Ivana Stevens

​Nash Community College will hold its Adult High School and High School Equivalency commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the Nash Community College Brown Auditorium. Ivana Stevens, Director of NCC College and Career Readiness Department, will deliver the address.

Students will be recognized for completion of the High School Equivalency (formerly known as GED®). The program is offered at NCC at no charge with flexible class times. High School Equivalency students work at their own pace, testing along the way to determine progress in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Social Studies.

Ivana Stevens began her career in the District of Columbia Public Schools as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. After moving to North Carolina, she became Education Director for Sylvan Learning Center, and then transitioned back into the classroom as a secondary Social Studies and ESL teacher. While teaching full-time, Stevens also taught as an adjunct instructor in English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education in both Maryland and North Carolina including seven years at NCC.

Prior to becoming the Director, Ivana Stevens served as the Career Pathways and Transition Coordinator for the College and Career Readiness department at Nash, where she helped establish certified Career Pathways in Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare.

Stevens has trained K-12 and community college educators throughout her career in the areas of ESL and Integrating Career Awareness. She currently serves as a Coach for the GoldenLEAF Scholars Leadership Program, Chair of the Eastern Region Adult Education Directors, and on the North Carolina advisory boards for Adult High School and Latino/Hispanic Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with an International Relations concentration from Tulane University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from American University.

The ceremony will be held in the Nash Community College Business and Industry Center Brown Auditorium, and streamed live online via the Nash Community College YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/NashComCollege. For more information, call 252-451-8235.

NCC President Dr. Bill Carver

​​Nash Community College has announced an increase in enrollment by six percent ​over the past year, and the campus is well-positioned for continued growth.

The growth can be attributed to longstanding industry partnerships, unique program offerings, and strategic ​leadership​.

“In a time when decreasing enrollment is the trend among community colleges, NCC is both proud and humbled to be among colleges experiencing growth,” NCC President Dr. Bill Carver said.

Carver, who recently announced his retirement, has served in the NC Community College System for 32 years. He has established a reputation for positioning and advancing the College through innovative thinking and out-of-the-box vision.

NCC has expanded its campus, modernizing instructional spaces and delivery methods, growing from a Level I to Level II institution, and resisting the termination of programs​ ​during tight budgets.

“Nash Community College is a leader in addressing unique regional workforce training needs,” Carver said. “The Electric Line Construction training offers a 1​6​-week academy and provides the only two-year Electric Line Construction degree program in North Carolina.”

Other programs and facilities unique to NCC include Veterinary Medical Technology, Brewing, Distillation and Fermentation, an aseptic clean room, Associate in Engineering degree, indoor firing range and Nash Online’s ​program and ​two-year degree offerings for the remote learner.

Since 2015 NCC’s campus footprint has grown to include three new buildings for advanced manufacturing, cosmetology and continuing education and public services.

A recent North Carolina Community College System Office report ranks Nash Community College number eight among only 16 schools in the 58-college system to experience growth in full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment from fall 2017 to fall 2018. Full-time equivalent enrollment ​statistics are used to determine a college’s operating budget.

Nash Community College celebrated the expansion of the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School located​ on its campus in February. President Carver recalls the Early College’s humble beginnings on NCC’s campus as an early adopter of the proven methodology for North Carolina. “NCC took a chance – not a leap – because Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, our longtime partner, was the tip of the spear identifying students for a new way to attend high school – earning a high school and college credential together. There was no manual; we just did what was good for students.” For many years, the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College was the largest in the state.

“Nash Community College is a recognizable brand throughout North Carolina, and especially as the largest community college in the immediate three-county region.”

“Many dedicated people have played a part in the campus we have today. Since 1967, NCC leaders have advocated tirelessly for local training needs, and the critical contributions technical programs make in our state’s economy, many times meeting resistance, but never giving up. And as a result, along with supportive partners the college is able to provide an exceptional learning environment.”

Amy Vester, Nash Community College Computer Information Technologies instructor, has been selected as the College’s 2019 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 selected through secret ballot by the full-time faculty, and represents the best in community college instruction.

“As community college educators, we often talk about being in the business of changing lives. When I reflect on my years as an instructor, I cannot help but acknowledge that one of the lives that has been changed the most is my own. My work with students over the years has fundamentally shaped me into the person I am today,” Amy Vester said.

Vester earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a Master of Arts in Education from Western Carolina University. She completed a Computer Network Professional graduate certificate at East Carolina University and holds Microsoft Technology Associate certifications in Software Development in C#, Introduction to Programming using Java, and Database Fundamentals. Vester is certified in IC3 Digital Literacy and as a Microsoft Office Specialist.

Amy Vester began working in the North Carolina Community College System at Haywood Community College in 2001 where she served as Computer Information Technology instructor and Distance Learning coordinator. She has been employed at Nash Community College since 2007.

Attributing her success in the classroom to the lessons her students have taught her, Vester recalls students over the years who encouraged her. Early in her career a student said, “Mrs. Vester, don’t ever bring your notes again. You did much better without them.” The student’s words gave her confidence and made an impact in shaping Vester’s teaching style into a more organic approach.

“Another student who helped shape me was a middle-aged mother of three who had never been employed outside the home, and was in the process of making major life changes,” Vester remarked. “She and her children had to move into a homeless shelter, and despite her circumstances, she never missed class,” Vester said. “She progressed quickly through her degree program, and went on to complete her undergraduate and graduate degrees, before beginning what became a successful career. The courage she exhibited inspired me to be braver both inside and outside of the classroom.”

In recognition of this honorable distinction, Vester will receive a cash award made available through the generous support of Ed and Peggie Moore of Rocky Mount.

“I am humbled to receive this recognition. My students have pushed me to continue to perfect my craft while keeping up with my rapidly changing discipline,” she said. “Even after all these years, I am still surprised by the confidence my students and peers have in me. I can only hope that they continue to learn as much from me as I have learned from them.”

A Nash County native, Amy Vester lives in the Sandy Cross community with her husband and four children.

To celebrate Earth Day, Nash Community College’s Student Government Association hosted Green Day activities on Tuesday, March 19. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to wear green attire and participated in a litter sweep along Old Carriage Road.

The Nash Community College campus comes together annually to acknowledge Green Day by planting trees and hosting a guest speaker. This year’s guest speaker was David Bradley of Sapony Creek Apiaries. During his talk, he shared information about the intricacies of the beehive hierarchy and honey production. He is also pledged to assist NCC with the apiaries (beehives and honeybees) located on campus.

A longleaf pine was planted behind the Cosmetology Building in commemoration of the event.

In the photo: From left: NCC SGA President Amberleigh Dornseif, NCC President Bill Carver, Master Gardener Ken White, and David Bradley of Sapony Creer Apiaries.

Nash Community College’s Gamma Beta Phi Chapter recently inducted its new members. Gamma Beta Phi is a non-profit, co-educational, honor and service organization for students in colleges and universities. Its objectives are to recognize and encourage excellence in education, to promote the development of leadership ability and character, and to foster, disseminate, and improve education through appropriate service projects. To be eligible for Gamma Beta Phi, students must hold a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average and must have earned 12 or more semester hours in a major at Nash Community College.

Nationally, Gamma Beta Phi has approximately 40,000 active student members in its comprised chapters. Each year, the NCC Gamma Beta Phi chapter sponsors an adopt-a-grandparent program for the residents of Trinity Retirement Villas in Nashville, where members visit several times throughout the year. At the holidays, the group provides gifts for each resident fulfilling their wish lists as much as possible. Residents look forward to seeing the students during each visit, and the students enjoy helping others through this and other service projects.

Spring 2019 Gamma Beta Phi Inductees, pictured from left to right: Ashleigh Lamm, Ada Pridgen, Tiffany Best, Ashleigh Glover, Raymond Russell, Jesse Hower, Amberleigh Dornseif, and Sittie Hairen Wright. Not pictured: Cameron Baker, Shanell Battle, Sarah Blake, Monica De La Torre, Joseph Edgerton Jr., Allie Farmer,  and Tiffany S. Horne.

Nash Community College’s Broadcast Production Technology degree program has integrated new equipment into its curriculum thanks to a generous donation from Capitol Broadcasting Company. Valued at more than $100,000, the gift includes modern TV production and post-production equipment.

“The wide range and diversity of equipment we received is perfect for our students. It allows them to experience and operate the tools they can see in the workplace as well as enhance the studio’s production,” Andrew Small, NCC Director of Instructional Media said. “It will help us better prepare the next generation of media representatives.”

The degree program began last fall preparing students for careers as announcers, music directors, news staff, promotions and sales representatives, station managers, broadcast editors, camera operators, field audio engineers, associate producers, control engineers, production managers, floor directors, multimedia producers, effects operations and other broadcast technician duties.

“We currently have 12 students enrolled, with others interested in beginning in the fall semester. Interest has increased as students have discovered the program, and seen the real-world production experience they can gain right here on the community college campus,” Small said.

Students learn broadcasting fundamentals in NCC’s main on-campus production studio, Studio 67, and in a new audio production studio, Studio B, where they practice voice-over work and radio operating skills before going live on NCC’s Big Bang Radio WNIA 89.1 FM.

NCC Broadcast students gain experience in contemporary studio operations, script and broadcast writing, performance in media, broadcast and media history, live broadcast, methodology, sales, and ethics. They create and edit audio and video productions using the latest software with modern studio audio and video equipment.

“Capitol Broadcasting Company has made a major investment in the area with the redevelopment of Rocky Mount Mills and their support of Nash Community College. Through their continued support, they are demonstrating their confidence in our students, and the real-world educational experience that Nash Community College provides to bridge the gap between the classroom and careers.”

Individuals interested in the Broadcast Production Technology program may call 252-451-8220 or visit www.nashcc.edu/bpt.

Pictured above: NCC Broadcast Production Technology student Nouran Shaaban (left) and Studio 67 Associate Producer Isaac Anderson work with TV production cameras and pedestals donated by Capitol Broadcasting Company.

Nash Community College students and employees volunteered at the Nash County Special Olympics 2019 Spring Games held on Friday, March 29 at Rocky Mount High School. More than 200 athletes train year-round to participate in seven events.

Rebecca Griffin, NCC Corporate & Economic Development and Admissions Administrative Assistant, coordinated NCC’s participation in the Spring Games. Griffin’s son, Connor, is an experienced Special Olympics athlete. “This is not only an opportunity for the athletes to work hard, and persevere towards their goals, but it is a chance for locals to get involved, giving back to their community,” Griffin said.

Nash Community College representatives assisted in preparing lunches for volunteers and athletes and worked in the developmental area with the tennis ball throw, bean bag throw and ball roll competition. “Several NCC students commented that they were surprised at how competitive the athletes were. I think it was a learning experience for everyone. We had a lot of fun and we are looking forward to next year. I hope we will have twice as many volunteers,” Griffin said.

The season will begin again in the fall with bowling and basketball and then finish up with the Spring Games in 2020. Griffin said adult athletes often go to regional and state competitions and some even make it to the World Games for Special Olympics. Volunteers are vital to the Special Olympics. Individuals at NCC who are interested in volunteering should contact Rebecca Griffin at rwgriffin273@nashcc.edu.

Thank you to the following NCC volunteers for their support of the Nash County Special Olympics 2019 Spring Games: Reatherbell Johnson, Camari Taylor, Isaiah Cherry, Brenda Silver, Lattisha Boddie, Haley Cone, Tiffany Best, Malieka Eatmon, Raisha Lewis, Sinai Salazar-Mariano, Anastasia Jeffers, Yafang He, Meghan Strickland, Ashona Wiggins, Kayla Sullivan, Lattisha Boddie, Zach Johnson, Tiffany Taylor, Latoya Greene, Julie Edwards, Tina Treish and Rebecca Griffin.

More than 300 presidents, trustees, students and supporters of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges met with legislators April 3, 2019 to promote the system’s workforce-focused legislative agenda. NCC’s trustees, president and Student Government officers were among the group calling on legislators to support the work of NC community colleges.

At a briefing before the legislative visits, NC Community College System President Peter Hans told the assembled “community college family” that they were a powerful voice for the system. “Now is our time to lift up all North Carolinians,” he said. “Community colleges are this state’s future.”

The NC Community College System’s legislative priorities include requests for funding for workforce training and technology, increased faculty and staff compensation, career coach program expansion and simplification of the enrollment verification process.

NCC representatives met with Senator Rick Horner and House Representative James Galliard. “Seeing firsthand, the president of NCC, Dr. Carver, and members of the board of trustees speak so passionately about the importance of community colleges was very inspiring,” NCC Student Government Association President (SGA) Amberleigh Dornseif said. Dornseif and SGA Treasurer, Ulysses Puente, represented Nash Community College students. Representatives also visited with NCC alumna Rebekah Lahay who transferred and graduated from North Carolina State University. She is employed as a legislative constituent liaison.

Pictured above, from left – NCC trustees: James Mercer, Paul Jaber (Chair), Russell Proctor, Sam Dickens and Jim Martin; SGA Treasurer Ulysses Puente, SGA President Amberleigh Dornseif and NCC President Dr. Bill Carver.

Advanced Manufacturing – HTEC Event

Nash Community College hosted the North Carolina Haas Technical Education Center Conference on Thursday, April 4 in the College’s new Advanced Manufacturing building. Approximately 60 North Carolina high school, community college and university machining instructors and 18 vendors attended the all-day event.

The Haas Technical Education Center Network is an industry and education led initiative that enables manufacturing technology educators and their schools to acquire the latest Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools and related CNC equipment, software and educational materials.

“Any time we can facilitate dialogue between students, educators, industry partners and OEMs and it results in a better prepared workforce, we all benefit,” NCC Vice President, Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Officer Wendy Marlowe said. “We were proud to host the conference, and have so many North Carolina educators engage with the Haas Technical Education Center Network right here on our campus.”

The goals of the Haas Technical Education Center Network are to provide students with a relevant, high tech and hands-on educational experience preparing work-ready CNC machinists, programmers and engineers for current and future industrial careers. Haas Automation is a manufacturer of high quality American-made products for machining needs engineered for simple maintenance, easy setup, and low-cost operation.

HTEC Members can contact, collaborate, share and network with over 2,200 schools, colleges and universities that use Haas CNC machines throughout the Americas. They can also work with more than 95 CNC Technology Partners, who pledge to support CNC education.

Following networking, educational and business meetings, attendees toured Rocky Mount Engine Plant and ended the evening with dinner and tours at Rocky Mount Mills.

For more information about Nash Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, call 252-451-8283.

The Nash Community College Bee Campus committee transplanted four honey bee hives to the Nash Community College Apiary on Monday, April 1, 2019. Nash Community College is a pollinator-friendly campus and a Bee Campus USA affiliate.

As a certified affiliate, NCC has a Campus Pollinator Habitat Plan featuring locally native, pollinator-friendly plants and a least toxic integrated pest management plan.  The campus hosts annual events to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and annually sponsors and tracks student service projects to enhance pollinator habitats on-and off-campus. NCC biennially offers a pollinator protection course and incorporates pollinator protection topics into curriculum.

Individuals who facilitated the transplant are pictured from left: Master Gardener, Ken White; NCC Biology Instructor, Christine Ricci; Associate in Science student, Haley Honeycutt and NCC Biology Instructor, Lettie Allen.

On Friday, March 29, 2019 the Nash Community College Global Scholars (GS) program hosted a trip to Raleigh, NC for the 3rd annual International Festival at North Carolina State University.

Student attendees Theresa A. Bohren, Shannon Fleming, Jenny L. Giron-Reyes, Samuel Lloyd, Maximiliano Ochoa, Phoebe E. Prezioso, Rosalba Raya, Sherronda Reynolds, Ashley Santillan, and Anias Sharp, along with Erika J. Simon and Katie Hoffer, Co-Directors of the GS Program, and Eva Williams, GS Faculty Advisor, participated in interactive table presentations and other student-led exhibitions.

The purpose of the Festival was to encourage interactions between individuals of all backgrounds, while upholding the values of diversity, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation. This event sought to promote cultural competency and expose students, faculty, and staff to new perspectives and traditions from different areas around the world.

Requirements for earning the Global Scholars distinction at Nash CC include: completing 15 credit hours with a minimum of a C in globally-intensive courses, participating in 8 global activities and 30 hours of global experience through travel abroad and/or domestic intercultural experience/service, and sharing a capstone presentation related to the global-learning experience and participation in the GS Program.

For more information on the Global Scholars program, email nccgps@nashcc.edu or visit the Program Website.

Nash Community College SkillsUSA members earned numerous awards during competitions at the SkillsUSA North Carolina State Leadership and Skills Conference held April 9-11, 2019 in Greensboro. The NCC students and campus received a total received 29 awards, including seven gold competition medals, with six groups headed to the National SkillsUSA Conference to represent Nash Community College.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. More than 2,700 students, instructors and industry leaders attended the conference. SkillsUSA helps each student excel by providing educational programs, leadership opportunities, events and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE).

The College received the Total Participation Award, and Gold Chapter of Distinction Award recognizing achievement related to the integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in chapter program of work activities. NCC President Bill Carver was recognized with the Honorary Lifetime SkillsUSA Membership Award which is given to someone who embodies the ideals of SkillsUSA, is an advocate for the program and continues to assist its expansion.

Computer Engineering student Michael Peterson and Cosmetology student Brandy Davis received the Outstanding Member Awardrecognizing their efforts in serving the organization diligently at the local, state, or national level.

First Place

• Arts and Communication Career Pathways Showcase: Brandy Davis (Cosmetology), Kamryn Cox (Cosmetology) and Kelsie Aycock (Cosmetology)
• Business Management: Career Pathways Showcase- Bryan Angel (Computer Engineering), Cal Sagadraca (Computer Engineering) and Cody Smith (Computer Engineering)
• Cosmetology Beginner: Rebekah Brantley (Cosmetology)
• Industrial Motor Control: Jason Davenport (Industrial Systems)
• Mechatronics Team 503: Corey Edwards (Electrical Engineering) and Travis Wright (Electrical Engineering)
• Promotional Bulletin Board: Pamela Arrington (Cosmetology/Instructor Trainee), Veronica Cheeks (Cosmetology/Instructor Trainee) and Melody Fields (Cosmetology/Instructor Trainee)
• Technical Computer Applications: Joshua Jacquez (Computer Engineering)

Second Place

• Cosmetology Beginner: Shaista Parveen (Cosmetology)
• Cosmetology: Latorria Vick-Tapp (Cosmetology)
• Computer Programming (High School): Caleb Garcia (Computer Engineering, Career and College Promise)
• Electronics Technology: Jorge Antunez (Electronics Engineering)
• Hair Coloring: Margie Harper (Cosmetology)
• Information Technology Services: Michael Peterson (Computer Engineering)
• Job Interview: Samia Silver (Medical Assisting)
• Medical Assisting: Tiajuanna Arrington (Medical Assisting)

Third Place

• Mechatronics Team 501: Eric Gomez (Electrical Engineering) and Josue Ramirez-Pioquinto (Electrical Engineering)
• Audio/Radio Production: Angela Bennett (Broadcasting and Production) and Joshua Edwards
• (Advertising and Graphic Design)
• Medical Assisting: Terolyn Arrington (Medical Assisting)
• Nail Care: Alma Scott (Cosmetology/Manicuring)
• Mechatronics: Eric Gomez (Electrical Systems) and Josue Ramirez-Pioquinto (Electrical Systems)

Fourth Place

• Nail Care: Shakira Cooper (Cosmetology/Manicuring)

Fifth Place

• CNC Turning Specialist: John Todd(Computer-Integrated Machining)
• Cosmetology: Auriel Bryant (Cosmetology)
• Culinary Arts: William Gorham (Culinary Arts)
• Restaurant Service: Julia White (Culinary Arts)

Nash Community College Associate in Engineering students presented research at the NC Space Symposium held at North Carolina State University on Friday, April 5, 2019. Felipe Caicedo, Bryan Holguin Herrera, and Richard Green contributed a poster at the Symposium – a student-focused event featuring the work of NC Space Grant award recipients, as well as other K-12, community college and higher education students from around the state whose studies are in relevant STEM fields. The symposium featured plenary talks with participants from the space community (NASA, commercial space, aviation, etc.) and student oral and poster presentations.

Nash Community College’s student poster displayed some of the research the team has done towards predicting the landing point of their high altitude balloon payload. The research involved the use of mathematics, meteorology, physics, chemistry, and Matlab programming. The team was scheduled to travel to Lenoir, NC on Friday, April 12 to launch their payload at the 2019 NC Space Grant Community College High-Altitude Ballooning Team Challenge and Competition, held in conjunction with the Gravity Games. However, the launch was postponed due to weather. The team now plans to launch their payload with Edgecombe CC on Monday, April 22 in Tarboro, NC. This is Nash Community College’s first year competing. Grant funds for the project were provided by NC Space Grant and the NCC Foundation Mini-Grant.

The community is invited to the Fourth Annual Blue Fest at Nash Community College on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

The day begins with the Fifth Annual Run for Knowledge 5K race at 8:30 AM featuring a mix of paved and trail surfaces covering the outside loop of Nash Community College before entering the woods for a scenic second half of the course. Registration for the 5K is $30 and includes lunch. At 9:30 AM, runners of all ages will take off for a one mile Fun Run on an all-paved course. The Fun Run cost is $12 with lunch, or $8 without lunch.

From 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, free festival activities will showcase NCC’s specialized programs and facilities including: a display of “Mighty Machines” for kids to touch, see and explore local first responder vehicles, an electric line utility truck, vintage fire truck, 18-wheeler and other commercial vehicles. Plus, a medical transport helicopter will be on site!

Try rappelling from NCC’s 40-foot fire training tower; climb a utility pole; learn about beekeeping, robotics and reptiles. Other activities include cookie decorating with Culinary Arts Chef Frank Bookhardt, drone and robotics demonstrations, face painting and other free family fun. Tour NCC’s forensics lab, aseptic clean room and firing range; or, try out the virtual welding, truck driving and firearms simulators. NCC alumni-operated businesses will be featured in a Small Business Showcase and local organizations will offer a pet adoption event. For a small fee, get a manicure or pedicure provided by the Cosmetology Department; or create a stuffed critter with the Student Government Association.

All activities will be held on the south end of Nash Community College’s campus. Proceeds will benefit the Nash Community College Foundation which raises money for student scholarships.

On Friday, April 12, members of the Nash Community College Global Scholars (GS) program traveled to Winterville, NC for the Worldview: Global is Local Initiative at Pitt Community College. Participants included students Emily Allen and Lorie Futrell, along with Erika J. Simon and Katie Hoffer, Co-Directors of the GS program.

Students Emily Allen and Lorie Futrell were honored by UNC Worldview as the only students involved in a special panel discussion with industry leaders about meeting the ever-expanding needs in eastern North Carolina’s global economy.

Global is Local at Pitt Community College included presentations from faculty at UNC Chapel Hill, on-site visits to global companies in eastern North Carolina, and a panel discussion featuring NCC students. Prompted by the queries of student attendees, panelists discussed changes in industry, skill sets and traits needed and required by current and future workers, and the role that community colleges play in meeting the needs of the modern workforce.

For more information on the Nash Community College Global Scholars program, email nccgps@nashcc.edu or visit the GS Program Website.

The Nash Community College Global Scholars program hosted their annual Global Scholars Capstone on Tuesday, April 16 in the College Library. This year’s presentations were held in the form of a poster symposium showcasing the work of students Lorie Futrell, Hannah Haynes, and Emily Allen. These posters will also be on display during the Student Expo at Blue Fest on Saturday, April 27.

Additionally, these graduates of the Global Scholars program shared what they appreciated most about being a Global Scholar in this video with photos from the Capstone Symposium.

The purpose of the capstone presentation is to provide a space in which students can demonstrate their knowledge and application of the global awareness they gained while completing the Global Scholars program at Nash Community College. During their presentations, students highlighted their understanding of diverse perspectives and their role as global citizens. They discussed key takeaways from their globally-intense courses, global activities, and global immersion. Their final goal was to detail their experiences and discuss how this knowledge can be transferred to their career and/or experience at a four-year college or university.

In addition to being graduates of the Global Scholars program, Lorie Futrell and Hannah Haynes are upcoming Spring 2019 graduates of Nash Community College. They were honored with their Worldview certificates and graduation cords at the NCC 2018-2019 Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, April 17.

The Global Perspectives Scholars (GPS) program is a collaboration between NCC and UNC World View designed to help students discover, connect and engage in the world around them. Through the GPS program, students develop global competencies and skills needed to be successful in today’s global economy. The program focuses on discovering what it means to be a global citizen and how students can apply this knowledge to their academic and professional endeavors.

Requirements for earning the Global Scholars distinction at Nash CC include: completing 15 credit hours with a minimum of a C in globally-intensive courses, participating in 8 global activities and 30 hours of global experience through travel abroad and/or domestic intercultural experience/service, and sharing a capstone presentation related to the global-learning experience and participation in the GS Program.

For more information on the GS program, email nccgps@nashcc.edu or visit the GS Program Website.  

Pictured from left: English and Humanities Instructor, Co-Director Global Scholars Program & Study Abroad, Katie Hoffer; Instructor of Humanities and English, Co-Director, Global Scholars Program & Curriculum Programming Erika Simon; NCC Student, Lorie Futrell; NCC Student, Hannah Haynes; NCC Student, Emily Allen; and Advising and First Year Experience, Assistant Director, GS Program Eva Williams.

A formal induction ceremony was held at Nash Community College for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 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.

NCC President, Dr. Bill Carver, addressed the inductees. “You are celebrated for your accomplishments, not for just approaching the academic work but proving that you are among the best.”

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.

Quoting author William Arthur Ward, Carver said, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

President Carver added, “But it is the student that takes the lessons to heart and is able to prove what has been learned. All of you are to be congratulated. You have learned a great deal and I know you will take the knowledge acquired here and only build upon it.”

The following individuals are Nash Community College’s Beta Upsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa spring 2019 inductees:

Zoe Atkinson
Mauricio Avila
Cameron Baker
Maureen Ching
Donna Coleman
Sharreda Coleman
Jennifer Daniel
Christiana Daniels
Mandi Dawes
Amberleigh Dornseif
Margaret Evans
Ashleigh Glover
Adam Griffith
Sylvia Hauter
Janice Hirsch
David Jones
Lynn Lawton
Megan McLain
Ada Pridgen
Emily Savage
Jacob Smith
Fatin Soufan
Tafari Wheeler
Sittie Wright