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Administrator Updates: ATH RIC

Summer Newsletter

AdministratorUpdates: ATH RICSummer Newsletter

Summer Administrator Newsletter Summer Administrator Newsletter

PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY on PRAXIS PREP PLEASE COMPLETE THE SURVEY on PRAXIS PREP

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Do Your Teachers Need Help with the Praxis?

  • Please Complete This Survey

Important Dates for Statewide and Regional Meetings 2025-2026 Important Dates for Statewide and Regional Meetings 2025-2026

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Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Meetings

  • Tuesday, September 23
  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2026
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Secondary Leadership Exchange (APLDS Hrs)

  • Thursday, September 25
    • Session 1 - PLC/Leadership
  • Thursday, December 4
    • Session 2 - Instructional Strategies & Progress Monitoring
  • Thursday, February 5, 2026
    • Session 3 - Master Scheduling & Data Analysis
  • Thursday, March 26, 2026
    • Session 4 - Authentic Assessment
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PLN Athens North Cohort Meeting Dates

  • Statewide Virtual Session - Wednesday, October 1, 2025
  • Session # 2 - Wednesday, November 12
  • Session # 3 - Thursday, December 11
  • Session # 4 - Thursday, February 26, 2026

Register for the 2025-2026 Powerful Learning Network (PLN)! Register for the 2025-2026 Powerful Learning Network (PLN)!

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Registration Link Below

  • Powerful Learning Network
  • Peer Coaching Workshops
  • In-District Professional Learning

Follow Us On Social Media Follow Us On Social Media

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Facebook

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Twitter

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Instagram

Region 2 Requests Links

Remember, If you have specific professional learning needs please use the PD Request Form or if you need to reserve a learning space at the Regional Inservice Center or on the Athens State Campus, please use the Facility Reservations form.

Important Updates Important Updates

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Summer Professional Learning Newsletter

  • 2025 Summer PD Newsletter
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ALEX Updates - NEW WEBSITE OVERVIEW (Virtual)

  • Revolutionize Your Teaching with ALEX: Tools, Tips, & Tricks
  • June 10 - Virtual
  • July 22 - Virtual
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Social Studies Course of Study Sessions

  • Monday, June 16: 8:00 - 11:00 (K-6)
    • Register HERE!
  • Monday, June 16: 12:00 - 3:00 pm (7-12)
    • Register HERE!
  • Both Sessions at the Athens RIC

APLDS Summer PD Sessions APLDS Summer PD Sessions

CLICK Here for APLDS Summer PD Sessions
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2025 - 2026 APLDS Sessions - Starts June 1, 2025

  • ALL APLDS Sessions Scheduled in June will be credited to the 2025-2026 School Year
  • Currently offering 10 APLDS Sessions and 2 ACLD PLUs.
  • DISCLAIMER: If session has less than 10 participants enrolled, the session may be canceled.
Register HERE for Secondary Learning Exchange

New PLU Opportunity - Starts June 2 New PLU Opportunity - Starts June 2

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PLUACLD1167 - Understanding the Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool (ATOT)

Session Title:

Understanding the Dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool: Learning, Essentials, and Agency (PLUACLD1167)

Session Description:
In this PLU Course, school administrators will engage deeply with the three core dimensions of the Alabama Teacher Observation Tool: Learning, Essentials, and Agency. Participants will explore how each dimension defines effective teaching practices and supports instructional growth. Through practical research application and discussion forums, administrators will develop strategies to observe, assess, and support teachers in fostering vibrant, student-centered classrooms. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to use the observation tool more confidently and effectively to drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

ACLD PLU Session Number: 531233
This registration is for any educator with a valid leadership certificate.

APLDS Session Number: 531245
This registration is only for school Principals and Assistant Principals

ARI Summer Newsletters ARI Summer Newsletters

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  • Summer Break Newsletter for Families
  • ARI Literacy Leadership Newsletter - LINK
  • June Leadership Tasks
    1. Local Reading Specialist - Hiring Considerations
    2. Educational Podcasts
    3. Data Collection for Summer Learning
    4. ACAP, Pathways to Promotion & Portfolios
    5. 1st Grade Readiness Assessment & AL-ELI
    6. Summer Professional Learning
    7. LETRS Cohort 9 Registration
    8. LETRS District Course Manager Sessions
    9. Coaching Corner
    10. Community & Family Involvement
    11. Social Media Links


LETRS For Administrators LETRS For Administrators

New PLU Coming September 2025: More Details in Next Newsletter New PLU Coming September 2025: More Details in Next Newsletter

Title: PLUACLD1341 - Empowering Classrooms: Tiered Instructional Strategies for Success

Description: This professional study is designed to empower district and school leadership teams to leverage research-based instructional strategies within a Mutli-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to improve student achievement. Drawing from The New Classroom Instrucion That Works, the student emphasizes how leaders can guide and support the application of these strategies through six phases of learning. Requirements: Read and Reflect: Read The New Classroom Instruction That Works; Answer reflection questions. Design or Update a Walkthrough Form:Create or refine a classroom walkthrough form to include observable indicators of the six phases of learning; Use the form to provide constructive feedback to educators and monitor the implementation of tiered instructional strategies. Participate in Professional Development:Attend a minimum of two PD sessions focused on tiered instructional strategie; Engage in collaborative discussions and activities that connect PD content to the six phases of learning. Host sites: various regional inservice centers. Upon completion of the required activities, school leaders will have the ability to earn one PLU. The PLU will be offered for 1 year beginning in Fall 2025.


Dates:

  • August 27, 2025 - Register HERE - Section # 528772
  • November 20, 2025 - Register HERE Section # 528774
  • January 22, 2026 - Register HERE - Section # 528777


Time: 8:00 - 11:00 AM

Format: In Person

Location: Regional Inservice Center - (Room C)

1115-A Hwy 31 South

Athens, AL 35611

Facilitators: Kristy Shankles

Clock Hours: 3 Hours

AL Conference on Grading and Assessment for Learning



  • June 5-6, 2025
  • Guntersville High School | 14227 AL Highway 431| Guntersville, AL
  • ACGAL.org
  • Register HERE!



AL Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Leadership Summit AL Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) Leadership Summit

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July 9, 2025

8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Oak Mountain High School | 5476 Caldwell Mill Road
Birmingham, AL 35242



Join K-12 school leaders from throughout the state for a full day of high quality, high energy, professional learning especially for principals, assistant principals, aspiring school leaders and instructional coaches. Earn up to six clock hours of High-Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) by participating in a wide-variety of one-hour sessions of engaging professional development covering an assortment of invigorating leadership strategies that will inspire school leaders in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year. Session topics include research-based methods to increase student engagement and achievement, utilizing data to turn insights into action, increasing involvement of the school community in the school’s vision and improvement plan, updates to the APLDS Evaluation System for increased effectiveness, addressing the mental health concerns of school administrators and stakeholders, creative PR methods for school leaders to improve communication, cool tech tools to make administrator’s jobs easier, an overview of trauma informed approaches in education in addition to building an amazing school culture by branding for school success. Other interactive session topics include the latest trends in school safety, rocking the school climate utilizing environment, engagement and empowerment, and an introduction to the Alabama School Climate Model for Leaders.(APLDS Approved Sessions)


*Register HERE!

All AETC Sessions are APLDS APPROVED! All AETC Sessions are APLDS APPROVED!

Click Here For More Info.

CLICK HERE FOR NEW PRINCIPALS ACT WEBSITE alabamaprincipals.org CLICK HERE FOR NEW PRINCIPALS ACT WEBSITE alabamaprincipals.org

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List of State Approved APLDS Sessions

ALSDE Resources for Principals ALSDE Resources for Principals

Office of Student Learning
Top 10 MTSS Student Plan Questions
Student Plans: Where Do I Begin?
K-12 Student Plans: Beyond SRIPs
PST Guidance Manual 2023
AL - MTSS Accommodations Guide
MTSS Compliance Monitoring FAQ
Differentiated Instructional Guides (DIG) and Curriculum Guides
Math Course of Study Crosswalk
CLICK HERE - ARI SRIP & Tier III Guidance
Workforce Diploma Option B - Guidance & FAQs
OSI ACIP Resources
ACIP Timeline
State Accountability Technical Guide
Federal Accountability Technical Guide
PowerSchool - The Alabama Edition
Questions About Library Enhancement Funds
Questions About Library Compliance Monitoring
First Fridays PD for Library Media Specialists
English Learners - HQIA
Revised ACCESS for ELLS - Spring 2026
WIDA ELD Standards
Alabama CTE Career Readiness Indicators
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Need Help with SRIPs and Student Plans? Check out Virtual Office Hours

  • MTSS Virtual Office Hours - ALSDE Support
  • Every 3rd Friday of each month at 10:30 am.
  • Webex Link located in AL-MTSS Sway https://sway.cloud.microsoft/cPgdAqvQ26TWPCnL?ref=Link&loc=play

Office of School Improvement Office of School Improvement

What We Do

Guide the work of schools to ensure they are addressing the report cards indicators

  • Achievement

  • Growth

  • Chronic Absenteeism

  • Graduation rate

  • College & Career Readiness Rate

  • Progress toward EL Proficiency

OSI Resources

  • NEW OSI Website
  • ACIP Support Site
  • Coaching Framework Page
  • ACAP/ACT Resource Page
  • Differentiated Support & Accountability Guide
  • Secondary ELA Resources
  • Youtube (Recorded PL)
  • Principals Calendar 2024 - 2025
    Curriculum Leaders Calendar 2024-2025
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    AL - Multi-Tiered System of Supports

    • Spring 2025 AL-MTSS Newsletter
    • AL-MTSS Fall Quarterly Newsletter

    OMI - Mathematics OMI - Mathematics

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    New Math APLDS Options

    • Christy Lockhart - Region 2 Math Specialist

      • christy.lockhart@alsde.edu
      • OMI Padlet
      • OMI Newsletter

    CLAS - Upcoming Administrator PD CLAS - Upcoming Administrator PD

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    504 Empower Hours

    The Alabama Association of 504 Coordinators is hosting a series Empower Hours focusing on the many different legal aspects of Section 504. The webinars are designed for educators and administrations who want to gain a better understanding of the legal issues while supporting students with disabilities under Section 504.

    $25 for CLAS/ALA504 Members

    $50 for Non-Members

    Registration includes the following sessions:

    • February 13, 2025 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Empower Hour #3
    • May 8, 2025 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Empower Hour #4

    Register Now!

    For those who are participating in PLUACLD1213, you must attend at least 3 of these sessions.

    Questions? Contact help@clasleaders.org for assistance.

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    2025 CLAS Convention: June 8 - 11

    • ​Lights, Camera, Leadership!
    • Step into the Spotlight at the 2025 CLAS Convention
    • June 8 -11, 2025 | Mobile, Alabama
    • Register HERE

    PowerSchool and Schoology PowerSchool and Schoology

    PowerSchool - The Alabama Edition Website
    Student Information Systems Data Calendar
    Register for PowerSchool Sessions

    EL and SPED Professional Learning EL and SPED Professional Learning

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    Special Ed. Curriculum Resources

    • APLDS Session https://bit.ly/3yzY23S
    • Differentiated Instructional Guides (DIG) & Curriculum Guides
    • 2025 IEP Training Links

    ARI & Literacy Resources ARI & Literacy Resources

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    ARI April Newsletter

    • April ARI Newsletter
    • Quick Links to Support District Leaders & Administrators
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    ATGP

    • ATGP Manuel (2.0)
    • Timeline for Implementation
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    ATOT

    • Cognia ATOT Observation Resources
    • ATOT Rating Guide
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    How to Create ATOT Accounts in Education Directory

    • https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/shared-with-me

    DISCLAIMER Concerning APLDS PD Sessions

    This APLDS professional learning experience requires a minimum of 10 registered participants to proceed as scheduled. If the minimum registration is not met, the session may be canceled.

    Alabama Principal Leadership Development System Alabama Principal Leadership Development System

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    PowerSchool Professional Learning Guidance

    • All Principal Act state-approved professional learning clock hours must be awarded through the PowerSchool Professional Learning platform under the Office of APLDS (Alabama Principal Leadership Development System) (ALSDE).
    • For ACLD PLUs, participants must also register for the PLU course in PowerSchool Professional Learning to receive PLU credit.
    • Look for the APLDS Name or LOGO to ensure the PD is Principal Act Approved.

    Where To Find APLDS PD in PowerSchool Where To Find APLDS PD in PowerSchool

    • Principals and APs can find the state-approved list in PSPL the following ways:

      1. Search for “aplds” in Course Search (under Course tab)
      2. Click on the “Alabama Principal Leadership Development System (APLDS)” tag (under Course tab)
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    ALPDS Resources

    • Alabama Principal Leadership Framework
    • 2024-2025 APLDS Program Timeline
    • Alabama Standards for School Leadership
    • State-Approved List for Professional Learning
    • FAQs
    • Video Presentations
    • Directions for APLDS Evaluation System
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    APLDS Documents

    • APLDS Overview Presentation
    • APLDS Evaluation System User Guide
    • Alabama New Principal Mentoring Program Manual
    • PLP Planning Document - Due October 1.
    • School Climate Self-Assessment
    • Teacher Effectiveness (TE) Application Memo

    APLDS Stipends Requirements APLDS Stipends Requirements

    Region 2 Request Links

    Remember, If you have specific professional learning needs please use the PD Request Form or if you need to reserve a learning space at the Regional Inservice Center or on the Athens State Campus, please use the Facility Reservations form.

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    A+ Best Practices Center Peer Coaching Workshops - APLDS Approved PD

    • Peer Coaching Registration
    • Contact Dakota Punzel for more Information at dakota@aplusala.org or (205) 908-0059

    MORE Administrator PLUs MORE Administrator PLUs

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    Physical Education PLU

    • ACLD PLU 1267: Positive Impact of Quality Physical Education on Academic Performance
    • The Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD) has developed a PLU for active superintendents, district administrators, and school administrators to increase their knowledge of quality physical education, what should be observed in a quality class, and how a quality program increases academic performance among students.
    • Participants will learn the difference between physical education and physical activity and learn the appropriate standards for each grade level in physical education.
    • Additional Information including Costs
    • Register HERE!
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    Funding Summer Learning

    • Braiding Funds to Maximize Student Outcomes in Summer Programs.
    • Video from Dr. Molly Killingsworth
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    ARI Updates

    • ARI Comprehensive Memo
    • Neuhaus Structured Literacy Modules for PreK, K-12, and Higher Education COMING SOON!
    • ARI Quick Links
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    Office of Student Learning

    • Running Updates
    • Alabama Standards Framework
    • Graduation Requirements
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    College and Career Readiness

    • Alabama CTE Career Readiness Indicators
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    Math Nation - Algebra 1 Research Study

    • Opportunity to utilize Math Nation curriculum materials.
    • Platform Resources include: Study Expert videos (including Spanish-language), digital assessment tool, and intervention tool.
    • Research Study is High School Algebra 1 ONLY.
    • Schools join the study, not individual teachers.
    • Participating teachers will get up to $1700 stipend.
    • 2 Days of Mandatory PD, 4 additional optional PD days.
    • For more information, contact Becca Phillips at Becca@MathNation.com
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    Emergency Certification Resources

    PREP - Emergency Certificates, Long-Term Subs, and New Teacher On-Demand Training.

    Slides and Recordings

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    ALSDE District Curriculum Leader Calendar

    Curriculum Leader Calendar

    Counselors and PowerSchool SIS Staff Counselors and PowerSchool SIS Staff

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    ALSDE Student Information Systems Data Calendar

    Data Calendar Checklist

    Principal Calendar
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    ALSDE Principal Calendar

    Principal Calendar

    ALSDE Department Websites and Region 2 Specialists Contacts ALSDE Department Websites and Region 2 Specialists Contacts

    CLICK THE DEPARTMENT ICON TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE! CLICK THE DEPARTMENT ICON TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE!

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    Region 2 - RIC

    Brad Lewis - RIC Director
    • Brad.Lewis@athens.edu
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    Alabama Regional Inservice Centers

    • Statewide RIC Website
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    AMSTI - Region 2

    AMSTI Director - Clint Vandiver
    • clint.vandiver@athens.edu

    Assistant Director - Emily Byrd

    • emily.byrd@athens.edu
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    ASIM - Region 2

    AMSTI Director - Clint Vandiver
    • clint.vandiver@athens.edu

    Assistant Director - Emily Byrd

    • emily.byrd@athens.edu
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    Ed. Tech (State Website)

    • sueellen.gilliland@alsde.edu
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    ATIM

    Jennifer Priest - ATIM Specialist
    • jpriest@atim.us
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    ARI

    Ken Kirby - Regional Literacy Leadership Specialist (RLLS)

    • ken.kirby@alsde.edu

    Kimberly Hargett - RLLS: Limestone, Hartselle, & Morgan.

    • kimberly.hargett@alsde.edu

    Kim Goodwin - RLSS: Blount, Cullman City & Co. & Oneonta

    • kim.goodwin@alsde.edu

    Melissa Penley - RLSS: Athens City & Lawrence Co.

    • melissa.penley@alsde.edu

    Tracie Howard - RLSS

    • tracie.howard@alsde.edu

    Angela Richardson - RLSS

    • angela.richardson@alsde.edu
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    OMI

    Christy Lockhart - Region 2 Math Specialist

    • christy.lockhart@alsde.edu
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    PowerSchool/Unified Insights

    kendall.tankersley@alex.state.al.us

    The Alabama Edition Website

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    ALEX

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    Office of Student Learning

    • https://sites.google.com/alsde.edu/officeofstudentlearning/home?authuser=0
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    Principal Mentoring Act - APLDS

    Dr. Anna Shepard-Jones - APLDS Specialist

    • anna.jones@alsde.edu
    • https://www.alabamaprincipals.org/
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    Office of School Improvement

    • joseph.garner@alsde.edu
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    Office of Instructional Services

    Instructional Services Coordinator


    • sstevens@alsde.edu
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    AL - MTSS

    Kristie Shankles - MTSS Specialist


    • kristie.shankles@alsde.edu
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    EL

    Robin Stutts - EL Specialist
    • rstutts@alsde.edu
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    Region 2 School Improvement

    • layne.dillard@alsde.edu

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    NBCT

    • Brad.Lewis@athens.edu

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    Office of Extended Learning

    • jeff.norris@alsde.edu
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    ABPC

    Dr. Stoney Beavers - Executive Vice President
    • stoney@aplusala.org
    Brad Lewis
    Athens State University Regional Inservice Center
    • Dr. Brad Lewis - RIC Director (256) 233-6574 Brad.Lewis@athens.edu
    • Deepa Manandhar - Program & Financial Assistant (256) 233-6576 Deepa.Manandhar@athens.edu
    • Physical Location: 1115-A Hwy 31 Athens, AL
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