LBW students take next steps toward careers, higher ed

When Kent Covin graduated from high school, college was not an opportunity he was afforded.

Last night, he was among the more than 250 students to cross the stage during LBW Community College’s commencement ceremonies after completing an associate’s degree in industrial electronics.

Covin, who is married, has two grown children and several grandchildren, wasn’t a traditional student.

“I worked at Shaw for 28 years,” he said, adding that he continued to work off and on in the two years it took him to complete the electronics program. He chose the field because it’s something he’s always been good at, he said, and he thinks there are good job opportunities available.

“The time was right” for college, he said. His son also is a student at LBW, and his daughter is finishing her academic work to become a nurse practitioner.

Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker, who delivered the commencement address, talked with Covin and his classmates, Taylor Shelton, Mitchell Brown and Charlie Teel, in the graduation line-up.

“There are great opportunities for you out there,” he said of the field.

Two of LBW’s top academic students also participated in commencement last night.

Noah Rider, a Straughn graduate who earned an associate’s in science at LBW, and Emilee Hudson, an Elba grad who is pursuing accounting, were the college’s representatives in the statewide all-academic program this year.

Rider said he chose LBW because of smaller classes. He is transferring to Auburn to earn a bachelor’s degree, and plans to become a dentist.

Hudson said she chose LBW because of its reputation as a friendly campus. She is transferring to Troy to study accounting.