Beaufort County’s Northside High School students recently toured Nash Community College to learn more about careers in utility line work. The high school Electrical Trades class learned about the NCC Electric Line Construction Technology program through Tideland Electric Membership Corporation and River City Construction Company. Both organizations hire skilled line construction employees. Pictured above, NCC Electric Line Construction instructor Jon O’Boyle explains the role technicians play in keeping the power on. For more information about the Electric Line Construction Technology program, please call (252) 451-8379.

Nash Community College students in Instructor Nahel Awadallah’s BIO 169 Anatomy and Physiology II class learned from guest presenter Erin Bingham, Director of Programming (Engagement) at NC BioNetwork, on Monday, March 26.​ Bingham engaged students through a hands-on activity teaching them about kidney filtration.

BIO 169 provides a continuation of the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body focusing on topics including the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems and metabolism, nutrition, acid- base balance, and fluid and electrolyte balance.

Nash Community College graduate Cerita Kabryn Mattison has been selected for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Program. She earned an Associate of Science degree in College Transfer at NCC with honors in 2015.

Kabryn Mattison is one of just 47 students selected in 2018 to receive the national award. The scholarship is for up to $40,000 annually and is intended to cover a significant share of the recipient’s educational expenses to finish their bachelor’s degree – including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Cooke Scholars are also eligible for graduate school funding of up to $75,000.

“When Kabryn Mattison entered Nash, she was unsure of herself in the area of mathematics, which created challenges for her in her chosen field of the sciences,” NCC English Professor Robin Latham said. With determination and enthusiasm, she sought assistance from on-campus tutors and instructors. She worked diligently to ensure she was learning the material and was conscientious in her scholarship which enabled her not only to thrive but to excel in her studies. “Kabryn is a lead-by-example person. She is a doer and an achiever. Her enthusiastic manner and capable abilities inspire others to follow,” Latham said.

Under the study of NCC Biology Instructor and Lead Researcher Dr. David Beamer, she examined sexual incompatibility between salamander lineages where DNA sequence data in the NCC lab show previous hybridization. Kabryn was awarded a National Science Foundation scholarship to present a poster representing that work at the Southeastern Ecology and Evolution Conference held at the University of Georgia in Athens in 2015.

Kabryn also attended the North Carolina Academy of Science meeting that year giving her first oral presentation for which she received a third place Derieux Research Award. She was awarded a George T. Barthalmus Undergraduate Research Grant to support one aspect of the research project.

When the opportunity for overseas service and study was presented to Kabryn, she worked hard to make it a reality. As a result, she was supported by a Conservation Grant through the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators to help with public outreach and conservation efforts of the endangered Bali Starling, which resulted in her own published research. “She spent several months in Indonesia followed by a stint in Australia before returning to North Carolina last summer,” Beamer said.

Kabryn Mattison served as a Nash Community College Ambassador, President of the NCC Math and Science Club and Treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She earned NCC’s Excellence Award in the Associate in Science program.

“By doing academic research presentations, Kabryn has inspired others to pursue such opportunities. Many NCC student researchers have looked to her for guidance as they embarked on research projects. Faculty often point to her example for students to follow,” Latham said.

As an Aviculturist at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, Kabryn conducted outreach presentations and tours of the facility. In March 2018, she attended the North Carolina Academy of Science meeting and gave an oral presentation about her Bali Starling work and again received a Derieux Research Award.

“Kabryn has been accepted at Cornell University among other prestigious institutions. While undecided on where she will attend, she knows her future is limitless due to her hard work, scholarship, and determination,” Dr. Beamer said. “She plans on pursuing Conservation Biology and has talked about working on a project looking at how prescribed/wild fires structure populations.”

For more information about Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Program, visit http://www.jkcf.org/.

The Nash Community College Continuing Education Department recently hosted students from Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools for Construction Careers Awareness Day. The event was highlighted by a live wire demonstration performed by electric line technicians from Pike Electric.

Pictured above: NCC Vice President, Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Officer, Wendy Marlowe welcomes students from Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools.

Following the demonstration, students had the opportunity to meet with local companies in the NCC Continuing Education and Public Services Building Multipurpose Room to learn more about construction careers. NCC Architectural Technology, Electrical Systems Technology, Electric Line Construction Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, and Welding Technology programs were also there to show students career pathways offered at the college.

Pike Electric’s Live Line Demonstration Truck allowed students to see the real world effects electrical currents have when handled improperly and how a simple thing such as Mylar balloon can trigger a power outage.

Two Nash Community College students are among the finalists for the Goodnight Scholars Program Transfer Class of 2021. NCC Associate in Engineering students Adriana Cabrera Zurita and Marilu Salazar, both of Rocky Mount, are two of only 30 students selected to participate in the Goodnight Scholars Program’s first Transfer Finalist Interview Day on April 28th at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Both students plan to graduate from the NCC Associate in Engineering program in May.

The Goodnight Scholars Program was established in 2008 out of the philanthropic generosity from North Carolina natives and NC State alumni Dr. Jim Goodnight, co-founder of global business analytic software leader, SAS Institute, and Mrs. Ann Goodnight, director of community relations at SAS Institute.

From the interview day, 15 students will be chosen to join Goodnight Scholars Program’s Transfer Class of 2021 for the start of the 2018-2019 academic year.

“We are excited to welcome these finalists to our first-ever Transfer Finalist Interview Day,” said Allison Medlin, director of the Goodnight Scholars Program. “This promises to be a wonderful new tradition for our Program, and we are thrilled to kick it off with such a talented and accomplished group of finalists. We hope they leave the interview day with an even greater appreciation for the wealth of opportunities available to them at NC State.”

The 30 finalists were selected from a pool of 107 candidates from across North Carolina, representing four NC State academic colleges and 22 North Carolina counties. Finalists were scored by an application review committee consisting of current and former NC State faculty and staff, SAS Institute Emerging Leaders, Kenan Fellows, and Goodnight Scholars alumni. Each finalist demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in their community college careers including stellar academic achievement, community involvement, and inspiring goals for success in the STEM or STEM education fields.

The Goodnight Scholars Program was established for North Carolina residents who aspire to study in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics or STEM education discipline at NC State. The value of the scholarship is $20,000 and is renewable for up to four years for first-year students ($80,000 total), and three years for transfer students ($60,000 total). In addition to the scholarship, Goodnight Scholars have access to an assortment of developmental programming focused on their professional and personal growth.

Nash Community College Electric Line Construction students attended the Duke Energy annual Carolina East Lineman Rodeo on Saturday, April 14th in New Hill, NC. Students observed the competition to see on-the-job-skills in action.

Rufus Jackson, Vice President of Carolinas Delivery Operations/Construction & Maintenance East, spoke to NCC students about careers at Duke Energy. Will Duckworth, a Nash Community College Electric Line Construction graduate also attended the rodeo and shared his experiences with students.

Apprentice and Journeyman Linemen participated in various competitive events during the rodeo. Winners of the rodeo will participate in the national competition in Kansas.

For more information about Nash Community College’s Electric Line Construction Training, please call 252-451-8206.

NCC students from left: Justice Goodwin, Patrick Gillis, Tyler Jenkins

NCC Alumnus, Will Duckworth and NCC Recruiter/Retention Specialist, Bebe Wall

Dr. Crystal Hayden

The Nash Community College Associate Degree Nursing graduate pinning ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 10 at 7:30 PM, immediately following the Adult High School/High School Equivalency graduation in the Brown Auditorium. This time-honored tradition connects past nursing traditions with today’s healthcare professionals. The College will recognize 46 Nursing graduates.

The Myrtle Carter Henry Scholarship was established at Nash Community College in 2015 by the DeLeon Carter Foundation to honor the memory of Myrtle Carter Henry. With the recent growth of the endowment, the DeLeon Carter Foundation has re-named the scholarship to reflect its support as the Myrtle Carter Henry Veterinary Technology Scholarship. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Nash Community College Veterinary Medical Technology program.

Since its partnership began in 2001 with the College, the Board of Directors have made an impact for the Nash/Rocky Mount area on campus through the Myrtle Carter Henry Amphitheater with fountain and the digital marquee.

“The College continues to be good stewards of the DeLeon Carter Foundation’s investments. We extend our deepest appreciation to the Board for their vision, leadership, and financial resources provided to help develop a skilled workforce for the betterment of our community,” Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver said.

DeLeon Carter Foundation Board Members and NCC representatives pictured from left: Joe Edwards, III; NCC President Dr. Bill Carver, NCC Board Chair Paul Jaber; NCC Foundation Executive Director Pam Ballew; Gus Tulloss, George Whitaker, NCC Foundation Board Member Lank Dunton and Vince Durham.

Children from Nash Community College’s Betsy B. Currin Child Development Center celebrated the United Way “Live United” coloring contest campaign at a coloring event with NCC President Dr. Bill Carver. Artwork will be displayed in the college’s Business & Industry Center lobby. Pictured above, from left: United Way Tar River Region Executive Director, Ginny Mohrbutter; Lead Teacher, Four Year Old Class, Jeanice Smith; and NCC President Dr. Bill Carver

Nash Community College students were inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The Society is the nation’s largest leadership honor society which honors students based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction.

In addition to honorable distinction, the Society provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online.  Upon completion of the program, members receive their leadership certificate and take their place among the top student leaders at their campus and across the country.

NCC Mathematics Department Chair shared words of encouragement as the keynote speaker. “My passion aligns with the vision of the National Society of Leadership and Success which is inspired by the passion of helping people wake up and believe in their own potential,” she said. Sharing her own personal story and the important impact of one’s community, Pitt said, “I grew up in a single parent family in Whitakers, NC. I had the desire to go to college but just didn’t know how to make that a reality. A guidance counselor at Northern Nash High School stayed after hours, partnered with my mother, and reached out to community members who assisted me with scholarships to attend UNC-Chapel Hill. Oh what a community that was for me.”

Membership in the Society is for life and provides access to benefits including scholarships and awards, exclusive on-campus events, employer recruitment through an online job bank, and discounts on computers, textbooks, grad school prep courses, insurance and much more.

“When you chose Nash, you became part of our community. You took action by applying and attending this college. We took action when we embraced your presence and perseverance. Your full potential is shining through and now we are passing the torch to you so you can be the one to make a change in the lives of others. Please reach back one person at a time and share your gift by assisting and supporting another aspiring student,” Pitt said.

The following Nash Community College students are among the inductees:

Hunter Andrews
Veronica Antunez
Misty Babb
Tonisha Barnes
Brittany Beddingfi eld
Jailyn Bell
Chelsey Blackston
Joshua Bodden
Zaniya Caine
Noah Cary
Mason Chamblee
Sulivia Chapman
Claudia Cole
Vivian Curry
Christiana Daniels
Brandy Davis
Jacquetta Edmondson
Brittany Edwards
Victoria Edwards
Caleb Fluno
Lesli Garnica Luis
Samantha Gaskins
Emily Godwin
Kielana Ham
Phyllis Hawkins
Billy Hicks
Amber Keel
Kayla Macklin
Loubna Moumad
Rica Pender
Jamir Pulley
Tiffany Purtle
Barbara Purvis
Jada Radtke
Kristie Register
Amari Richardson
Christopher Smith
Kisha Thompson
Sarah Thompson
Arica Tuggle
Taylor Turner
Donald Vlasak
Sam Whicker
Hannah Whitehead
Julia Whitlow
Lee Winstead
Tyrell Winstead

A formal induction ceremony was held at Nash Community College for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 in Brown Auditorium.

The Beta Upsilon Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society recognizes and encourages scholarship among two-year college students, and provides opportunities for the development of leadership and service. The organization promotes an intellectual climate with the exchange of ideas and ideals for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

To be eligible for membership in Phi Theta Kappa, students must have completed a minimum of twelve semester hours of non-developmental coursework and must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. To maintain membership, the student must continue high academic achievement throughout enrollment.

Kabryn Mattison, 2015 NCC Associate of Science degree in College Transfer alumna, was the guest speaker. While at Nash, she served as a Nash Community College Ambassador, President of the NCC Math and Science Club and Treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa. She earned NCC’s Excellence Award in the Associate in Science program and graduated with honors. Mattison was recently selected for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Program.

The following individuals are Nash Community College’s Beta Upsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa spring 2018 inductees:

Felix Alexander of Greenville
Shanell Battle of Wilson
Nicole Boone of Rocky Mount
Katie Fobbs of Rocky Mount
Lesley Lewis of Zebulon
Laura Louie of Hollister
Loubna Moumad of Rocky Mount
Jonathan Overton of Nashville
Rica Pender of Greenville
Trina Phan of Nashville
Sarah Reams of Rocky Mount
Brandon Roberts of Rocky Mount
Timothy Rudd of Littleton
Aaron Webb of Rocky Mount
Penny Williams of Nashville
Abigail Wooten of Rocky Mount

Sarah Prezioso, left, with NCC Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Trent Mohrbutter.

Sarah Prezioso, Nash Community College Director of Early Childhood Education, has been selected as the college’s 2018 J. Edgar and Peggie T. Moore Excellence in Teaching Award recipient.

Excellence in Teaching Award nominees are full-time faculty members chosen annually through a peer and student evaluation process. A well-defined set of criteria is used to identify and reward quality teaching. The award recipient is chosen by secret ballot by the full-time faculty, and represents the best in community college instruction. Prezioso will receive a cash award from Ed and Peggie Moore of Rocky Mount for this honorable distinction.

“In early childhood education, we describe teaching as an art and a science. Students learn this concept in the very first course. As an early childhood faculty member, I demonstrate this concept for students in a practical way,” Prezioso said. “The science of teaching is the easy part, using research-based strategies to ensure student retention and success. The art of teaching is the challenge, creatively using the strategies to create a positive learning environment for students.”

Prezioso’s desire to become a teacher developed at the early age of 10. She discovered her passion was working with children and families, which led her to major in child development. This love of teaching Early Childhood Education has grown during her tenure at Nash Community College. She said, “I want to save all of the children.” And preparing quality teachers helps bring her one step closer to that goal. As her students become educators, many contact her with updates on their careers and goals.

For as long as Prezioso has been teaching at Nash, she said she has been in awe of the passion and commitment demonstrated by colleagues. “Many NCC students have barriers and challenges that traditional college students may not encounter,” she said. She feels that developing engaging relationships with students takes time, but the relationships help support academic success. “And, it also demonstrates to students the kind of professional relationships to form with future colleagues and families,” she added.

“The Excellence in Teaching award is a prestigious distinction. Teaching is a mission for me, a profession dear to my heart. I could not be more proud of this nomination,” Prezioso said. “It is an honor to be nominated with so many other amazing instructors.”

Prezioso graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Science degree in Family, Culture and Society from Wheelock College. She lives in Rocky Mount with her husband and daughter.

Tyronda Whitaker, Regional Ombudsman/Aging Specialist at Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments Division of Aging and Adult Services visited Nash Community College’s OST 142-01 Medical Terms II class recently. Whitaker spoke to the students about various topics related to gerontology and the aging process including long-term care and the work that an ombudsman does to support the rights of the elderly.

OST 142 prepares Nash Community College students for the field using a language-structure approach to medical office terminology and vocabulary. Course topics relate to systemic components, conditions, pathology, and disorder remediation in the remaining systems of the human body. For more information, please call 252-443-4011.

Ashley Denton, of Nashville, was born and raised in Nash County. After pursuing her educational dreams, she returned to the area following community college and university graduation.

“I chose Nash Community College because I was a little unsure where I wanted to attend college and exactly what field I wanted to study,” Ashley Denton said. A homeschool graduate, Denton shared that her oldest brother graduated from the NCC College Transfer Program and he had a great experience, so she thought she would try it as well.

Saving money on tuition for the first two years of college also heavily influenced her decision to attend Nash. “And, I liked the idea of starting my college experience on a small campus,” she said.

While enrolled at NCC, Ashley was involved in the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She explained how being involved in extracurricular activities helped her grow as a person and a student, and bolstered her university applications.

“I loved my experience at Nash. I enjoyed that the campus was small, but did not lack quality instructors or resources,” she said. “I liked the flexible class options and particularly enjoyed being able to take classes online when needed, especially over the summer. The courses were challenging and they more than prepared me for additional higher learning.”

Upon graduation from Nash Community College in 2007 with an Associate of Arts degree, Ashley Denton attended East Carolina University earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Public Relations. She later obtained a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership with distinction and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both from Liberty University.

Today, Ashley is an award-winning communicator employed as Nash UNC Health Care’s Communications/Marketing Specialist. In her previous role with Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools (NRMPS), she was one of only two NRMPS employees to receive the Superintendent’s Spotlight on Success Award and was selected as the Best of the Best Blue Ribbon Award in Photography recipient by the North Carolina School Public Relations Association. During her tenure there, the NRMPS Communications Department won state and national awards.

Additionally, Denton participated in a professional internship with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings where she coordinated wedding ceremonies and receptions and marketing at the Walt Disney World Resort.

“I would tell students to seriously consider Nash Community College as a first option for starting their college education,” she said. “Nash provides a strong foundation for those seeking to transfer to another institution to continue their post-secondary education.”

Denton said she feels that much of her success and who she is as a person today can be credited to several instructors at Nash Community College. She recalls many staff members who helped her find her way at NCC. From her English instructor who quickly picked up on and cultivated her love for writing, to her math instructor who helped her succeed even though she admits the subject was not her strong suit. “Mrs. Peacock knew I was struggling and always offered her time and help. I will never forget the day she took time after class to show me the math resource lab on campus and to introduce me to the staff members in there and explain the resources available to me. NCC has some of the best instructors you will find anywhere.”

“NCC employees have a special way of connecting with students and not only preparing them academically but instilling confidence in each student needed to succeed in their chosen field,” Denton said.