2018 ANNUAL REPORT INCLUDING 2019 PREVIEW COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT VALUES STATEMENTS The Community College of Allegheny County prepares individuals to LEARNING succeed in a complex global society by providing affordable access We are committed to high academic standards and quality to high quality career and transfer education delivered in a diverse, services provided in a caring, innovative and professional learning caring and innovative learning environment. environment that places the success of students first. COMMUNITY We strive to serve the educational, economic and social needs of the community as one college through creative collaboration and VISION STATEMENT teamwork. The Community College of Allegheny County will be the region’s preferred gateway to a more prosperous future. Through our DIVERSITY commitment to learning, innovation and positive social change, We honor and embrace diversity by creating a positive, inclusive CCAC will advance individual and community success. college culture that respects individual differences and values the unique experiences and perspectives of all students, faculty and staff. INTEGRITY We promote an honest and open exchange of information and ideas, accountability for the effective use of resources placed in our trust and the fair and consistent treatment of all individuals. A MESSAGE FROM THE Success. More than any other, it’s a word that captures everything about the Community College of Allegheny County—who we are, what we believe in and what we strive to achieve. It’s something our students experience each and every day here at CCAC. And that’s just the beginning. The success students have at CCAC follows them long after they graduate. Our alumni are using their newly acquired knowledge and skills in any number of ways— starting new careers, pursuing advanced degrees and working on behalf of their communities. In fact, CCAC alumni are actively engaged in every sector of society, providing leadership to scores of economic, scientific, civic and philanthropic entities both here in Pittsburgh and around the globe. I am pleased to present the college’s 2018 Annual Report, which provides insight into the people, programs and partnerships helping to ensure our students achieve their academic and career goals. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the past year, the report includes a preview of important projects slated for 2019 and beyond—initiatives designed to capitalize on CCAC’s real-world approach to workforce education and training in the region. This unique combination of academically rigorous curricula matched with industry-driven instruction using the most advanced technology available is one of the reasons one out of every three county residents continues to select CCAC as their college of first choice. Add to this the fact that 94 percent of our graduates choose to remain in the region, and it is easy to see why CCAC’s impact on the region is so significant—returning $5.30 for every dollar the county invests in the college and supporting the equivalent of one out of every 45 jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania. No matter what their chosen profession may be, it’s clear that CCAC graduates are leading the way—working to enhance the world in which we all live. Now that’s the definition of success! CCAC ANNUAL REPORT 2018 This publication was created by the CCAC Public Relations & Marketing Department. Managing Editor: Elizabeth Johnston Dr. Quintin B. Bullock President, Community College of Allegheny County Writers: Margaret Anderson & Elizabeth Johnston Graphic Design: Cara Wiegand-Bard Copy Editor & Researcher: Richard Surdyk Photography: Kevin Anderson, Judy Clack, Gene Puskar & Michael P. Susi Statistical information provided by the CCAC Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness Department 2 CCAC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT #DrBullock 3 With its emphasis on responsive, real-world training and education, CCAC continues to deliver programs at the forefront of innovation—ones designed to prepare individuals for success in the region’s most challenging and sought-after career industries, including many in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. These cutting-edge programs include Data Analytics; Multimedia Programming, Simulation & Gaming; Engineering Technology; Cybersecurity; Biotechnology; and Film Technician. Some of the college’s newest technology programs are housed in a one-of-a-kind space at North Campus. Since its launch in January 2018, CCAC’s first-ever Innovation Lab has been helping to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to take on the region’s high-tech workforce needs while offering an enhanced student experience both in and out of the classroom. Equipped with a virtual reality (VR) lab, brainstorming area, 3D printer and a total of 50 computer stations— including 25 new Dell computers equipped with VR headsets—the lab is ideally suited for multimedia, web development and computer information technology classes. Featuring project-based learning, the Innovation Lab is enabling faculty and students to collaborate with outside businesses on a range of technology-based projects. Companies that join the Innovation Lab network are able to tap into the creative talents of CCAC students for assistance in finding solutions to their business needs. Thirteen businesses and organizations are currently participating in the network, whereby industry leaders meet with students and faculty, either at the lab or via Skype, to discuss the scope of the project and develop a course of action and deliverables. Projects to date have included web design, data analytics, and security and marketing applications. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Rebecca Elinich, the network continues to expand and reach out to area businesses to Assistant Professor Rebecca Elinich inspires her students to think determine how CCAC students may be able to help. Through the use creatively in the Innovation Lab located at CCAC's North Campus. of industry-standard software, students have the opportunity to work on interesting and often complex professional projects that feature In another example, Economy Borough in Beaver County enlisted many of the skills that will be required in their future careers, while the assistance of CCAC’s Innovation Lab to help market its annual the companies involved are able to access an ongoing source of festival. Borough officials selected one student’s design concept and diverse talent, creativity and technological know-how. implemented some of the promotional ideas suggested. Students involved with the lab have also worked on projects to benefit the During a recent project, several Data Analytics students gained valuable college, including the creation of a website to promote the North experience while helping a nonprofit ministry that assists homeless adults Campus food pantry. and at-risk youth. The ministry enlisted the students to analyze donor data with the goal of determining which of the 10,000 donors in their data The next evolution of the Innovation Lab network will involve pool they should focus on for best results. The students built a software larger projects spanning multiple semesters so a group of students tool that generates donor data on an ongoing basis, thus enabling the can pick up and further a project where the previous class left ministry to maximize fundraising efforts. off, enabling students to tackle more complex projects. Also, the CCAC student Paxton Thomas has fun experiencing a virtual world. lab recently joined the Pittsburgh chapter of the Virtual Reality/ 4 CCAC 2018 ANNUAL REPORT #CuttingEdgeTech 5 country to offer an associate degree in this field, which equips students for transfer to four- year institutions for completion of a bachelor’s degree. A certificate option is also available, designed for working professionals who want to enhance their skills. Offered at West Hills Center, this program teaches essential skills that can be applied in real-world settings to add value to organizations of all kinds—without the time and expense that is required for an advanced degree. In addition to acquiring the ability to analyze large data sets, students are equipped with the tools to effectively translate questions and concerns between managers and “number crunchers,” according to Eric Darsow, instructor and program director. To put their skills into practice, Data Analytics students are involved in a collaboration with Draw the Lines PA, a nonpartisan resource for Pennsylvanians who want to end gerrymandering and improve democracy. Through their participation in the organization’s Caroline Evans statewide competition to design more appropriately mapped legislative districts, Darsow CCAC FACULTY and co-instructor Coral Sheldon-Hess have put together a team of students who are using their skills to create a map that brings the data to life in a way that makes the most sense TITLE/POSITION: Professor of Biology & for the residents of Pennsylvania—and might just earn them the top prize of $5,000. Coordinator of the Biotechnology program A handful of experimental classes in machine learning and artificial intelligence are being developed for inclusion in the curriculum beginning this fall. The goal is for the YEAR JOINED CCAC: 2011 new courses to ultimately result in a separate certificate or associate of science program. CCAC Data Analytics Program Director and Instructor Eric Darsow helps his students analyze large sets of data during OTHER CCAC ACTIVITIES: