01-30-10

Lecture slated on business ethics and responsibility

The rise, fall, and rise of Chuck Gallagher gave this onetime accounting ace a story to tell about business ethics and responsibility in the 21st century workforce.

Gallagher, will present “CHOICES: Negative Consequences - Positive Results” as the keynote speaker for the 2010 Northeast State Honors Conference on Feb. 10 at noon in the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts. A former certified public accountant (CPA) and convicted felon, Gallagher brings home the consequences of the unethical decisions he made in his attempts to build the great American dream.

Gallagher is a sales and marketing business executive, author, and professional speaker from humble beginnings. From a hard-scrabble childhood raised by a single parent to COO for a private corporate enterprise, Gallagher actively helps employees improve their performance and increase their sales results and skills while realizing the ramifications of their ethical choices. Through his own choices, he learned these lessons the hard way. At 26, Gallagher became the youngest tax partner in a CPA firm. He was one of only three CPAs in the country asked to testify before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on a new employee benefits provision of the tax law.

But in the middle of a rising career, Gallagher lost everything. A convictions for tax evasion and embezzlement sent Gallagher to federal prison where he served 18 months. He has since rebuilt his career and his life back to immense success. With more vulnerability than the average keynoter, Gallagher shares with students his life journey, the consequences of his unethical choices, and how life gives you second chances when you make the right choices.

His lecture is free and open to the public. Gallagher’s appearance is sponsored by the Northeast State Honors Program and the College’s Cultural Activities Committee. The annual Honors Conference brings together students enrolled in honors courses with enrichment experiences such as lectures, online learning seminars and research projects throughout the academic year.

01-29-10

Northeast State hosts three Scholarship Tips Workshops

Northeast State Community College’s Office of Scholarship Programs and Alumni Affairs is sponsoring three Scholarship Tips workshops during February to help new and returning students apply for 2010-2011 Northeast State Scholarships.

The workshops are free and open to the public. Topics will include types of scholarships available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and supporting documentation and formats. The dates and locations are Feb. 5, 11 a.m. – noon, Room L 226 of Basler Library at the main campus in Blountville (adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport); Feb. 8, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Room 202, Northeast State at Elizabethton (386 Highway 91 North, Elizabethton); and Feb. 9, noon – 1 p.m., Kingsport Center for Higher Education Auditorium (300 West Market Street, downtown Kingsport).

The deadline to apply for 2010-2011 Northeast State general scholarships is March 1, 2010. The application is available by following the Foundation links at www.NortheastState.edu.

For more information, contact Greg Walters at 423.354.5120 or gnwalters@NortheastState.edu.

01-21-10

Northeast State spring enrollment up 11 percent

Northeast State Community College continues to be a popular choice for college students as spring semester enrollment surged 11 percent from last year, according to unofficial admissions reports.

The Northeast State registrar’s office reported total enrollment of more than 5,807part-time and full-time students for the 2010 spring term through Jan. 26 – an increase over 2009 total spring enrollment of 5,224 students.

“Northeast State continues to assist students in preparing for new careers and updating job skills as well as preparing for transfers to four-year college and university programs,” said Northeast State President Dr. Janice Gilliam. “This year’s growth is continued evidence of the region’s belief that Northeast State offers superior academic programming during the first two years of college.”

The number of full-time equivalency (FTE) students taking more than 12 credit hours also rose 16 percent this semester. Admission reports found 4,041 FTE students enrolled this semester compared to 3,470 in spring 2009. Both full-time and total enrollment numbers represent records at Northeast State for a spring semester since the College opened in 1966.

The College posted an all-time record for total enrollment last fall with more than 6,200 students. Spring classes began Jan. 15. Total enrollment and full-time enrollment figures are unofficial until a final count of students is tallied 14 days after the first day of class and submitted to the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Northeast State enrollment topped 1,000 at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education this semester. Gilliam also noted that consecutive enrollments jumps for Northeast State at Elizabethton – up 23 percent last fall with more than 600 total students and 590 students this semester – was a strong indication that students need access close to home.

“Our vision for the future includes expansion at Elizabethton, Gray, Johnson City, as well as continuing to grow Kingsport and the Blountville/main campus teaching sites,” stated Dr. Gilliam. “We also want to expand growing enrollment opportunities at ITV sites at Unicoi and Mountain City."

01-21-10

IBIS offering General Industry safety course next month

The Institute for Business and Industry Services at Northeast State Community College offers the official Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour General Industry course over two consecutive days in February.

The course is sanctioned by OSHA and provides the participant with a good basic overview of the commonly implemented Tennessee OSHA standards for general industry. Implementation techniques and insights into interpretation of specific areas of the regulations will be discussed. Course completion cards will be awarded from the OSHA National Training Institute to each person completing the course.

The course is perfect for personnel responsible employee on-the-job safety and health work practices. The course will meet on Feb. 2-3. Course hours are Feb. 2, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., and Feb. 3, 8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Both classes will be held at the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing, 305 W. Main St., Kingsport. This course is offered in conjunction with TOSHA.

To register and get more information contact the Institute for Business and Industry Services at 423.354.2570 or e-mail cmtauscher@NortheastState.edu.

01-21-10

College welcomes the Barter Theatre Players

The Barter Theatre Players will perform The Scarlet Letter on Feb. 2 at the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast State. The Barter Players will conduct a workshop following the performance.

Adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel by Catherine Bush, the play tells the story of Hester Prynne who has been sentenced to wear the scarlet letter “A” for the remainder of her life. But someone in the town of Boston is as guilty as she, and Hester’s husband Chillingworth is determined to find out who it is. Share with your students this faithful adaptation of one of America’s most famous and moving stories.

The Barter Players are a group of professional theatre artists who perform for young audiences. The troupe presents high energy and original productions that capture the imagination, intelligence and sophistication of today's youth while providing the best in the classic literature and beloved story adaptation.

The Barter Players have been acclaimed nationwide as one of the finest theatres for young people anywhere. In the grand tradition of Barter Theatre, The Barter Players perform with a unique combination of education and entertainment, plus the commitment to bring world-class theatre to young people of all ages and backgrounds.

For information call 423.354.2479 or e-mail emsloan@NortheastState.edu.

01-20-10

ACBSP reaffirms accreditation of the business programs at Northeast State

The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Associate Degree Board of Commissioners has awarded Northeast State Community College reaffirmation of accreditation of its Business Management and Office Administration Technology programs.

The accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within these programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP. The reaffirmation validates the programs’ accreditation for ten years.

“What is special about this is that we are the first school that I am aware of to receive a perfect report from ACBSP with no findings and no recommendations,” said Dr. Garry Grau, Professor and Coordinator of the Business Management program. “The accreditation team was especially impressed with our faculty and the high regard the students have for faculty and the focus we place on learning about real world experiences in the workplace.”

The reaccredited programs include Business Management Technology with concentrations in Accounting, Management, and Small Business Management and Office Administration Technology with concentrations in General Office, Legal Office, and Medical Office.

The College awards associate of applied science degrees in all these programs. The reaffirmation of accreditation process brought a three-member peer review team to the College in October. The team interviewed Grau; Dr. Pashia Hogan, Professor and Office Administration Technology Department Head; faculty, relevant staff, representatives of the programs’ advisory committees, alumni, and currently enrolled students.

“Northeast State has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP director of Accreditation Steve Parscale, who will present the Certificate of Reaffirmation of Accreditation at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Los Angeles this summer. “This accreditation is evidence that Northeast State Community College is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students.”

Grau noted that the programs complete quality assurance assessments biennially to ensure on-going faculty development, educational processes, and optimal strategic planning.

“We feel like the accreditation will be helpful to our students and the employers who will know they are hiring from programs with high national standards for its graduates,” said Grau.

Established in 1988, ACBSP is the only business accrediting organization for all associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs. The program qualification process is based on the system used by the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Program. ACBSP serves nine regions in the North America, as well as Latin, Central and South America. There are currently more than 650 members in the United States and 38 countries.

01-19-10

Foundation chair wins Excellence in Philanthropy award from TBR

The Tennessee Board of Regents named the chair of Northeast State Community College’s Foundation as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Philanthropy for 2010.

Keith Wilson, foundation chair and publisher of the Kingsport Times-News, was one of 13 recipients chosen from among TBR’s 46 member institutions. He was nominated for the award by the Northeast State Foundation last fall.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Chancellor and Northeast State in this way,” said Wilson. “I feel that any contribution I have made has already been repaid tenfold to me through the tremendous success that Northeast State is enjoying. The growth in enrollment at Northeast State alone is very gratifying.”

Excellence in Philanthropy award nominations are reviewed by a donor recognition committee appointed by the TBR Chancellor. Awards are based on criteria of generous giving of time and resources to TBR institutions; major influence on volunteers to become involved in fund raising; effective example setting; and actively promotes importance of supporting higher education. Award winners are also gauged on their ethical leadership in philanthropy and civic responsibility and integrity.

“Keith has been instrumental in making education a priority,” said Northeast State President Dr. Janice Gilliam. “His leadership as an advocate of the Kingsport Center for Higher Education and the Educate and Grow Scholarship Program has transformed higher education in Sullivan County and across our region. He is a catalyst for change and has been a key player for many years in the Northeast region.”

Wilson championed the Sullivan County Educate and Grow Program which began in 2003 as a partnership between the municipal governments of Sullivan County and Kingsport and Northeast State. The city and county governments invested money to fund scholarships for students in Sullivan County and Kingsport who attend Northeast State. The Educate and Grow program ultimately expanded to all five counties of the College’s service area. The Kingsport Center for Higher Education (KCHE) opened in fall 2009 bringing Northeast State, King College, Lincoln Memorial University, and the University of Tennessee system under one roof. Classes offered by each institution reached capacity with more than 1,000 students enrolling at the KCHE.

Wilson graduated from the Indiana University. He became advertising director of the Kingsport Times News in 1986 and was named publisher in 1993. In addition to being chair of the Northeast State Foundation, Wilson served as chair of the Networks Sullivan Partnership last year and is a member of the KCHE Advisory Committee and Personnel Committee member of the Tennessee Press Association.

01-15-10

Auditions announced for theatre productions

The Northeast State Community College Theatre Department announces open auditions for students, faculty, and the community on Jan. 24 from 3 – 6 p.m. and Jan. 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. for Roger Miller’s musical Big River and William Inge’s classic play Bus Stop.

Call backs for both plays will be made Jan. 26 between 6 and 9 p.m.

Based on Mark Twain’s timeless classic The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn, the musical Big River sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters form the novel.

William Inge’s Bus Stop depicts a stranded group of weary travelers that must hole up at a roadside diner until the howling snowstorm passes. Cowboys, nightclub singers, bus drivers, policemen, waitresses and professors experience a full spectrum of romantic relationships, good and bad, obvious and unlikely.

Performers are asked to prepare a one minute monologue and 16 bars of a song. There will be an accompanist available for those who bring sheet music. Performers are strongly encouraged to dress for broad physical movement.

Auditioning for both shows is a great opportunity to be seen by both of the directors, the musical director, and the choreographer. Don’t miss this great opportunity to sharpen your auditioning skills or try something new!

Northeast State Theatre strives to cast a diverse group of actors for each production. Theatre majors and non-Northeast State students and community members are encouraged to audition. It is only necessary to come to one night of auditions.

Big River requires two male leads (Caucasian to play the role of Huck and African-American to play the role of Jim), six women in featured roles and four men in featured roles as well as to be determined number of ensemble members. Bus Stop requires five men and three women. The ages of all characters in both plays range from 16 and up.

Auditions will be held at the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts on Northeast State’s main campus at Blountville, 2425 Highway 75, adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Play performance dates are March 17-21 for Big River and April 23-25 for Bus Stop. For more information, contact 423.354.2479 or e-mail emsloan@NortheastState.edu.

01-06-10

Six Sigma Black Belt training beginning January 19 at Northeast State

The Institute for Business & Industry Services of Northeast State Community College is sponsoring Six Sigma Black Belt training beginning January 19, on the College’s main campus at Blountville, 2425 Highway 75, adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

Most class sessions will meet on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 5:30 – 8:30. The class requires eight daylong sessions. Those class times will be 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Black Belt Training provides in depth knowledge of all of the tools in Six Sigma methodology. Upon completion, the participant will be fully prepared to take on the role of Six Sigma Black Belt. The class provides mastery of all five phases complimented by the best training materials available including, but not limited to, Project Selection, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), Basic Stats, Capability, Inferential Stats, Hypothesis Testing, Normality, and Design of Experiments, Control Plans, and PFMEA. Each class will be a combination of lecture and hands-on study, and each participant will receive mentoring on individual project work relating to their organization.

Upon course completion and passing of a comprehensive exam, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Northeast State. Participants will also have the opportunity to achieve Black Belt certification after completion of a qualifying project and passing of a Black Belt certification exam.

The course instructors are Six Sigma professionals and have combined experience in the chemical, pharmaceutical, defense, healthcare and automotive industries. This course is designed for anyone who will be leading Six Sigma deployment in all types of organizations such as manufacturing, healthcare, banking, and retail plus anyone who might be participating on any Six Sigma project work.

The course fee includes all textbooks. Participants are required to purchase a full version of Minitab 15 prior to the class.

Please register by January 14. For more information or assistance with registration, call Cindy Tauscher at 423.354.2570 or e-mail cmtauscher@NortheastState.edu.

01-05-08

Northeast State hosts Sullivan County Financial Aid Night Jan. 12

Northeast State Community College wants to help future college students discover financial aid opportunities by hosting the Sullivan County Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., in the auditorium at the main campus, 2425 Highway 75, adjacent to Tri-Cities Regional Airport.

High school students and their parents attending the Financial Aid Night will learn how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal and state aid. Representatives from the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (http://state.tn.us/tsac/) will present information about the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarships and other state programs available to students. Northeast State staff members will also have information about the Educate and Grow Scholarship Program, Northeast State institutional scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

Representatives from the following institutions have been invited to attend: Carson-Newman College; East Tennessee State University; Emory and Henry College; Tennessee Technology Center; King College; Tusculum College; Milligan College; University of Tennessee at Knoxville; Northeast State; Virginia Tech; Virginia Intermont College; and Walters State Community College.

The event is sponsored by the Northeast State office of Financial Aid. For more information contact 423.323.0252 or e-mail FinancialAid@NortheastState.edu.

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