The Pioneer Press

Regardless of our religious beliefs, Easter / springtime is a time to celebrate newness of life, a time of hope, and at the very least, a time to look forward to a break from studying.

This week in our Man on the Street report, we looked at how we see dwindling class sizes and students who are simply missing in action as we near the end of the semester. Our survey brought several ideas about what the causes of this are.

In contrast, on our front page this week we have the story of Sue Pedigo, a woman who showed up, weathered the storms, faced the adversity and never stopped trying for 48 long years.

By Gloria Cortes

Volunteer State Community College’s new Assistant Vice President of Student Services Kyle Barron started April 1.

As new assistant vice president, Barron is responsible for the supervision of the offices of Disability Services, Student Engagement and Support, Diversity and Inclusion, and the TRIO program. He’s also responsible for traditional affairs and Title IX issues for students.

Sharing how he was welcomed to Vol State, Barron said, “I got a fancy tie. [I just started] and it’s been a great welcome so far. I spent a little time with Dr. Faulkner, getting to know him and his expectations for the employees and just getting to know all the offices and areas I’ll be working with on a daily basis. They’ve all been really warm receptive, and I look forward to working with them more,” said Barron.

By Allyson Oakley

Adult students from Volunteer State Community College have the opportunity to fill out an application for Pioneer Connections. This program will connect adult learners, who are willing to mentor, with other adults, that are needing guidance. The selected mentors will receive a $1,100.00 scholarship that can go towards books, tuition, fees, and other things

“Connection is a motivator. Mentors are going to be trained to be a resource. They are going to make a connection with experiential guidance to help other students who are walking in the same path that they have,” said Amy Hoffman, relational completion advisor in the Office of Adult Learners and Veterans Affairs.

Sarah Davis took the day off from work to apply for the fall 2019 semester. “I haven’t been to school in ten years. It’s nice to know that I won’t be alone when I’m trying to navigate work, family and now school. I don’t want to feel like I’m the only adult student in the classroom. The online aspect is probably second nature to other students but going back to school at 30, online learning is something that I may need some help with,” said Davis.