PODCAST

Innovation Unplugged

The official podcast of the Alabama Community College System"s Innovation Center

government

All Episodes

00:45:42

Patient Ready: Preparing Nurse Support Technicians...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/06/23

In Episode 62, Houston Blackwood is joined by Jesse Gibson, Program Director at Crestwood Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, for a conversation about how the Skills for Success Nurse Support Technician (NST) course is creating new entry points into the medical field. The course is designed to train individuals to assist nurses and healthcare teams in acute care settings and provide front-line patient support. This episode offers real-world insight on cross-training, supervision, and the qualities

00:48:29

Plumbing Pathways: From Apprentice to Master Plumber

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/06/16

In Episode 61, host Houston Blackwood sits down with Frank Catlett of All Star Plumbing for a conversation about career growth, mentorship, and the real-world value of vocational training. Frank shares his journey to becoming a master plumber, now leading teams within a company that employs teams of people. They explore the apprenticeship process, the importance of learning every phase of plumbing, and how patience, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are key to building a long-term career in the

00:43:36

Skilled Start: High School Students Launching Careers...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/06/09

Skilled Start: High School Students Launching Careers in Heavy EquipmentIn Episode 60, hosts Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood are joined by Huntsville City School students and Career Coach Carolyn Wade to discuss how, after completing Skills for Success heavy equipment courses through Calhoun Community College, the students were hired and are now earning up to $25 an hour—all before graduating high school. Hear each student boldly and confidently share their next steps, future plans, and how

00:50:17

Skilled to Build: Strengthening Alabama’s Trade...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/06/02

In Episode 59, host Houston Blackwood is joined by Colby Thompson of Thompson Contractors and Kory Boling, Executive Director of the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, to discuss workforce challenges and career opportunities in Alabama’s construction trades. From the need for skilled workers to the value of hands-on training, the conversation explores how Skills for Success, Alabama’s community colleges, and industry partnerships are helping bridge the gap between education, training, and employment

00:45:28

Landscape Learning: Growing Alabama’s Nursery and...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/05/26

In Episode 58, hosts Tom Chappell and Sharon Alley sit down with Russell Wood, Executive Director of the Alabama Nursery Landscape Association, to discuss Alabama’s workforce challenges in the nursery and landscape industry and how the Skills for Success Nursery Landscape Worker course can help. With a growing demand for skilled workers, this course was designed to equip students with critical skills like plant identification, pruning, irrigation, and equipment maintenance. The conversation dives

00:43:25

Career Ready: Workforce Training for Alabama Students

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/05/19

In Episode 57, Matt Heaton welcomes Tony May, Work-Based Learning Specialist at the Alabama State Department of Education, for a conversation about the future of workforce development through hands-on learning and career exploration. They explore how Skills for Success—powered by the ACCS Innovation Center and delivered through Alabama’s community colleges—is equipping high school students with real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways into high-demand careers. The

00:41:29

Meet The IC Team: Matt Heaton

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/05/12

In Episode 56, Houston Blackwood sits down with Matt Heaton, Career Readiness Manager for the ACCS Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative impact of career readiness programs across Alabama.Matt shares his journey from working in special education to leading initiatives that are creating real opportunities for students. Through his work, he is helping students gain industry-backed credentials, opening doors to high-demand careers, and ensuring they have the skills needed to succeed.They

00:44:18

Meet The IC Team: John Mullins, Rachael Lusco &...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/05/05

In Episode 55, Destiny Smith, Workforce Manager; Rachael Lusco, Curriculum Development Manager; and John Mullins, Senior Project Coordinator, join podcast host Houston Blackwood to discuss their roles at the ACCS Innovation Center and the meaningful impact of their work.The team reflects on their diverse backgrounds and unique journeys to the Innovation Center, each bringing valuable expertise from different industries. Together, they explore the challenges and adaptability required in their roles,

00:50:55

Building Giants: Training Alabama’s Maritime Workforce

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/04/28

In Episode 54, we delve into Alabama's strategic initiatives to strengthen its maritime workforce. Lindsay Cline, Southeastern Regional Director for the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base, and Jennifer Hall, ACCS Southern Regional Workforce Director and Maritime Lead, discuss the pressing need for 10,000 skilled workers in shipfitting, pipefitting, and welding over the next decade. They highlight successful programs and emphasize the pivotal role of community colleges in meeting industry demands

00:39:22

Surveying Success: Developing Alabama's Next...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/04/14

In Episode 53, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozier sit down with Jake Bonds, Senior Vice President of Shoal Engineering, to dive into the workforce development challenges facing Alabama's surveying industry. Together, they discuss the growing demand for survey technicians and how the collaboration with the Innovation Center, driven by the Skills for Success Land Survey Technician course, is working to bridge that gap.Explore how technology is transforming the profession, discover the

00:42:55

Innovating Education: How ASCTE is Shaping the Future...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/03/31

In Episode 52, Kailah Dozier and Houston Blackwood are joined by Dr. Matt Massey, President of the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), for an in-depth discussion about how this pioneering high school is reshaping education for the future.Dr. Massey explains how ASCTE’s unique STEM-focused approach is cultivating well-rounded students prepared for success in cybersecurity and engineering. Whether students continue their education at a community college, pursue a four-year

00:27:23

Meet The IC Team: Sandie Dutton

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/03/17

In Episode 51, podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell sit down with Sandie Dutton, the Registrar Manager for the Innovation Center. Sandie opens up about her journey—from her initial plan of being a stay-at-home mom to her impactful career in education and workforce development.Listen in as Sandie shares how her personal experiences, including supporting her children's educational paths, sparked her passion for community college programs. She also reflects on the growth of the Innovation

00:41:32

Milestone Moment: Celebrating 50 Episodes of...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/03/03

In Episode 50, ACCS Innovation Center’s Chief of Operations, Julie Frizell, and Directors Houston Blackwood, Brandi Merrill, and Kaliah Dozier come together for a milestone podcast recording. This dynamic team reflects on the podcast’s journey over the past year, from spontaneous brainstorming sessions to creating the format and landing on the perfect name.They share their favorite guests, standout episodes, and how these conversations have sparked growth for both the Innovation Center and community

00:45:29

Collaborative Growth: Enhancing Workforce Education...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/02/03

In Episode 49, "Collaborative Growth: Transforming Workforce Training for Success," Akareem Spears, Dean of Workforce Economic Development at Bishop State Community College, joins hosts Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood for an insightful discussion on workforce development initiatives.Akareem shares his career journey, from his work in adult education to his current role leading workforce development at Bishop State. Discover Akareem’s collaborative approach to problem-solving and his

00:45:35

Expanding Horizons: Strengthening Reach and Impact in...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/01/27

In Episode 48, “Expanding Horizons: Strengthening Reach and Impact in Workforce Training” podcast host, Brandi Merrill sits down with the workforce team from Bevill State Community College to hear about workforce initiatives and the impact their work has on the community they serve. Al Moore, Amanda Tice, and Chad Bryant share their diverse career paths and how they’ve come together to build an expansive workforce division at Bevill State. Discover Bevill State’s work in areas like mining, truck

00:40:51

Creating Opportunity: Transforming the Community with...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/01/13

In Episode 47, “Creating Opportunity: Transforming the Community with Skills Training”, podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell sit down with Chad Sutton, Associate Dean of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives at LBW Community College, to dive into impactful workforce development efforts.Chad sheds light on how LBW is driving meaningful change in the community through Skills for Success and their workforce programs, offering vital skill-building opportunities to diverse groups,

00:48:58

Workforce Ready: Innovative Skills Training for K-12,...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/01/06

In Episode 46, “Workforce Ready: Innovative Skills Training for K-12, Industry, and the Community with Tyler Nelson”, Director of Workforce Development at Southern Union State Community College, joins podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozierto discuss the transformative impact of workforce development and Skills for Success. Tyler shares his unique perspective, having previously served as a CTE Director in K-12 education. He explains how Skills for Success is providing accessible,

00:47:00

Machinery and Mentorship: Shaping Student Success...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/12/30

In Episode 45, “Machinery and Mentorship: Shaping Student Success with Shelton State Heavy Equipment Instructors”, host Brandi Merrill sits down with Ken Richardson and Sherman Lee, two exceptional heavy equipment instructors from Shelton State Community College. Through their stories, we dive into their own unique backgrounds and discuss the profound lessons they've learned along the way. With a shared passion for teaching, Ken and Sherman have impacted the lives of students ranging from high

00:45:55

Healthcare Education: Exploring Career Pathways in...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/12/16

In Episode 44, “Healthcare Education: Exploring Career Pathways in Alabama”, hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell explore the innovative workforce development initiatives shaping Alabama's healthcare landscape with the Dean of Health Sciences at Calhoun Community College. From his journey in manufacturing to healthcare education, Kenneth shares insights on addressing critical workforce shortages, nursing apprenticeships and dual enrollment pathways for high school students.Discover the Skills

00:47:32

Bridging The Gap: Empowering Local Leaders and...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/12/09

In Episode 43, “Bridging The Gap: Empowering Local Leaders and Strengthening Communities with Mary Jackson” podcast hosts Kailah Dozier and Brandi Merrill dive deep into local government and community development with the Director of Community and Professional Development at the Alabama League of Municipalities. Mary shares her journey from Colorado to Alabama, discussing her background as a city clerk and her dedication to empowering local leaders. Learn about the League’s initiatives and the

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