Alabama Productivity Center
2021 Fall Newsletter
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In this Issue:
Welcome Back!
Student Internship Update
Spring 2021 Alabama STRONG Collaborative Internship
APC Professional Services
Welcome Tara Johnson to APC
Randy Rogers Farewell
Social Media Giveaway
About Us
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Welcome back to campus! Students returned to campus this semester with the largest Freshmen class ever to enroll at The University of Alabama! Meaning more opportunities for internships in the future for the APC. See enrollment numbers here.
The University of Alabama also announced the official opening of Hewson Hall. President Bell thanks the philanthropic support of Marillyn and James Hewson, campaign chair C.T. Fitzpatrick and all those who funded this innovative facility for the Culverhouse College of Business. See ceremony overview below.
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The University and the APC have taken many measures against COVID-19 to prevent the spread specifically in our offices and on campus. Click the link below to view our policies.
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The APC bounced back, along with many organizations this summer, adding 34 student interns across the State of Alabama plus 5 in Mississippi. |
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With the 2021 Fall semester in full swing, we currently have 31 student interns from Mobile to Huntsville and areas in between. This Fall is one of the largest numbers of interns the APC has ever seen! Thank you all for your support in our students and program.
Curious to see what impacts have had over the course of Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 internships? See student recorded impacts below.
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The above numbers represent student recorded impacts. No impacts from MEP Survey data is listed above. |
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Spring 2021 Alabama STRONG Collaborative Internship |
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A collaboration between the Alabama Productivity Center (APC) and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) supported the ARC Alabama STRONG Internship Program which was piloted to engage two students from each institution to work together on solutions within industry during the Spring 2021 semester.
With two students from The University of Alabama and two student from Shelton State Community College, interning at Samvardhana Motherson Peguform (SMP) and International Automotive Components (IAC) they were able to create around $437,383 in total impacts! Click below to read about their successes.
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APC Professional Services |
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Welcome Tara Johnson to APC Staff |
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Tara Johnson is the Business Manager for The Alabama Productivity Center, a part of the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama. Tara earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of West Alabama where she was very active in S.I.F.E., ODK, and Phi Mu Fraternity.
Tara began her professional career with Chuck's Fish Restaurant in Tuscaloosa. She started as a server when no management positions where available, and within one year was the Event Coordinator/Front of House Manager. She carried this position as well as the eventual General Manager position for over 4 years. Her most recent position was working with McGiffert and Associates, LLC as an Administrative Assistant. At McGiffert and Associates, LLC, she served as the point of contact for all contract management. This included reviewing proposals, data mining for said proposals, training employees, typesetting, and budget management.
Tara joined the Alabama Productivity Center in March of 2021 as the Contracts and Grants Specialist/Business Manager. She is currently serving the community as Secretary of the Tuscaloosa Area Phi Mu Alumnae chapter, founding member of Young Tuscaloosa, and Project Leader for Operation Christmas Child at Indian Lake Baptist Church. She enjoys spending her spare time outdoors with her husband and newborn son.
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Randy Rogers, Evonik Corporation, announced his retirement on October, 1, 2021. Randy completed 38+ combined years in the chemical manufacturing sector where he managed safety, health, industrial hygiene, security, contractor safety, compliance training, communications, and emergency response systems.
The past 30+ years, he worked at Evonik's Mobile production plant, a 'World Class' speciality chemical manufacturer and the largest Evonik "multi-user" site in North America.
During his career, he held numerous professional leadership roles that included: Governor Ivey's Alabama Workforce Council Board, the Alabama Germany Partnership Executive Board, Region 7 South Alabama Workforce Development Council Board, the University of Alabama - Alabama Productivity Center Advisory Board and many other workforce and public education support roles.
Randy also served on the Boards of the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame, American Society of Safety Professionals, Greater Mobile Emergency Planning Committee and the South Mobile Industrial Association.
Randy earned a Bachelor's of Science from The University of Alabama and was an active paramedic for over 20 years. "I have been fortunate to serve alongside some of the most talented professionals within Evonik and the various professional organizations I have served throughout the state. After closing out my 38+ plus year work career, I look forward to spending time with my family, enjoying some travels, expanding new business ventures and continuing to support workforce development initiatives in our community and state."
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Thank you, Randy, for your service on our Advisory Board and all your support throughout the years! |
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Looking to snag an APC padfolio, two pens, and cellphone card holder? Follow the links to our social media accounts below and lookout for the announcement!
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In an effort to improve economic development in the state of Alabama, the Alabama Productivity Center was established on January 1, 1986, on the University of Alabama campus. The mission of the APC is to focus research and educational resources on the enhancement of productivity and quality within Alabama businesses and the state's industry.
The Alabama Productivity Center, a non-profit organization, is an outgrowth of a 1983 joint venture of the University of Alabama and General Motors to save a Tuscaloosa GM plant from closing. The positive experience utilizing university faculty and students to save Alabama jobs led to the establishment and sponsorship by Alabama Power Company and the University of Alabama.
In 1996, APC became home to Region 3 of the Alabama Technology Network (ATN), the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the state of Alabama. Headquartered in Montgomery, the ATN brings together a set of sixteen regional centers covering the entire state and serving the technical assistance and workforce development needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms.
The APC’s accomplishments, such as recognition by the National Council for Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration as an “innovative” and “imaginative” program, demonstrate that the APC is a valuable resource for Alabama businesses.
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Thank you for your support of the Alabama Productivity Center. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us through our website or social media.
Thank you,
Alabama Productivity Center Staff
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Alabama Productivity Center
2008 12th Street
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
(205) 348-8956
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