As the local colleges are ramping up for a new academic year, they are also working to foster a culture of collaboration between themselves. On August 1, the presidents of North Carolina Wesleyan College, Nash Community College and Edgecombe Community College met to sign a Statement of Collaboration.

“It’s important that local higher education institutions work together. What better way to collaborate than to have a Statement of Collaboration that shows Wesleyan as well as Nash and Edgecombe Community Colleges are working together on joint program development and grant opportunities. Let’s show the community we are not competitors, we work as a team,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan College.

This agreement strengthens the need for collaborative discussions regarding trade-specific training and educational opportunities for the region. Each institution certifies that they will work in sync with one another to contribute to industry demands. This alliance will lead to cross-professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, while also serving the needs of students, organizations and members of these communities.

“As we collaborate and look for partnerships we welcome these opportunities… together we can make this a better region,” commented Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver.

The Twin Counties is an ideal place for families to live, work and learn. This partnership benefits the community and our students as each institution unites to seek out new educational offerings and programs.

Dr. Gregory K. McLeod, President of Edgecombe Community College, closed with, “I believe the residents of the Twin Counties and surrounding areas deserve our best, and our best can only be realized through our collaboration and teamwork. For them and for us, we can’t afford not to work together… Together We Can. Together We Will.”

Pictured above from left, Dr. Gregory K. McLeod, President of Edgecombe Community College; Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan College and Dr. William S. Carver, II, NCC President

Nash Community College is proud to announce the following students achieved academic honors during the Summer 2019 Semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average (all A’s) while taking 12 or more semester hours. Students who qualify for the Honor Roll must earn a grade point average of 3.3 or above and be enrolled in 12 or more semester hours.

Dean’s List

Emily Ketchum of Richlands
Casey Long of Nashville
Miriam McCoy of Rocky Mount

Honor Roll

Latoya Deans of Elm City
Benjamin Frady of Zebulon
Johnny Johnson of Nashville

Nash Community College’s Gamma Beta Phi Chapter has been recognized among colleges throughout the United States as a 2018 – 2019 Distinguished Chapter. Durham Technical Community College is the only other North Carolina community college to receive the honor.

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, NCC 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.

The Distinguished Chapter was awarded by the Gamma Beta Phi national headquarters and the entire society to honor chapters who have excelled in the chapter programming, recruitment campaigns, service projects, monthly meetings, leadership, and local community impact.

The following colleges and universities were also recognized as 2018 – 2019 Distinguished Chapters:

Thirty-six Electric Line Construction Academy students and family members were introduced to the staff and instructors of the program during orientation Thursday, August 8, 2019. The day’s event included campus tours, assistance with Moodle, obtaining student IDs, and a visit from Electricities representatives. Students also enjoyed a catered lunch courtesy of Electricities.

The Electric Line Construction curriculum prepares students for line construction careers 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 with an emphasis on safety embedded in the program as students earn OSHA, CDL and CPR certifications. For more information, please call (252) 451-8379.

Pictured above: Wendy Marlowe, NCC Vice President of Corporate and Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer welcomes students and family members to the program and campus.

Nash Community College held underground confined space training on Wednesday, August 14 for Rocky Mount Energy Resources employees. The class was led by ElectriCities of North Carolina, Inc.

NCC’s underground confined space structure is used for various training scenarios to prepare Line Construction students and utility professionals for the challenges of their work environment. The three-sided structure is situated below ground, measures approximately five feet wide by eight feet deep and is accessed through a door on the exposed side.

With approval of the State Board of Community Colleges on August 16, 2019, Nash Community College has announced Lew Kyle Hunnicutt, Ph.D., as its fifth president.

Dr. Hunnicutt is currently the Assistant Provost and Campus Director for the University of Georgia – Griffin Campus which serves more than 32,000 students annually in academic, workforce, continuing education, and community service classes, programs and events.

In his position, Dr. Hunnicutt develops and manages academic programs, oversees the Griffin Campus budget and develops and implements enrollment strategy for nine undergraduate and seven graduate programs. Additionally, he manages campus employees, leads facilities projects and executes fundraising efforts.

Originally from Texas, Dr. Hunnicutt graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Master of Science Teaching Degree in General Agriculture. He holds a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from New Mexico State University. Dr. Hunnicutt also has a Master of Science in Reproductive Biology from the University of Wyoming and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Animal Science from the University of Wyoming.

Dr. Hunnicutt began his professional career as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agriculture at McNeese State University, and later served in the same capacity at Southwest Texas State University. He was Vice President of Extended Services at Frank Phillips College in Texas prior to joining the University of Georgia.

“Dr. Hunnicutt’s extensive experience in higher education administration, curriculum program planning, budget management, student services, research and instruction directly aligns with the College’s commitment to addressing the needs of the community with emphasis on instruction, support services, work force development, and partnerships,” Nash Community College Board Chair Paul Jaber said.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hunnicutt has served his community in various capacities and leadership positions with Rotary International, United Way, 4‐H, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, various Chambers of Commerce, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity.

NCC’s current president, Dr. Bill Carver, announced his retirement earlier this year following 32 years of service in the North Carolina Community College System. “Dr. Carver is leaving a legacy of excellence at Nash Community College with the highest levels in academics, growth, and student, faculty and staff team culture,” Jaber said. “We look forward to the future and continuing to meet the needs of the community with distinction. We are grateful for the indelible mark Dr. Carver has made on education and workforce development in the region. Without a doubt, this area is a better place because of his ‘all-in’ commitment to giving every student an opportunity for lifelong success.”

Dr. Carver has served as Nash Community College’s President since 2005. He will retire at the end of October, 2019.

Nash Community College President Dr. Bill Carver and Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School Principal Jennifer Sharpe distributed laptops and backpacks to Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School ”Super Seniors” on Friday, August 16, 2019.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, 57 Super Seniors are enrolled in the Early College High School, a five-year high school within the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools system, located on Nash Community College’s campus.

Early College students take a combination of high school and college courses, and upon successful completion, graduate with both a high school diploma and either an Associate Degree or two years of college credit transferable to a four-year institution.

Through the support of the Connect NC bond, Nash Community College’s Building C was renovated to support growth in the Early College High School program.

Nash Community College president, Dr. Bill Carver, was recognized on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Rocky Mount City Council Meeting for his contributions to the college and community. Carver has served at NCC for 32 years.

Rocky Mount Mayor David Combs issued a resolution of appreciation stating, “Under his leadership, the college experienced sustained enrollment growth and expanded its footprint modernizing instructional spaces and delivery.” Mayor Combs cited Dr. Carver’s key accomplishments including being an early advocate for the early college concept, implementing fundamental education redesign in math, reading and english, opening four new buildings, supporting college teams resulting in national ranking for a digital campus, and his strong partnerships with business and industry.

Bill Carver began his career at NCC as an Engineering and Business Instructor in 1982. He left only for a few years to serve in a supervisory role with Burlington Industries, returning to NCC full-time in 1987 to lead the Small Business Center. He quickly moved up the ranks from Director to Dean, later becoming Vice President of Instruction in 1999. Following six years as Vice President, Carver was named the college’s fourth president.

As President, he has established a reputation for positioning and advancing Nash Community College as a known brand throughout the state.

Dr. Carver will retire at the end of October.

Pictured from left: Dr. Bill Carver, Nash Community College President; David Combs, Rocky Mount Mayor; Rochelle Small-Toney, Rocky Mount City Manager.

Golfers participating in the 30th Annual Nash Community College Foundation Student Scholarship Golf Classic on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Benvenue Country Club will have a chance to win a 2018 Buick Regal GS as a hole-in-one prize sponsored by Davenport Autopark. Pictured from left, NCC Vice President of Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer Wendy Marlowe, NCC Foundation Executive Director Pam Ballew, NCC President Dr. Bill Carver, and Davenport Autopark Sales Manager Graham Nelson. To register to play, or more information about the golf classic, please contact Angela Becker at (252) 451-8440 or albecker649@nashcc.edu or visit www.nashcc.edu/golf.

Jonathan Hillis of Rocky Mount is living the dream. As an apprentice lineman with FB Timberline, he travels the country, seeing new sights and doing work he never imagined possible.

Hillis enrolled in Nash Community College’s 16-week Electric Line Construction Technology academy in January. “I wanted to work with my hands. I wanted to do work that matters. And I wanted to work for a company that appreciates me,” he said. “The training at Nash was everything I had hoped it would be.” A previous graduate of NCC, Hillis refers to Nash Community College as ‘home’.

“I knew nothing about electricity or line construction a year ago, but the program prepared me at the highest level for the work I am doing today. Now, I can literally build power lines from the ground up,” he said.

With the desire to support others in pursuing their dream, Jonathan Hillis recently established a scholarship through the Nash Community College Foundation to assist deserving students as they prepare for a career in the utility industry. The Jonathan Hillis Line Technology Merit Award will acknowledge the outstanding academic merit of NCC Electric Line Construction Technology students.

“The training program is intense and it is very difficult to maintain full-time employment while completing the academy,” he said. “It was financially challenging for me, and I saw many of my classmates struggle as well.” The scholarship will be awarded each semester to one student enrolled in the Electric Line Construction Technology academy.

“Nash’s program is known in the industry for preparing top candidates,” Hillis said. “I never would have known about this company, but they came to campus to recruit directly from my class. Three of us were hired. I am doing work that I love in an industry where I make a difference.”

Hillis shared that he has always had a desire to help others. “The financial burden for students not only includes tuition, but many employers do not provide gear, and it is the responsibility of the graduate to purchase their own,” he said. “Helping lighten the financial load is a way for me to say to others: you have done your best and it shows. Congratulations on your hard work, and make the most out of your career.”

Pictured above from left: Electric Line Construction Technology Instructor Brandon Shook, Vice President of Economic Development Wendy Marlowe, Jonathan Hillis, Vice President of Advancement Pam Ballew and Electric Line Construction Technology Instructor Jon O’Boyle.

Nash Community College is the recipient of a $57,000 grant from Nash UNC Health Care to support expansion of the College’s Health Sciences programs.

The grant provides funding for additional technology and equipment, local recruiting and outreach efforts. Program growth is necessary to help ensure appropriate student/faculty ratios. Additionally, the funding supports faculty professional development, and delivery of the latest best practices in instructional pedagogy and methodology.

Health-related programs at Nash Community College include Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing Education, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Assisting, Nurse Aide I/II, Phlebotomy, and Emergency Medical Services.

“The health care industry has experienced severe nursing shortages over the past few years, and with Nash Community College being a source of top locally-based candidates, not only in nursing, but also in continuing education health sciences programs, this growth is necessary for the betterment of our community,” Nash Community College Vice President of Advancement Pam Ballew said. “For many years, Nash UNC Health Care has been a major partner in education, investing in the students of Nash Community College, to help prepare the next generation of health care employees.”

Nash UNC Health Care Foundation along with Nash UNC Health Care recently awarded nearly $350,000 in grants to organizations across the Twin Counties.

Pictured above: Representatives from Nash UNC Healthcare, Nash Community College and other community organizations benefiting from recent grants.

Plans are being finalized for the 30th Annual Nash Community College Foundation Student Scholarship Golf Classic on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Benvenue Country Club in Rocky Mount. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled day aimed at making a difference in students’ lives and preparing students for meaningful careers.

“Our local area is growing, and I am excited about the positive things happening with new industries, activities and social events,” NCC Vice President of Economic Development and Chief Economic Development Officer and 2019 Tournament Chair Wendy Marlowe said. “Both new and existing industry partners require skilled workers to fill the increased employment opportunities in our communities. The 2019 Scholarship Golf Classic allows Nash Community College to offer improved educational support and grow our workforce pipeline.”

Two tee times are available at 8AM and 1PM. Teams that play during the morning tee time will receive $100 off registration. Team slots will be reserved on a first paid basis as registration forms and payments are received. The registration deadline is September 25.  To register online, visit www.nashcc.edu/golf.

A lively pre-tournament party will be held on Thursday, October 3 from 6-8 PM in the NCC Brown Auditorium.  Guests at the pre-party will enjoy NCC special craft brews and wine, culinary heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and chipping contest.

For additional information, please contact Angela Becker at 252-451-8440 or albecker649@nashcc.edu.

2019 Golf Committee Members pictured from left:  Tiffany Huddleston, Adrienne Covington, Dr. Bill Carver, Wendy Marlowe, Craig Batchelor, Angela Becker, Pam Gould, Pam Ballew and Dina Pitt. Not pictured: Denise Beamer, Frank Maynard, Ralph Emerson

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, the Nash Community College Global Scholars (GS) program hosted a “Brexit Breakfast,” an interactive film screening experience facilitated by Katie Hoffer, English Instructor and Co-Director of Global Scholars. Students were guided through the historical background of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union and what that means for individuals in Nash County, USA.

The purpose of the event was to highlight through a combination of discussion and lecture how this exit from the European Union could affect everything from global security to Cadbury Creme Eggs. Attendees were encouraged to gain new perspectives from different areas around the world as well as to seek out and evaluate information sources before making equally big decisions of their own in the voting booth.

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

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

Nash Community College’s Biology Department hosted Dr. Kelly Cowan for a “Meet the Scientist” event on Tuesday, September 17 and completed a DNA Finger Printing lab experiment using equipment funded by the NC BioNetwork. Dr. Cowan is the author of a textbook used in NCC Biology courses, McGraw-Hill’s “Microbiology: A Systems Approach.”

Dr. Cowan is Professor Emerita of Microbiology at Miami University. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of Louisville and has been a microbiology faculty member since 1993. In addition to authoring three textbooks, Dr. Cowan has published book chapters, a major review article, and 24 research articles about her work with bacterial adhesion mechanisms and plant-derived antimicrobial compounds. Her research is the subject of two patents and has been externally funded. As an avid teacher and pedagogical researcher, Dr. Cowan’s articles are published in the “Journal of College Science Teaching,” the “Journal on Excellence in College Teaching” and “The Teaching Professor.”

McGraw-Hill Education Director of Marketing of the Life Sciences, Jim Connely, accompanied Dr. Cowan to gain student feedback regarding the textbook. Connelly has worked for more than 20 years in educational publishing.

NCC Instructor Nahel Awadallah said, “It is so exciting for our students to be able to meet the author of their text. When we can introduce them to the scientist whose work they are studying, it expands their perspective on the topics we are covering.”

Following Dr. Cowan’s presentation, Instructors Nahel Awadallah and Reggie Cobb led students in a DNA fingerprinting laboratory experiment. The technique is used to establish a link between biological evidence and a suspect in a criminal investigation. By taking DNA samples from a scene, the students were able to compare with a DNA sample from a person. If the two DNA profiles matched, then the evidence came from that suspect.

“Whenever possible, we try to incorporate real-world exercises into our instruction. NCC students get to see where and how they will utilize their research and scholarship prior to entering the field.”

Nash Community College recognized 12 employees from Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant Tuesday, September 11, 2019 as the first cohort to complete the Data Analysis and Management certificate. The College works with the company to provide specialized online instruction tailored to meet industry needs.

Offered through the Information Technologies department, the coursework for Data Analysis and Management introduces students to Microsoft Office and Excel with a focus on using database software and emerging technologies. With the certificate, employees gain proficiency in using productivity software applications to analyze data in the business environment.

In addition to this certificate program, the College also offers two-year degrees, diplomas and other certificate programs entirely online. Nash Online programs are ideal for working adults seeking flexible course schedules while managing full-time employment and other responsibilities. Visit online.nashcc.edu for more information.

Congratulations to the following Cummins employees for their completion of the Data Analysis and Management certificate: Vera Brown, Catherine Bunn, Towanna Haywood, Shamisa Meeks, Cynthia Mills, Timothy Nicol, Dominique Parker, Brett Parmenter, Tammy Silver, Cindy Smith, Damien Taylor and Christina Valentine.

A second cohort began in fall 2019.