A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As always, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the work everyone does at our institution. We are changing lives daily in every aspect, and we are set to continue to do so through innovation and your willingness to go above and beyond.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. During the speech, I challenged our local businesses to truly examine their job postings. Since January 2023, over 78% of postings in our service area require either no education or a high school diploma. I believe, to truly move the economic needle, we must work with our businesses to articulate what they truly want in an employee and then align those desires with the unparalleled skills we provide through our associate and certificate programs.

We are at a pivotal point where we must continue to establish a standard of perceived excellence within our institute on all levels. Our grounds must remain in pristine shape. Our academic and technical programs must continue to connect career pathways with every student. It is imperative that our extracurricular activities such as music, arts, and athletics put a quality product on the field, court, or stage.

We must strive to develop a contagious atmosphere that our community is drawn to. We are the best vehicle to see long-lasting change within our community. Our impact on our community is immeasurable, and we must believe that we are making generational change in the lives of our constituents.

I believe in us. I believe in our mission, and I believe in what we are doing and going to do for our community. To do this, we must continue to articulate the significance of LBW in our service area. Thank you for your hard work.

Congratulations to Chancey Wyatt, Welding Instructor at the Luverne Center, on the birth of her second grandson.

Walker Steven Wyatt was born on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 20 inches long.

Congratulations to Elena Nicholson, English Instructor on the MacArthur Campus, and Eric Nicholson, Maintenance/Custodian on the Andalusia Campus, on the birth of their daughter.

Ryleigh Scott Nicholson was born on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, weighing 7 lbs. 13 oz., 20 ½ inches long.  

Happy Spring Break! ✌️

Welding Instructors Nathan Brawner, Scott Copper and Charvez Hill attended The Resource Centers annual Welding Instructor Update Workshop in February. "We were given updates on new welding technology such as innovations in Welding Robotics and plastic piping technology," Brawner said. Other class sessions included : Cylinder gas safety training, updates on different welding educational materials offered through Lincoln Electric as well as Miller Electric. Go Build Alabama also gave a short presentation on opportunities for workforce development grants. "And in my opinion, some of the best knowledge I received was from networking with other instructors and getting different opinions and perspectives on teaching styles, techniques and the direction of our industry," he added.

On Friday, March 1, 2024, John Bess and Shannon Lightsey attended an ACHE-sponsored statewide convening on “Artificial Intelligence in Alabama Higher Education,” hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Keynote speaker Dr. Ravi Pendse and other panelists focused on AI in teaching and learning, AI-driven research and innovation, and other future changes in AI across key industries in Alabama.

PTA Program Director, Mr. Dougherty, and PTA Clinical Education Coordinator, Dr. Green, recently participated in “PT Day at the Capitol” with several Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and PT/PTA Students to advocate for the Physical Therapy profession.

Eric Nicholson

Maintenance/Custodian

Jessica Pollack

Admissions Specialist

Mandy Jefcoat

Child Development Instructor

Kathena Barnes

Administrative Assistant Nursing Division

Anissa Tillis

Financial Aid and Admissions Specialist

DeAndra Pyron

RISE & Career Pathways Specialist

Jeanni Sanders

Workforce Coordinator

Throughout Women's History Month, LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley recognized a select group of employees and community members who make our College and communities #StrongHER.

"Not only do I see the impact these ladies are making throughout the institute and community, but it's evident through the nomination process that their peers and coworkers see their continuous passion helps make our institution StrongHer," he said.