4-time ACCSPRA Award-Winning Digital Newsletter!

November 2024

Hello Wildcats!

Bishop State has been on the move! In October, we served our community with at least three major community sponsorships, hosted a Scholars' Bowl competition, provided area kids with treats and good times during our 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat, and showcased our college, students, people, and programs through a host of other events and activities! We have been busy! There are a couple of built-in breaks this month. The college was closed yesterday in observance of Veterans Day and will also be closed Thursday, November 28 - Friday, November 29 (students are out November 25- December 1) for the Thanksgiving holiday. Check out some of the highlights from October and what we have to look forward to this month!

OUR PROGRAMS

Culinary Arts Wins Helping Hands Award

The Bishop State Culinary Arts program received the "Helping Hands Award" from the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama. This award was given in appreciation of the program's "generous commitment to the guiding principles of the Boys and Girls Club Movement, and for [its] belief that a "Helping Hand" can make a positive difference in the lives of young people, our community, and clubs." Congratulations, Culinary Arts!

Dr. Klaus Tenbergen, Dean of Career and Technical Education, served as a guest chef instructor to students in the culinary arts program.

Dual-enrolled students from Williamson High School visited our Culinary Arts Department for an interactive culinary experience.

Future Educators Get Hands-On

Experience at Bishop State

Bishop State’s Early Childhood Education program recently welcomed 34 dual-enrolled students from MCPSS high schools and Accel Academy for their fall field trip. These aspiring educators had a full day of activities, engaging with faculty and staff, touring the campus, and even getting their official college IDs.

The students explored the Early Childhood lab, where they got creative with Q-Tip painting and conducted apple volcano experiments. The day concluded with a relaxing picnic on the lawn, making it a memorable and educational experience for all.

MMMOCA at Bishop State: Sparking Conversations on Art and Community

Bishop State had the pleasure of hosting a Mobile Mobile Museum of Contemporary Art (MMMOCA) exhibit, a unique initiative designed to bring art and history directly to our community. The event, led by adjunct art professor Terri Foster, invited students, faculty, and staff to share their thoughts on "What’s in The Frame?"—an interactive discussion on what should be represented locally and globally in art. Attendees cast their votes on what they'd like to see in the museum’s frames, sparking creative dialogue about the role of art in shaping our world.

Special thanks to Ms. Foster for bringing this thought-provoking project to our campus, with support from The Verdant Fund and The Andy Warhol Foundation.

OUR STUDENTS

Crowning of Mr. and Miss Bishop State

Congratulations to our newly crowned Miss Bishop State, Anastasia Johnson, and Mr. Bishop State, Devon Wilson! Your dedication, leadership, and Wildcat pride are an inspiration to us all. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make as ambassadors of Bishop State Community College!

See photos from Coronation 2024

APPLY NOW! $5000 All-USA Alabama Academic Team Scholarship

The All-USA Academic Team recognizes high-achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society. Two students from Bishop State can win this scholarship. Will you be one of them? Apply today!

If you have questions or need more information, contact Phi Theta Kappa Advisor Lydia Host at lhost@bishop.edu.

Apply Today!

Bishop State Basketball Season Underway

OUR COMMUNITY

Trunk-or-Treat gets bigger and better every year, and this year was no different! About 1,500 kids and families came through the Bishop State 3rd Annual Trunk-or-Treat dressed up in creative costumes and trick-or-treating throughout the campus. We had lots of candy, engaging games, and the support of our faculty, staff, students, and several sponsors. Congratulations to the Business Office for winning first place in our trunk competition for their Mardi Gras-themed attraction!

See the Trunk or Treat Photo Album

Bishop State & the Port City Classic

Bishop State was proud to sponsor this year’s Port City Classic, highlighting our strong presence in multiple events throughout the weekend. President Olivier Charles participated in a panel discussion featuring HBCU Presidents and moderated by renowned journalist Roland Martin. The discussion offered valuable insights into the future of HBCUs.

Amana Owens, our Assistant Director of Recruitment and Student Success, brought energy to "The Yard" stage as the event's host, engaging attendees and representing Bishop State with pride. Additionally, our students participated in the Bishop State Port City Classic parade, showcasing their Wildcat spirit to the community.

Regions Bank Next Step Reality Check

Thanks to Regions Bank for bringing the Next Step Reality Check to our campus! More than 100 students joined the financial education workshop, getting hands-on experience in budgeting and managing real-life scenarios.

The make-believe scenarios were fun, but the lessons learned are the foundation of real-life financial success.

Check out photos from the event

Ty Foundation Donation

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ty Foundation for its generous donation to the Bishop State Wildcat Pantry at the Southwest Student Center and Carver One Stop Shop. The foundation's donations will assist students in need at each location.

The Ty Foundation was established by the family of the late Ty Drinkard to honor his memory and establish a legacy to assist students in need of financial support. Ty aspired to play baseball at Bishop State and become an electrician upon graduating from Baldwin County High School in 2022.

Daphne Stamps, Ty Drinkard's mother, says Bishop State has held a special place in the lives of Ty and his family and they were honored to assist students in need.

To learn more about the Ty Foundation and how they give back to the community, visit www.thetyfoundation.com.

Visit The Ty Foundation Website

OUR PEOPLE

Congratulations to Bishop State's 2024 Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Chancellor's Award Honorees! The Chancellor's Awards are given annually to recognize college employees who demonstrate outstanding performance, creativity, and dedicated service. These individuals will be recognized during the ACCA Chancellor's Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 24 at 2:30 p.m.

The 2024 Alabama Community College Association Conference will be held Sunday, November 24 – Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery.

Conference keynote speakers include Chris Stricklin, Founding President of Dunn University, Nick Saban, former University of Alabama Head Football Coach, and Dr. MC Brown, Executive Director of the Payne Center for Social Justice.

You may register for $375 from July 1 - November 15, 2024. Online registration will close on November 15, 2024. After November 15, you may still attend the conference but must register at the Conference Registration Desk. The registration fee is $475; you will be invoiced for payment.

You can register online and get more information about the conference at alabamacca.org.

Bishop State Team Enhances Skills at ALCUG Conference

Jonathan Webster, Sharnee Hobbs, Sarah Shaw, and Robert McWilliams recently attended the Alabama Canvas User Group Conference in Montevallo, Alabama. The event provided invaluable professional development focused on enhancing course design, using Canvas for teacher training, and ensuring accessibility of content for all learners.

The team returned with fresh insights and innovative strategies to continue improving the learning experience at Bishop State.

Upcoming Events

Join the Health Sciences department for its virtual informational sessions on the third Thursday of each month from 12pm-1pm. The health sciences staff will explain the admissions requirements, application cycles, and relevant information for each program. Questions? Contact Devin Blackmarr at dblackmarr@bishop.edu.