Nearly 700 Attend 2010 AATYC Conference
The theme for the 2010 AATYC conference was “Spotlight on Success” and nearly 700 administrators, faculty and staff attended.  Attendees chose from approximately 80 breakout and poster sessions focusing on areas such as academics, student success, technology, leadership and more.    

The keynote speaker was Dr. Katherine Boswell, the Director of the Community College Policy Center at the Academy for Educational Development (AED) of Washington DC.  Dr. Boswell’s presentation focused on ten student success strategies that can make a difference that included:

1)      Fostering a college-going culture
2)      Early assessment
3)      Focus on the “front door”
4)      Mandate what works
5)      Develop a culture of evidence
6)      A laser-like focus on developmental education
7)      Identify and implement academic practices that work
8)      Hiring is “job one”
9)      Engage adjunct faculty in creating a culture of student success
10)    Leadership matters

Other conference highlights included a meeting of the House and Senate Education Committee, a talent show featuring two-year college personnel, a poker fun run/walk and industry tours of Riley Art Glass Studio and Oaklawn.

Dr. Ed Franklin Provides “State-of-the-State” of Two-Year Colleges

Ed Franklin, Executive Director of AATYC

During the opening general session, Dr. Ed Franklin, AATYC Executive Director, provided an update on the state of two-year colleges.  Two-year colleges are in the national spotlight and are receiving unprecedented attention.  Events such as the recent White House Summit on Community Colleges indicate the value placed on community colleges and their relevance in improving the economy.

Dr. Franklin stated that Arkansas two-year colleges are collaborating in new ways by developing regional and sector partnerships.  Regional two-year college consortia serve as tools for collaboration on economic development and job creation approaches that are productive for their region. Regional consortia include Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium, North Arkansas Two-Year College Consortium, and SouthWest Arkansas Community College Consortium.

Sector emphases include aerospace, advanced manufacturing (in central Arkansas), entrepreneurship, and green technology.  Sector strategies are based on the successful model of the AATYC WorkForce Training Consortium.   

Student success is another major focus of Arkansas two-year colleges.  AATYC received a three year grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation to focus on student success, developmental education reform and graduation rates. 

Dr. Franklin praised the audience for doing well and challenged them by saying, “We have the ability to do even better.  Now that the spotlight is on us, let’s show Arkansas and the world what we can do for our students and our business and governmental partners.”

Governor Beebe Addresses Conference Attendees, Alumni and Students
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe addressed the audience and presented awards to honorees during the awards brunch on Tuesday, October 19. In his speech, Governor Beebe recognized the significant role played by the state’s 22 public two-year colleges in providing a low-cost way to earn a certificate or degree in fields such as health professions, business management, engineering related technology and liberal arts.  

Governor Beebe congratulated awardees and expressed appreciation to two-year college faculty and staff for their hard work and their vital role in educating Arkansans.  He also emphasized the key educational opportunities provided by the colleges in retraining workers for jobs available in today’s challenging economic environment.

2010 Honorees
Each AATYC member institution selects an outstanding faculty member, staff member, alum and student to be honored during the AATYC conference.   Faculty and staff were recognized at the Awards Dinner on October 18, and alumni and students were recognized at the Awards Brunch on October 19.

Academic All-Star Students were selected based on academic performance, college leadership and community involvement.  They were each awarded two scholarships: one worth $500 to complete their associate degree and a second full-tuition scholarship to any of the 11 Arkansas public four-year universities to complete their bachelor’s degree. The combined cumulative total for both scholarships is estimated to be more than $300,000.

“These scholarships are an excellent way to reward our highest-achieving students by giving them a chance to achieve their dreams at any Arkansas public four-year public university,” said Dr. Ed Franklin, AATYC Executive Director. “Many of these students are balancing their schoolwork with jobs and parenthood, which makes their accomplishments even more impressive. These students are the embodiment of the American dream.”

Outstanding Faculty
Outstanding Staff
Outstanding Alumni
Academic All-Star Students

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