status. Last year, the group’s Honors in Action project was a political forum, which earned them an award at the PTK Regional Conference.

 Currently, the group is raising money to cover expenses to the regional and international conferences in the spring. They also plan to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the spring.

Phi Theta Kappa has recognized academic excellence in the two-year college since 1918 and has become the largest and the most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. To become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa one must have completed a minimum of 12 hours and have a 3.5 GPA.

The 2011-2012 officers are President Hannah Jimmerson, Vice President of Leadership Zach Fraiser, Vice President of Scholarships Colton Campbell, and Vice President of Fellowship Seth Harbison.

Snead State Concert Choir Performs at ACDA Choral Festival

The Concert Choir

The Concert Choir from Snead State Community College participated in the Alabama chapter of the American Choral Directors Association Collegiate Choral Festival on Nov. 10.

The group was one of 18 groups representing two and four-year colleges and universities from North and Central Alabama. The Festival is open to any college choirs whose directors are members of the American Choral Directors Association.

The Festival was held at the Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook. The group performed William Billings Easter Anthem and Bradley Harris’ arrangement of “How Can I Keep from Singing” for Dr. Lori Hetzel, who is on the music staff at the University of Kentucky.

“The Festival is an opportunity for the choirs to perform for each other. In the morning session, we had nine choirs, so around 200 to 300 collegiate choral singers plus another possible 50 people heard and enjoyed our program,” said Director Sara Markham.

The Concert Choir is comprised of both music majors and non-majors from Snead State. Anyone can join the choir, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Lady Parsons Finish Fourth in State

2011 Lady Parsons Volleyball Team

The Snead State Community College volleyball team wrapped up its 2011 season over the weekend at the Alabama Community College Conference State Championship at Gadsden State. The Lady Parsons finished fourth in the State.

“I am incredibly proud of how my girls playing during the tournament and how they finished the season,” said Coach Lisa Murray. They played with so much heart and determination. We finished 21-12 – the current program best for Snead State. This was really a great group of girls, and they achieved a lot during this season.”

During the tournament, the Lady Parsons defeated Faulkner State and Wallace Selma 3-0 but suffered a 3-0 loss to Wallace Hanceville during game two. The Parsons were defeated 3-2 in a tight final match against Faulkner State.

Snead State vs. Faulkner State (Snead 3-0)

Match Scores: 25-23, 25-16, 25-15

• Sophomore Kali Lake of Addison – 24 assists, 9 digs, and one ace
• Sophomore Katelin Gray of Guntersville – 16 digs
• Freshman Courtney Redington of Guntersville – 13 digs
• Sophomore Justina Craft of New Hope – eight kills, one block
• Freshman Bailey Gamble of Grant – eight kills, one block
• Freshman Adele Woodall of Guntersville – five kills, one block
• Sophomore Kirsten Croghan of Boaz – four blocks, five kills

Snead State vs. Wallace Hanceville (Wallace Hanceville 3-0)

Match Scores: 26-24, 25-17, 25-21

• Kali Lake – 20 assists, six digs, and one ace
• Katelin Gray – 16 digs
• Courtney Redington – 18 digs
• Justina Craft – eight digs, five kills
• Bailey Gamble – 5 kills, 3 blocks
• Adele Woodall – 11 kills, 3 blocks

Snead State vs. Wallace Selma (Snead 3-0)

Match Scores: 25-16, 25-17, 25-15

• Kali Lake – 27 assists, two digs
• Katelin Gray – eight digs
• Courtney Redington – five digs
• Justina Craft – three kills, four digs
• Bailey Gamble – six kills
• Adele Woodall – ten kills
• Kirsten Croghan – four kills

Snead State vs. Faulkner State (Faulkner 3-2)

Match Scores: Snead 25-16, 25-20 and Faulkner 25-21, 26-24, 15-11

• Kali Lake – 33 assists, 11 digs, three blocks, three digs
• Katelin Gray – 29 digs
• Courtney Redington – 20 digs
• Freshman Jamie Blair of Addison – 10 digs
• Justina Craft – nine digs, six kills
• Bailey Gamble – eight kills, four digs, four blocks
• Adele Woodall – 13 kills, three blocks
• Sophomore Kaylea McGuire of Fayette – four kills, three blocks
• Freshman Lydia Vick of Moulton– six kills
• Kirsten Croghan – three kills, three blocks

Following the tournament, four Lady Parsons were named to the All-Region First Team: Adele Woodall, Kali Lake, Bailey Gamble and Katelin Gray. Justina Craft was named to the All-Region Second Team. Kali Lake and Adele Woodall were also named to the All-Tournament Team.

“Not only have these athletes excelled on the court, but they are also excelling in the classroom,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard. “On this year’s team, there are seven sophomores, and every one of them is on track to graduate this spring or this summer. They have a combined grade point average of 3.62. This not only shows their hard work and dedication to our volleyball program but to completing their degree as well.”

Welcome to the New Human Resources Director

It has been a period of adjustment for Arlene Brown since she began her position as Human Resources Director for Snead State Community College.

Ms. Brown began Nov. 1 in the position left vacant by the retirement of HR Specialist Barbara Kilpatrick. The Auburn University at Montgomery graduate earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in August 2007. Two months later she was hired by Jefferson State Community College as a personnel specialist. She moved from Jeff State to Snead State as advancement to her career in Human Resources.

“I am thankful I had a great boss while I was at Jeff State. She was great to keep me informed on different aspects of HR, and that helped to prepare me to step into the job at Snead State,” she said.

She also recently earned her Master of Business Administration from AUM to add to her qualifications for the Director position. Her challenge has been learning the administrative software used by Snead – Alliant, but she has experience using the software that Snead will be implementing in the near future – Banner.

“Because I worked in the two-year college system, I am already familiar with the policies and procedures. I am also familiar with the Students First Act, but I still have some aspects of the Human Resources position that I need to learn,” she said.

Ms. Brown said she applied at Snead because not only did it give her the opportunity to move her human resources career to the next level, but also give her a job in a comfortable setting. Snead allowed her to stay in the two-year community college system. She worked in a four-year institution for a couple of years and immediately noticed a different atmosphere than the community college environment.

“Community colleges have a different atmosphere. The staff feels like family,” said Ms. Brown.

With the adjustment of learning her new role, Ms. Brown is anxious to meet and get to know her co-workers. She has already encouraged them to stop by, introduce themselves, and offer questions or suggestions they may have about the Human Resources office.