Tara Turley, a single mother and electrician who
employed her skills to assist her flood-ravaged West Virginia community,
is ACE's 2016 Student of the Year.
Turley, 37, of Tornado, WV, will be presented with the honor at ACE2017, ACE’s 99th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, during the March 13 morning plenary session.
The Student of the Year Award,
formerly the Adult Learner of the Year Award, is presented annually by
ACE to an individual who has benefited academically or professionally
from the use of ACE credit recommendations for workforce or military
training. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding achievements in their
community or workplace while successfully balancing demands such as
family, career and education.
Turley is currently finishing a five-year apprenticeship with the Charleston (WV) Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
A high school graduate who lost her corporate management job five
years ago as a result of company downsizing, she used ACE credit
recommendations to gain college credit for many of her apprenticeship
courses. Combined with credits from college courses taken in previous
years, this helped Turley to obtain a Board of Governors Associate in
Applied Science degree in 2016 from BridgeValley Community and Technical College (WV), where she also attended classes. She now plans to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“I couldn't let my children see me as a failure, and more importantly
I wanted them to learn how to overcome adversity,” Turley said. “With
the help of ACE’s college credit recommendations, not only have I been
able to achieve degree completion, but as an electrician, I have learned
many new skills that I have been able to put to use at home and in my
community. I hope my journey will show others that nothing is
impossible, no matter their age or what life has handed them.”
Last June, when Clendenin, a community near Charleston, was hit with
devastating flash floods that killed nearly two dozen people and left
thousands homeless, Turley was quick to volunteer her time and
electrical skills to help neighbors rebuild. She has also been committed
to serving a local program that helps adult women find jobs in the
construction industry and registered apprenticeships, according to the
Charleston Joint Local Apprenticeship Committee, which nominated her for
the award.
“As a single mother with two kids, Tara somehow has kept top grades
and perfect attendance with both her employer and the apprenticeship.
Her higher education is frequently expressed by her professionalism and
her leadership skills,” said Thomas Samples, director of the Charleston
Electrical Apprenticeship Program. “She now acts as an informal
ambassador at our apprenticeship for ACE’s services by encouraging many
of her fellow apprentices to also pursue their college degrees.”
ACE's College Credit Recommendation Service and Military Evaluations
are forms of credit for prior learning. The programs evaluate
employers' workplace education and training programs, or military
courses and occupations, and recommend academic credit when that
learning is college level.
“Tara’s dedication to her family and community and determination to
set high goals and persevere in the face of challenges exemplifies the
qualities we seek in ACE’s Student of the Year,” said ACE President
Molly Corbett Broad. “Tara’s commitment to her education should serve as
an inspiration to nontraditional learners everywhere.”
Turley will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help continue her education.
The 2015 award was presented to Mario Sankis, a retired police officer and cancer survivor from Illinois.
ACE2017 opens at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, with events that include
the International Welcome and Networking Reception, the Reception for
Presidents and Chancellors, and the ACE Women’s Leadership Dinner.