Saints Family,

   I would like to commend everyone on a job well done this past spring and for your work this summer. As we move into the fall, we are completing one of the most prolific academic calendar years we have ever had at LBW. Our credit hour production was up year over year and our head count was the highest ever recorded. Our students won multiple awards, and we placed in several categories in SkillsUSA. We introduced our students to new pathways and honor societies. We removed barriers such as childcare and travel for some of our students. We held a community wide lecture series that reached thousands in our service area. To say I’m humbled to be a part of this institute is a massive understatement. However, with everyone’s hard work and willingness to move this college forward, we still have work to do. There are still people in our communities left to serve. There are businesses still needing trained employees. There are still individuals in our community who do not know what we do or that we even exist. LBW must face these challenges with open arms and a servant's heart. It is my belief that we are the best avenue for real economic change in our community. During the spring college-wide meeting, I challenged everyone to pick the shovel up and dig no matter what their role is in the college, and if someone needs help digging, then help someone dig. I’m passionate about LBW, our community and where we are heading. To our new employees, welcome to our family. I hope that you find a home here and that our mission becomes a passion for you as it has for so many who have come before and those who are still bleeding blue. Coach Helms once asked us as baseball players to look within to determine what it truly means to wear the LBW jersey. I now challenge everyone to determine what it means to you to be a member of the SAINTS family.

Congratulations to Bricken Cope, Industrial Electronics Instructor, and his wife, Flemming, on the birth of their daughter, Elliott Emmaline Cope, on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 7:54 a.m. weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz., 20 ½ inches.

John Carpenter | Accounting & Business Instructor

Mr. Carpenter was an Accounting/Business Instructor at LBW for twenty-one years. His desire to help and serve led him to pursue a career in education.

A celebration was held at the College where employees, friends, and family recognized his dedication to the field.

He said his fondest memories during his career at LBW included, "Saints Day talent show and anything that required the faculty to interact with students outside the classroom."

As an instructor, he enjoyed the conversations with students.

"There is something about watching students grow and learn," he said. "And, in the process, I grow and learn as well."

In retirement, he plans to travel, hunt and finish projects.

He added, "Love is what love does. If your work is your passion, you should always be willing to go the extra mile."

WAAO Workforce Friday's

Tune in to 93.7 WAAO for the new Workforce Friday's where Workforce Director Chad Sutton invites program instructors, partners, etc. to tell the community about all the opportunities available at Your Community's College, LBW!