After fourteen years as the Chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College, Tom Carleton will retire June 30, 2009. He surprised faculty and staff with this announcement recently.

During his tenure as chancellor, Mr. Carleton has been instrumental in changing the face of BPCC:

• BPCC moved from under the Bossier Parish School System to the state in 1997.

• In 1999, BPCC became a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.• In December 2004, the Airline Drive location of the campus was vacated. • In January 2005, the new $55,000,000 campus opened to students.• Enrollment has neared 5,000 students a semester.

For many people, this announcement leaves them with little to say. “He is BPCC, “ said Denise Chambers, Telecommunications director.

BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGEFALL 2008 NEWSLETTER

Chancellor Tom Carletonto Retire

Continuing Education is offering “Landman 101,” which is a seminar introducing the principles and processes of land, mineral, and royalty ownership; title search; land descriptions; and oil and gas leasing, including preparation of leases drafts, reports and supporting documents.

The seminar provides an overview of the process from the signing of the lease until division orders are mailed. Included in the course will be professional business conduct and practical information for working on the road and as an independent contractor.

Those who can benefit from this seminar are as follows:• Novice oil and gas field landmen• Mineral and/or royalty owners who want to manage their assets• People considering a career change to the land profession• In-house employees who need a better understanding of field activities.

The cost of the seminar covers two 8-hour sessions, a detailed manual with glossary and extensive examples, and resource materials. Those who successfully complete the class will receive a certificate of completion.

Sessions are taught by Patricia C. Nowak, CPL. Saturdays, November 1 and 8 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This course is pertinent for today’s recent interest and activity in the newly-discovered oil and gas deposits in Louisiana and should sell out quickly.

If you would like more information or would like to register for this timely and informative class, please call (318) 678-6015.

Landman 101Louisiana-Style Two Day Seminar

BPCCWelcomes Back

Kathy Byers

Workforce Development• Alisha Crowder has been promoted to Project Coordinator II.

• The IWTP program has been awarded a grant from the Louisiana Department of Labor (renamed Louisiana Workforce Commission) for $151,772.50 to deliver sales, marketing, accounting, and lean enterprise automotive training to Mike Shaw Motors (Honda of Slidell).

• The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) in Workforce Development has been awarded a grant from the Louisiana Department of Labor to do workforce training with Highland Clinic. Tracy McGill wrote the Highland grant in the amount of $53,598.80 that creates a one-year training partnership between our Workforce Development Division and Highland Clinic to train 55 employees in the healthcare sector.

• Becky Turbeville, Workplace Literacy Instructor, will graduate with honors in December with her M.B.A. from LSUS.

ACT Center• Lynn Brown and Debra Harmon attended the National College Testing Association’s annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland, in September. Lynn served as a session moderator.

Now, she’s back.

When asked about her return to BPCC, Kathy commented: “Retirement is not all it’s cracked up to be. Oh, I don’t mean I haven’t kept busy. My outside activities have run the gamut: I made soy candles, catered meat pies to construction sites, worked at a Hyperbaric Chamber Physician’s Office, landscaped in Denver, Co., went to the beaches in Florida and Gulf Shores, studied “How to Stage Homes to Sell” and got it out of my system.”

As Kathy says, “I’m glad to be back in the BPCC family.”

Welcome home.

Kathy Byers, the new administrative assistant in Continuing Education, is no stranger to Bossier Parish Community College. In 1992, she joined the staff at BPCC as the executive secretary for Vice Chancellors Tom Carleton and Dr. Stan Wilkins. When Mr. Carleton became Chancellor in 1994, Kathy moved up with him. She served as his right hand person until she retired in 2002 after 23 years of service in the Bossier school system.

Alisha CrowderProject Coordinator

Tracy McGill

Becky TurbevilleWorkplace Literacy

Instructor

Lynn Brown &Debra Harmon

Workforce Development Department is an Official Registered Provider of

America’s #1 Provider of OccupationalSpanish Language Programs

What is Command Spanish®, Inc.?Command Spanish®, Inc. is the country’s leading provider of customized Spanish language and cross-cultural programs and products for non-Spanish speakers who interact with Spanish-speakers in the workplace. The company’s objective is to provide learner-friendly language materials and workshops that require NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF SPANISH. These programs eliminate the tedious grammar instruction found in most other language programs.

Command Spanish®, Inc.Instructional Features

The Command Spanish® instructional system incorporates the following key elements:• No prior knowledge of Spanish • Audio maintenance cds• Learner-friendly text• Generic Spanish understood by all Spanish speakers• Materials field tested by experts• Non-grammar based materials• Work-specific language• Materials designed for adult learners• Short periods of study

For more product and program information, please visit www.commandspanish.com or contactCindy Watson, Licensed Administrator

6220 East Texas Street Bossier City LA 71111(318) 678-6016 (318) 678-6279

Email: commandspanish@bpcc.edu

We will be happy to work with you to customize a Command Spanish course specific to your business / industry. BPCC also offers the following occupational Spanish courses online:• Spanish for Financial Institutions ($99)• Spanish for Law Enforcement Officers ($99) • Spanish for Construction Supervisors ($99)• Spanish for the Community ($99) • Spanish for Pharmacy Personnel ($99) • Spanish for the Workplace ($99) • Spanish for Hospital Nursing ($99) • Spanish for Medical Office Nursing ($99) • Spanish for Library Personnel ($99) • Spanish for Physicians ($99) • Spanish for Real Estate Sales ($99) • Spanish for School Teachers ($99)Visit http://www.bpcc.edu/commandspanish/index.html for more information or to register for online classes.

Governor Jindal’s plan for Economic Reform, Blueprint Louisiana’s recommendations, and the recent initiative for workforce training to be delivered by the LCTCS facilities indicate a gap in the navigation of high school students to what’s available in high-skill, high-wage occupations in new and emerging In-Demand professions.

In response, BPCC has partnered with Bossier Parish School Board to offer “GPS for Jobs” services. Like a GPS device routes someone to a destination he is not familiar with - providing turn by turn directions - high school students could be routed to information about occupations and training in various industry sectors through short-term non-credit sessions. Students are exposed to occupational sectors, occupations in those sectors, specific employers with those jobs in Northwest Louisiana. Business and industry partners speak about what skills/credentials are needed for those jobs.

Program Goals:• Link education and workforce - connect personal interests, long-term career goals, and the educational pathway between them. • Align the reality of the job market with career education efforts at the secondary level. • Enhance technology skills needed to navigate job market potential. • Bridge BPCC to surrounding communities, public and private schools. • Increase likelihood that high school graduates have necessary skills to succeed in the workplace. • Pre-emptive career guidance before academic failure could possibly reduce dropout rates, enhance graduation rates, create vision for students. • Increase dual enrollment at area colleges.

High SchoolCareer GPS

Culinary Arts BuffetsEvery Tuesday evening from 5:00-6:30 in Building F, the Culinary Arts Department serves a dinner buffet. For a full meal, dessert, and drink, the price is $6.50. Take outs are available.

The dates for the fall semester are as follows:November 4, 11, 18December 2 and 9

The traditional Thanksgiving buffet will be November 18 and the Christmas buffet will be December 9.

Place: Building FTime: 5:00-6:30

Price: $6.50

BPCC presents annual Christmas Show

For 16 years every December, BPCC has presented its Christmas Show at the Bossier Civic Center for all the young children in the area. The “gift to Bossier City” began in 1992.

Each year, the musical is based on a different theme. This year, Steve Slaughter, Professor of Speech at BPCC, capitalizes on election year mania by creating a show entitled “Vote for Santa.” College choirs, bands, cheerleaders, actors, and danceline girls all add to the electricity of the evening.

Dates: December 3 and 4 Doors open at 6:00, show at 7:00 pm.

Location: Bossier Civic Center FREE

Canned goods collected at the doorChildren can whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa after

the show is over.

Training for Sandia DrillingThe Continuing Education Division recently offered a forty-hour course which dealt with the necessary skills to train individuals in jobs ranging from roustabout to tool pusher. This training was customized with rigorous standards set forth by Sandia Drilling

Developed to “bridge the gap” in the workforce which has occurred in the land-based oil field industry, the training consisted of Introductory Level Drilling/Workover with Stack Qualification of Surface, Basic Computers, OSHA Training, and Red Cross/CPR-First Aid.

The completion of this training sent a more safety-minded and aware employee back to his rig and ensured higher safety standards on the job.

ServSafe® and NationalRetail Federation Certification ExamsThe ACT Center has been approved to proctor the National Restaurant Association (NRA) ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Examinations. The Louisiana Department of Health and Food Safety requires the owner or designated employee of many food establishments to obtain this state Food Safety Certificate. The ACT Center delivers the ServSafe® exam to BPCC Culinary Arts students and any other individuals who need this certification.

The ACT Center also delivers National Professional Certification in Customer Service exams for the National Retail Federation (NRF).

For more information about these certification exams, as well as workforce and information technology testing, credit by examination (CLEP and DSST), and proctoring services, please contact the ACT Center at 318-678-6002.

Microsoft Office 2007Practice Exams

Thanks to a Louisiana Board of Regents’ grant, the ACT Center has purchased Certiprep practice exams for individuals preparing for Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) certification exams. MCAS certifications are for Microsoft Office 2007 applications and are the update for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications. The Certiprep practice exams are available at no cost in BPCC’s Learning Center and Library’s Technology Resource Center.

For more information, please contact the ACT Center at 678-6002.

GED and Literacy Classes add Resource Manager

Based on findings in Adult Literacy journals, the GED and Literacy classes have added a support component for challenged students.

Research indicates that using a combination of strength-based case management, Youth Cultural Competency, and Project-Based Learning as tools in adult education programs has more than doubled retention and completion of GED students between the ages of 16 and 24.

As a result of these findings, BPCC’s GED and Literacy programs are now making use of a “Resource Manager.”

Amanda Belcher, Workforce Facilitator, will serve in a case-management capacity for students who feel they need additional support services in order to complete their studies. This connecting link will also provide a seamless transition for students interested in W.I.A., as Amanda can determine W.I.A. eligibility during the initial interview.

Louisiana’s Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) has widespread appeal. Not only is the program beneficial to the Louisiana workforce, it is also beneficial to the welfare of the community as a whole. Such is the case with Legal Services of Northwest Louisiana’s (LSNL) most recent IWTP grant.

LSNL, a nonprofit corporate law firm which provides legal services to individuals in 26 parishes who cannot afford a private lawyer, was recently awarded its second grant through the Incumbent Worker Training Program. LSNL used its initial grant to train support staff with basic computer and office skills. As the primary training provider in the first grant, Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) assisted in writing and managing the grant, as well as providing trained instructors on-site.

Because of the overwhelming success of the first grant, LSNL chose to partner once again with BPCC.

In its current IWTP grant, LSNL is continuing the success of their first computer classes by offering Level II computer classes in order to provide employees the skills needed to maintain upper level positions and have the opportunity to advance beyond entry levels. Computer, word processing and paralegal skills are critical components of delivering quality legal services to clients. Employees will update their skills through this training allowing for continued retention as a skilled and productive employee.

Administrative Assistant Karen Williams was able to fine-tune her computer and legal office skills through the IWTP grant. “Since I had no formal training, I was able to learn the fundamentals—which without this training- I would have had no opportunity to do so,” explained Williams.

This grant will also allow LSNL employees to complete this training on-site in conjunction with BPCC. “This training also ensures the future success for our employees,” said Executive Director Alma S. Jones. “Because we are a non-profit organization, our funding

can fluctuate. And, with these tough economic times, if a position has to be eliminated, the training will allow the employee to have strong job skills and avoid unemployment.”

LSNL provides services for low income and elderly residents—many of whom are from various ethnic backgrounds. The 2000 Louisiana Census showed LSNL that its highest concentration of non-English speaking clients was Spanish. LSNL felt the need to be proactive and decided to use its second IWTP grant to train its entire staff in basic conversational Spanish.

This training will be offered to staff attorneys as well as support staff – allowing them the ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking clients. “We have an increased need for working with the Spanish-speaking culture,” said Jones. Since LSNL is federally-funded, it is under a mandate to reach non-English speaking clients and is required to have an interpreter for any non-English speaking client. “These classes will help us to adequately address the needs of our Spanish-speaking clients,” said Jones.

As an added benefit, BPCC is able to provide these conversational Spanish classes in a format called Command Spanish. BPCC’s instructor “job-shadowed” LSNL’s employees in order to gain insight into their day-to-day contacts with those in need of

their legal services. “Job-shadowing allowed me to personalize the course with key phrases needed to best reach their Spanish speaking clientele,” said Command Spanish instructor Mark Hux.

With two IWTP grants totaling nearly $100,000 and training all 41 LSNL employees, Executive Director Alma Jones is grateful for these resources and acknowledged the widespread effect. LSNL’s history is one of a steadily increasing demand for services with no corresponding resources. “Without this grant there would have been no opportunity for our legal services employees to receive this type of valuable training,” said Jones. “Once the IWTP grant training was complete, our workforce was strengthened tremendously,” added Jones. LSNL has three office locations: Shreveport, Monroe and Natchitoches, LA. The impact of IWTP training not only helped LSNL employees in each location, but those individuals receiving its legal services also benefited. “Signs of training were evident after our first grant,” said Jones. “Our employees’ work ethic was increased which allowed us to assure the public that we are here to help.”

LSNL, BPCC and the community all win with an IWTP grant. “We’re their voice,” said Jones. No matter what language is spoken!

Legal Services of NW LA benefits from grantby Tracy McGill, IWTP Project Coordinator

Workforce Development TrainingThe goal of BPCC’s Workforce Development Department is to enable companies to increase their productivity and performance through the development of customized training programs designed to meet the individual needs of local and statewide businesses.

Microsoft Office products play a key role in the professional lives of most employees. BPCC’s job is to make sure workers use these integrated tools more efficiently in order to become more effective. BPCC also provides training on

many other computer software programs, as well as, multiple professional development courses.

The courses offered by BPCC’s Workforce Development Department provide the combination of timeliness and the flexibility of delivery. Educating employees enables a company to make a direct investment in its personnel, therefore creating a more efficient workforce.

For more information about Customized Workforce Training contact:

Alisha Crowder, Project Coordinator • acrowder@bpcc.edu6220 E. Texas St. Bldg D-108 • Bossier City, LA 71111 • 318-678-6339

Second Annual Faith-Based and Grassroots Community Response

to Domestic ViolenceIn 2005, Louisiana had the third highest number of females murdered by males in the nation.• 84% female victims in Louisiana who were murdered by males knew their offender• 20% of those victims were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offender• In response to these startling statistics, the Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office for the 26th Judicial District sponsored a Domestic Violence Seminar to inform community leaders, faith-based organizations and educational institutions of their role and responsibility in supporting victims of domestic violence.

Attending the seminar were Sherrie Johnson and Shelli Ulrich from the Workforce D e v e l o p m e n t Division at BPCC and Secretary of State Jay Dardenne. Sherrie, Director of Drop Back In program at BPCC, was also selected recently to serve on Governor Jindal’s Children & Youth Planning Board for the 26th Judicial District, currently serving a two-year appointment. Shelli serves as Director of Workplace Literacy at BPCC and is involved in various social service organizations.

Those community representatives invited to participate in the awareness campaign included educators, ministers, judges, court personnel, administrators, and staff members from domestic violence programs in our area.

Sherrie Johnson and Shelli Ulrich pose with Secretary of State Jay Dardenne following the Domestic Violence seminar.

Country singer Gretchen Wilson presents money to BPCC GED program

Gretchen Wilson jumped onto the country scene four years ago. Her debut album, “Here for the Party,” sold more than four million copies, and her first single, “Redneck Woman,” earned her a Grammy in 2005.

She’s toured around the world, and enjoys all the perks that come with being a country music star.

This summer, during a pre-concert meet-and-greet at Sam’s Town, Wilson gave a

plug for education. She presented a $5,000 check to Bossier Parish Community College’s GED program. Shelli Ulrich, BPCC’s Workplace Literacy Coordinator, and Connie Shell, a recent GED graduate, accepted the check for the program.

Wilson, who dropped out of high school at 14 when she ran away from home, has earned her GED and wants to inspire others to stay in school.

BPCC’s Connie Shell has a similar story. She struggled to attend high school as a young mother of two, but the pressure of caring for two children as a teen mother was too much and she dropped out her senior year. At the age of 38, her children were grown and she was working full time as a custodian at a local middle school. Determined to finish her education, Connie enrolled in GED night classes at Bossier Parish Community College. She wanted more.

Today, Connie still works full-time at Greenacres Middle School, she tutors elementary students after school, and is enrolled in college classes at Bossier Parish Community College.

As Gretchen Wilson puts it, “I think, when women get into their mid-30s, they start looking inward and starting to just do things for themselves. And this was a piece of me that I needed to finish. So, it’s really something that I’m doing for myself but, in turn, hopefully will help a lot of other people to make the decision to go back and get their education, as well.”

And that’s just what Connie Shell did.

Toward the end of the concert, Ms. Wilson brought GED graduates onstage to honor them for their accomplishments and encourage others to continue their education. Connie Shell, pictured third from Ms. Wilson, is a graduate of the BPCC GED program.

The Workforce Development Division is about working “in” and

“for” the CommunitySherrie Johnson, Director of the Drop Back In program at BPCC, has been appointed to co-chair the Mayor’s Commission for Women of Bossier City’s Mentoring Committee for 2008-09.

One of the missions of the Commission is to develop well-rounded young women. By providing them with this mentoring opportunity, participants can experience first-hand the various components involved in managing the legal, political, economic, cultural and educational areas of the community. Enriching the educational experience of high school senior women in Bossier City has proved successful, not only for the participants. but also for the mentors.

An orientation and reception was held for these women, their parents and school counselors. This kickoff event began the young women’s participation in scheduled events/activities that will enrich their lives throughout their senior year. In April, one exceptional student will be

selected to receive a college scholarship from the Mayor’s Commission for Women of Bossier City.

CAREER OPTIONS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND EDUCATION FOR THE

CLASS OF 2013!

Plans are in progress for the 2009, 8th Grade students to explore their educational and career interests.

On April 28, 2009, the BPCC gymnasium will be host to a plethora of middle school students from Caddo, Bossier, and Webster Parish who will be participating in the

FIRST ANNUAL Opportunities and Choices:A Career GPS for Eighth Graders.

Students will explore training and career options through hands-on educational, vocational, and career activities, displays, and demonstrations. Proven success with this year’s event will allow us to expand into other parishes next year.

Community and corporate sponsors, partners, and steering committee members include: • The Coordinating & Development Corporation • The Bossier Chamber of Commerce • The Bossier Parish School • Caddo Parish School Board • Webster Parish School Board • Bossier Parish Police Jury • Louisiana Workforce Commission • Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation • Department of Social Services • Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office • Volunteers of America • Willis Knighton Health Systems • Louisiana Technical College • Southern University Shreveport • Bossier Parish Community College • The Highland Center • Goodwill Industries

Do you see why we are so excited with so many “experts on board?”

We are in the process of enlisting the help of business and corporate sponsors. If you are interested in assisting with this worthwhile event, contact Sherrie Johnson at (318) 678-6172.

W I A

At Risk Youth Benefit From Program

Workforce Investment Act also known as “WIA” at BPCC is entering into its eighth year of service working with “Out of School, At Risk Youth” between the ages of 17-21 who live in Bossier Parish, Bossier City and Caddo Parish. Because of barriers such as the inability to hold a job, low income status, pregnancy or substance abuse, these students are considered “at risk.”

BPCC is under contract with the Coordinating & Development Corporation (CDC) to provide services to these youth. We work closely with the CDC caseworkers to ensure that each student accepted into the BPCC/WIA program meets their full potential and are given every opportunity to gain in that success. This is accomplished through individual assessments, job training classes, job searches, educational/career training and other vocational opportunities and services that are available at BPCC and in the Shreveport Bossier area.

We have had many success stories throughout the year. One of those success stories is LaKrystal Bell, an enthusiastic, dedicated WIA student who feels her time in the BPCC/WIA program is an adventure. “I love seeing children smile. This is one of the many reasons I chose to become an elementary school teacher. As an only child, my inspiration came from my mother who passed away when I was twelve years old. Being successful in school was what she wanted most for me. She always told me that an education can take you a long way in life and no one can take that away from you.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORYTom Williams, Vice Chancellor Building A 678-6380 twilliams@bpcc.eduCarliss Pierce, Admin Assistant IV Building A 678-6300 cpierce@bpcc.edu

COMMUNITY EDUCATION1126-876D gnidliuBnaeD ,kcamoW annoD dwomack@bpcc.edu9606-876D gnidliuBrartsigeR ,rennerB maP pbrenner@bpcc.edu

Kathy Byers, Admin Assistant III Building D 678-6466 kbyers@bpcc.eduKim Nugent, Program Manager Building D 678-6219 knugent@bpcc.eduKathy Vercher, Program Coordinator Building D 678-6295 kvercher@bpcc.eduPat Williams, Admin Coordinator II Building D 678-6238 pwilliams@bpcc.eduDoreen Hicks, Admin Coordinator II Building D 678-6169 dhicks@bpcc.edu

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT1736-876D gnidliuBnaeD ,ograW asiL lwargo@bpcc.edu

Cindy Watson, Admin Assistant III Building D 678-6279 cwatson@bpcc.eduJasmine Horton, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6221 jhorton@bpcc.eduWayne Villemarette, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6360 waynev@bpcc.edu

ACT Center3706-876D gnidliuBrotceriD ,nworB nnyL lbrown@bpcc.edu

Debra Harmon, ACT Testing Coordinator Building D 678-6143 dharmon@bpcc.edu

DROP BACK INSherrie Johnson, Director Building D 678-6172 sjohnson@bpcc.edu

IWTPTraci Alsup, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6404 talsup@bpcc.eduAlisha Crowder, Project Coordinator II Building D 678-6339 acrowder@bpcc.eduTracy McGill, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6190 tmcgill@bpcc.eduMadeline Priest, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6119 mpriest@bpcc.edu

WIAAmanda Belcher, Workforce Facilitator Building E 678-6405 abelcher@bpcc.edu

WORKPLACE LITERACY8536-876D gnidliuBrotceriD ,hcirlU illehS sulrich@bpcc.edu

Becky Turbeville, Instructor Building D 678-6232 bturbeville@bpcc.eduJessica Rawls, Part-Time Instructor Building DLinda Sandifer, Part-Time Instructor Building D

PROJECT READTiYonda McCoy, Project Coordinator Building D 678-6197 tmccoy@bpcc.edu

Accreditation StatementBossier Parish Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree and certificate. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Bossier Parish Community College.

Nondiscrimination StatementBossier Parish Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, qualified disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation in admission to its programs, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. Bossier Parish Community College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.