The Girls’ Dorm improvements have been completed and include: new sinks and granite counters, flat-screen TVs, new tile flooring, new furniture, new artwork, new serving stations, new counter stools and a glass tables, and rugs. Additionally, the dorm received new paint in all lobbies, halls, bathrooms, and the stairwell. The improvements were funded with various grants designated strictly for dorm improvements as well profits from the AIMS summer program. Although most improvements occurred in the Girls’ Dorm, many are planned for the Boys’ Dorm and will be completed before school starts, including: painting, new furniture, and new flooring. But, most importantly, the boys will enjoy 51-inch flat-screen TVs on each floor.

“I think students will be happy with the improvements in the dorms,” says ASMS President Dr. Larry Turner. “I speak for all of the staff who have worked hard this summer in saying that we are looking forward to a great school year!”

ASMS has hired Robert Shoemaker as the new Maintenance Supervisor. “Mr. Shoemaker is a great fit for ASMS,” says ASMS President Larry Turner. “His extensive experience is impressive and we are eager for him to head up our maintenance staff.” For the past 16 years, Shoemaker has run his own home maintenance service, and before that, he was the Maintenance Supervisor at Carondolet Apartments in Mobile.

“I am very familiar with the lay out of this property, as my mother was the music secretary and pianist when it was Dauphin Way church from 1968 to 1978,” he says. “I spent many hours exploring and playing at the activity center while she worked. I am happy to be here and I look forward to meeting the faculty, staff, and students.” Shoemaker takes over for Randy Hall, who accepted a position with a local heating and cooling business in June.

New Director of Student Services is interviewed by Director of Special Services John Hoyle in the ASMS Ann Smith Bedsole Library.

The Alabama School of Math and Science has named Dr. Monica Motley as Director of Student Services. She will begin work this week.

“I am absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to become a part of the ASMS team,” said Motley last week as she toured the school. “I am passionate about all students receiving a quality educational experience. As Director of Student Services, I hope to foster an environment that is supportive of students’ personal and academic development. I look forward to working with the students, parents, faculty, and staff to ensure each student has the opportunity for a rewarding experience at ASMS.”

Motley comes to ASMS from the University of South Alabama, where she served as an Assistant Professor who trained counselors. She earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University, where she also worked in Student Affairs as a Residential Hall Director in one of the school’s largest dorms. Motley has also worked as a school counselor, an elementary school teacher, and an adjunct instructor at Alabama State. She earned a M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of South Alabama and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Alabama State University.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Motley to ASMS,” said ASMS President Dr. Larry Turner. “Nearly 60 people applied for the position and she stood out as the top candidate. She comes to us with a wealth of student services knowledge and experiences and I trust she will be an asset to our school. I can’t wait for our students and staff to meet her.”

This summer, a handful of students and staff members are lending a hand to help improve the campus. Students Ali Fry, Chong Lim, Sarah Clancy, Liza Schwieterman, and Will Wagner have been helping alumni Jen Lim, Jeffery Boudreau, and Ben Ritter paint the campus, move offices, and carry out various other odd jobs. History teacher Derek Barry has also volunteered to help.

“There is a lot of progress happening this summer,” says Director of Development Bebe Lindsey. “For example, the girls’ dorm has not been painted in 13 years, and it’s exciting to see that building get some attention. When school starts, this campus will be in better shape than ever before.” Some of the campus improvements include: renovating West Campus; painting the Administration Building, portions of the boys’ dorm, and most of the girls’ dorm; moving the Office of Student Services to the second floor of the Admin Building; moving the nurse to the first floor of the Admin building; installing sinks in the lobbies of the girls’ dorm; moving the history offices and the choir room to the third floor of the Humanities building; fixing plumbing issues in both dorms; installing new furniture in the girls’ dorm lobbies; and repairing a sign and fence that were damaged last year.