Dear students and employees,
When this devastating storm hit western North Carolina four weeks ago, the people rushing into it to save lives were community college graduates: law enforcement, rescue, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, etc.). As we began digging out of the aftermath, community college graduates were there: volunteers, heavy equipment operators, power company employees, electricians, plumbers, etc. And as we rebuild our cities, towns, and neighborhoods in the coming years, community college graduates and students will lead Workforce Development students, small business owners, and skilled tradespersons from every major on campus. Community Colleges were, are, and will be the solutions for our community!
As your leadership team prepares campus for return, I am thrilled and thankful to know that so many of you made it through Hurricane Helene. The first thing we did in the EOC was print and post on the wall the organization chart for the college. I challenged our ELT members to check and double-check their people. We highlighted those with whom we talked or saw posts on social media. We worked daily until all employees were accounted for.
I heard that many of our faculty checked on their students, taking similar efforts to contact and connect. There were many dedicated individuals involved in the effort to contact you, and I am thankful you are all safe.
I do know that not everyone made it unscathed. Some lost everything. Know that we want to help you get back on your feet. A-B Tech is committed to supporting students and employees however we can and in whatever ways you need. Please let us know what we can do to support you, and we will get you in touch with organizations who can respond effectively.
I am also happy to report that things continue to improve on campus and in our community. Last week, water was restored to campus along with most homes and businesses in Asheville. Don’t get too excited; the water is still not safe to drink. We have procured several pallets of fresh water that we will use for instruction and are looking for more. If you can, please bring your own drinking water when you return to campus.
In other good news, the electricity and internet on campus have stabilized and are working properly. Our facilities team continues working non-stop to clean up fallen trees and make the campus ready for all members of our community. This includes continuing to monitor all buildings for any health and safety concerns.
Our main goal is to have our students back in the classrooms, labs, shops, and clinical experiences to finish the remainder of the Fall 2024 term. A college isn’t the same without our people (both employees and students), and I have missed seeing you. As you know, some of you have already begun the re-entry to Fall 2024. The rest of our classes will begin October 28, primarily in the online environment. While not what you registered for and not the ideal mode of education, it will be necessary to conduct most classes online until the water is clean and the campus is safe. At that point, we will evaluate which programs can come back face-to-face, which can proceed as hybrid offerings, and which will remain fully online.
Please stay tuned, read your campus emails, and look to social and legacy media outlets for upcoming information. If you have any questions, please visit the website at Helene Recovery.
Blessings to you all,
John D. Gossett, President