Connection The Community College
A Publication of the North Carolina Community College System
NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
MARKS FOUR DECADES
Spring 2003M Vol. 5, No. 3
By Peggy Beach, Audrey Bailey, and Brenda Splawn, System Office
The North Carolina Community state officials, Herring proposed a percent of firefighters and 80 percent
College System celebrates its 40th program of industrial education centers of law enforcement officers. They
anniversary this year. which later became community teach basic literacy, offer adults a
On May 17, 1963, the General colleges. second chance at high school, give
Assembly passed legislation that Today, the North Carolina Commu- the unemployed new job skills and
merged the state’s industrial educa- nity College System enrolls 800,000 show budding entrepreneurs the nuts
tion centers and fledgling community students in 58 community colleges and and bolts of running a business.
colleges into a comprehensive system. the North Carolina Center for Applied Community colleges are involved in
The state then had 20 industrial Textile Technology. every aspect of life in North Carolina
education centers, six community “Community colleges are leading the from assisting hurricane victims to
colleges and five extension units. way in North Carolina’s progress excavating the Queen Anne’s Re-
Most started in the 1950’s, when state toward economic recovery, growth and venge. Community colleges place a
officials realized that education was change,” said H. Martin Lancaster, special emphasis on training and
essential for North Carolina to thrive System President. retraining workers as a key element in
in an industrial economy. Community colleges open the doors the state’s economic recovery. Some
Spearheading the effort for a to hundreds of careers, including examples of training at individual
community college system was Dallas biotechnology, computer systems and colleges include:
Herring, then Chair of the State health care. They prepare two-thirds
Board of Education. At the urging of of the state’s registered nurses, 95
See Four page 5
COMMUNITY COLLEGES RESPOND TO
THE CHALLENGES OF WAR
Campuses Rally to Help Military Personnel and their Families
By Peggy Beach, System Office, Public Affairs
North Carolina’s long military Robeson Community College and
tradition means that many families other colleges held campus drives to
have loved ones in the Middle East. collect donated items such as soap,
Many of those families are employees magazines and lotion for the troops.
and students at one of the state’s 58 Several community colleges including
community colleges. And just as they Davidson County Community
have in other times of crisis, commu- College and others have sent letters of
nity colleges are working hard to offer support to students and staff who are
love and moral support. serving in the military.
A number of community colleges Campuses are showing their support
are establishing support groups for in a number of other ways as well.
military families including Wayne Many students and employees wear
Community College and Southeast- yellow ribbons to show support for the
ern Community College. Haywood Left to Right: JoAnne Strandberg, Cathy Songer and troops. The library at Robeson
Community College, Isothermal Misty Gordon proudly display a yellow ribbon in sup- Community College has a tree
Community College, Guilford port of U.S. military personnel serving in the Middle decorated with white lights, American
East. Songer is a biology instructor at Coastal Caro-
Technical Community College, lina Community College. Strandberg and Gordon are flags, red, white and blue bows in
staff members at the college. See War page 10
NEWS BRIEFS dolph County JobLink …Mayland
Community College received the 2003
their certification requirements. Dr.
Gary Green, President of Forsyth
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Project of the Year Award from the Technical Community College, said
Community College and Haywood Landfill Methane Outreach Program of that “we want to provide a seamless
Community College received the U.S. Environmental Protection educational pathway for those
advertising and marketing awards. Agency. The Award was for the interested in teaching in our public
The President’s Report from college’s EnergyXchange Renewable schools.” Helping ease North
Asheville Buncombe Technical Energy Center in Yancey County. The Carolina’s teacher shortage is one of
Community College received a Merit center includes a business incubator for the North Carolina Community
award from the 18th Annual Admis- emerging pottery and glass businesses College System’s goals.
sions Advertising Awards Program of and a greenhouse complex, which
Admissions Marketing Report. The develops new
college competed in the annual report cash crops for
category for schools with 20,000 or local nurseymen
more students. Haywood Community and
College received a Paragon Award in farmers…Forsyth
three different categories from the Technical
National Council for Marketing and Community
Relations. The college received a College is
Gold Paragon in the category of developing a
Promotion Campaign for a Special collaborative
Event; a Silver Paragon in the effort with
category of Print Advertisement, Winston-Salem
Single; and a Bronze Paragon for the State University
College Viewbook…Randolph and the Win-
Community College is expanding its ston-Salem/
Business Development Center as part Forsyth County
of a three-year initiative to boost the Schools to
local economy. The Duke Endowment address the L to R) Dr. Donald Martin, Superintendent, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County
Program for the Rural Carolinas will teacher shortage School System; Dr. Gary Green, President, Forsyth Technical Community Col-
help fund the first year of the project. in public lege; Dr. Donna J. Benson, Dean, School of Education, Winston-Salem State
Dr. Richard Heckman, President of schools. The University; and Dr. Harold Martin, Chancellor, Winston-Salem State Univer-
Randolph Community College, said Tech is working with Winston-Salem State and the
Forsyth County sity. ForsythCounty Schools on a program to recruit teachers. Winston-Sa-
lem/Forsyth
that the goal of the program is to Teacher
identify job opportunities for dislo- Academy began
cated workers, underskilled/low-wage operation in January. The academy is
workers and for a growing immigrant designed as a clearinghouse of infor-
population. Working with the college The Community College Connection
mation for students who want to Vol. 5, No.3 Spring 2003
on the project will be the Randolph become teachers. Academy staff will The Community College Connection is
County Economic Development advise current lateral-entry, provisional an information and idea exchange for em-
Corporation, the local Employment and emergency-permit teachers in the ployees and friends of the North Carolina
Security Commission and the Ran- public schools, on the best way to meet Community College System. The ideas
and opinions expressed do not necessarily
AWARD DEADLINES APPROACH
reflect the official policy or view of the
State Board of Community Colleges or of
Office. 919-733-7051, ext. 314 or at the Community College System.
I.E. Ready Award
Sponsor: State Board of Commu- swilliams@ncccs.cc.nc.us
Submissions should be addressed to the following:
nity Colleges (the highest honor given Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2003 at 5 External Affairs
by the State Board) p.m. North Carolina Community College System
Contact: Peggy Beach, System Excellence in Teaching Award 5002 Mail Service Center
Office. 919-733-7051, ext. 307 or at Sponsor: R.J. Reynolds Raleigh, NC 27699-5002
beachm@ncccs.cc.nc.us Contact: Elizabeth Isler, System or call 919-733-7051 ext. 307.
Deadline: Friday, August 8, 2003 at Office. 919-733-7051, ext. 414 or at James J. Woody, Jr., Chair
5 p.m. islere@ncccs.cc.nc.us State Board of Community Colleges
President of the Year Award Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2003 at 5 H. Martin Lancaster, President
Sponsor: Wachovia p.m. North Carolina Community College System
Contact: Fred Williams, System Retirees from each Community
Office. 919-733-7051, ext. 710 or at College
williamsf@ncccs.cc.nc.us Sponsor: State Board of Community
Deadline: Friday, June 13, 2003 at Colleges NORTH CAROLINA
5 p.m. Contact: Peggy Beach, System COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
Staff Person of the Year Award Office. 919-733-7051, ext. 307 or at Published May 2003
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Sponsor: BB and T beachm@ncccs.cc.nc.us
Contact: Saundra Williams, System Deadline: Friday, August 1, 2003 at
5 p.m.
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COMMUNITY COLLEGES EXPERIENCE
RECORD ENROLLMENT
By Peggy Beach, System Office, Public Affairs
Community colleges across North Increases Mean More Classroom
Carolina are experiencing record Space Needed Parking Needs Change on Campus
enrollment growth. The North
Carolina Community College System Enrollment increases have led to Parking on campuses has also
Office estimates that the System increased demands for parking, become a dilemma. A number of
served 800,000 people in the last year, classroom space, maintenance, child campuses report that students are
an estimated 10 percent increase from care, library resources, and other parking on grass. Wanda Winslow,
the 2000-2001 academic year. System services. Colleges are scrambling to Public Information Officer at
and college officials are not surprised. meet the demands, particularly in view Durham Technical Community
of recent budget constraints. College in Durham, said that a
During the campaign for the Univer-
Montgomery Community College number of businesses near the
sity/Community College Bond in Troy renovated its main building to Lawson Street main campus have
Referendum in 2000, community create more classroom space. “We generously donated parking spaces on
college officials predicted the in- moved Continuing Education into a their lots. “While it tends to get messy
crease. Voters responded by over- conference room and tore out the walls and muddy during inclement weather,
whelmingly approving the referen- in the old Continuing Education areas students apparently are undeterred
dum. to create classrooms,” said Karen because the lots rapidly fill to capacity
Ritter, Dean of Institutional Advance- on a daily basis,” she said. The
Several Reasons for Increase ment. “We also inserted a wall in one parking situation at Sandhills
of our computer labs, so we could offer Community College in Pinehurst has
One reason for the dramatic additional computer classes to meet been so severe that Dr. John Dempsey,
increase is the economy. “The our increased demand. We are manag- President, requested that all non-
economy is really having an impact,” ing right now but continued increases academic events be scheduled in the
said Carl Peay, Senior Vice President will put a strain on our facilities.” afternoon. This decreases the parking
for Student Services at Wake Techni- Scheduling of classes has also demands on the busier morning
cal Community College in Raleigh. become an issue. Nash Community hours.
“We’re seeing people who’ve been College in Rocky Mount has added Other challenges faced because of
laid off from their jobs, people who additional courses on off -campus sites. the enrollment growth include
can’t find jobs.” “We have also increased the number of equipment sharing and increased use
Several community colleges distance education and fast track of part time faculty. The increase in
including Randolph Community courses and become very creative and distance education has “hampered
flexible in our scheduling of classes,” instructors’ abilities to work individu-
College in Asheboro, Catawba
said Pat Daniels, Public Information ally with students to meet individual
Valley Community College in Officer. Susan Nobles, Public Informa- needs and it has created overwhelm-
Hickory and Western Piedmont tion Officer at Pitt Community ing paper-grading workloads,” said
Community College in Morganton, College in Greenville said the college Billye Ammons, Public Information
report dramatic increases in enroll- has added a number of “early bird” Officer at Robeson Community
ment this academic year. Catawba classes beginning at 7 a.m. and also College in Lumberton.
Valley and Western Piedmont are more weekend classes for a variety of “We have added more part-time
located in an area that has been hard curriculum programs. instructors, but some full-time faculty
hit by recent closings of textile plants. Rosemary Britt, Public Information and staff positions go unfilled because
Officials at Catawba Valley said Officer at South Piedmont Commu- of repeated budget reversions from
that the main reason for the college’s nity College in Polkton said that a budgets that reflect the prior year’s
highest enrollment ever (spring 2003) quarter of the college’s class sections enrollments,” said Dr. Pamela
is that federal funds for retraining were closed due to being at capacity. Hilbert, Vice President for Instruction
became available for many of the Britt said that a number of classes had and Student Support at Carteret
area’s displaced workers. long waiting lists of students who Community College in Morehead
Other reasons include a growing wanted to enroll. Colleges report City. “The enrollment increase and
population and an increase in the increased interest in programs such as the budget restrictions have put a
number of college transfer students. criminal justice, welding, early strain on all faculty and staff.”
“Students are realizing that they can childhood, accounting, paralegal, Jan Rider, Public Information
receive affordable, valuable educa- nursing, medical assisting, and dental Officer at Central Carolina Commu-
tional experiences in a convenient assisting. “People are interested in nity College in Sanford summed up
jobs that are going to stay put,” said the belief of many in the community
location,” said Garrett Hinshaw, Dean
Shannon Kennedy, Public Information college system. “The good news is
of Student Services at Caldwell Officer at Cleveland Community enrollment is up. The bad news is we
Community College and Technical College in Shelby. “There will always don’t have the funding or space we
Institute in Hudson. be a demand for nurses and law need to meet the demand for our
enforcement officers.” services.”
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
LOSES THREE GOOD FRIENDS
By Peggy Beach, System Office, Public Affairs
Recently, the North Carolina for Public Service. In 2001, Boyles survived by his wife, Madeline; four
Community College System lost three received the I.E. Ready Award, the children; five grandchildren and two
good friends: Harlan E. Boyles, Dr. highest honor given by the State Board sisters.
Charles R. Holloman, and E.B. Hale. of Community Colleges.
He was survived by his wife, E.B. HALE
HARLAN E. BOYLES Frankie; three children and five
grandchildren. A former
In January, Boyles, former State member of the
Treasurer and former ex-officio CHARLES R. HOLLOMAN State Board of
member of the State Board of Com- Community
munity In March, Holloman, died in Raleigh Colleges, Hale
Colleges, died after a brief illness. A native of Greene died in April at
after a brief County, his home in
illness. A Holloman was a Rocky Mount.
legend in long time state The retired
North employee who president and
Carolina witnessed first founder of Hale
politics, hand the found- Industrial Electric Sales and Service,
Boyles, a ing of the Inc., Hale was a native of Franklin
native of Community County. He served as a trustee at Nash
Lincoln College System Community College from 1984 to
Boyles County, was in 1963. Holloman 1989. Hale also served on the North
elected to six four-year terms as State A graduate of Carolina Railroad Commission and
Treasurer after serving 16 years as Western Carolina University with a was a lifetime member of the Rocky
chief deputy to his predecessor and bachelor’s degree, Holloman received Mount Luncheon Lions Club, where
mentor, the late Edwin M. Gill. his law degree from Duke University. he held many offices.
H. Martin Lancaster, President of A World War II veteran, Holloman Hale served on the State Board of
the North Carolina Community served as Budget Administrator and Community Colleges from 1996 to
College System, said that Boyles State Budget Officer under Governor 2001. When he left the Board, his
“was a conscientious participant in Luther Hodges Sr. In the early 1960s, daughters established the E.B. Hale
every important issue in our System he was director of publications for the Endowment Scholarship Fund at
for many years, giving sage advice on North Carolina Citizens Association, Nash Community College.
many issues.” Lancaster said that editing their publication We The “That scholarship fund will be used
Boyles’ greatest contribution came in People monthly magazine while to assist students with achievement of
2000 when he championed the Higher practicing law in both the State and their education,” said Katherine
Education Bond Referendum with the Federal courts. Johnson, President of Nash Commu-
General Assembly and the public. In 1966, he became the Business nity College, to the Rocky Mount
“His reputation for fiscal prudence Manager and Associate Director of the Telegram. “E.B. was a firm believer
made him an especially effective North Carolina Community College in education, and I think this scholar-
advocate for the bond referendum,” System. He retired in July 1979 as ship is a good way to have his legacy
said Lancaster. Acting President after having served as live on.”
A charter member of the State Vice President of Policy and Planning. Known as “Mr. Electric” because of
Board of Community Colleges, Boyles Holloman served on the Higher his business, Hale worked hard to
received a bachelor’s degree in Education Advisory Committee to the promote economic development in
accounting from the University of President of the University of North Nash and Edgecombe counties. He
North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Carolina System. He was also a was considered a great friend of local
was a certified public accountant. He member of a special committee that law enforcement officers and
was the author of “Keeper of the worked with desegregation plans in firefighters. The Hale family home
Public Purse,” a book published by both the North Carolina Community was the frequent site of gatherings for
Appalachian State University in 1994 College System and the University of club and community events.
and numerous articles on North North Carolina during the 1970s. Hale’s wife, Dot, died in 2002. Hale
Carolina’s tax laws. A genealogist and historian, is survived by two daughters; four
Boyles won numerous awards Holloman was known for his knowl- grandchildren and one great-grand-
including the North Carolina Award edge of North Carolina history. He is child.
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE PEOPLE
Dr. Charles V. Chrestman became July 1. McKay replaces Dr. Donald teacher. He teaches music to young
the third President of Robeson Altieri, who retires June 30…Ray students as a way to keep them out of
Community Mize, an English instructor at South- trouble…Two graduates of Catawba
College in eastern Community College recently Valley Community College have
January. presented a program on the poetry of recently been in the news. Drucella
Chrestman was A.R. Ammons at the Annual Confer- Sudderth Hartsoe, a GED graduate,
most recently ence of the Society for Literature and received an award from the college
an administra- Science (SLS) in California. Mize is foundation and Student Government
tor at Itawamba currently writing a book on the late Association for contributions to the
Community poet, a native of Whiteville...Dr. Jane African American community.
College in McVicker Everson has been named Hartsoe is a long time member of the
northeast the executive director of the Hickory Hickory Human Relations Council.
Mississippi. He Metropolitan Higher Education Center Ray Warren, who received law
Chrestman and his wife, (HMHEC). Launched in 2002, the enforcement training at Catawba
Regina, have three adult children. HMHEC is a collaborative effort Valley, was appointed to the North
Chrestman replaces Fred Williams, between Lenoir-Rhyne College, Carolina Judicial Standards Commis-
who is now the Executive Vice Catawba Valley Community College sion by Governor Mike Easley.
President and Chief Operating Officer and Appalachian State University. The Warren, a former sheriff of Alexander
at the System Office…Dr. John Center will offer graduate and under- County, has more than 20 years
Richard McKay has been selected as graduate degree programs as well as experience as a criminal justice
the next President of South Piedmont continuing education instructor.
Community programs…Fredrick L. Roundtree, a
College. communications and humanities
McKay is instructor at Forsyth Technical
currently Community College, is the recipient of visited North Carolina. Some coun-
President of the C. David Kepple Jr. Memorial tries have developed cooperative
Morgan Faculty Award. The award was created relationships with the system or an
Community in memory of Kepple, a long time individual community college. “We
College in Fort member of the board of are recognized nationally and
Morgan, trustees…Wilton DuBois, a student at internationally as a leader and
Colorado. He Alamance Community College, was
innovator in workforce training and
will assume his recently featured on “North Carolina
McKay for providing exceptional education
new duties on Now”, a program on UNC-TV. DuBois
is an older student studying to be a resources ranging from basic skills to
associate degrees,” said Lancaster.
Four from page 1 Many changes have taken place in
Europe. The company located 500
M Wake Technical Community jobs in the Henderson area.
the last 40 years. The most recent
College in Raleigh helped train change has been the dramatic in-
The influence of North Carolina’s crease in the number of students
workers at Catalyst Manufactur- community colleges is widespread.
ing Services. The company grew taking courses through distance
John White, a Pulitzer Prize winning learning, which includes telecourses,
from a start-up company of two photographer for the Chicago Sun
persons in March 2002 and ended Internet and tele-web courses and
Times, graduated from Central two-way video courses on the Infor-
the year with 48 employees and Piedmont Community College in
revenue of $700,000 a month. mation Highway. The System had a
Charlotte in the 1960’s. “One of my
M Western Piedmont Community instructors recognized my ability as a
48 percent increase in distance
College in Morganton trained learning enrollments over a three-year
photographer,” said White. period. Overall, 75,415 enrollments
workers at the Viscotec Automo- “One of my fondest memories is of
tive Products, a Japan-based were tracked in 2001-2002. Online
Dr. Richard Hagemeyer (the founding enrollment numbers were even more
company, which opened its third president of Central Piedmont)
and largest U.S. plant in Burke impressive, with 50,422 counted for
walking around campus,” said White. 2001-2002. That is more than a 75
County. “He would ask how I was doing. I was
M Martin Community College in impressed that the president of the
percent growth rate over three years.
Williamston works closely with Lancaster said the System is
college would ask me that. It was one healthy and growing. “We are looking
Penco Products. The college’s of the most influential things that ever
training efforts are one of the forward to serving the people of North
happened to me. It continues to inspire Carolina for another 40 years and
main reasons Penco chose to me to this day.”
locate its plant in Martin County beyond,” he said.
The success of the North Carolina NOTE: The examples mentioned are
instead of Georgia. Community College System has been
M Blue Ridge Community College only a small sample of how community
noted around the world. In the past colleges train North Carolina’s workers.
in Flat Rock has established a three years, educators from Thailand, Please contact your local community
relationship with Raslatac, the Russia, Japan, England, Senegal, college for more information.
largest paper manufacturer in Moldova, Mexico, and Peru have
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Campus Highlights
Alamance Community College December on a $5 million Computer Facilities Maintenance Certificate
Graham Technology Center. The three-story, program in the Rocky Mount area.
36,180 square-foot building is the The college will partner with the
M For the first time in its history, college’s first major project funded Rocky Mount Habitat for Humanity
Alamance’s curriculum enrollment by the 2000 Higher Education Bond on the project.
exceeded the 4,000 mark in the fall Referendum. M Edgecombe’s Teacher Education
semester. M In August, the college dedicated its Academy is proving very successful
M A joint project between Alamance auditorium in honor of Foundation in helping to alleviate the shortage
and the Burlington Times-News Board member Jack Ferguson and of public school teachers. In 2002,
won national recognition and a his wife, Carolyn, who have pledged 85 students participated in the
$2,500 award from the Newspaper $3 million for nursing scholarships. academy. Edgecombe also provided
Association of America. The “GED In December, the college named its information to all of Edgecombe
in the Newspaper Project” is a nine- Student Activity Center in honor of County’s teacher assistants regard-
week course for individuals to study Trustee Emeritus J. Herbert Coman. ing the No Child Left Behind Act.
for their GED diploma through M The college unveiled a $750,000 The Act requires that all teacher
lessons published in the local renovation of its Allied Dental assistants have at least two years of
newspaper. More than 140 people Clinic, the first major renovation post secondary education by 2005.
participated. since the clinic was established 30
M The Literacy Education Department years ago.
began offering a free online Fayetteville Technical
instructional program in September. Catawba Valley Community College Community College
The program is geared to help adult Hickory Fayetteville
learners master skills in reading,
language, writing, math, science M Jane McVicker Everson was named M For the last four years, the college
and workforce readiness. Literacy executive director of the Hickory faculty, staff and students have
Online allows learners to access Metropolitan Higher Education bought, wrapped and delivered gifts
700 lessons and activities and work Center (HMHEC). The HMHEC is a to migrant workers’ children for
at their own pace. collaboration of Catawba Valley, Christmas. More than 700 children
M Nearly 100 students in carpentry, Lenoir Rhyne College and Appala- received a gift in 2002. Larry B.
horticulture, mechanical drafting, chian State University. The Center Norris, President, said the project is
real estate and heating and air will offer graduate and undergradu- a learning experience for students
conditioning are taking part in a ate degree programs as well as and helps them to see the impor-
two-year home construction project. continuing education programs. tance of community support. Cheryl
The project will give the students M Local and national printing concerns Thomas, Business Instructor, heads
real world experience in their recently contributed more than the project and said that each year
individual programs. $20,000 worth of equipment to the the rewards are greater.
Graphic Arts and Imaging Technol-
Asheville-Buncombe Technical ogy associate degree program. Haywood Community College
Community College Deluxe Printing and Hickory Clyde
Asheville Graphics, both of Hickory and
Scans, Etc. Inc. or Conover, donated M Enrollment has continued to rise at
M Two teams of culinary students won key pieces of equipment to the Haywood with a record enrollment
first prize in their categories at the college. The program began in the of 1944 students recorded for fall
American Culinary Federation’s spring 2003. semester 2002.
Southeast regional competition in M The Continuing Education Division
Charlotte, earning the right to Edgecombe Community College has developed a program called
compete in the national “final four” Tarboro FutureWork, to help Haywood
in Washington, D.C. in July. A County create a competitive
team of culinary students took first M Edgecombe has joined forces with workforce advantage. The college
place in the American Culinary Johnston Community College to cosponsors the program with
Federation’s North Carolina State expand its CT/MRI (Computed Haywood County JobLink.
Hot Food Competition in Raleigh in Tomography and Magnetic Reso- M Haywood received an 81 percent
November. nance Imaging) program. The rating in the 2002 report on
M Asheville-Buncombe was ranked as colleges received $130,000 from the Accountability/Performance
one of the fastest growing commu- Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to Measures and Standards.
nity colleges in the country in the start the program. M Haywood now offers a degree
December 9 issue of Community M Edgecombe now offers a Practical program in film and video produc-
College Week. Nursing (LPN) program. tion technology. Students have
M The college broke ground in M The college is making plans for a three options, a certificate program,
an associate degree program or an
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Campus M The Aviation Management and Textile Club will have monthly and
Highlights ...Continued Career Pilot Technology Flight Team quarterly meetings in the new
placed sixth in the nation during the facility.
option to pursue a bachelor’s degree Intercollegiate Flying Association M The Center has unveiled a new web
in mass communications through Region Ten Safety and Flight site. The new web address is
an alliance program with Western Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) www.nccatt.org
Carolina University. in Virginia. The team competed M U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don
against the U.S. Naval Academy, Evans and U.S. Representative Sue
Johnston Community College Hampton University, Averett Myrick (R-NC) visited the Textile
Smithfield University, Virginia Tech, Liberty Center and announced the forma-
University and Caldwell Community tion of a “textile working group.”
M Johnston dedicated a new pergola at College and Technical Institute. The group will access the needs of
the college’s arboretum in honor of M The college’s foundation received the textile industry.
James H. Langdon Jr. The chair- four newly endowed scholarships. M The Textile Center provided
man of the Johnston County Board M The college’s foundation golf training to U.S. Customs, Textile
of Commissioners and a retired tournament netted $26,000 in Enforcement and Operations
educator, Langdon is a long-time scholarship funds. Division agents. The import
supporter of agriculture education specialists from across the country
and the college. Piedmont Community College spent a week at the Textile Center
M Also in the last year, Johnston Roxboro to learn about the textile industry.
officially opened a new Student Janet Labuda, who heads the
Support Services office on the main M Enrollment in degree, diploma and Division, said that the division is
campus in Smithfield and a new certificate programs increased 79 responsible for the investigation of
biotechnology laboratory on the percent from 1996 through fall 2002 textile goods being imported into
Cleveland campus. In January with 8.4 percent of that increase the U.S.
2003, the college dedicated the new coming in 2001-2002.
Roger A. Smith Jr. building on the M New programs include a certificate
Smithfield campus. The Smith program in Phlebotomy, the Teacher
building will host the college Associate Concentration in Early
transfer and basic law enforcement Childhood Education, Business
training programs as well as Administration E-Commerce,
physical education classes. Information Systems-Networking THIS JUST IN
M The college hosted visitors from Administration and Support. The
Moldova, one of the newly indepen- college’s Cisco Networking Acad- As Connection was going to press,
dent states of the former Soviet emy has also been expanded. these news items came in…
Union. The visitors participated in M The Murder of John Stephens, a
Community Connections, a pro- short film by film and video produc- M David Wrenn was interviewed on
gram of the U.S. Department of tion technology students, received WBTV in Charlotte about his role
State. recognition at the 2002 Carolina in preparing for the Wachovia
M Johnston recently formed an Silver Reel competition and was also Championship PGA Golf Tourna-
Information Technology Academy. selected for broadcast on the UNC- ment in May. Wrenn, a graduate of
The academy is a collaborative TV independent film series, North the Turfgrass Technology program
effort with Wake Technical Com- Carolina Visions. at Catawba Valley Community
munity College and the Capital M The college is partnering with College, is Superintendent of the
Area Workforce Development Franklin University of Columbus, Quail Hollow Country Club in
Board. The academy is designed to Ohio, in the Community College Charlotte.
train employees to meet the needs Alliance program to allow students M Victor Dau, Director of the Small
for network design/administration, to earn bachelor’s degrees through a Business Center at Randolph
technical support, web develop- combination of on-campus Community College, has been
ment/administration and program- coursework at Piedmont and online named to the North Carolina Social
ming/software engineering. courses through Franklin University. Services Commission. Governor
Mike Easley made the appointment.
Lenoir Community College North Carolina Center for M Durham Technical Community
Kinston Applied Textile Technology College placed first in the State
Belmont Student Math League competition.
M 2003 spring enrollment of 2,387 is A team from Durham Tech also
up from 2002 spring enrollment of M The Center’s new lab/administration won the team competition at the
2,261, an increase of 126 students. building officially opened with the Gainesville Mathematics College
M The Automotive Technology start of classes in January 2003. Tournament in Georgia. Chuck
Program received master certifica- Groups such as the Southern Textile Wessell is the team coach.
tion by the National Institute for Association and the Carolinas
Automotive Service Excellence.
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PRESIDENTS ART EXHIBITION OPENS
AT SYSTEM OFFICE IN RALEIGH
Visitors from all over North Carolina Attend Opening Reception
By Peggy Beach and Audrey Bailey, System Office
More than 300 people attended the nity colleges,” he said. A former state agencies. Libba Evans, Secretary
opening reception of the Sixth chairman of the North Carolina Arts of Cultural Resources, toured the
Annual President’s Art Exhibition at Council, Lancaster has a true passion building with Betsy Buford, Director
the Caswell Building in Raleigh. for art and its impact on daily life. of the N.C. Museum of History. Jim
“Each year I am amazed by the The exhibit is quite eclectic, with an Newman of the Department of
quality of the work. The exhibit has abundance of quilts, baskets, paintings, Insurance also visited. About 20
become a very impressive collection, photographs and pottery. pieces of art from last year’s exhibi-
and everyone enjoys the experience,” Visitors commented on the dramatic tion are being shown this year at the
said H. Martin Lancaster, System photograph over the sofa in the lobby. Dobbs Building, home of the Depart-
President. The exhibition is his Drew Morris, a student at Randolph ment of Insurance.
creation — Lancaster decides where Community College, submitted the “This is a great collection and we
each piece is displayed throughout the photograph. He was surprised that it enjoy working with the community
building and personally places most was so well received. “I am glad that it colleges to show their art to a wider
of the work. “It is a pleasure for me to is here and that many people get to see audience,” said Newman.
place the pieces and a great way to it,” he said. Reception goers regarded the event
spend an evening!” Several other pieces caused a as a welcome respite from the day’s
The 2003 collection is the largest number of comments including “The war news. One of the artists, Helbert
ever — 129 pieces from 50 commu- Flower Girl,” a woodcarving by Paul Asprilla, a student at Coastal Caro-
nity colleges. Lancaster chose the Nixon, a faculty member at Guilford lina Community College, was unable
pieces in January from 1500 submis- Technical Community College, to attend because he was called to
sions, the greatest number of submis- “Japanese Persimmons in Blue Enamel active duty. His acrylic painting
sions ever. Surry Community College, Pan,” a watercolor by Ed Harris, a “Sabado” hangs on the third floor.
with 10 pieces, has the most number faculty member at Bladen Community For more information about the art
of pieces in this year’s exhibit. College, and “Michael,” a paper exhibition, contact Chancy Kapp,
Lancaster began the art exhibit in collage by Lee Graham Chappell, a 733-7051, extension 309 or Peggy
1998 with the goal to “enhance the student at Surry Community College. Beach, extension 307. You can also
work environment and present the Attending the reception were several check for more information at
excellent artwork created at commu- legislators and employees from other www.ncccs.cc.nc.us/Chancy_Kapp/
Art%20Exhibition.htm.
H. Martin Lancaster, System President, left, talks with Peggy
Betsy Buford, Director of the North Carolina Museum of His- Quinn of Wayne Community College (center) and an unidentifed
tory and Libba Evans, Secretary of Cultural Resources, take a woman at the opening reception for the 2003 Art Exhibition.
look at Self Portrait 2002, a mixed media piece from Carteret Peggys quilt, Baltimore Album, is a big hit with staff and visitors
Community College. of the System Office.
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CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGES SMALL
BUSINESS CENTER HONORED AS BEST IN STATE
The State Board of Community Dennis Lowe, SBC Direc-
Colleges recently recognized the tor at Surry Community
Small Business Centers (SBC) of College, accepted the West
three community colleges. Regional Award. The East
The SBC at Central Piedmont Regional Award went to
Community College was the Coastal Carolina Community
recipient of the statewide Small College. David Heatherly,
Business Center Network Award Coastal Vice President
for Excellence. The center was accepted on behalf of Anne
selected for overall exceptional Shaw, SBC Director.
work and because of the assis- Gayle Harvey, State Director
tance given to Suite 100, an of Small Business Center
inbound call center business. Network, announced the
The SBC helped the Suite 100 awards. She said that in the
owners develop a strategic plan. past year, the 58 Small
The SBC also helped the City of Business Centers have served
Charlotte in the development of a more than 71,600 individuals,
Small Business Enterprise At the ceremony for the Small Business Center Awards are left to hosted 4530 business events,
program. That program will right: Dennis Lowe, Surry Community College; Maggi Braun, Cen- provided counseling and
tral Piedmont Community College; and David Heatherly, Coastal
strengthen the business skills of Carolina Community. information to more than
small and minority business 22,000 individuals, and
owners. Maggi Braun, SBC Director provided more than 11,000 hours of
at Central Piedmont, accepted the counseling.
award.
WAYNE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT ON
NATIONAL ACADEMIC SECOND TEAM
Lisa A. Cordell, a second-year Theta Kappa Investment Act program that is
nursing student at Wayne Community and the WCC housed at the Wayne County Employ-
College, has been named to the All- Association of ment Security Commission office.
USA Today Academic Second Team Nursing Two of her four children have
for Community and Junior Colleges. Students and participated in the Jump Start dual
Her selection was during ceremonies serves as vice- high school-college enrollment
at the 2003 American Association of president of program and another participated in
Community Colleges Convention in associate degree the summer Camp Exploration for
Dallas, Texas where she was repre- nursing class of middle schoolers and took classes for
senting North Carolina’s community Cordell 2003. She also a semester there as a college student.
colleges as the state’s 2003 New is active in her Cordell will receive her associate
Century Scholar. church and her children’s school. degree in nursing in May. She plans
Cordell was selected from nearly “I can’t begin to say how proud we to work as a nurse and continue her
1,500 nominations. The All-USA are to have her represent this institu- education part-time, ending up with a
Academic Team competition is tion, the North Carolina Community master’s degree in nursing and
sponsored by USA TODAY, the College System and all of this working as a family nurse practitio-
American Association of Community country’s two-year colleges,” said ner.
Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa, the Edward H. Wilson Jr., President of Cordell is the second Wayne
international honor society for two- Wayne Community College. Community College student in three
year colleges. Attending the local community years to earn both a spot on an All-
In addition to being a wife and college “was a natural choice for me,” USA Today Team and to be recog-
mother of four, Cordell is the presi- Cordell said. “Everything I needed for nized as the top-scoring nominee in
dent of a nonprofit organization that my first two years of education was the competition from this state. In
teaches day care providers the available locally and of university 2001, KwaiChun Lee Chan was
importance of serving nutritious foods caliber,” she explained in a statement named to the First Team and was the
to young children, has a high grade to the selection committee. state’s “Centennial Scholar” in tribute
point average in the college’s rigorous Cordell’s husband, Mike, is a to the 100th anniversary of commu-
nursing program, is a member of Phi counselor in the college’s Workforce nity colleges in America.
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War from page 1 “The local organizations are working “He is the light of his Daddy’s eye,”
honor of America’s troops. South- with us and Coastal Carolina Com- she said. “He writes to his Dad and
western Community College placed munity College on Project CARE we have talked about the war.” Stacey
ads in local newspapers saluting its (Community Action Response Effort),” misses his father and has trouble
students who currently serve in the said Forbush. “Everyone is pulling sleeping, said Ramey.
military. Staff at Randolph Commu- together to offer support to the loved “I try not to break down in front of
nity College raised more than $1400 ones left behind.” him,” said Ramey. “We don’t watch
in less than eight hours to pay for a Life on campus has been affected in the TV news at home.” Ramey is
bulletproof vest. The vest is for Bill other ways as well. Hank Rion, keeping herself busy as well. She is
Thompson, a photography instructor director of a production of Godspell at working on finishing her four-year
at Randolph, who was called to active the College of The Albemarle lost 12 degree at Mount Olive College and is
duty. Employees and students at cast members due to deployment. Rion keeping a diary to share with her
Wayne Community College are told The Daily Advance that the husband when he returns. She credits
taking extra shifts to help with the absence of the cast members “has left a Wayne Community College with
local Meals on Wheels program since big hole in the show because our helping her and other families cope.
a number of volunteers are in Iraq. ensemble was so small and tight.” “Everyone here has been very sup-
The war is affecting community Rion said that cast member Heather portive. I don’t know what I would
colleges in several ways including the Haward has loved ones in Iraq. “I’ve have done without them,” she said.
loss of students. While final numbers seen her completely fall apart in Kathryn Koppi, a student at
are still being compiled, many rehearsal of Act Two,” he said. Act Asheville-Buncombe Technical
campuses report that some students Two includes Jesus’ prediction of Community College, is the sister of
have withdrawn from school because “nation rising against nation” and Matthew Koppi, one of the two
their units have been activated. Most warns of the atrocities of war. soldiers who were rescued in late
affected of course, are the community “It’s about the inevitability of war to March after spending a week in the
colleges in military communities. achieve peace,” said Rion. “It is ironic Iraqi desert. Matthew wrote poetry to
Fayetteville Technical Community and scary that war is happening while his wife during the ordeal. “I think it
College, near Fort Bragg, reports 500 we perform this play. It’s been a more is an amazing story,” Kathryn Koppi
to 600 students left school after their emotional experience than we antici- said to the Asheville Citizen Times.
units were deployed. William Griffin, pated.” “I’m glad he’s still alive. I was
Director of Student Development, Coastal Carolina Community worried about him.”
said that he has not noticed a large College, near Camp Lejeune, has Feelings in support of American
number of spouses of deployed many employees whose family mem- troops are very strong on campus.
personnel leaving the area to return to bers are in Iraq and Afghanistan. “No one is talking about pro war or
their families. This trend has been Joanne Strandberg, Help Desk Supervi- anti war,” said Melissa Pendergast,
noticed at other colleges. sor, is married to helicopter pilot, Lars public information officer at South-
Wayne Forbush, Dean of Havelock Strandberg. They found out that she western Community College. “They
Programs for Craven Community was pregnant just after he was de- are expressing genuine concern for
College, works with the military ployed. “That made it so much harder the well being of the military person-
community at Cherry Point. He said for him to leave,” she said. Joanne is nel.”
that the local chambers of commerce developing a website so that Lars can Probably no one understands the
and other organizations have made a keep in touch with her pregnancy. “I current war situation better than a
special effort to help the spouses of want him to feel that he knows our parent. Donna Shook, administrative
deployed personnel. child when he comes home,” she said. assistant in Technology Services at
“If the spouses go home, they don’t Cathy Songer, a biology instructor at Gaston College, has a son, Jason in
spend money here,” said Forbush. “A Coastal Carolina, is married to a the Army in the Gulf. She is very
lot of spouses left the state during the Marine, Bob Songer, now stationed in proud of her son.
Persian Gulf War in 1991. So this was the Gulf. He will not be home when “Nonetheless, I want this war to
a concern for the community about their daughter, Lisa, gets married in end so Jason can come home…so all
this war. Everyone has made an effort May. Lisa’s fiancé offered to get of our men and women can come
to help.” married by a justice of the peace so her home.”
Forbush said that 75 of his students father could be there before he shipped
dropped out. 65 were sent to Iraq; the out. But Lisa’s father said no. “He
wanted her to have the wedding the
other 10 have an increased workload
because of the others who have been way it is supposed to be.” Lisa’s “Education is
brother, Brian, will give her away.
sent to the Gulf. Forbush said that
there is increased security on the Shelboni Ramey, a recruiter at the lighting
Havelock campus. There is also
uncertainty about summer and fall
Wayne Community College, is
married to Darrell, a flight controller fire.”
of a fire.”
enrollment because of the uncertainty with the U.S. Air Force in Iraq. She
about the war. Still, he said, the works very hard to keep life normal for
picture is not all bleak. their 7-year old son, Stacey. Yeats
William Butler Yeats
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COMMUNITY COLLEGES
SALUTE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
By Audrey Bailey, System Office, Public Affairs
Two students from each of the 58
community colleges in North Caro-
lina were honored recently at the
Academic Excellence Awards Lun-
cheon in Raleigh.
This year’s luncheon was especially
poignant as the North Carolina
Community College System celebrates
40 years of providing training and
education resources to more than
800,000 students across the state. The
honorees were selected for their
academic success and demonstration
of leadership ability.
The group included the wide range
of ages, majors, ethnicity, and
personal stories that are found on
community college campuses. Three
students were chosen to share their
community college experiences with
the audience.
The death of her infant grand- Three student honorees spoke to the audience at the Academic Excellence Awards
daughter led Regina B. Lee, a student Luncheon. Left to Right: Christopher Poston, Cleveland Community College; Chasiti
at South Piedmont Community McLeod, Davidson County Community College and Regina B. Lee, South Piedmont
College, to want to learn how to read Community College.
ultrasounds. She is in the charter
class of the Medical Sonography
program at South Piedmont. “I’m 52
years old and embarking on a new
career,” she said. “Skills I have
learned [at South Piedmont] will
serve me well in the future.”
Chasiti McLeod, a Nursing student
at Davidson County Community
College, said being a community
college student means so much to her.
“It means a second chance, building
identity and character, and building a
secure foundation.”
Christopher Poston, a Cleveland
Community College student pursuing
a Fire Protection Technology associate
degree, has been a firefighter for 20
years. “The work I do is a calling,” he
said. Poston saw a degree as a way to
advance his career. He has been Left: Svetlana Tur sings America the Beautiful while her father, Sergei, on the right, accom-
promoted twice since enrolling at the panies her on accordion. Svetlana sang at the Academic Excellence Awards Luncheon, where
college. He told the audience that the she was an honoree.
community college has a welcoming
environment. “We all fit in, we all ful.” Accompanied by her father, More than 600 guests attended the
have a place,” he said. Sergei on the accordion, Svetlana also luncheon, including members of the
One of the most moving moments sang a Russian folk song. Svetlana and State Board of Community Colleges,
of the luncheon happened when one her family are immigrants from local community college officials,
of the honorees, Svetlana Tur of Ukraine — every member of her staff of the System Office in Raleigh
Central Piedmont Community immediate family attends Central and a number of members of the
College, sang “America the Beauti- Piedmont Community College. North Carolina General Assembly.
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FUN FACTS FOR THE 40th ANNIVERSARY
As you know from our page 1 story, The new State Board of Community Carolina Center for Applied Textile
this year marks the 40th anniversary Colleges assumed responsibility on Technology in Belmont. The Textile
of the North Carolina Community January 1, 1981. Center, as it is known, provides
College System. Here are some fun special training for textile employees.
facts that you may not know about the Six people have been chair of the
community college system. State Board of Community Colleges. In the past year, 800,000 North
In order: Carl Horn, John Forlines, Carolinians have passed through
Dallas Herring is considered to be William Simpson, Dennis Wicker, the open doors of the state’s com-
the godfather of the N.C. Commu- Herman Porter, James Woody, Jr. munity colleges.
nity College System. Systemwide, the number represents
Herring was chair of the State The State Board of Community a 10 percent increase in the number of
Board of Education in the early Colleges has 21 members. Three students.
1960’s. He encouraged state leaders to members are ex-officio, which means
establish the community college they serve on the board because of The North Carolina Community
system. You can read about him in another position they hold. College System is the primary
The North Carolina Century: Tar The ex-officio members are the agency for delivery of job training,
Heels Who Made a Difference, 1900- Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer literacy, and adult education in
2000 by Howard E. Covington Jr. and and the President of the North Caro- North Carolina.
Marion A. Ellis. lina Comprehensive Community Community colleges train 95
College Student Government Associa- percent of the state’s firefighters and
The first President of the North tion (N4CSGA). more than 80 percent of the state’s
Carolina Community System was law enforcement officers. The average
Isaac Epps (I.E.) Ready. The North Carolina Community community college student is 35 years
Ready was System President from College System has seven presidents old. Two-thirds of students work
1963-1970. The I.E. Ready Award, (one who served in an acting capac- while attending community college.
presented annually, is the highest ity.)
honor given by the State Board of In order: I.E. Ready, Ben Fountain,
Community Colleges. Charles Holloman, Larry Blake, Bob BIBLIOGRAPHY
Scott, Lloyd Hackley, Martin A Matter of Facts: The North
In 1950, state officials authorized Lancaster. Holloman served in an Carolina Community College System
a study of the need for a system of acting capacity from September 1978 Fact Book, by Brenda Splawn
tax-supported community colleges. to July 1979.
Dr. Allan S. Hurlburt was the The Community College System in
author of the report, which was Mitchell Community College has North Carolina: A Silver Anniversary
published in 1952. The report the longest history of any institution History, 1963-1988 by Jon Lee Wiggs
proposed a plan for the development in the System.
of the community college system. Mitchell Community College began The North Carolina Century: Tar
as a Presbyterian woman’s institution Heels Who Made a Difference, 1900-
Irving Carlyle chaired the in the 1850’s and became a public 2000 by Howard E. Covington Jr.
Governor’s Commission on Educa- community college in 1973. Mitchell and Marion A. Ellis
tion Beyond the High School in Community College is located in
1962. Statesville in Iredell County. www.ncccs.cc.nc.us
The report was called The Carlyle
Commission Report. You can read Two institutions in the North Editor’s Note: If you have any
about the late Irving Carlyle, a Carolina Community College System special memories of community
prominent attorney, in The North vie for the title of the youngest. colleges from the past 40 years,
Carolina Century: Tar Heels Who South Piedmont Community Col- please share them with the System
Made a Difference, 1900-2000 by lege, serving Anson and Union Office. Send them to Peggy Beach by
Howard E. Covington Jr. and Marion Counties was chartered in 1999 as a email at beachm@ncccs.cc.nc.us or
A. Ellis. successor to the existing Anson by mail at 5002 Mail Service Center,
Community College. Brunswick Raleigh, NC 27699
Eventually, the State Board of Community College in Supply is the
Community Colleges became most recent college created “from
separate from the State Board of scratch” chartered in 1979.
Education.
The legislation creating the change The North Carolina Community
was passed in 1979. State Board College System has 59 institutions.
members were appointed in 1980. Fifty-eight are community colleges.
The 59th institution is the North
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