Hire Education Journal Issue 4

Fall 2013

EducationJournal

“ ”HireHire

Fergusons Receive National Honor for A-B Tech Support

Culinary Grad Daniel Gorman Competes for World Title

A-B Tech South Serves Booming Area

Gates Grant to Help More Students Graduate

A-B Tech Welcomes Brewmaster Jeff Irvin

2 abtech.edu | Hire EDUCATION Journal

4 Welcome to The BASE A-B Tech launches new name and branding for Business Acceleration Site at Enka

8A-B Tech Welcomes New BrewmasterJeff Irvin named A-B Tech’s first Brewmaster, overseeing new Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation Program

11 Fergusons ContinueLegacyFergusons receive national recognition forsupport of A-B Tech

15 A-B Tech SouthA-B Tech opens new location to serveResidents of South Buncombe County

6 Continuing Education Wins GoldA-B Tech wins Gold Award for Best Continuing Education Opportunities from Blue Ridge Country magazine

10Expanded Partnership with GoodwillA-B Tech has expanded its partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC and offers college credit classes

12 GIST Leaves Lasting ImpactA-B Tech’s Global Institute for Sustainable Technology supports community education needs

7 College Readiness Centers Created A-B Tech creates College Readiness Centersat Two Local High Schools

10 Asheville Campus ConstructionProjects UpdateA-B Tech completes its first building project with funds from of a quarter-cent sales tax

14 Gates Grant to HelpMore Students GraduateA-B Tech named one of 16 colleges chosen to receive retention support

Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Fall 2013

EducationHire

Journal

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On the cover: A-B Tech Community College Brewmaster Jeff Irvin at Asheville Brewing Company

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is accred-ited by the Southern Associa-tion of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accredita-tion of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.Equal Opportunity Educational InstitutionAll rights reserved. No parts of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.135,000 copies printed at a cost of .10 cents each.

Hire Education Journal is published by the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Office of Community Relations & Marketing.

Publisher Dr. Hank Dunn

Managing Editor Kerri Glover

Writer Martha Ball

Design & Photography Josh Weaver Kyle Levitan Lisa AlfordMaddie Morack

Board of TrusteesChairJoe Brumit

Vice ChairRay Spells

Troy BallWayne BrigmanMary Ruth FowlerWilliam A. Hart Jr.Richard HurleyDon C. Locke, Ph.D.Kaye A. MyersJohn Parham Jr., MD.Carol PetersonWilma SherrillMandy StoneDavid Wyatt

Student Government Association PresidentJayne English

Hire EDUCATION Journal | abtech.edu 3

Nelson Mandela said it best: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Here at A-B Tech, we’re doing our part by helping to grow and change our community.

As thousands of students return to A-B Tech Community College this fall, everyone who works at our four primary locations (Asheville, Madison, South Buncombe and BASE at Enka) is reminded of why we chose to work in education. Our primary objective is to help students improve their lives with quality education and training that prepares them for better careers or provides them with a solid foundation to transfer to four-year colleges.

We have experienced three straight years of growth in our curriculum programs, defying a national trend of declining enrollment. Our graduates comprise the core of the hotel, restaurant, healthcare, manufacturing, business, technology and

other industries here in the Asheville region. But A-B Tech graduates also have successful national and international careers – most recently, 2007 graduate Daniel Gorman won his second national chef championship and competed for a second world title in Istanbul, Turkey. What an honor his success brings to our Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management program as we celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Thanks to forward thinking and local voters, we’re also proceeding with campus improvements and the construction of several new buildings and renovations, including a new Allied Health building

that will educate thousands of students for careers in the local healthcare industry. The one-quarter cent sales tax referendum approved in 2011 will generate construction funds that will be more than repaid by the economic contributions of A-B Tech graduates who go to work in hospitals, physician offices and other locations throughout our area.

We’re also proud to recognize Jack and Carolyn Ferguson, whose support since 1959 has enabled A-B Tech to become a world-class institution. They have given the College millions of dollars in unrestricted gifts and scholarship funds over the years, so it came as no surprise to us that the national Council for Resource Development will recognize the Fergusons as 2013 Benefactors of the Year in Washington, D.C., in November.

Other positive developments for A-B Tech as we enter the new academic year include:

• One of 16 U.S. colleges awarded a $100,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to help keep students on track to graduate

• Among select colleges chosen to participate in national initiatives such Achieving the Dream and Completion by Design

• Launch of our Craft Beverage Institute and hiring of Brewmaster Jeff Irvin

• A new radio show, “No Limits”, on WRES 100.7 FM

We hope you’ll read more about A-B Tech Community College in this issue of Hire EDUCATION Journal and consider joining us for a degree program, college transfer courses, more training in your current career, or continuing education enrichment courses. Find out why A-B Tech is now in its 54th year of providing excellence in education to the Western North Carolina region. A-B Tech appreciates your support and is proud to be an important component of economic development in our area.

4 The Base at enka 8 brewmaster 14 Gates grant

A Message from the President

MISSIONLocally Committed, Regionally Dynamic, World-Class Focused

VISIONA-B Tech inspires, nurtures and empowers students and the community toward a better quality of life through progressive teaching, bold innovation and support collaboration.

VALUESExcellence, Learning Supportive Environment, Innovation, Inclusiveness, Continuous Improvement Dr. Hank Dunn

President


“A-B Tech Community College’s Business Acceleration Site in Enka, or The BASE, is a hub for business advancement, providing education, training, and a foundation for entrepreneurial ventures, business incubation and workforce development,” said Marilyn McDonald, Strategic Business Development Officer. “If you have a thriving business, a new business or even just an idea for a business, The Base should be your destination.”

The BASE is a place to start, a place to grow, and a place to connect. Located on Sand Hill Road in Enka, 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, the multi-facility BASE also houses a mid-size conference center that is open to the public for event rental.

Key offerings at The BASE’s Small Business Center now include one-on-one business counseling, small business and student incubation programs, workforce development, con-tinuing education offices, training programs, and Blue Ridge Food Ventures, an Advantage West program, which operates the nation’s first shared-use natural products kitchen.

The Haynes Conference & Training Center houses two large conference spaces with adjoining catering kitchens and a number of smaller breakout spaces.

Welcome to The BASE at EnkaMarilyn McDonald, Strategic Business Develop-ment Officer and Shelley White, Senior Executive Director of Economic & Workforce Development

A-B Tech Community College’s Enka location is introducing a new name and branding to the Western North Carolina business community this Fall.


This space is available for rent and is appropriate for events ranging from business and professional conferences to job fairs.

The Economic & Workforce Development/Continuing Education division supports lifelong learning and economic advancement through hundreds of classes and training programs. Continuing Education courses are offered in a wide variety of disciplines, from financial wellness to website development to creative writing. While most learning opportunities are provided at The BASE, additional classes are offered at convenient locations across A-B Tech’s service area.

Economic & Workforce Development also offers training for manufacturing, emergency medical services, and more. Busi-ness owners can benefit from consultations, assessments, and employee job trainings. Specialists offer customized or standard curriculum training for employees at The BASE or at a company’s facility. There are multiple locations across the service area and offers multiple times and dates for classes and trainings, as well as online courses, allowing the conve-nience of learning on any schedule.

“Our programs are tailored to guide employees to personal and career growth. We offer learning opportunities with tai-lored class content at a company’s facility on a schedule that suits them,” said Shelley White, Senior Executive Director of Economic & Workforce Development/Continuing Education.

The BioNetwork at The BASE at A-B Tech specializes in life sciences and supports the development of natural prod-ucts, from dietary supplements to cosmetics, and carries out the educational mission through a wealth of offerings. “The BioNetwork is a place where young companies and start-ups can get help understanding regulatory requirements,” said Marilyn McDonald, Strategic Business Development Officer. “But perhaps the most valuable asset is the laboratory, which allows individuals and companies interested in life sciences research, testing and development to rent the facility at an affordable rate.”

All dietary supplements on the market must comply with Food & Drug Administration current Good Manufacturing Practices, which can be very costly and burdensome for a young com-pany. Analytical assistance for botanicals includes constitu-ent, microbial, and pesticide detection and quantification. Well-equipped laboratory space is available for rent to those interested in product research, testing and development.

A craft beverage quality control laboratory allows the study of growth characteristics of yeast in batch and continuous cultures and the production of craft beverages through fer-mentation. There is also a biofuels testing laboratory, which provides regional biofuels manufacturers with data required for BQ 9000 fuel certification.

The BASE will be the home of the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast, offering a two-year degree program and continuing education courses to support the growing craft beverage industry in the region. Training covers the processes associated with craft beverages, including agriculture for hops and grape vines, marketing, sales and supplier organizations, restaurants and hotels, and new business development. See page 8 to learn more about the Craft Beverage Institute and our new brewmaster. For more information on The BASE, visit: abtech.edu/ce.

“If you have a thriving business, a new business or even just an idea for a business, The Base should be your destination.” - Marilyn McDonald

Biotechnology Lab at The BASE


Continuing Education Recognized as a Gold Best by Regional Magazine

A-B Tech Community College has been voted Gold Best Continuing Education Opportunities by the readers of Blue Ridge Country magazine in its 2013 Best of the Mountains poll.

“We are honored to be recognized for our program, which offers a large variety of classes and training for our community,” said Shelley White, Senior Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education.

A-B Tech’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education offers classes and training designed to support the economic and cultural development of the com-munity and its citizens. Courses are built upon the concept

of lifelong learning and for convenience. More than 17,000 students are served each year through Continuing Education at the College.

Instruction within those areas is designed to support the economic and cultural develop-ment of the community and its citizens. Courses are built upon the concept of lifelong learn-ing and, for convenience, are offered at a variety of times and locations.

Conducted once every five years, the Best of the Moun-tains poll featured a variety of other reader selections, ranging from best waterfall to best southern cooking. Readers submitted their votes online over a two-month period, producing a list of nearly 250 platinum, gold and silver awards for cities, attractions, people and activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains region.

The 2013 Best of the Mountains award winners can be found in the July/August 25th Anniversary Edition of Blue Ridge Country. The magazine is now available online at blueridgecountry.com/online. The magazine is published bimonthly with a readership of 325,000 covering the mountain regions of nine southern states.

“We are honored to be recognized for our program, which offers a large variety of classes and training for our community.” - Shelley White

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A-B Tech Community College has created College Readiness Centers (CRCs) at two local high schools to give students an extra boost to prepare for their education after graduation.

Starting with the 2013 school year, the CRCs opened at T.C. Roberson and Asheville high schools. These classrooms, staffed by A-B Tech facilitators J.D. Hermann and Scott Weider, respectively, are designed to improve high school stu-dents’ skills in reading, writing, arithmetic and algebra prior to entering college. Based on a program at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, the CRCs represent a deepening of the already strong partnerships between A-B Tech and local public school systems.

“A-B Tech is pleased to partner with our local school districts to provide an opportunity for students to be college-ready as they graduate from high school,” A-B Tech President Hank Dunn said. “This joint program is a good thing for students, parents, and the collaborative spirit between the College and the local school districts. Together, we continue to focus on college readiness and success.”

Each CRC will be a classroom for high school juniors and seniors to improve their academics and will decrease the like-lihood of having to take developmental courses upon being admitted to college. Students will also earn an elective high school credit.

The academic skills of each student enrolled in a CRC are assessed via the Accuplacer Placement Assessment. Based on the testing results, each student is placed in a self-paced computerized instructional model (MyFoundationsLab) that allows him or her to advance to higher knowledge levels in each of the four academic areas. Hermann and Weider are always on site to answer questions about the instructional model or subject areas. Both facilitators are mathematicians who have taught extensively at the high school level.

The overall goal is for students to enter A-B Tech or any other college or university without the need for developmental courses. This will not only save students time and money, but also will improve their chances of successfully completing a college credential, so that they can seamlessly continue their education or enter the work force.

For more information about the College Readiness Centers, contact Dr. Michael Dempsey, Director of Recruitment and High School Partnerships, at 398-7484 or [email protected].

Readiness Centers Prepping High School Students for College


A-B Tech Welcomes Brewmaster Jeff Irvin

Finding a brewmaster to lead classes at A-B Tech Community College’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast was no easy feat. It was an extensive search that brought in applicants from all over the country. After numerous reviews and interviews, the College found the perfect fit in Jeff Irvin.

Graduating with a degree in biology from Iowa State, Irvin enrolled in the University of California - Davis Master Brewers program. After completing, he became the Master Brewer for Olde Main Brewing Company in Ames, Iowa until the end of July 2013 when he was selected as A-B Tech’s Brewmaster.

A-B Tech’s new two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation is the first accredited U.S. program and offers students the opportunity to experience the hands-on production side of the industry along with the skills required to market/distribute and manage brewing facilities and products. Irvin has been charged with instructing and supervising curriculum and continuing education students and monitoring the College’s brewing facilities and equipment.

Left to right: Scott Adams, Director of the Craft Beverage Institute, and Brewmaster Jeff Irvin


“ I believe that the future of this program has unlimited potential. I hope that we can provide the workforce with entrepreneurs that will excel in their future positions.” - Jeff Irvin

With a cohort of 24 students ready to take the first classes and a waiting list for the next term, Irvin eagerly awaits to share his knowledge. “It’s going to be a fun program and I am excited. The students are energetic and hungry to learn. I am excited to teach them what I know,” Irvin said.

“This is not your typical class. Students have moved from all over the United States to be in the program. Of the 24 students accepted into the first class, all but six already have at least a bachelor’s degree and three have advanced degrees. We are very excited that we have an extensive waiting list for the program,” said Scott Adams, Director of the Institute.

Adams is pleased with the credentials and experiences Irvin brings to the job. “He’s exceptionally educated and experienced in the brewing arena. He has the necessary scientific background for STEM-based education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), which is a perfect fit for brewing, distillation and fermentation. The program is designed for students to be able to sit for the IBD (Institute of Brewing & Distilling) diploma. The combination of the two-year degree and the internationally recognized diploma will allow students to be employable at the global level and add competent employees to the thriving regional beverage industry.”

When Irvin started at Olde Main, he was in charge of setting up the brewery. After spending an entire year in brewery design, he continued to ask how could it be made better even after the opening.

“It’s an ever-changing beast that has to evolve with production demands. You have to anticipate what happens in the future,” Irvin said.

With A-B Tech getting ready to open its brewing facilities at the College’s Enka site next semester, Irvin’s experience will be invaluable. “Though this is a beer town and brewing is important, we understand the next big move will be micro-distilling and he (Irvin) already has continuing education in distilling and experience running distillery equipment. He is perfectly in line for what the students need to learn – not for just now but for where the industry is going in the near future,” Adams said.

“I believe that the future of this program has unlimited potential. I hope that we can provide the workforce with entrepreneurs that will excel in their future positions,” Irvin said.

“It is a very exciting time. We will be the destination for brewing, distillation and fermentation education. What better place has the established culture, diversity, and educated consumer in the country? I believe Asheville will become the beer destination in the United States in the next two years.”

For more information about the Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation program please visit: abtech.edu/brewing.

Irvin with Asheville Brewing Co. General Manager Brandon Lowery


A-B Tech Community College has partnered with Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC to offer credit-bearing classes that started in the fall semester at Goodwill’s Training Center, 1616 Patton Avenue, in West Asheville. Students can pursue credit toward a college degree or diploma at the center through courses such as Introduction

to Computers, Expository Writing, Success and Study Skills, General Psychology and Medical Terminology.

The new location gives students more flexibility in earning college credit. The classes offered at Goodwill are required for most of A-B Tech’s degree programs.

“Much like a community college, Goodwill Industries provides a hand up for people who want to improve their lives. The expanded partnership is a reflection of our similar missions and symbolizes our collective commitment to local work force development,” said Dr. Michael Dempsey, Director of Recruitment and High School Partnerships at A-B Tech.

The expansion of the College’s partnership with the organization comes with the growth of Goodwill’s Workforce Development Center to more than 99,000 square feet.

The new space includes nursing and hospitality training labs and skills-training classrooms, which are part of the College’s existing partnership with Goodwill. A-B Tech also partners with Goodwill in offering technology courses and GED preparation, while Goodwill provides job search assistance and coaching.

“Education is one of the best indicators to employers that you are someone to invest in because you have invested in yourself. I am thrilled the partnership between Goodwill and A-B Tech has chosen to include classes that will create pathways for individuals wishing to fulfilling the dream of earning a degree,” said Jody Stevenson, Job Developer/Skills Training Manager with Goodwill Industries.

For more information about A-B Tech classes at the Goodwill Training Center, contact Dr. Michael Dempsey at [email protected] or 828-398-7484.

Expanded Partnership with Goodwill

A-B Tech Community College has completed the first building project using funding generated from a quarter-cent sales tax increase approved by Buncombe County voters in 2011. The College purchased and renovated a former medical facility at 93 Victoria Road last year and moved its Business Office and IT Department into the building over the summer.

Other projects funded by the sales tax include external building signage for the entire Asheville campus and construction of new parking lots. A former ball field adjacent to the Maple building was paved, adding more than 200 parking spaces, and another lot near Fernihurst Mansion is being constructed this fall. The next phase calls for the construction of sidewalks along Victoria Road.

To follow our progress, please visit: abtech.edu/referendum-projects.

“Much like a community college, Goodwill Industries provides a hand up for people who want to improve their lives. The expanded partnership is a reflection of our similar missions, and symbolizes our collective commitment to local work force development.” - Dr. Michael Dempsey

Construction Projects Update

The sign in front of A-B Tech’s new Business Office location at 93 Victoria Road


More than 10 years ago, Jack and Carolyn Ferguson began their charitable giving to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Upon gifting more than $5 million dollars to A-B Tech in April, Jack Ferguson said, “What we do for our young people is our hope for tomorrow.”

To honor their generosity, the College’s new Allied Health & Workforce Develop-ment building will be named for the Fergusons when the doors open in 2015.

The Fergusons have a long history of involvement with the College, dating back to 1959 when A-B Tech was established. As a salesman at Lowe’s, Jack Ferguson worked closely with the builders who constructed and remodeled campus buildings. The couple’s two daughters graduated from A-B Tech’s nursing program and both their sons attended the College.

“It is heartwarming to see the love and support Jack and Carolyn Ferguson have for our A-B Tech students. They know students come to A-B Tech to earn credentials that will lead to a brighter future for themselves and their families. They are making a difference for our students, our College and our

communities. We are truly grateful for their love and support,” said Sue H. Olesiuk, Foundation Executive Director.

Jack Ferguson has given of his time serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. His guiding voice has helped A-B Tech through a sustained period of growth.

By 2012, the Fergusons had become one of the largest donors in the College’s history. When they donated $5 million in unrestricted funding for the College this year, they also presented an additional gift of $100,000 to establish four addi-tional endowed scholarships. Their gifts, totaling more than $6.5 million, have been truly transformational for A-B Tech.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson’s generosity will allow me to owe less money due to student loans when I graduate from nursing school. This will allow me to pay their kindness forward and donate money for a scholarship much sooner,” said Logan Simmons, a Ferguson Scholarship recipient.

To honor their dedication to A-B Tech, the Fergusons are being acknowledged by the Council for Resource Development as 2013 Benefactors of the Year during its annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The CRD Benefactor Award recognizes individuals, foundations or businesses/corporations for outstanding contribu-tions to community colleges. The CRD Benefactor Award embodies the ideals of philanthropy, leadership and volun-teerism in the service of community, technical and junior colleges.

To donate, visit: abtech.edu/donate.

Fergusons Continue Legacy at A-B Tech

“What we do for our young people is our hope for tomorrow.” - Jack Ferguson

Sue H. Olesiuk,FoundationExecutive Director


A-B Tech Community College began its Global Institute for Sustainable Technolgies (GIST) with grants from the U.S. Department of Energy of $354,000 and $660,000 in 2008 and 2009, respectively. The institute was cre-ated to support the community’s educa-tion needs and to assist business devel-opment as knowledge expands around the evolving technologies.

Goals of the institute included developing and establishing educational and training programs to enhance worker opportuni-ties in emerging areas of sustainability such as renewable energy, green building technology, and environmental technolo-gies. Dr. Jon Snover was hired to direct the institute and guide it toward reaching its goals.

“The main thing was starting a two-year degree in Sustain-ability Technology at A-B Tech. The institute paid for a new in-structor and materials,” said Snover. Those materials included

photovoltaic installation and other projects at the Maple Annex, an educational facility for students on the Asheville campus.

The Sustainability Technologies curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for employ-ment in environmental, construction, renew-able energy, or related industries, where key emphasis is placed on energy production and waste reduction along with sustainable technologies.

For example, students from the Sustainability Technologies program built a solar bus stop that has been placed at the College’s Enka site.

GIST Leaves Lasting Impact

Dr. Jon Snover

Sustainability Technology students install solar panels


Others goals of GIST are to provide demonstration and edu-cation areas for community members regarding the benefits of sustainability technologies and practices and to promote and support K-12 sustainability education initiatives in the region.

“We supported educational initiatives with non-profits in the community and we were partners with Green Opportunities in doing energy education for homeowners,” Snover said. Other community education over the years included partner-ing with the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute and the WNC Green Building Council.

GIST also provided energy kits and teacher training for curriculum primarily in Buncombe County middle schools. “Middle school is great to start clean energy education. The kits provided hands-on activities for teachers and students,” he said.

The institute also worked with Evergreen Charter Schools on several projects including a cob-built oven and a garden structure. “There were so many opportunities for the College and students to combine elements of what we are trying to do,” according to Snover.

In Continuing Education there have been a variety of courses, but the lasting legacy is having the College become a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners testing site, according to Snover. “It allows installers of solar thermal or photovoltaic (PV) to get national certification. It’s a service to the community so the professionals in the area don’t have to travel to Charlotte or Raleigh. Very few places were offering thermal and PV testing when we got going,” he said.

The CleanTech Concept Lab also came out of GIST. It is an initiative to help businesses in clean energy, energy efficiency and green building receive critical testing or proof of concept support. GIST will work with inventors and entrepreneurs to answer the technical questions and match that with an ap-propriate business model.

On campus, solar hot water was installed on the Magnolia and Birch buildings to offset the cost of hot water usage in the culinary and cosmetology programs.

RGees LLC, an A-B Tech incubated company, completed the installation of the phase change material thermal storage system in the Sycamore greenhouse. “These materials are designed to absorb and release heat smoothly to make the greenhouse more hospitable to plants all year round and to

reduce winter heating bills. Temperature data will be collected to review the performance of these materials and students will have access to study and use the data,” Snover said.

The biofuels testing lab provides testing for Blue Ridge Biofu-els and others so they can certify their fuel has high quality. “The third party stamp of approval is important. It will have the capability to support future biofuel development. If a company wants to make a new facility, we can say we can sup-port these new technologies and companies. The first step is saying we are preparing for the future,” Snover said.

The grant is ending, but GIST may be sustained as a arm of A-B Tech directing Blue Ridge Tech Ventures.

“The idea is to continue the work GIST has been doing with partners and businesses in the community, but specifically for technology business development,” Snover said. “I think the funding was a really amazing opportunity and I feel very fortunate to do the work I have been doing primarily as a scientist, but also as an educator. We have been doing things to promote better energy management and self-reliance. That is my goal, but we have a long, long way to go.”

To learn more, please see our videos at: http://bit.ly/1erULCN.“The idea is to continue the work GIST has

been doing with partners and businesses in the community, but specifically for technology business development.” - Dr. Jon Snover

Sustainability Technology students install solar panels

Faculty and students working in a Sustainability Technologies class


A-B Tech Community College was one of 16 colleges in the nation awarded a $100,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support its reten-tion program to assist students in staying on track to complete their education.

The grant will assist advisors at A-B Tech with counseling and academic interven-tion for students with Integrated Planning and Advising Services (IPAS) technology applications.

“The IPAS system will support A-B Tech’s commitment to Completion by Design by giving advisors and students the tools for success from the day students walk in our door until they walk across the stage at graduation,” said A-B Tech President Dr. Hank Dunn.

A-B Tech will be able to use the software for student education planning, counsel-ing and coaching and risk targeting and intervention, according to Rebecca Howell, Director of Student Advising and Support Services.

“Targeted messaging would notify students of what they need to do next and give them helpful reminders whenever they may get off track toward completion,” Howell said. “We hope to more effectively and personally reach out to students in need of support.”

The system also will free up valuable advisor time to interact effectively with students and provide support and encouragement, rather than spending time combing through paper files and multiple databases to find crucial information.

Gates Grant to Help More A-B Tech Students Graduate

Daniel Gorman, a 2007 A-B Tech Culinary Arts graduate, was a con-tender for the 2013 International Jeunes Chef Rôtisseurs title in Is-tanbul, Turkey in September after he won the national title in June during competition in Chicago.

Gorman, 26, is tournant chef at the Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va. In 2012, he won the World Association of Chefs’ Societies Junior Chefs Challenge earning the title “best young chef in the world” after beating six chefs in international competition in Daejeon, South Korea. He has also held the American Culinary Federation titles Southeast Region Student Chef of the Year and Na-tional Student Chef of the Year.

“Daniel’s consistently great at-titude, along with ever increasing skills and knowledge has paved the way of his many successes. He is amazing on all levels yet remains humble,” said Chef Sheila Tillman, Associate Dean of Hospi-tality Education at A-B Tech. “We

really appreciate that he acknowl-edges his A-B Tech training as a first step in his successful career.”

The annual event offers young chefs the opportunity to dem-onstrate their culinary skills in a competitive environment with their peers. The competition is open to chefs up to 27 years of age with less than five years pro-fessional experience. Competitors must be working in one of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs member establishments.

Confrerie de la Chaîne des Rôtis-seurs is an international gastro-nomic society, founded in Paris in 1950, dedicated to honoring the preservation of the traditions and practices of the old French guild.

Culinary Grad Gorman Invited to International Competition

Phyllis Utley, A-B Tech’s Diversity Recruiter, discusses an education plan with student

Cecil Cohen

“Daniel’s consistently great attitude, along with ever increasing skills and knowledge, has paved the way of his many successes. He is amazing on all levels yet remains humble.” - Sheila Tillman


Go South to A-B Tech

A-B Tech Community College opened a new location in January to serve the residents of South Buncombe County by offering a variety of courses closer to home. Classrooms are shared with Mars Hill University on Airport Road in Arden.

“The great thing about this site is that it improves access to education in a part of the county that has experienced a lot of population growth,” said Jason Fair, Coordinator for A-B Tech South. “The site is new with the latest technology, which makes it exciting and we strive to make our offerings as comprehensive as possible.”

A-B Tech South offers classes in standard curriculum, as well as continuing education (non-credit) courses. It recently add-ed GED classes and English as a Second Languages courses, both of which are free.

Fair came to A-B Tech after working in higher education at another community college and in the for-profit college sec-tor. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer information sys-tems, then earned a master’s in college administration, both from Western Carolina University. He is currently a doctoral student at Clemson University in higher education leadership.

Fair has worked in financial aid and academic affairs. “I had the opportunity to work with associate degree students, bachelor, online and graduate students. All along, I was more interested in community colleges because of what they do for students and the impact they have in the community,” Fair said.

An advantage to taking classes at A-B Tech South is the convenience. “It’s easy to get in and out and perfect for students with a busy lifestyle. You don’t have to spend time parking and walking around. You come, take the classes you need and get on with your life,” Fair said.

Fair has been committed to providing responsive customer service to the students and is committed to their success in reaching their educational goals.

“I want everyone to know our vision for the South site is to support the mission of A-B Tech by providing improved college access to the residents of Southern Buncombe. We are always looking to offer the right types of classes to fill the needs of the area. Students can receive the same types of services they expect from our main campus.”

To learn more, visit abtech.edu/ABTechSouth

Joe Brumit, Owner/President and CEO of Brumit Restaurant Group, was elected Chair of the A-B Tech Board of Trustees during its monthly meeting August 5. The Buncombe County Board of Commission-ers first appointed Brumit to the Board in 2011.

Brumit also has been a member of the A-B Tech Foundation Board of Directors since 2002 and served as chair for two terms starting in 2007. During that time,

the Foundation set records for funds raised, scholarships awarded and grants received. “I look forward to further serving the students of A-B Tech and Buncombe and Madison counties in my new role,” he said.

Brumit attended the University of Tennessee and sits on the United Way and Eblen Charities boards, as well as three corporate boards.

College Welcomes Joe Brumit as Chair of Trustees

Jason Fair at A-B Tech South

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Hire Education Journal Issue 4

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