PODCAST

Innovation Unplugged

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

government

All Episodes

00:43:15

Crafting Content: Behind the Scenes Collaboration...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/12/02

In Episode 42, “Crafting Content: Behind the Scenes Collaboration with Seed Creative,” podcast hosts Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell welcome two creative minds behind the compelling content for Skills for Success and the ACCS Innovation Center.Join George Edmondson, founder of Seed Creative, and team member Nick Golden as they share their unique backgrounds and journeys to Seed Creative. They discuss the evolution of their partnership with the ACCS Innovation Center over the past two years, driven

00:41:19

Industry Driven: Training For The Community with...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/11/18

In Episode 41, “Industry Driven: Training For The Community with Micheal Barnette” Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Programs from Central Alabama Community College joins Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell for a conversation focused on the dynamic world of workforce development. Micheal shares his career journey from over 20 years to now leading workforce initiatives at CACC, which serves a wide region. He discusses the college’s strong emphasis on non-credit, industry-driven training

00:45:10

Connecting Students: Pathways of Education and Skills...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/11/11

In episode 40, “Connecting Students: Pathways of Education and Skills Training in Workforce Development” podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozer sit down with the Dean of Workforce Development and Skills Training at Northeast Alabama Community College. Kerry shares his unique career journey, from opening a collision repair shop to transitioning into teaching and leading workforce initiatives.Hear about Kerry Wright’s experience with integrating the ACCS Innovation Center's Skills for

00:40:39

Driven Vision: Plans to Transform Workforce...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/11/04

In Episode 39, “Driven Vision: Plans to Transform Workforce Development with Dr. Ira Jones” podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozier sit down with Dr. Ira Jones, Director of Workforce Development at Drake State Community and Technical College. Dr. Jones shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a blue-collar family to serving in the Marine Corps, law enforcement, and the FBI. He discusses how this diverse experience led him to his current role at Drake State, where he is working to

00:56:20

Creating Impact: Enhancing The Community Through...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/10/28

In Episode 38, “Creating Impact: Enhancing Community Through Workforce Development with Dr. Josh Duplantis”, podcast host Houston Blackwood speaks with Dr. Duplantis, the Dean of Workforce Development at Coastal Alabama Community College for a conversation centeredaround the challenges and opportunities in workforce training and the vital partnerships that meet the demands of the community. Dr. Duplantis shares his career journey and how his blend of technical and academic experience informs

00:51:45

Leadership Insights: Recruiting and Navigating...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/10/21

In Episode 37, “Leadership Insights: Recruiting and Navigating Through the Workforce with Ben Cottingham ” Lead Recruiter at FireSeeds, a leading recruiting and talent development firm based in Birmingham, joins Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into the worlds of recruiting, leadership, and the future of workforce development.Ben shares his journey from education to recruiting, emphasizing the crucial role of relationship-building in both fields. He

00:41:57

Offering Opportunities: Innovative Skills Training...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/10/14

In Episode 36, “Offering Opportunities: Innovative Skills Training for Communities with Rob Lee ” Director of Workforce for Wallace Community College Selma joins podcast hosts Julie Frizzell and Brandi Merrill for an enlightening conversation centered around offering skills training, partnering with industries, and community impact.Rob shares his inspiring journey from IT professional to leader in workforce development, delving into the challenges and successes of providing training across the

00:41:11

Cultivating Community: Innovations in Workforce...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/10/07

In Episode 35, Cultivating Community: Innovations in Workforce Development with Nanyail Smoke" hosts Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell sit down with Nanyail Smoke, the Director of Workforce Development at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, for an insightful conversation about workforce initiatives and hopes for community partnerships and workforce development in East Alabama.Discover the innovative programs CVCC is implementing, such as dual enrollment and skills-based learning training,

00:53:34

Opportunities Unlocked: The Power of Connections and...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/09/30

In Episode 34, "Opportunities Unlocked: The Power of Connections and Workforce Education with Doug Brazier, hosts Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill welcome Director of Workforce Solutions for an insightful conversation about the impactful initiatives and inspiring success stories at Calhoun Community College.Join us as Doug shares his unique journey from working in his family’s business to the world of higher education, revealing how he forges deep connections with students and empowers them

00:47:27

Pathways to Progress: Transforming Lives Through...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/09/23

In Episode 33, “Pathways to Progress: Transforming Lives Through Training” podcast hosts, Julie Frizzell and Kailah Dozier delve into the impactful work that Wallace State Community College Hanceville is doing through workforce training and Skills for Successfor two life-changing organizations in their area. In the first half of Episode 33, Director of Living Free, Rendell Drummond, and mentor, Jaxon Lawrence, share how Skills for Success programs have transformed lives and mindsights, offering

00:43:47

Educational Impact: Preparing K12 For The Workforce...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/09/16

In Episode 32, “Educational Impact: Preparing K12 For The Workforce with Dr. Marvin Lowe”, podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier talk with Director of Career and Technical Education for Bullock County Schools about preparing the next generation for success. Join us as Dr. Lowe shares his inspiring career journey and deep passion for career readiness and helping students find their path. Discover how support from the Alabama Community College System and groundbreaking initiatives like

00:48:03

Lives Transformed: The Impact of Prison Education...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/09/09

In Episode 31, "Lives Transformed: The Impact of Prison Education with LaShanda Hails," the Director of Pardons and Paroles Programs joins podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell for an eye-opening discussion. This episode explores how innovative prison education programs and Skills for Success are transforming lives. Listen as LaShanda, a passionate advocate for second chances, shares her journey from corrections to education. She reveals how she is empowering incarcerated

00:45:46

Breaking Barriers: Eloquence in Workforce with Leigh...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/09/02

In Episode 30, “Breaking Barriers: Eloquence in Workforce with Leigh Shiver” Kailah Dozier and Houston Blackwood delve into workforce initiatives with Leigh Shiver, Workforce Director at Enterprise State Community College. Leigh shares her extensive experience in education and her innovative approach to workforce development. Listen to her journey from teaching in the K12 system to leading workforce at Enterprise State, highlighting the lessons she’s learned along the way. Discover how Enterprise

00:45:08

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Workforce...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/08/26

In Episode 29, “Empowering Communities: The Impact of Workforce Development with Deborah Foster and Britney McClung”, Houston Blackwood joins Career Coach and Coordinator of Career Programs from Jefferson State Community College’s Workforce Development Teamfor a vibrant conversation surrounding workforce development and education. Hear Deborah and Britney share their respective journeys to Jeff State and how their experiences tie into their roles within workforce education. Discover insights

00:49:46

Shaping Success: Innovations in Workforce Development...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/08/19

In Episode 28, "Shaping Success: Innovations in Workforce Development with Andrew Robbins," Workforce Director at Northwest Shoals Community College, alongside hosts Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill, explore the dynamic landscape of workforce education,training initiatives, and strategies that are reshaping futures. Andrew Robbins shares his career path, from music education to higher education, to finding a passion in leadership and workforce development. Discover insights into the

00:43:46

Driving Forward: The Landscape of Trucking in Alabama...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/08/12

In Episode 27, “Driving Forward: The Landscape of Trucking in Alabama with Mark Colson”, President of the Alabama Trucking Association delves into the world of trucking with Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill. Discover the industry’s history, current challenges, promising opportunities, and the vital partnership with the Alabama Community College System. Listen as Mark Colson shares his inspiring journey from changing tires as a youth to leading the Alabama Trucking Association, fueled by his

00:43:24

Innovative Training: Success Through Technical...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/08/05

In Episode 26, “Innovative Training: Success Through Technical Education with Alan Smith and Baisha Woody”, Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill sit down with Dean of Workforce Development and Director of Skills Training at Gadsden State Community College fora deep dive into technical education and workforce development. Learn how Alan and Baisha’s personal journeys align with their roles in creating career opportunities for their students through innovative programs and community

00:17:09

Collaboration and Passion: Reaching Individuals...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/07/29

In Episode 25, “Collaboration and Passion: Reaching Individuals Through Workforce Development with Ashley Baker”, Workforce Enrollment and Outreach Specialist joins Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill for a conversation surrounding the insights on Wallace State Community College Hanceville’s innovative approach to workforce training and community outreach. Discover how Wallce State Hanceville is transforming education and community support through innovative initiatives such as summer camps and

00:22:54

From Service to Instruction: Transforming Lives with...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/07/22

In Episode 24, "From Service to Instruction: Transforming Lives with Heavy Equipment Skills with Brian O’Leary", retired Alabama National Guard service member turned instructor at Wallace State Community College Hanceville joins Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill for an intriguing conversation around heavy machinery education and career opportunities. Discover Brian's journey from military maintenance operations to teaching heavy equipment skills that empower students from diverse

00:18:49

“Breaking Barriers: Empowering Students Through...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2024/07/15

In Episode 23, "Breaking Barriers: Empowering Students Through Workforce Training with April Metrock", Adult Education Instructor from Wallace State Community College Hanceville joins Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill for an enlightening conversation centeredon workforce development, adult education programs, and student success. Tune in to hear April Metrock’s journey—from navigating career transitions to becoming a dedicated adult education instructor. Discover how initiatives

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