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NEWSLETTER The Open Door
Special Section - Honoring Academic Success - pages 4 - 7
Spring 2009 Edition
North Carolina’s Community Colleges Helping The Economy
By Lauren Williams, machinery, often controlling timing The project granted Wood and
Public Affairs Intern, System Office and speed. The new PLC features two Williams a valuable learning opportunity,
industrial robots, automation sensors, and the experience they gained will
Everyone is feeling the effects of and a number of conveyor belts. In be an asset to them in the future.
our struggling economy, and as addition to being able to work with Not only can they repair a PLC, but
unemployment numbers rise, emerging technology, instructors can because of this project, they know
enrollment in North Carolina’s intentionally cause problems within the how to install and maintain the newest
community colleges does as well. In PLC in order to give students version of PLCs. Williams, who
times of economic hardship, the experience in repairing damages and graduated in May has promising job
community colleges are an anchor correcting problems that they may interviews, and Wood, who continues
for dislocated workers, those looking face on the job. taking courses to finish his AAS is
to enhance their skill-set, and students preparing to transfer to UNC-Charlotte.
looking for affordable higher Department chair, Amir Niczad
education. Community colleges praised Wood and Williams.
across the state are responding “They worked really hard and
to these groups, often meeting did excellent work. The PLC
individual needs, in order to train was installed to National Electric
the workforce of the future. Code standards. The full electrical
schematics are documented
Preparing students for future in AutoCAD, or Computer Aided
work and making them desirable Design, a form of electronic
to employers is a priority for blueprinting. Students following
community colleges as more and them in the future can tell exactly
more people compete for jobs in what was done.”
the current economy. Fields
requiring technical education Niczad adds, “Next year, we
such as manufacturing, will add a new modular training
L to R: Michael Williams and Duncan Wood of
aerodefense and industrial Richmond Community College. system... students will use the
maintenance continue to grow PLC to integrate the system. They
and it’s community colleges that Williams is grateful for the opportunity will get the experience on hands-on
provide the training needed to place to utilize his skills in the project and for installation and programming.”
workers in these cutting edge fields. the experience he gained from working
Several community with a fellow student. Dislocated workers often find that
colleges are incorporating special non-traditional, flexible class formats
projects into coursework to help students “Working with Duncan was helpful. are helpful as they return to school.
gain hands-on experience that will He works in electronics for a living and At Beaufort County Community
benefit them as technologies evolve. has gone through the electrical/ College, displaced worker William
Through the electronics engineering electronics technology program here. ECONOMY, see page 2
technology curriculum at Richmond He knew what I didn’t. It was a good
Community College, two dislocated- experience,” says Williams whose
workers-turned-students, Duncan previous job experience was in poultry INSIDE
Wood of Hamlet and Michael Williams processing and textiles. The electronics NC Community Colleges Helping
of Laurel Hill, had the opportunity to engineering technology program the Economy...................................................1-2
take on a project in a design course allowed him to build a skill set in a JobsNOW: 12 in 6 Initiative................................3
that will have a valuable and lasting completely new and growing field with Community Colleges Honor
effect on them as they look for work in more job security. Academic Excellence.........................................4
industrial technology. Academic Excellence Award Recipients
“Siemens is an international for 2009..............................................................5
Wood and Williams installed a standard, especially in equipment
Two on All USA-Today 2-year College Academic
Siemens S7-300 programmable logic made outside the United States. We Team..................................................................6
controller (PLC) in the college’s also have Allen-Bradley PLCs in the
Virtual Tour of Art Exhibition...............................6
Computerized Industrial Manufacturing lab. Students need to work with both
Community College Awards and Special
Systems Lab, replacing a 20-year-old brands,” says Wood as he explains
Recognition.....................................................7-8
Siemens 505 PLC. A PLC is a piece the value of their project.
of hardware that monitors industrial Campus Highlights........................................9-10
ECONOMY continued from page 1
Community colleges are helping
Spruill found that taking classes in the opportunity here.”
“Mini-Mester” format was helpful as he dislocated workers
prepares to graduate and reenter the A few dislocated workers are
workforce. fortunate to find another job soon after
Coastal Carolina Community College initiated
their employment ends. Susie Jarman
two Saturday career service classes, “Revamp Your
Laid off from a pulp and paper mill was one of the fortunate, but instead Resume” and “Job Leads and Interviewing,” to
in 2006, Spruill enrolled in the college’s she chose to return to school at help the community’s unemployed.
computer information Asheville-Buncombe Technical
technology program and chose to take Community College. Central Piedmont Community College hosted
classes that “Career Strategies for Challenging Times”
can be Jarman seminars and a “Resources for Changing
completed worked in Times” event. The college also launched its own
over a an Asheville YouTube channel where residents can find
shorter plant for 17 videos where the college’s professionals discuss
everything from interviewing skills to career
period of years until
transitioning.
time than the company
regular moved to Cleveland Community College held “How to
semester Mexico. Get a Job” workshops where community members
long Because of looking for work and those currently employed
classes. her years came to learn about successfully finding work or
Such of experience, improving their work skills. The college’s Rapid
classes she had Response Team has visited several local
also allow the option companies laying off workers, and the college
students to to transfer has included a “How to Get a Job” tips segment
begin their William Spruill found that he enjoyed his education experience at to an- in to their monthly news program.
Beaufort County Community College.
new train- other plant, Edgecombe Community College held a job fair
ing without keeping her seniority and benefits. where college officials, including ECC President
having to wait for a new Instead of risking Sr. Deborah Lamm, looked over attendees’
semester to start. working for another plant that may resumes.
close soon, she recalled the enjoyment
“I have enjoyed this thoroughly,” she found in high school working James Sprunt Community College held a
says Spruill about his experience at summers at a day care center. This “Fresh Start” workshop where JSCC personnel,
BCCC. “I will have credentials, and memory gave her the direction and representatives from The Employment Security
I will be able to take a lot to my new push she needed as she entered into Commission, and JobLink Career Center were
available to answer questions and give out
job.” a new career path.
helpful information.
Many dislocated workers, like “I had my daughter when I was Piedmont Community College has implemented
Delzora Atkinson, choose to take young,” says Jarman. “I was a single “Pathways to Employment” which enables
advantage of federal education mom and I did what I had to do to students to complete training by relieving some
assistance that is offered to them. provide for her and that meant of the pressure to pay for things like health
working in plants. I knew I wanted to be insurance and travel.
After spending 11 years as a a teacher’s assistant and I don’t regret
switch board assembler at a local it. I’ve been a lot happier working with Pitt Community College hosted “Getting a Job
business, Delzora Atkinson found children.” in Today’s Economy: New Ways to Achieve
Success” where a variety of experts spoke about
herself out of work and decided at 50
everything from finance to lawn care.
years old to return to school at Each student has their own story,
Johnston Community College. but the influence of North Carolina’s Southwestern Community College opened a
community colleges is common to Job-Career Readiness Center where they
“I loved my job. Eaton. I thought I many. During the 2008-09 academic educate and train individuals for success in the
would be there until I retired. But that year, fulltime enrollment increased by workplace.
didn’t happen,” says 15,000 students and it’s anticipated
Atkinson. that numbers will continue to grow Stanly Community College held two workshops,
during the upcoming school year. “Survive and Thrive” and “Creating Success,” for
Atkinson is earning her degree in community members as well as making helpful
information available on their local cable channel.
office systems technology. This is her “As more people turn to North
second two-year degree from JCC. Carolina community colleges, the Surry Community College held a job fair to
She hopes to eventually work in the system will continue to meet the needs assist Nonni’s Banking Company in hiring, and
public school system. of students and create success in the the college will continue to work with Nonni’s to
midst of a struggling economy,” says provide pre-employment and on-the-job training.
“No one should feel like they are Dr. Ralls. “It’s the role of the community
too old to come back to school or that colleges to propel people into new Wayne Community College has made Career
you can’t accomplish success career opportunities.” Readiness Certificates available to unemployed
because you have to start all over and underemployed citizens through WORK
again,” says Atkinson. “There is (Wayne Occupational Readiness Keys for
Success). So far, they have issued 302 CRCs.
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
JobsNOW: 12 in 6 initiative
By Lauren Williams, Public Affairs Intern, will begin receiving funds by July 1 to Wake Technical Community
System Office develop courses and course materials, College is preparing to add two new
provide services to students, and help training programs in response to
“Community” is a key word when new trainees find jobs. Most training is JobsNOW. The decision to add hospitality
looking at the mission of North Carolina’s set to begin in August or September. and BioWorks is due to the potential
community colleges. Colleges employment opportunities that accompany
continuously respond to the needs of For South Piedmont Community the revitalization of downtown Raleigh,
the communities they serve when offering College, the immediate focus will be the new convention center, and the
curriculum and training programs. training students for manufacturing large number of pharmaceutical
Recently, Governor Bev Perdue and medical professions. The college companies in the area. The college’s
instituted an initiative in partnership Continuing Education Division is
with the North Carolina working to fit the training into six
Community College System and months while also incorporating
the Department of Commerce human resource development
called JobsNOW: 12 in 6. This and career readiness components
initiative will offer training in 12 to the classes. Wake Tech also
career fields that can be com- plans to restructure and develop
pleted in six months or less. The training in nursing, healthcare
goal? To train those who are out billing/coding, office/clerical support,
of work for careers that continue and HVAC.
to be in demand, despite the
economic downturn. The 12 in 6 training dollars
will allow more students to be
“Jobs now in North Carolina served at Central Piedmont
– that’s the goal. We know that Community College as they can
people who have lost their jobs add capacity in programs that
need to get back in the are often oversubscribed. The
workforce as quickly as possible,” Gov. Beverly Perdue announces the Jobs NOW initiative. college plans to develop and
said Governor Perdue. “This build training capacity in several
rapid training initiative provides them plans to expand its offerings in programs including plumbing, car-
with a clear path to success in new, machining and industrial maintenance pentry, nurses’ aid, phlebotomy, and
sustainable careers.” areas by using support from JobsNOW green technology.
for instruction. The training will help
The 12 careers approved for the the community compete better Word about the new 12 in 6 training
initiative so far include nursing economically while also improving the program with an aerospace component
assistant, phlebotomy, healthcare current workforce. Expansion is also has already spread among potential
billing/coding, office/clerical support, planned for the nurse assistant students in communities served by
masonry/tile cutting, plumbing, carpentry, program and the medical coding Lenoir Community College and the
welding, food service, autobody program. The college believes these home of Spirit Aerosystems’
repair, manufacturing/materials, and two areas are in high demand, giving under-construction facility. The
HVAC/industrial maintenance. These students a greater chance of finding college is expecting interest in the
careers were chosen based on current employment. program to increase and hopes to
and expected demands. However, begin the first series of training by late
each college will also have the option Rowan-Cabarrus Community July. Many community colleges are
to include additional training based on College is planning to offer six JobsNOW still in process of holding meetings
its own community’s needs. training programs that include air and forums as they shape their training
conditioning, heating, and refrigeration; programs to fit their community’s
Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the automotive systems technology; workforce needs. All community
NC Community College System says, electrical/electronics technology; nurse colleges will be announcing the details
“JobsNOW will give our citizens an assistant; welding technology; and of their plans soon.
extra hand in working toward new office systems technology with a
employment opportunities. It will give concentration on medical terminology.
our businesses the workforce they The college is also considering adding
need to succeed, and it will offer our construction/masonry; machining
communities and their economies the technology; and energy and green
boost of newly employed workers.” technologies. To help decide which
training programs to offer, the college
In support of the initiative, the held an employer forum in early June.
Workforce Development Division of All local employers were invited to discuss
the Commerce Department set aside what they consider most needed in the
$13.4 million in American Recovery community’s workforce.
and Reinvestment Act funds. Colleges
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
Honoring Academic Success
Community Colleges Recognize Academic
Excellence Award Recipients
Excellence occurs every day on every done,” says Castevens. “Pursuing
campus of North Carolina’s community education is more than an opportunity.
colleges, but once each year, each It is my duty as well as my privilege!”
college selects students to receive
Academic Excellence Awards. Cynthia Rodriguez is a single mother
who raised three daughters and re-
This year, 115 students were chosen turned to school after 33 years
for this distinction based on away from the classroom. Rodriguez
more than their outstanding academic graduated from Fayetteville Technical
performance. (See page 5 for Community College in May with an
complete list of 2009 recipients.) The associate degree in Business Adminis-
students also displayleadership ability tration and will receive an Associate in
on campus and perform community Arts degree in December.
service activities. In short, they are “My daughters share in this endeavor
leaders inside and outside the class- with me by giving me their uncondi-
room. tional love, support and understand-
ing,” says Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a
The NC Association of Community 2008-09 Ambassador for the college
College Presidents has sponsored the and was a nominee for the All-USA
Academic Excellence Awards since Team Scholarship.
1998. This year, each college honored
their recipients locally – some holding
ceremonies specifically for the AEA
students while others incorporated the
recognition into spring award ceremo-
nies or graduation exercises. In addi-
tion to the local honors, each recipient
received a medallion and plaque com-
memorating their achievement.
Phillip Shane Castevens
Each award winner represents a
unique, special story of success and had taken a few courses while he was
growth. All 115 stories are available at working and didn’t really plan on seek-
http://nccommunitycolleges.edu/suc- ing a degree. But the Mount Airy na-
cessstories/aea/. Shane Castevens tive applied for and received a $5,000
and Cynthia Rodriguez are two scholarship from the NC GlaxoSmith-
academic winners who embodied the Kline Foundation in 2008 to pursue a
tenacity and perseverance of the 2009 degree in math education. He gradu-
winners. ated from Surry Community College in
May and has been accepted at Salem
Phillip Shane Castevens decided to College and UNC-Chapel Hill. “I have
return to college after being laid off been blessed with the opportunity Cynthia Rodriguez and
from his mechanical job in 2007. He to do what far too few people have Dr. Larry Keen
Two on All USA-Today 2-year College Academic Team
North Carolina had two community with a 4.0 GPA from Cape Fear marketable paralegal, how to be a
college students named to the USA Community College in July. She lived confident human being, and that I do
Today’s 2009 All USA 2-year on the streets for more than two years belong somewhere…thank you, Cape
College Academic Team in April. One and is now an advocate for homeless Fear, for taking me in.” Lori has since
of them is the youngest member of the women. She says the homeless life inspired 6 of the 12 residents of First
team. Nearly 1,450 students from 800 makes one feel hopeless and degraded. Fruit Ministries’ transitional women’s
community colleges in 49 states and “You don’t belong anywhere and housing where she now lives to enroll
Guam were nominated for this year’s everyone lets you know it,” she says. at Cape Fear. She will begin work on
awards; 20 were chosen. But that wasn’t the case at Cape Fear. her baccalaureate degree in business
In her words, the college “has healed administration in the fall.
Lorie Pacheco, 41, will graduate me. They have taught me; along with
with a degree in paralegal technology how to be a very competent, Martha Hall, a college transfer
USA-TODAY, see page 6
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
Academic Excellence Award Recipients for 2009
Community College Student Student
Alamance Amy Eddings Amanda Hill
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Grace Harrison Michelle Marcoux
Beaufort County William Reagan Margo D. Fox
Bladen Melissa A. Martin Susan E. Caines
Blue Ridge Kelly Nicole Leech Josie Faith Medrano
Brunswick Cindy Munzing-Hickman Tiffany Booker
Caldwell Melanie Denise Jones Cory Michael Bryk
Cape Fear Lorie J. Pacheco Dustin T. Rudisill
Carteret Patricia Ann Milton ONLY ONE STUDENT
Catawba Valley Derval Hamilton Catherine Rhoney
Central Carolina John Wesley Seawell Holly Ann Kidd
Central Piedmont Tarma Fontaine Brandy Wright
Cleveland Cole Kepner Wendy Craig
Coastal Carolina Amelia Unterreiner Sarah Fulton
College of The Albemarle Susanne M. Passante Christopher G. Wexler
Craven Erin Cyr Clyde Shaeffer
Davidson County Crystal M. Cornine Desiree Ferguson
Durham Technical Erin Melissa Munise Randy William Cooper
Edgecombe Boyd Barker Jr. Patricia Willis
Fayetteville Technical Cynthia A. Rodriguez Trisha A. Luft
Forsyth Technical Joy Onuma Marcela Vega
Gaston Jimmy L. Stamey Glenna B. Strange
Guilford Technical Rusty Lowder Gloria Russell
Halifax Lagolia Price Kimberly Harris
Haywood Erin Shaw Anistasia Bishop
Isothermal Renee M. Vickers Antoine O. Baker
James Sprunt Chandy Faye Swinson Tamara Nichole Glaspie
Johnston Pamela Bizzell Barbara Langston
Lenoir Atalie Wingate Grady Jessica Nicole Meadows
Martin Kristin Anne Barber Donnie Spruill
Mayland Randall Fender JoAnn Zeigler
McDowell Technical Alexandria Frye Andrea McCall
Mitchell Janice Estes Katrina Jones
Montgomery Kory Frye Travis Norman
Nash Victoria R. Muller Charlene J. Hatfield
Pamlico Alicia L. Dixon Dannett Day Williford
Piedmont Robin L. Whaley Chelsea M. Wrenn
Pitt Keoshia Streeter Allen Adam Grey Till
Randolph Deborah B. Murray Bruce Neal Leonard
Richmond Kevin C. Oldham Donna J. Hudson
Roanoke-Chowan Bridget Murphy Edna Nelms
Robeson Kip C. Locklear Henry D. Cooper III
Rockingham Stephen R. Castle Linda G. Cox
Rowan-Cabarrus Casey Lingle Elaine Lawson
Sampson Venus April Johnson Robert F. Schramm
Sandhills Ashley Eder Sarah Hurlbut
South Piedmont Elizabeth Goins Karen Arney
Southeastern John Wilson Browning Kimberly Dianne Clark
Southwestern Chris Vendrell Brandi Leigh Anders
Stanly Alisha Chandler Kelly Rinehardt
Surry Phillip Shane Castevens Danielle Marie Cave
Tri-County Sandra (Sandy) Head Emily Haney Sneed
Vance-Granville Sherry K. Stokes Laurie A. Hernandez
Wake Technical Andreas K. Winston Georgina Consolo
Wayne Walaiporn Flanigan Amy R. Woodard
Western Piedmont Christina E. Dorrier Catherine J. Stewart
Wilkes Jessica Danielle Dillard Melissa McGuire
Wilson Latifah Esay’a Johnson Daniel Brooks Lynn
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
USA-TODAY continued from page 4
graduate of Southwestern Community
College and now a student at NC
State University studying watershed
hydrology, is the other USA team
member. At 17, Hall is the youngest
recipient this year. The ambitious
student is a major supporter of the
environment. She is member of the
Watershed Association of the
Tuckasegee River and wants to be
a public health researcher. She is
already a successful student at NC
State and she credits Southwestern
for giving her a great foundation. “I
really appreciate my instructors at
Southwestern who helped get me to
this level of achievement,” Martha
said. “I was so proud to represent
Southwestern and I actually feel the
award is as much for the college as it
is for me.”
Lorie Pacheco
USA TODAY’s All-USA Community
College Academic Team was created their schools and their communities.
in 1991 and is administered by Phi Recipients receive a $2,500 stipend,
Theta Kappa, the national honor society an obelisk and a medallion. They were
for community colleges. featured in the April 6 issue of the
USA TODAY newspaper.
The selected students excel
academically, show intellectual rigor, http://www.usatoday.com/news/edu-
Martha Hall demonstrate academic leadership/civic cation/2009-04-06-college-all-stars_
growth and extend their community N.htm
college education to better themselves,
Virtual Tour of Art Exhibition Opens
In 2009, for the first time, the NC
Community Colleges Art Exhibit is
included in a virtual tour on the system
web site. The photos of the more
than 120 pieces of art were taken by
the photography class of Michael R.
Schore, instructor of web
technologies at Wake Technical
Community College. The student
photographers were Jen Dixon, Ken
Gentry, Jenna Goldstein, Emily
Johnson, Gerlonia Johnson, Nicole
Kincaid, HaeYon Lee, Andrea Novak,
Chris Oakley, and Nick Skinner.
To see the virtual tour, please
check this link:
http://www.nccommunitycolleges.
edu/External_Affairs/Art_System_Of-
fice/guided%20tour/index.aspx
The 2009 exhibition lasts through
2009. You can visit the exhibit
during business hours (Monday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For “Grandpa Elliot,” a soft pencil piece by Li Newton, a student at Asheville-Buncombe
more information, contact Barbara Technical Community College, is one of the artworks on display at the System
Currier, 919-807-7101 or at currierb@ Office through 2009.
nccommunitycolleges.edu
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
Community College Awards and Special Recognition
Culinary students win big Building Design Competition is part of
a nation-wide competition sponsored
Culinary students at Asheville-Buncombe by the Emerging Green Building
Technical Community College are Association and the U.S. Green
headed to a “Culinary Final Four” after Building Council and designed to
winning first place in the American engage students to learn and apply
Culinary Federation’s Student Team lessons of sustainable design and
Southeast Regional Competition in construction. The winning design of an
Charlotte. The hot food team, Michael affordable, energy efficient multi-family
Aanonsen, Shannon Ginn, Steven development will be built in Raleigh
Goff, Anna McClintock and Travis next year to provide housing for
McCloud, will travel to Orlando in low-income families. The team of Eli
July to compete against three regional Barrett, Larry Carr, Patrick Gorham
teams for the national title. and Josh Lee will compete nationally in
November. Another team from Cape The award-winning log roll team of
Fear took third place in the competition. Haywood Community College. From L to
R: Dawn Salley, Jeremy Graves, Frank
National recognition for service Potts, and Rance Rogers.
Nursing assistant student
Starlene Jackson, a purchasing
agent for Central Carolina Community to nationals
College, won the 2009 Distinguished
Service Award from the National As a Dual Enrollment and Huskins
Association of Education Procurement student at Mayland Community
(NAEP). The NAEP is an association College, Kayla Peterson took first
of 4,000 purchasing staff in colleges, place in the nursing assistant category
universities, research institutions, at the Health Occupations Students
The hot food team of Asheville-Buncombe of America (HOSA) state conference.
Technical Community College won first hospitals and K-12 schools. The award
place in the American Culinary Federation’s recognizes extraordinary service by a After competing nationally this month,
Student Team Southeast Regional Competition. professional. the recent high school graduate will
Pictured in the front row are team members pursue a nursing degree at East
Anna McClintock and Shannon Ginn. Back N4CSGA honors Durham Tech dean Tennessee State University.
row, from left, are coaches Charles deVries,
Michelle Kelley and John Hofland; and
team members Travis McCloud, Michael Tom Jaynes, dean of student Top recognition for sonograpy
Aanonsen and Steven Goff. development at Durham Technical coordinator
Baking students claim the gold Community College, received the
Karen Yerby Award this year from the Jill Millard, clinical coordinator for
Central Piedmont Community College North Carolina Comprehensive South Piedmont Community
hosted the Culinary Federation Community College Student College’s Medical Sonography
competition and students from the Government Association (N4CSGA) program, is the recipient of the North
college won first place in baking. Advisory Council. The award is Carolina Ultrasound Society’s
John Latour won two gold medals and presented annually to a student, 2008-09 Sonographer Excellence
“Best in Show” recognition. Amanda advisor, college representative, or award.
White won a gold medal. Chef Geoffrey community member who has helped
Blount, an instructor, was honored the N4CSGA reach new levels. Southeastern baseball champions
with the Joseph Amendola Award,
presented to a pastry chef or master Axe throwing champs at Haywood In his second year as coach, Scott
baker devoted to the professional Johnson led the Southeastern
development and mentoring of aspiring Haywood Community College won Community College baseball team
young pastry chefs. several awards at the 2009 Mid- to top spot at the 2009 national Junior
Atlantic Woodsmen’s Meet. Garrett Collegiate Athletic Association
Green design tops Peden took first place in the men’s (NJCAA) Region 10 Division II
axe throwing competition. Sarah championship. This is the first time for
statewide competition Miller took first place in women’s axe this honor in the 45-year history of the
throwing and also was the overall team.
Architectural students at Cape Fear winner with the highest score among
Community College won first place in women and men. The log roll team of Wake Tech Green building honored
a statewide green building competition, Frank Potts, Jeremy Graves, Rance
the second time in two years. They Rogers, and Dawn Salley took top The design for Building-D on Wake
bested teams from community colleges honors. The college’s woodmen team Technical Community College’s
and universities including Duke, North took second place in the overall Northern Wake Campus has been
Carolina State and East Carolina. competition.
The 2009 North Carolina Sustainable
RECOGNITION, see page 8
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
RECOGNITION continued from page 7
selected as a Green Building of regional projects she recommend to
America Award-winning project. The share $4 million in funding from
project will be featured in the upcoming the Appalachian Regional Commission
Green Success Stories edition of Real (ARC). If funded, Mayland would
Estate & Construction Review as expand allied health programs and
one of the most important, innovative facilities serving Mitchell, Avery and
or unique sustainable facilities in the Yancey counties. ARC was created by
Southeast region. Congress in 1965 to improve the lives
of the people of Appalachia and
Surry student scores big allocates federal funding to the 13
with game debut states that make up the region.
Honeycutt honored with naming of Dr. Scott Ralls, system president, speaks at
Blake Leftwich is a student in the first the groundbreaking ceremony for the North
simulation and game development new building Carolina Research Center in Kannapolis.
class offered at Surry Community
College. He debuted and sold out the Richmond Community College will Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center
first video game he produced at his begin construction on the F. Diane for Viticulture and Enology, named for
own gaming studio at the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg in the family of Charlie and Ed Shelton,
TooManyGames! national gaming July. A groundbreaking ceremony for owners of Shelton Vineyards. The
conference in Pennsylvania. the $3.5 million, 18,000 square foot brothers are long-time supporters of
Prehistoric Times runs on the Atari building was held in April. The building, the college and helped develop and
2600, an older gaming system. named for RCC President Emeritus strengthen its viticulture and enology
Diane Honeycutt, will house practical program. The $5 million center will be
National distinction for nursing and basic skills and will also 16,281 gross sq. ft. and will house a
have a multipurpose area for a variety teaching laboratory, state-of-the-art
Davidson Co.
of industrial training settings. commercially bonded winery,
classrooms for curriculum and
Davidson County Community
continuing education courses, and
College earned national recognition
climate controlled wine storage. The
for the number of SMART Technology
4,000 sq. ft. special events hall will
certified trainers on staff. As of April
enable the college to sponsor and host
14, Davidson County is the only
seminars, conventions and conferences.
community college in the nation with
four nationally certified SMART
Technology master-level trainers and
one advanced trainer, more than any
other community college in the
country.
Richmond CC officials break ground for the The Open Door
Diane Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg
Durham Tech developing research
program with African partners Groundbreaking for Research The Open Door is an information
Campus building and idea exchange for employees
The clinical trials research associate and friends of the North Carolina
program at Durham Technical A groundbreaking ceremony for Rowan Community College System. The
Community College was awarded a -Cabarrus Community College’s ideas and opinions expressed do
$50,000 Africa-US Higher Education building on the North Carolina Research not necessarily reflect the official
Initiative planning grant to develop a Center (NCRC) in Kannapolis was policy or view of the State Board of
clinical research curriculum. Durham held on May 29. A 2008 Duke Energy Community Colleges or the
Tech will partner with Rwanda’s Kigali grant of $250,000 will be used to CommunityCollege System.
Institute of Science and Technology purchase equipment for an aseptic
(KIST), the King Faisal Hospital in bioprocessing suite in the building.
Kigali, and Family Health International A 2009 grant from Duke Energy of
on the project. Twenty colleges across $237,672 will provide upgraded,
the county were selected to partner high-tech equipment for RCCC’s
with higher education institutions in machining technology program. The
Sub-Saharan African nations to create Spring 2009: Vol. 11, No. 5
college will expand the program to
economic development priorities. Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Chair
offer a two-year associate degree
option. State Board of Community Colleges
Governor Purdue recommends Dr. R. Scott Ralls, President
Mayland for funding Groundbreaking for new Viticulture North Carolina Community College System
and Enology Center NORTH CAROLINA
Governor Bev Perdue included Mayland COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
Community College among 16 West- Surry Community College celebrated Published June 2009
ern North Carolina community and the official groundbreaking for the Distributed Electronically
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
Campus Highlights
Bladen Community College students and instructors from the Ferreras, Terrance Headen, Elizabeth
Dublin, North Carolina college’s architectural technology Ciacomucci, Amy Easter, Kenneth
• In October, the college held a curriculum for their work in building a Moles, Kevin Foster, Marty Kellam,
groundbreaking ceremony to scale model of the proposed museum. Van Pullum, Donald Canipe. Also
commemorate the beginning of The model will be on display at a participating in the state competition
construction of a new $3 million number of public venues throughout were Ashley Slate, Sam Bridges,
student resource center. The center the Mid-Atlantic and will serve as a Cecile Scarpato, David Miller, Chris
will house the college’s library as well tool for the museum’s fund-raising Wood, Jerry Harb, Kevin Taborn,
as several other facilities. Construction efforts. For more information on the Robbie Royal, Leroy Moreno, Joseph
began in January and is expected to museum, see McHugh, James Grefenstette, and
take a year to complete. http://www.museumofthemarine.org/ Justin Pennington.
• The college’s enrollment for the Fayetteville Technical Isothermal Community College
spring semester was the highest on Community College Spindale, North Carolina
record at 1,519. It was 14 percent Fayetteville, North Carolina • Forty-three high school students
higher than for the previous spring and • Dr. Lewis Pulsipher, adjunct faculty graduated in Rutherford County in
six percent higher than the fall 2008 member, is now a monthly writer and June and will have the cost of their
semester. contributor for Gamasutra and education at Isothermal Community
Blue Ridge Community College GameCareerGuide, two premier web College paid for as part of the New
Flat Rock, North Carolina sites for video game creation. Century Scholars program. There are
• The college experienced record Pulsipher teaches in the web technologies currently 318 scholars in the program,
breaking curriculum enrollment during program at the college. including the 68 students inducted last
the last year: nine percent increase in Forsyth Technical fall. The program, developed by the
headcount for fall 2008, 12 percent for Community College college and the Rutherford County
spring 2009, and 27 percent for summer Winston-Salem, North Carolina School System, identifies middle
2009. school students as they enter the
• The Northwest Forsyth Center seventh grade. These students
• The college will celebrate its 40th opened in July in King. The center
anniversary with a community event receive extra support in hopes of
houses training programs for police, building self-esteem, interpersonal
on October 17, 2009. fire and emergency rescue technicians, skills, and career exploration skills.
Brunswick Community College general education, certified nursing Selection criteria require every student
Supply, North Carolina assistance and industrial technology. show potential for academic success;
• The college’s Brunswick Interagency • Enrollment at Forsyth Tech was up yearly promotion; and leadership
Program (BIP) has received accreditation 11.5 percent over spring 2008. When ability. The scholars should also
from the Council of Accreditation. The classes began in January, 7,983 students display effort in the classroom; a
accreditation secures Medicare and had enrolled in degree, diploma and positive attitude and desire for
other funding for the agency, which certificate programs. All classes were education; good behavior and
helps individuals with developmental filled to capacity. character; compliance with county
disabilities to develop their full potential. Gaston College attendance policies; and respect for
• Eight players from the 2008-2009 Dallas, North Carolina teachers, administrators, parents and
men’s basketball team have signed classmates.
• The Gaston College Study Tours
with four-year colleges. Andrew Jackson program celebrated its 30th anniversary. Nash Community College
signed with Winston-Salem State; Jeremy A reception was held in April at the Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Basnight with UNC-Wilmington; Isaac Jeanne Rauch Gallery, Rauch Science
Nixon with Norfolk State; Alfred Frayer • Morris R. Wilder is the recipient
and Fine Arts Building, Dallas Campus. of the college’s outstanding alumni
with Alabama A&M; Lamonte Theus A photo exhibit by Dr. Gene Maloney,
with Mount Olive College; Chris award. Wilder, a businessman from
was on display in the gallery as part of Rocky Mount, graduated from Nash
Hovermale with Francis Marion the celebration. Maloney, a member
University; and Jamar Taylor and in 1974 and has served as an adjunct
of the program’s advisory board, has professor in business technologies at
Mi’kyel Nero with Georgia State. traveled over the past nine years with the college.
Coastal Carolina Community the group to sixteen countries in all.
College The Study Tours Program has visited • The machining technology program
Jacksonville, North Carolina 67 different countries on 6 continents received accreditation from the
over the 30 years. National Institute for Metalworking
• Faculty and staff set a new campus Skills (NIMS) in April.
record for contributions to the Onslow Guilford Technical
County United Way campaign. College Community College Randolph Community College
employees donated a record $16,965, Greensboro, North Carolina Asheboro, North Carolina
once again earning a Pacesetter • Ten students have qualified for • The college launched a new cultural
award for the college. College employees competition in the national SkillsUSA arts series in 2008-09, one of
continued their generosity, raising program in late June in Kansas City, President Robert Shackleford’s
$51,171 in support of scholarships MO. The students finished first in their initiatives for the year. The series
through the college foundation. respective categories in April at the kicked off with a fall concert by local
• Officials of the proposed Museum of state competition in Greensboro. The rock band Bantum Rooster and
the Marine in Jacksonville honored students are Nathan Atkins, Daniel Highlights, see page 10
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
HIGHLIGHTS continued from page 9
continued throughout the academic • A dedication ceremony in May • Raymond Burrell, head of the
year with several theatrical named the college’s public safety business and computer technologies
performances including “Mr. Lincoln’s training complex instructional building division, received the 2009 John R.
Office,” a one-man performance after trustee Jerry Sutton. Sutton has Larkins Award for contributions by a
performed by veteran actor Peter served 26 years on the college’s board state employee to human and race
Holland and based on the writings of of trustees including seven terms as relations in the workplace and
Abraham Lincoln. chairman. community.
• Seven-time NASCAR champion Stanly Community College • Two instructors were honored with
Richard Petty led the groundbreaking Albemarle, North Carolina the college’s fifth set of Distinguished
for the college’s new Richard Petty Chairs. Margaret Boothe Baddour,
Education Center last August. The • Josh Griffin, the college’s global English and humanities instructor, and
20,000-square-foot center will house education liaison, Spanish lab Charlotte Brow, history instructor, will
the automotive systems technology coordinator and multi-cultural club each receive $5,000 to use for travel,
and autobody repair programs. Petty adviser, went to Egypt in May as part a salary supplement or professional
will also attend the grand opening of of a cultural exchange sponsored by development and a keepsake for their
the building, scheduled for July 23, the Albemarle Rotary Club. While offices. The awards recognize full-time
2009. there, he studied the fundamentals of curriculum or continuing education
Islam and the Arabic language. faculty members and were made
Rockingham Community College • This spring, the college hosted
Wentworth, North Carolina possible by an anonymous gift to the
educators and administrators from two college’s foundation.
• Students in the college’s electrical/ universities in the Philippines: Eastern
electronic technology program Visayas State University and the Naval Western Piedmont Community
installed 17 photovoltaic panels on the Institute of Technology. The purpose College
northwest side of a 1,000 square foot of the visit was to observe and review Morganton, North Carolina
house built on the college campus in the college’s biomedical equipment • Enrollment at Western Piedmont
Wentworth. During the day, the panels technology (BMET) curriculum to increased 10 percent this year.
will absorb the sun’s rays and convert implement it at both institutions. • The college received a Blue Ridge
them into energy, enough to meet the Surry Community College National Heritage Area grant to teach
needs of the house. The house, built Dobson, North Carolina local historical traditions in pottery
by former Rockingham students, is production. The professional crafts:
a short walk from the college’s two • The college received an $800,000 clay program will offer a specialized
industrial technologies buildings. grant award from the Golden LEAF concentration emphasizing the use of
Foundation to establish Centers for local clays and salt kilns to help
Sandhills Community College Learning, Education, and Retraining
Pinehurst, North Carolina revitalize local pottery traditions.
(CLEAR) in Pilot Mountain and Elkin • The Corporation for National and
• The college’s polysomnography to address the unemployment rate Community Service named Western
technology program was recently with improved educational access. Piedmont to the President’s Higher
accredited by the Commission on These centers will allow residents to Education Community Service Honor
Accreditation of Allied Health obtain training to upgrade personal Roll. Over 134 students at Western
Education Programs. Polysomnography and professional skills, preparing them Piedmont were involved in service-
uses methods to apply surface for the workforce. learning in the past year and
electrodes in order to monitor brain • The college incorporated cross-learning generated more than 2,000 hours of
waves, and muscle activity during opportunities in collaboration with community service as part of the
sleep studies. In May, the first class of Caldwell Community College and program.
13 students graduated and are Technical Institute and the Brazilian
employable by sleep study centers government to a cultural studies Wilkes Community College
and hospitals. course held over the Information Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Southwestern Community College Highway, this past year. • Wilkes Community College celebrated
Sylva, North Carolina Wake Technical Community College the 22nd annual MerleFest in April
Raleigh, North Carolina with more than 70,000 participants.
• When Henrietta Heeter graduated in More than 35 community and college
May with an associate degree in fine • Van Williams is the new men’s civic groups participated as volunteers
arts, she became the first graduate of basketball coach at Wake Tech. Chris along with hundreds of individuals.
the Oconaluftee Institute for Cultural Kiec will coach the men’s baseball • Students from Wilkes Community
Arts. OICA is the only Native American team next spring and Wendi Huskins College recently took top honors in 16
institution of higher education east will coach the newly launched co-ed categories at the Skills USA North
of the Mississippi River dedicated cheerleading squad. Carolina competition at the Greensboro
to Native American arts. Through a • The college golf team, in its first Coliseum Annex and the Koury
partnership with Southwestern, which season, won the National Junior Convention Center. The students won
provides the instruction and accreditation, College Athletic Association, Region 52 medals and two state officer seats
and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, X, Division I tournament in Alabama in overall. Approximately 24 first place
which provides the funding, students April. winners will compete on a national
can earn an associate degree in Wayne Community College level in late June in Kansas City.
fine arts. They study both traditional Goldsboro, North Carolina
Cherokee art and foundations for
contemporary interpretation.
The Open Door - Spring 2009 Edition -10- www.nccommunitycolleges.edu
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