Innovation Unplugged

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 pa...

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 chan...

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 workf...

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 Team for a vibrant conversation surrounding workforce development and education.   Hear Deborah and Britney share their respective journeys to Jeff...

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 hig...

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 inspir...

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 for a deep dive into technical education and workforce development.   Learn how Alan and Baisha’s personal journeys align with their roles in cr...

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 i...

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...

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 centered on workforce development, adult education programs, and student success.   Tune in to hear April Metrock’s journey—from navigat...

In Episode 22, “Workforce Excellence: Adapting Training for Industry Success with David Cole” Workforce Director at Reid State Technical College joins Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzel for an enlightening conversation about education and workforce development. Explore David Cole’s remarkable career journey from military service to spearheading workforce initiatives to meet the needs of the indus...

In Episode 21, “Integrated Impact: Marketing, Hospitality, Tourism, and Workforce Development Aligned with Danielle Gibson”, Marketing Director from Decatur Morgan County Tourism joins Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier as they discuss the dynamic landscape of marketing, hospitality, and tourism, revealing how these elements align with workforce development. Discover how the Decatur Morgan County...

In Episode 20, “Pathways Unpaved: Discovering Careers in Construction with Chase Hockaday, Corporate Recruiter for APAC joins Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill as they delve into the transformative impact of training programs on emerging workforce talent. This episode of Innovation Unplugged not only shares laughs but also invaluable insights into how training in heavy machinery and CDL courses...

In Episode 19, “Steering Success: From Classroom to Heavy Machinery with Central High School in Tuscaloosa, AL joins Houston Blackwood in this inspiring episode of Innovation Unplugged, as he talks with Kaleb Snyder, Kameron Prince, and Julius Cockrell students from Central High School and their CTE instructor Ms. Paige Yeager who have made impressive strides in Shelton State's heavy equipment...

In Episode 18, “Forging Futures: The Transformative Power of Workforce Education with Joe Johnson, Workforce Director at Wallace Community College in Dothan, AL joins Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill as they delve into the world of welding and workforce development in this eye-opening episode of Innovation Unplugged. Discover Joe's journey from industry professional to educator, and how pi...

In Episode 17, Chamber Connections: Strengthening Workforce and Community Ties with Paige Hutto, President & CEO of Alabama Chambers Association, joins Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood in this enlightening episode of Innovation Unplugged as we explore the vital role of engaging with local chambers for workforce development. Discover how chambers across Alabama are linking community col...

“Pioneering Progress: Strengthening Alabama's Workforce with Dr. Jimmy Hodges” join Julie Frizzell and Kailah Dozier on Innovation Unplugged as we sit down with Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. Discover their insights into the dynamic changes and expansions in workforce education, from new technical programs to innovative short-term training opportunities. Learn how partne...

Episode 15, “Laying Foundations: Innovations in Floor Covering Education” Join Brandi Merrill and Kailah Dozier and explore the transformative journey of the floor covering industry on this episode of Innovation Unplugged, featuring Kaye Whitener, Director of Operations for the Floor Covering Education Foundation. Discover how partnerships and innovations are addressing the critical skills gap in...

Episode 14, “Blueprints to Success: Educators Shaping the Future with Hillcrest High School, join Houston Blackwood for a riveting episode of Innovation Unplugged as we sit down with three pivotal figures reshaping educational landscapes. Carlis Acker shares his unique journey from industry professional to an inspiring construction engineering teacher at Hillcrest High School. Principal Jeff Hinto...

In Episode 13, “From Plan A to Plan D: Navigating Success with Dr. Brock Kelly”, join Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier on a compelling journey with Dr. Brock Kelly, President of LBW Community College, as he shares his unexpected path from aspiring country music star to educational leader. Discover how embracing change and adapting plans can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Tune in for an inspiri...

In Episode 12, "Collaborative Innovation: Elevating Alabama's Workforce," join Julie Frizzell and Nicole DuBose from Shelton State Community College as they discuss the forefront of workforce development in Alabama. This episode delves into the competitive yet collaborative spirit driving improvements in workforce development. Hear how competition and cooperation among colleges are e...

In Episode 11, "Mastering the Machines: Alabama's Road to Construction Excellence," join Eric Fullmer, Wiregrass Construction Workforce Director, as he shares his groundbreaking journey with the Innovation Center's Skills for Success courses. This episode dives deep into the world of workforce development in the road construction industry, highlighting the critical need for skill...

In Episode 10 of our series, "Skills Forward: Reshaping Alabama's Future Through Education," we delve into the transformative work of Deanna Goodwin and her efforts in workforce development within Alabama's K-12 and community college systems. Join us as we explore innovative vocational courses at Sylacauga City Schools, including a pioneering food and beverage course and heavy eq...

In Episode 9, "Connecting Futures: The Fiber Optic Revolution in Alabama," we're joined by Josh Byars to shine a light on the groundbreaking efforts in workforce development within Alabama's fiber internet training and job opportunities. This episode delves into the creation of a pioneering hybrid online and hands-on course that simplifies fiber optic installation processes, maki...

Join us in Episode 8, "Pathways Unveiled: Revolutionizing Career Discovery in Alabama with Tony May," as we delve into the transformative landscape of workforce development and career exploration in Alabama. This episode features Houston Blackwood, Julie Frizzell, and Tony May, Education Specialist for Workbase Learning at the Alabama State Department of Education who together share thei...