Reynolds Automotive Technology Programs earn Accreditation Renewal

The J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College automotive technology programs have achieved renewed accreditation status from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) for an additional five years. 

Founded in 1983, NATEF’s mission is to improve the quality of automotive technician training programs nationwide by examining the structure, resources and quality of training programs and evaluating them against standards established by the industry.  By ensuring training programs meet the highest standards, NATEF accreditation benefits everyone from schools, students and future employers, to the automotive service industry and everyone driving on our nation’s roads.

The five-step accreditation process includes an extensive self-evaluation performed by program instructors, administrators and advisory committee members and an on-site evaluation conducted by an ASE Master-certified Evaluation Team Leader.

The findings of the October 18 on-site review were overwhelmingly positive and the lead reviewer noted, “This program is a shining example of how it can be done.”  Other reviewer comments included:

•             A very progressive program that teaches the very latest technology using the latest state of the art equipment and methods.

•             The programs are very well organized and staffed with excellent personnel.

•             The facility and equipment are meticulously maintained.

•             The automotive department head and instructors have gone above and beyond to develop and improve the curriculum.

“The NATEF accreditation process ensures that the Reynolds Community College automotive technology programs are of the highest standards.  We are pleased with the results of the accreditation renewal process and look forward to continuing to offer cutting edge educational opportunities to our students,” noted Kelly Schwendeman, Program Head, Automotive Technology.

For information on the automotive technology programs please visit www.reynolds.edu or contact Kelly Schwendeman at lschwndeman@reynolds.edu or Alan Couch at acrouch@reynolds.edu.

 

Reynolds Change Agents: Innsbrook Rotary Club and Henrico Fire E-21

Reynolds Change Agents is a new spotlight series in Campus Happenings highlighting the spirit of service and philanthropy by and for Reynolds Community College.

This week, see why riding the bucket truck was just one of the highlights at a recent visit to Henrico County Fire Station E-21 by the Innsbrook Rotary, and learn how these (adventurous) Rotarians are making a difference for students.  Watch the story here.  

The Educational Foundation is tremendously thankful for the support we receive from local Rotary clubs to help students achieve their goals.

Sin Nombre

Sponsored by the Multicultural Enrichment Council, Reynolds’ "Around the World through Movies" recently presented Sin Nombre. Attendees included Reynolds students, staff, faculty and guests from the Richmond community.

Sin Nombre is about a beautiful young Honduran woman, Sayra, who joins her father and uncle on an odyssey en route to the United States seeking the promise of America. Along the way she crosses paths with a Mexican gang member who is trying to outrun his violent past and elude his former associates. Together they must rely on faith, trust and street smarts if they are to survive their increasingly perilous journey towards the hope of new lives.

Carlos Ossandon, Assistant Professor of Spanish led pre and post movie discussions that highlighted migration versus immigration as well as driving forces and causes behind Hispanic immigrants in the U.S. He also shed more light on some fascinating statistics on various immigrant populations from Central and South America in the U.S.

The audience enjoyed a variety of refreshments from El Salvador.  The movie was followed by a post discussion where many students and staff won prizes including many items donated by the Reynolds bookstores and the Office of Marketing.

 

Phi Theta Kappa inducts 107 Reynolds students

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Chapters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society held their annual fall induction ceremony on Saturday, November 2 in the Lipman Auditorium of the Massey Library Technology Center at the Parham Road Campus. Students who have completed 12 transferable credit hours and have a 3.3 cumulative GPA at the college are invited to join PTK every fall and spring semester.  

Alpha Iota Beta Chapter President Tiffany Plumber opened the festivities and Reynolds President Gary Rhodes welcomed the audience. 117 new members were inducted, many of whom participated in the ceremony. 

Ms. Dawn Beninghove, founder of Companion Extraordinaire Home Care Services, delivered a motivational speech as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of being both a leader and a servant. Beninghove graduated from Reynolds in 1981 with a degree in nursing. 

“You are here because you have recognized that academic achievement is a plan that gives you a hope for your future,” Beninghove explained to the inductees. “PTK provides an opportunity for you to develop your leadership skills and continue on this path of academic excellence.” 

In closing Beninghove stated, “Never, ever underestimate the power of a plan no matter how humble it’s beginning. Each time you learn something new, the world around you becomes richer and fuller of opportunities at every turn. Life can only be completely understood looking at it backwards, but must be lived forward…..live forward every day.” 

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming.  Reynolds has two chapters at the college.  The Alpha Iota Beta chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Parham Road Campus and the Alpha Gamma Omicron chapter represents members enrolled in programs at the Goochland and Downtown campuses.  Reynolds has inducted 4,604 members since 1982.

PTK-Fall 2013