54th BLET Academy Graduates pictured from left: front row – Charles Henry Collins III (Nashville Police Department), Benjamin Yates (Nashville Police Department), Sergio Hernandez Castillo (Rocky Mount Police Department), Bryan Lamont Shearin (Vance County Sheriff’s Department); Back row – Stanley Colt Robbins (Franklin County Sheriff’s Department), Grant Edward Stallings (Nashville Police Department), Desmond Warren Barmore (Rocky Mount Police Department), Michael Ladell Parker (Nash County Sheriff’s Office), Robert Michael Goodacre Jr. (North Carolina State Highway Patrol Academy)

On Thursday, January 10, 2019 Nash Community College recognized nine officers for completing the College’s 54th Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy.

Cadets participated in rigorous physical and classroom state commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction covering topics related to legal, criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic, investigative, patrol, custody, court procedures, emergency responses, ethics, community relations and more during the twenty-seven week training. To graduate, students successfully completed all units of study, including the certification examination mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission.

Nash Community College has trained law enforcement officers through its BLET program since 1999. Nash Community College expanded its BLET training options with the opening of the Center for Advanced Law Enforcement Training in the Continuing Education and Public Services Building in 2015. The Center features unparalleled instructional facilities including an indoor firing range, and VirTra Systems, Inc. training simulator. For more information, call (252) 451-8489 or email tlmehus599@nashcc.edu.

Law enforcement officers from Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Nashville Police Department, and Rocky Mount Police Department recently completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training at Nash Community College. CIT is a 40-hour training designed to assist law enforcement officers who respond to incidents involving individuals with a mental health or substance use crisis, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The CIT Program is a community-based collaboration between Nash Community College, individuals in recovery, families, the behavioral health system, law enforcement agencies, mental health providers, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), consumer advocacy organizations and the medical community.

Pictured, front row, from left: Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator Scott Strickland, Nash County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stanley Ricks, Nash County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Robert Carlisle, Nash County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Abby Genaudeau, Rocky Mount Police Department Officer Justin McCoy, Trillium Health Crisis Intervention Training Coordinator Tiffanie Ritenour; Back row, from left: NCC Director Law Enforcement In-Service Training Jim Thomas, Nashville Police Department Officer Ronald Jones, Nashville Police Department Officer Zachary Webb, Rocky Mount Police Department Officer Michael Lamm, Nash County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Randy VanHouten, Nash County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Annie Tabron.

Nash Community College was host to specialized training Thursday, January 17, 2019 for area first responders. Using the NCC public safety training field to simulate a vehicle accident, members from Nash County EMS, Nash County Emergency Communications, Nashville Fire Department, Rocky Mount Fire Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Vidant EastCare gained valuable experience in all phases of an emergency call.

The partnership between NCC and these agencies provides a safe hands-on environment for all participants and classroom space for pre and post drill discussion and briefing. While each agency is trained to handle emergency situations, working together is critical to ensure swift response.

An area for spectators was provided by the Office of Emergency Management Services which allowed onlookers, including many Nash Community College students, to view the simulation from a safe distance.

The NCC Foundation is working on completing the First Responder Memorial being installed near the entrance of the Continuing Education and Public Services Building. This memorial will feature an area of 4×8 and 8×8 pavers that can be engraved to honor or memorialize individuals or organizations. The cost is $100 for the 4″ x 8″ paver and $200 for the 8″ x 8″ paver. If you are interested in preserving a name in this area, please call 252-451-8440.

Nash Community College was honored with 2018 Tree Campus USA® recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of your school’s participation air will be purer, water cleaner and the your students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. Nash Community College achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project. Currently there are 364 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year. More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCampusUSA.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

For more information contact Danny Cohn at dcohn@arborday.org or 402-473-9563.

Students in Nash Community College’s Recruit Firefighter Training Academy #080718 were recognized for program completion in a ceremony held January 23, 2019.

NCC President Dr. Bill Carver thanked fire service agencies for their partnership. “You see the people in uniform here tonight who are supporting these cadets, and helping the College spread the word about the program, lending their expertise,” he said. “This program cannot be done by NCC alone,” he said.

Nash Community College’s fire training program is designed to provide individuals and firefighters the information and skills needed for modern firefighting through a variety of learning experiences and training scenarios.

Doug Bissette, Washington, NC Fire/Rescue/EMS Battalion Chief addressed the graduates. “I want you to know that you will be successful in this career if you can focus on three things: your faith, your family and the fire service. It is imperative that you remember them in that order.”

During the ceremony, Olen Bass of Red Oak Fire Department was honored with the Academic Excellence Award for earning the highest grade point average.

Donte Richardson was recognized with the Flame Award, an honor given to the recruit firefighter who is voted overall “most outstanding” through the majority vote from the students in the class. Consideration is given for the highest level of teamwork, fellowship, enthusiasm and cooperation demonstrated by the members of the class.

“It takes a great bit of courage and faith for us to do this job,” Bissette said. “The book of Joshua says to be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go, so keep that in mind.”

The class presented the Instructional Excellence Award to instructor Michael Strange, captain with Rocky Mount Fire Department and volunteer with Battleboro Community Fire Department. The award is given by the students to the instructor who is deemed most influential, motivating and approachable throughout the training.

“Take time each day to learn more about the science of fire and new technologies in the fire service. Be quiet and listen,” Bissette explained. “Remember that while we all have a similar interest, we are not all alike. Make sure that you understand that other people have different experiences and that you can build from their experiences.”

NCC fire classes are often delivered directly to firefighters through training sessions held in local departments and at training sites throughout the community.

“Have integrity and make sure that you are doing the right thing at all times,” Bissette said. “Make sure you treat everyone as a family. Tell the truth and keep your word. Always, always, always look to help someone else.”

For more information, visit www.nashcc.edu/fire.

NCC Director of Fire and Health Services, John Winstead left pictured with graduates, from left to right: Julius C. Bates (Nashville Fire Department) of Charlottesville, Virginia; Tyler D. Elman (Hopkins Fire Department) of Cape Coral, Florida; Samuel W. Greene (West Mount Fire Department) of Nashville; Donte Richardson (Arcola Fire Department) of Arcola; Olen J. Bass (Red Oak Fire Department) of Mathews, Virginia; Zackary E. Tant (Middlesex Fire Department) of Middlesex; David R. Baines (Middlesex Fire Department) of Middlesex; Carson T. Brooks (Zebulon Fire Department) of Zebulon.

Click to watch the ceremony video or to view photos.

Brats and Beer Cheddar Chowder
By: NCC Chef Frank Bookhardt

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium carrot, coarsely shredded (1/2 cup)
• 3 large shallots, chopped
• 1-3/4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup  light cream
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 10 ounces Wisconsin Aged Cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cooked smoked bratwurst, knockwurst or Polish sausage (about 12 ounces total), halved lengthwise and sliced
• 1 12 – ounce can beer or 12-ounce bottle  of your favorite ale• Chopped green onion for garnish

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and shallots; reduce heat to medium low.
2. Cook, stirring frequently, about 10 to 15 minutes or until the onion is very soft and golden.
3. In a large screw-top jar, combine broth and flour. Cover and shake until combined and smooth.
4. Stir into the onion mixture.
5. Add the milk, caraway seeds, paprika,  and black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
6. Gradually stir in the cheese; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until cheese melts, but do not boil.
7. Stir in the bratwurst and beer. Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through. Top with Green onion.
8. If you like, serve with rye bread.

Makes 4 to 6 main-dish servings (7 cups).

Nash Community College recognized 27 employees from Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant this week for completion of Business Leadership and Practical Supply Chain Management certificates. The College worked with the company to provide specialized online instruction tailored to meet industry needs. As a result, two cohorts were formed and employees earned the two certificates, each consisting of 15-16 college credit hours that can be applied to further educational opportunities.

The coursework for Supply Chain Management informs students about international and domestic movement of goods from the raw materials source through production and ultimately to the consumer. Courses include transportation, warehousing, inventory control, material handling, purchasing, computerization and supply chain operations.

Employees who participated in the Business Leadership Certificate were introduced to various aspects of the free enterprise system and were provided with a fundamental knowledge of business functions, processes, and an understanding of business in a global economy.

“NCC’s emphasis in online delivery gives students the same quality service online as the students in face to face, on-campus courses,” explained Lane Freeman, Department Chair for Nash Online, the College’s division of online studies. “Added services enhance the student experience, affording convenience, flexibility and efficiency while students pursue training off-campus.”

In response to industry needs, Cummins employees are also currently working to earn a certificate in Data Management and Analysis through the Computer Information Technology department at Nash Community College.

“NCC applies engaging online instructional strategies that are proven to support student success,” Freeman said. In addition to these certificate programs, the College also offers two-year degrees, diplomas and various other certificate programs entirely online. “Our online programs are ideal for working adults like the individuals in these cohorts who are seeking flexible convenient course schedules while managing full-time employment and other responsibilities.”

Congratulations to the following Cummins employees who completed Nash Community College certificate programs.

Sharson Denise Arrington

Jessica N. Barnes

Lori Shultz Bass

Janeen M. Daniels

Lisa Dew

Katina Richardson Fox

Tylisha Hunter-Battle

Donovan Jerido

Audriette Joyner

David William Judd

Shamisa G. Meeks

Phyllis D. Mayo

Donald McFarlin

Cynthia Nicholson Mills

Tony Nellis

Timothy Nicol

Angela K. Nicholson

Vanette W. Pope

Tammy Linette Silver

Cindy G. Smith

Winston T. Sweet

Damien Taylor

Thomas C. Tippett

Christina Valentine

Jessica W. Vinson

Melanie Williams

Chantal Wright

On a recent visit, State Senator Rick Horner met with administrators from NCC and was given a brief tour of the campus to highlight educational opportunities offered. Along the way, he viewed the Electric Line Construction Technology field, new Cosmetology and Advanced Manufacturing buildings, and renovations to the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Early College.

Pictured above from left, NCC Computer-Integrated Machining Instructor George Shook, NC State Senator Rick Horner, NCC Computer-Integrated Machining Instructor Alex Barnhill, and NCC President Dr. Bill Carver.

Pictured above from left, Cosmetology Instructor Tameka Sledge, Cosmetology Instructor Gwen Mitchell, NC State Senator Rick Horner, Cosmetology Instructor Shinese Glass, and Cosmetology Director Ernestine Stephenson.

Pictured above from left, Electric Line Construction Technology Instructor Jon O’Boyle, NC State Senator Rick Horner, Electric Line Construction Technology Instructor Brandon Shook, and Vice President, Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Officer Wendy Marlowe.

NCC alumna Adriana Cabrera Zurita addresses current NCC students

Nash Community College alumna Adriana Cabrera Zurita returned to campus Friday, February 1, 2019 to share her university transfer experience with current community college students.

Zurita earned an Associate in Science degree at Nash Community College in 2017. In 2018, she graduated among NCC’s first student cohort earning an Associate in Engineering degree. She told students about her transition from Nash Community College into North Carolina State University where she is studying Environmental Technology & Management with plans to graduate in 2021.

NCC alumna Adriana Cabrera Zurita with Shilo Lawrence, NCC Coordinator of Associate in Engineering and Transfer

A native of Rocky Mount, Adriana Cabrera Zurita is one of two NCC alumnae currently enrolled at NCSU as Goodnight Scholars. The program is 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).

Nash Community College has 55 students pursuing the Associate in Engineering degree. Most graduates will major in a branch of Engineering such as Electrical, Civil, BioMedical, or Mechanical at a partner university. However, the Associate in Engineering degree prepares individuals interested in majoring in Physics or Mathematics.

For more information, please call 252-451-8398.

William S. Carver, II, Ed.D., Nash Community College President

Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2019.

Bill Carver began working at Nash Community College on September 4, 1987 as Small Business Center Director, later becoming Director of Business and ​I​ndustry Services and then Dean of Continuing Education. In 1999, Carver was named Vice President for​ I​nstruction where he served until 2005 when he became NCC’s fourth president.

Under his leadership, NCC has had sustained enrollment growth and expanded its​​ ​footprint moderniz​ing​ instructional spaces and delivery. Additionally, Nash Community College has grown from a Level I to Level II institution, with growth for eight consecutive years during Carver’s tenure, and has resisted terminating programs​ during tight budgets, often increasing the ​C​ollege’s program offerings.

As Nash Community College’s president, he has made a significant difference in positioning and advancing the College through his leadership, innovative thinking, vision and strategic oversight. He is well-known for exhibiting a special passion of creating a welcoming environment where students can ​progress toward lifelong success​,​ and a campus culture that is committed to supporting students where they are, and promoting success to their fullest potential.

“President Carver’s key accomplishments include particular success in fundamental education redesign in Math, Reading and English resulting in an increase in student persistence and progression; the opening of four new buildings in order to meet the growing needs of the community; support earning NCC’s national ranking for its digital campus; and ​his ​strong partnership with business and industry, public schools, other community colleges, four-year institutions, and local community agencies,” NCC Board Chair Paul Jaber said.

As one of the longest tenured presidents in the North Carolina Community College System, NCC President Dr. Bill Carver’s long-range planning has resulted in continued growth and recognition for the College. “His diligence has positively impacted student retention, progression​ and ​​success,” Jaber said.

NCC has responded to community and industry needs with the implementation of new Associate Degree programs including: Human Services Technology, Associate in Engineering, Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation, Veterinary Medical Technology and Broadcast Production Technology​​.

“Because of Dr. Carver’s fiscal management and out-of-the-box leadership, Nash Community College has continued to progress, and improve the student experience​ and our community and region are better for it,” Jaber said.

Nash Community College is pleased to announce the following employees are recipients of the 2019 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award. As a member of NISOD, the College has been honoring faculty, staff and administrators with this award of recognition annually since 1992. Recipients are selected based on their proven commitment to high performance and extraordinary service to Nash Community College, its students, and the community.

(From left) NCC President, Dr. Bill Carver pictured with recipients: Instructor, Human Services Technology, Jennifer Walston; Director, College and Career Readiness, Ivana Stevens; Instructor, Nursing, Melissa Jones; Associate Vice President, Finance, Carol Dornseif; Systems Analyst, Institutional Technology, Corey Jenkins; (Not pictured) Director, Early Childhood Education, Sarah Prezioso.

NCC Electric Line Construction Technology students recently participated in a lunch and learn with Utility Line Construction Services Regional Safety Superintendent Jeff Vaughan (right) and Corporate Safety Director Willie Pruett (left). A question and answer session was held prior to a live demonstration in the Utility Line Construction Services training simulator.

The Electric Line Construction curriculum prepares students for line construction in rural and utility settings through laboratory and practical applications. NCC students master competencies including elements of electricity, overhead pole and electrical line construction, safety codes and applications, electric power system, transformer installations, and more. An emphasis on safety is embedded in the program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications during training. For more information, please call (252) 451-8379.

Tickets are now on sale for Nash Community College Drama Club’s spring production of Nunsense.

Tickets will be sold at the door for the show only. Tickets are available on EventBrite at nashnunshow.eventbrite.com for the show only and and nashnundinner.eventbrite.com for the dinner theater.

NCC students stock the on-campus food pantry – a resource to help address food insecurities among college students.

Nash Community College was invited to the 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Leadership Symposium to share its experiences in promoting holistic services for students, and especially the campus culture of Blue Love addressing student barriers to education. The event was hosted at North Carolina State University February 22-24, 2019.

The symposium, titled “Nourishing our Communities: Uniting Against Hunger”, was designed to develop a community of ACC undergraduate students who understand the relationship between global and local issues. Student leaders had the opportunity to learn through intensive engagement in educational sessions, keynote addresses, topical content exploration, simulations and experiential application.

NCC Dean of Student Wellness Marbeth Holmes participated as a panelist citing her first experience with food insecurity as occurring in the 1980s when she was a non-traditional college student with an infant and little money for food after paying childcare, transportation, and household expenses. “When I began my teaching career I was quite mindful of the financial stress many students encounter and began keeping food and snacks in my office,” she said. “Over time, it was clear that many faculty and staff were doing that and eventually the NCC Student Government Association opened the Food Pantry,” she said.

A North Carolina native, Holmes earned her Master of Social Work at UNC and a Master of Arts in English at Abilene Christian University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

“Nash Community College has seen a direct correlation with our student success outcomes when basic needs are met,” Holmes said. “Many needs exist in our own population, and these serve as barriers to education and academic success when they are not addressed. I hope that in some small way I inspired students to engage in holistic services addressing food insecurities and many other needs at their universities throughout the Atlantic Coast Conference.”

Holmes shared that food insecurity is often experienced with, or creates, other insecurities for students stating research shows a direct correlation between basic needs insecurities and increased anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

Other panelists included Dr. Lindsey Haynes-Maslow, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at NC State University; Jamal Moss, Health Equity and Policy Specialist for Talk Health with Frankie, a non-profit organization; Dr. Mary Haskett, Professor of Psychology at North Carolina State University and Erin White, founder of Raleigh-based Community Food Lab and co-founder of the Capital Area Food Network.

“The greatest professional experience of my career in Higher Ed has been the explosion of our Nash Community College Blue Love campus culture. We have a full service Student Wellness Center serving the whole student providing trauma-informed services that include direct- practice clinical therapy, a Collegiate Recovery Program, a Victim’s Advocate for those experiencing sexual assault, domestic violence, bullying, stalking; a Single Stop program that screens for Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, childcare benefits, provides financial counseling, access to legal services, free tax preparation, and community resources; a MALE leadership development program to facilitate opportunities for our minority males in particular,” she said. NCC’s Blue Love Fund provides emergency assistance to students to meet a variety of basic and catastrophic needs from food and transportation to avoiding eviction and utility disconnection to house fires and natural disasters. “Blue Love is a force of energy that has propelled high student retention, record graduation rates, and continued enrollment growth, but most of all has empowered Nash Community College students with the resources they need to be successful.”

Jonathan David Overton of Nashville has been selected as Nash Community College’s 2018-2019 Academic Excellence Award recipient. The award is presented annually to North Carolina community college students who exhibit outstanding scholastic achievements. Overton is an Associate in Arts and Associate in Science student maintaining a 4.0 overall grade point average.

“As someone who did not know what I wanted for the future, I neglected college applications until it was too late,” Overton said. “I reluctantly enrolled at Nash Community College in the fall of 2017.”

Overton says initially he did not want to enroll at a community college but his opinion changed quickly and entirely after entering NCC’s campus. In fact, he now serves as one of the college’s student ambassadors.

Overton helps fellow students as a tutor in the English Studio and is involved in campus activities as an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students.

“Jonathan Overton is a conscientious, engaged, enthusiastic scholar,” one instructor said. “He is an excellent student who takes pride in his work and is diligent about his studies. Jonathan always helps other students in the classroom and makes everyone feel welcome.”

Overton was homeschooled prior to attending NCC.

“I have valued all aspects of this experience, but nothing compares to the people I have met while attending Nash,” he said. “I can wholeheartedly say I have never encountered more loving individuals in my life, and I treasure each one dearly.”

The Academic Excellence Award represents the highest academic honor at Nash Community College. Overton will represent NCC among North Carolina’s 58-community college system.

“I will forever be grateful for the impact this community college has had on my life, and I will never forget the people who have made my experience so extraordinary,” Overton said.

Jonathan Overton plans to graduate from NCC in May 2019 with two associate degrees.