July 27, 2007

ITEMS OF INTEREST ABOUT GASTON COLLEGE

• The Gaston College Bookstore will hold a summer book buyback on Wednesday, August 1 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Thursday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 704.922.6428.

• Classes for the Adult High School Diploma Program will begin Wednesday, August 8 at all three Gaston College Campus locations: Dallas Campus, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas; Lincoln Campus, 511 S. Aspen Street, Lincolnton, and the East Campus & Textile Technology Center, 7220 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont. Registration before Tuesday, August 7^th is required.  To register, call Debra Hissom at 704.922.6319 or DeRee Jackson at 704.748.1046.

• The Associate Degree Nursing program will begin accepting applications for Fall 2008 on September 11th. Applications will be accepted until December 13, 2007.  Applicants must have an ACT score of 21 or higher or an SAT score (math and verbal) of 1000 or higher and CNA certification through an approved program or be currently enrolled in a Nursing Assistant program to make application.  To schedule an appointment after September 4, call Barbara Keever at 704.922.6469.

• WSGE Radio 91.7 FM will offer a Broadcast Announcing Workshop for five consecutive Wednesdays, beginning August 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Dallas campus of Gaston College.  This workshop is for those interested in serving as volunteer announcers.  There is no fee; however, space is limited. The registration deadline is Friday, August 3. For more information contact Cathis Hall at 704.922.6552 or by e-mail at hall.cathis@gaston.edu.

• The fall semester will begin on Monday, August 20, at Gaston College. Late registration will be held on Thursday, August 16. Registration hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 704.922.6232 or 704.922.6214.

• The photographic work of  “America the Beautiful and Beyond” by Dr. Gene Maloney will be on display August 20^th – September 28^th in the Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Rauch Science and Fine Arts Building, Dallas Campus. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the gallery. For more information, call Gary Freeman at 704.922.6344.

• Supervision I will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, August 30 and Tuesday, September 4, and Thursday, September 6 in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center, Room 219 on the Dallas Campus. This new certificate course will provide information on how to effectively lead, motivate, discipline, and develop your employees with simple, yet proven leadership techniques. This is a hands-on interactive class that provides the fundamentals of supervising in today’s work environments.  Topics covered will include:  challenges and expectations, rules and ethics, motivation and goals, communications and delegation. Also, Supervision II is a follow-up to the basic supervision certificate to be offered from 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 25, and Tuesday, October 2 in DSC 119 on the Dallas Campus. This class will expand the skills needed to make a positive impact in business and with employees. The topics of time management, organizing work, decision making, problem solving, coaching, performance appraisals, meetings, leadership, and more will be discussed. The required textbook for the class is The New Supervisor’s Survival Manual by William Salmon which is available in the Gaston College bookstore. The cost for the classes is $50 each. Seating is limited. You can pre-register for both supervision classes with one call, 704.922.6447

• A workshop on the quality production methods and uses of biodiesel fuel will be held on Wednesday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 pm., Dallas Campus.  This is the first workshop in a series addressing the role, production and use of biodiesel fuel in North Carolina. These workshops are sponsored by The North Carolina Biodiesel Quality Education Series a collaboration of the BioNetwork BioEd Center of Gaston College, NC BioNetwork, Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition, Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, and Piedmont Biofuels. This workshop will focus on quality fuel specifications, proper fuel handling, and analytical methods for quality control. Also, participants will take part in hands-on fuel testing demonstrations, tour a nearby biodiesel production factory, and exchange ideas with biodiesel producers, distributors, and retailers. The cost is $20. Space is limited. Please reserve seating by emailing sniess@centralina.org.

• Earn your GED in two Saturdays through the GED Fast Track program. The program will be held on Saturday, September 15 and Saturday, September 22 and Saturday, November 3 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the Dalpiaz Student Success Center, Room 219 on the Dallas Campus. A placement test must be taken prior to starting the class. The classes are free. For more information contact Lisa Woodall, GED Coordinator, 704.922.6320.

• Learn entry level skills and earn a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. The certificate prepares individuals for positions in medical and allied health facilities requiring a comprehensive knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT codes and computerized billing software. Classes will focus on learning medical terminology; coding, billing and insurance procedures; and medical office software. To learn more, call 704.922.6263.

• A two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Information Systems Security will be offered this fall at Gaston College. The program will provide hands-on experience with the latest hardware and software and demonstrate how to implement appropriate information security policies and procedures. For more information about this degree, call the Business and Information Technology Division of Gaston College at 704.922.6263.

• Health Psychology with Water Aerobics is a new course that will be offered this fall on Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The Tuesday class will be held in the Comer Engineering and Technology Building, Room 101 and Thursday classes will be scheduled at the Gastonia YMCA.  The course will examine the dynamics of stress and the maintenance of good health. Other topics to be discussed include enhancing health and well-being, stress management, lifestyle choices and attitudes, the mind-body relationship, nutrition, exercise, and fitness. Credit from this course can be used as a pre-major and /or elective requirement. For more information, call Lori Metcalf at 704.922.6313.

• Latent Evidence is a new program exploring forensic science. The program starting this fall will focus on theory and hands-on analysis of latent evidence as well as fingerprint classification, identification and chemical development.  Also the use of computers and computer assisted design programs in crime scene technology will be discussed as well as record, cast, and recognize footwear and tire-tracks and process crime scenes.  For more information, call 704.922.6289.

July 20, 2007

THE TIMKEN FOUNDATION AWARDS $75,000 GIFT TO
GASTON COLLEGE FOR JERRY W. COCHRANE SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLGY CENTER

Todd Lautzenheiser, Lincoln County representative for The Timken Foundation presents a check for $75,000 to Rosalind Welder, Dean of the Lincoln Campus and Wayne Lowe, Gaston College Board of Trustees member for the proposed Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center on the Lincoln Campus. This additional funding brings the Foundation’s total gift toward construction of this building to $375,000.

The Timken Foundation, in collaboration with local and state government, business, industry, and many local citizens, raised the necessary funds to build the new science and Technology Center that is named in honor of Lincoln County resident Jerry W. Cochrane. Cochrane has been a longtime supporter of Gaston College for 20 years through his service as a member and Vice Chair of the Gaston College Board of Trustees and director of the Gaston College Foundation.

The 14,000 square foot building will house two science labs, with prep rooms and storage space for supplies as well as a science lab/classroom. The science laboratories and prep rooms will support general biology, microbiology, and other science and chemistry classes making it possible for students to earn an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees (complete college transfer degrees) at the Lincoln Campus. The College’s practical nursing programs, now housed at the Lincoln Campus, will benefit from the expanded labs as supplemental health-related courses can be offered. Also, the center will contain computer labs, classrooms, and office areas.

The $3.2 million building will be constructed on the site of the old Lincolnton Grammar School, adjacent to the current Lincoln Campus. Construction is expected to begin in August. The projected completion date is May 2008.

July 20, 2007

GASTON COLLEGE RECIEVES NATIONAL BUSINESS ACCREDITATION RECOGNIZED AS THE ONLY STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN THE STATE TO RECEIVE HONOR

DALLAS, NC .  .  . The Gaston College Business and Information Technology Division has received full accreditation for their programs by The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This national accreditation makes Gaston College the only community college in North Carolina to hold this honor.

ACBSP is the only accrediting body in the nation for Associate Degree business and Information Technology programs. The group highly praised Gaston College for its quality programs that target current market demands in the local job market in Gaston and Lincoln county, and for it’s teaching excellence.

"Gaston College has shown their commitment to teaching excellence by participating in the accreditation process, achieving accreditation, and then continuing the process of quality improvement,” said Douglas Viehland, Executive Director of the ACBSP. “This accreditation is evidence of Gaston College’s commitment to quality business programs.” 

Commenting on the college’s achievement, Dr. Patricia Skinner, president of Gaston College said, “Our business Division contains some of the best instructors in the state. Each of these instructors is committed to making sure our business programs are of the highest educational quality.” She also praised Betsy Jones, Dean of the Business and Information Technology Division for her leadership.

The ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the College meets the rigorous educational standards required by the national organization. The accreditation is good for 10-years during which Gaston College must continually reaffirm its quality through quality assurance reports.

Gaston College representative received the certificate of accreditation during the ACBSP Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida on Ju1y 1, 2007.

For more information on Business and Information Technology programs at Gaston College, contact Betsy Jones at 704.922.6263 or jones.betsy@gaston,edu.

July 16, 2007

DALLAS, NC .  .  .A groundbreaking ceremony for the Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center will be held today, Tuesday, July 17 on the Gaston College Lincoln Campus, 511 S. Aspen Street in Lincolnton. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the construction site on the corner of Congress and Academy Streets. Representatives from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln County Commissioners, and City of Lincolnton will join Gaston College President Patricia Skinner and members of the Gaston College Board of Trustees for the ceremony. Collaborative support and financial backing from government, business, industry, and many local citizens raised the necessary funds to build this new addition to the Lincoln campus.

The Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center will cost $3.2 million.  The14,000 square foot building will house two science labs with prep rooms and storage space for supplies as well as a science lab/classroom. The science laboratories and prep rooms will support general biology, microbiology and other science and chemistry classes making it possible for students to earn an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees (complete college transfer degrees) at the Lincoln Campus.  The College’s practical nursing programs now housed at the Lincoln Campus, will benefit from the expanded labs as supplemental health-related courses can be offered. Also, the center will contain computer labs, classrooms, and office areas.

The science and technology center is named in honor of Lincoln County resident Jerry W. Cochrane. He has been a longtime supporter of Gaston College for 20 years through his service as a member and Vice Chair of the Gaston College Board of Trustees and director of the Gaston College Foundation.

Rosalind Welder, Dean of the Lincoln Campus, said “There’s been no one more supportive of this new science and technology center than Jerry Cochrane. He was a member of the original steering committee to renovate the old Lincolnton High School into the current Lincoln Campus, and a member of the fundraising campaign for the proposed science and technology building.”

She added, “We are in desperate need of this new facility to support our growth on the Lincoln campus.”  Since moving to the present Lincoln Campus building in 1998, the Lincoln Campus has grown fourfold. We now serve nearly 4,000 students in Lincoln County.”

Commenting on his leadership and support, Dr. Patricia Skinner, president of Gaston College, said “We are grateful for Jerry Cochrane’s support. He has been diligent and quietly worked behind the scenes in support of Gaston College for many years.”

 “It was through Jerry’s extraordinary leadership and efforts working with local governmental agencies that helped us gain $1 million in financial support for this project. It is our privilege to name this new science and technology center in his honor”

Cochrane, who graduated from the Citadel then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida, served in the US Air Force and Air National Guard for 30 years before entering as a Major General. The former president of Cochrane Furniture Company and Lincoln County Man of the Year is know for the time and energy he has give to make Lincoln County a better place. He is a long-time member and past president of the Lincolnton Rotary Club; Chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners (1986-1990 & 2000-2004) and has served on the boards of a variety of organizations including the Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Helping Hands Health Clinic where he still serves. He is vice chair of the Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln Trustee Council, serves as a member of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, and is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church.

The project architect is Dennis Williams of Williams Design, P.A in Lincolnton and WBF Contracting of Charlotte will build the facility. The building will be constructed on the site of the old Lincolnton Grammar School, adjacent to the current Lincoln Campus and details from the grammar school will be incorporated into the design of the new building. Construction is expected to begin in August with a projected completion date of May, 2008.

2007 Press Releases

2006 Press Releases

©2007 Gaston College -  All Rights Reserved.