30 Things You Need To Know About Alabama Community Colleges

People have a lot to say about community colleges. People also have a lot to say about the state of Alabama. Here are the facts about community colleges in Alabama.

1. In 1925, the first public two-year college opened in Alabama.

Via accs.cc

The college started as a trade school.

2. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman created a commision on higher education.

Via accs.cc

The goal of the commission was to make higher education easier for Americans to attain and to help workers attain more skills for the work place.

3. The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) was established in May 1963.

Via accs.cc

"The mission of the Alabama Community College System is to provide a unified system of institutions dedicated to excellence in delivering academic education, adult education, and workforce development.”

4. Former Alabama Governor, George C. Wallace was a driving force in the creation of the ACCS.

Via archives.state.al.us

A 1972 assassination attempt left him paralyzed.

5. George C. Wallace has a community college named after him in Dothan, Alabama!

Via wallace.edu

"The definition of the traditional student is constantly changing. Students with personal, employment, and family obligations find time to fit an education in their already busy schedules. Our students want communication at their fingertips, and we are meeting and exceeding their expectations." -Dr. Linda C. Young

6. Truck Driver Training is offered at Central Alabama Community College.

Via cacc.edu

No GED or high school diploma is needed.

7. There are 25 schools that make up the ACCS.

Via accs.cc

24 public institutions, 1 independent, and zero tribal.

8. People who identify as Asian/Pacific Islander are 0.9% of the population.

Via accs.org

White: 69%

African-American: 26.6%

Unknown: 1.5 %

Hispanics: 1.1%

Native Americans: 1%

Asian/Pacific Islanders: 0.9%.

9. Rise in Hispanic immigrants added bilingual classes to community colleges.

Many Hispanic immigrants ended up working in poultry processing plans.

10. 60% of those who attend the ACCS are women.

Via accs.cc

Men make up 40% of the gender breakdown.

11. 55% of students in the ACCS attend full time.

Via accs.cc

There is always a lot going on for the students.

12. $4,012… the average amount a ACCS student spends a semester.

Via buzzfeed.com 20Financing_EquEffandAccount_NEA%20Almanac_2013.pdf

The average amount in the USA is $3,000 a semester.

13. Robert Bentley is the President of the Alabama State Board of Education.

Via google.com

He also serves as the Governor of Alabama.

14. Alabama community colleges are divided into 8 districts.

Via accs.cc

Each year one boy and one girl from each district...

15. The Alabama State Board of Education is made up of 9 members.

Via accs.cc

Each of the members are in charge of a district. Mr. Bentley is the head.

16. The average salary for a full time faculty member of a community college is $44,135.

Via sheltonstate.edu

The range of pay for an adjunct faculty member in Alabama during 2012-2013 was anywhere from $7,566 to $21,916.

17. Manufacturing apprenticeship programs are a big hit!

Via businessalabama.com

Veteran employees of companies are looking to retire so the next set of workers need to be trained.

18. Mercedes-Benz works with one of the colleges!

Via businessalabama.com

The CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz, Markus Schaefer, said of the collaboration with Shelton State Community College, “We saw this program as one way to plant the seeds to help meet Alabama’s future workforce needs in the automotive industry, as well as support the knowledge and world-class skill sets necessary for today’s technologically advanced, modern vehicles.”

19. Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) is one cool school!

nacc.edu

“The mission of Northeast Alabama Community College is to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Alabama.”

20. Dr. Mike Kennamar is the Director of Workforce Development at NACC.

Via nacc.edu

Did you know he was also named as the 2011 "Outstanding Educator of the Year" by the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce?

21. Success stories run rampant at NACC.

Via nacc.edu

Tara Stiefel beat the odds and is now living her dream.

22. Susan Barron works in the Office of High School Relations and Event Planning.

Via nacc.edu

She likes to give tours on her own and plan events for all students.

23. The Tom Bevill Lyceum Theater is the place to be!

Via static.panoramio.com

"When the community thinks of NACC, they think of the theater" - Susan Barron

24. Roger Van Fleteren's "Romeo + Juliet" was performed this past February in the theater.

Via nacc.edu

Like many events on campus, "Romeo + Juliet" was free for NACC students… with a ticket.

25. NACC also has fun and informational recruitment videos.

Via youtube.com

Because who doesn't love southern accents?!

26. Infographics are all the rage!

Via piktochart.com

Here is one on the ACCS.

27. 6 out of 25 ACCS schools offer correctional education services to prison inmates.

Via ascc.edu

Alabama Southern Community College offers the LifeTech Institute. It provides a chance for parolees make the change from prison back to society.

28. Notable Alumni of the ACCS include "Soul Patrol" Commander and 2006 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.

Via accs.cc

Taylor Hicks attended Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama.

29. 18 of the 25 ACCS schools participate in the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC).

Via acccathletics.com

The 18 members of the ACCC make up over 80 different sports teams and over 1,600 community college students participate.

30. Always remember...

Via accs.cc

The ACCS is where it's at.