Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start Expands Children’s Free Book Program

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By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer/Editor For Hire

Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start recently received funding from NC state lawmakers to expand their free reading program – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – to children ages birth to five years old.

Children in this age range who are residents of Franklin, Granville or Vance County can receive one book a month in the mail free of charge. “If we can sign a child up at birth, that child can receive 60 books free of charge prior to the program ending,” said Garry Daeke, development coordinator for FGV Smart Start.

The first book participants receive is “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper, which, according to Daeke, plays into Parton’s theme of the fire engine. The last book in the series is “Kindergarten Here I Come” by D.J. Steinberg and teaches children ideas and concepts that will prepare them for elementary school.

According to Daeke, the goal of the program is to make books available to all children, regardless of income, and to increase their exposure to language and concepts at an early age. “Brain science says children’s brains are 85% developed by the age of five. Dolly’s program is teaching children to read and helping them understand higher concepts,” said Daeke.

The books are developmentally appropriate for children at the age of sign up and change each month as the child grows. “This program gets kids excited to run to the mailbox each month to receive a book with their own name on it,” said Daeke.

Founded by singer and entertainer Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Foundation in 1995, the Imagination Library has been a part of Vance County on a smaller scale since 2005.

“The NC legislature made more funding available to Smart Starts around the state in order to grow the program. This will allow us to enroll an additional 400-500 children in Vance County this year alone,” said Daeke.

Applications can be found at various locations around town including pediatric offices, childcare centers, the Vance County Public Health Department, the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library and the FGV Smart Start office located at 125 Charles D. Rollins Road near Maria Parham Health in Henderson.

FGV Smart Start will also have a booth set up at the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library in Henderson on Thursday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children present at the sign up will be able to take a book home with them that day.

According to Daeke, the application process only takes a minute and the child should receive their first book in the mail one to two months after the application has been completed.

Those interested in the program may also contact the FGV Smart Start office at (252) 433-9110 or visit the NC Smart Start website at www.ncsmartstart.org to enroll online.

Franklin County Logo

Edward Best Convenient Site Open Until 7 p.m. (2-22-18)

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According to a press release from Franklin County, the convenient site on Highway 56, the Edward Best site, will be open today until 7 p.m.  In the release, Franklin County apologized for “difficulties/inconveniences citizens have experienced over the last two business days.”

The site is normally closed on Thursday, but, in light of the unusual circumstances, an extra day of service was planned.

The release concludes by thanking all for patience and understanding.

VGCC students awarded Golden LEAF scholarships

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— courtesy of VGCC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2018

 

VGCC students awarded Golden LEAF scholarships

A group of students from Vance-Granville Community College recently received scholarships through the Golden LEAF Scholarship program for the North Carolina Community College System. The scholarship program, designed to help North Carolinians attend the state’s community colleges, is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.

The scholarship can be used to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies, transportation and childcare expenses related to attending classes during the 2017-18 academic year, and industry-recognized credential testing expenses that address skill gaps upon course completion. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and reside in rural counties that are tobacco-dependent and/or economically distressed. Scholarships for both occupational (continuing education) and curriculum students are available during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The VGCC students who were awarded Golden LEAF Scholarships for the fall 2017 semester (with their respective programs of study) included:

Angela Bullock of Warrenton (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Whitney Cox of Oxford (Radiography);
Brittney Darnell of Henderson (Business Administration);
Catherine Demming of Oxford (Criminal Justice);
Ethel Fogg of Warrenton (Culinary Arts);
Coleen Green of Creedmoor (Associate in General Education – General Science);
Holly Heston of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration);
Latosha Hunt of Oxford (Business Administration);
Jan Maniace of Henderson (Radiography);
Tracy Matthews of Oxford (Medical Office Administration);
Tyvoria Richardson of Warrenton (Associate Degree Nursing);
Crystal Satterfield of Oxford (Associate Degree Nursing);
Ashley Sawyer of Franklinton (Associate Degree Nursing); and
Shalinda White of Louisburg (Medical Office Administration).

“The Golden LEAF Foundation is proud to have awarded over 11,800 Golden LEAF Scholarships to help North Carolinians attend our state’s community colleges,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “Our hope is that these scholarships will help build the talent, knowledge and skills of our current and future workforce, which are in demand by industry, especially in the rural areas of our state.”

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,558 grants totaling more than $802 million since its inception. For more information about the foundation, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.

Students interested in applying for a Golden LEAF Scholarship should contact the VGCC Financial Aid Office at (252) 738-3280.

–VGCC–

VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

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— press release and picture provided by VGCC

VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

HENDERSON, N.C. – Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will support the “Vanguard Apprenticeship Collaborative,” a VGCC initiative designed to cultivate highly skilled workers for partnering companies in a number of industries. Grant funds will provide scholarships to adult students who are accepted into registered apprenticeship programs. Funds will also be used to purchase some equipment used for technical training and other supplies.

“Apprenticeships are key to meeting the workforce needs of our region’s industries while also supporting students’ academic and career success, and this new grant will allow Vance-Granville to continue to grow this exciting initiative,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “On behalf of our current and future apprentices and our local employers, we sincerely appreciate the strong support of our partners at Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.”

From left, VGCC Vice President of Institutional Research & Technology Dr. Ken Lewis, TechHire grant project manager Kenneth Wilson and (at far right) President Dr. Stelfanie Williams accept a symbolic check representing the new grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans (third from left). (VGCC photo)

“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy district manager. “These students will gain valuable hands-on experience while directly helping meet the needs of the region’s industries.”

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

About Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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(Both VGCC and Duke Energy are advertising clients of WIZS.  This is a news release.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC to hold Business Technologies event

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC to hold Business Technologies event

Vance-Granville Community College will hold a “Business Technologies & Career Explo” (short for “Exploration”) on Thursday, March 1, from 3-7 p.m., in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Attendees will be able to explore VGCC’s programs related to business and information technology and the career fields for which those programs provide training. The programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Information Technology (with tracks in Business Support, Networking/Security, Simulation & Game Development and Web Design/Support), Medical Office Administration, Office Administration, Paralegal Technology and Supply Chain Management.

VGCC’s Continuing Education division will also be represented, as will the Career & College Promise program, which provides eligible high school students with opportunities to pursue a college degree, diploma or certificate, without having to pay college tuition.

Door prizes will be given away, including a laptop computer, an Echo Dot, LED speakers and Virtual Reality glasses.

Refreshments will be provided by the VGCC Culinary Arts program.

“There will be an incredible variety of programs and careers on display all in one room at this event,” said Christal Thomas, head of VGCC’s Office Administration program and coordinator for the ‘explo.’ “We have tried to make it convenient for anyone to attend, whether they’re a high school student or a working adult looking for a new career. VGCC’s Business Technologies department offers classes on four campuses and online, so there are opportunities that practically anyone can access.”

Those who are unable to attend in person will be able to participate in a live chat during the event, which will be accessible on the VGCC website at www.vgcc.edu/bustechexplo. For more information, contact Christal Thomas at thomasc@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

(This is not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC names 257 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

VGCC names 257 students to President’s and Dean’s Lists

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 114 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 143 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall semester that ended in December.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (of at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” of such courses.

Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Jasmine K. Dunston and Sally J. Perry, both of Louisburg;

Katelynn J. Cheek and Abigail M. Smith, both of Oxford.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Bobby C. Crabtree of Kittrell.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Matthew H. Grooms of Butner;

Kaylan C. Hoyle of Henderson;

Jeannie S. Adcock of Oxford;

Ashley N. Drake of Stovall.

 

Associate in Arts:

Tamiya R. Thomas and Jocelyn S. Williams, both of Creedmoor;

Joshua Jacobs of Durham;

Alexis M. Barton, Gavin C. Hardin, Joshua I. Horton and Mya D. Wilson, all of Franklinton;

Jessica P. Grissom, Samantha C. Hines and Destiny E. Stiles, all of Henderson;

Alexander C. Wilkinson of Oxford;

Caitlynn A. Taylor of Stem;

Edgar I. Arrieta-Reyes and Giovanni Reyes, both of Warrenton;

Brian S. Restrepo of Youngsville.

 

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts:

Elizabeth N. Durand of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Jolina Anne Chiong and Amber D. Peoples, both of Henderson;

Timothy Grant of Louisburg.

 

Associate in Science:

Daniel Esquivel-Contreras of Bunn;

Ligaya Carissa Aguas, Lucas R. Hamrick and Fatima N. Hawter, all of Henderson;

Abiral S. Hamal of Louisburg;

Savannah L. Brogden of Oxford;

Kynleigh E. Holley of Wake Forest.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Owen M. Hernandez of Creedmoor;

LaQuad C. Holden and Jacob F. Mosley, both of Henderson;

Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;

Kyle D. Hutchinson of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.;

Jeremiah E. Hatchett of Youngsville.

 

Business Administration:

Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor.

 

Carpentry:

Charles M. Kurz of Henderson.

 

Cosmetology:

Eillah Spivey of Bunn;

Christianne Combs of Durham;

Jennifer M. Lipscomb of Franklinton;

Hannah C. Beckwith and Micaela B. Crowder, both of Henderson;

Kristina M. Brantley and Anna M. Wood, both of Louisburg;

Kaela M. Wood of Oxford;

Kristina F. Graham of Raleigh;

Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;

Chelsie A. Satterwhite of Stovall.

 

Criminal Justice:

Christopher L. Davis of Bullock;

Samantha A. Mangalam of Butner;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Reginald T. Harris and Savannah C. Kelly, both of Oxford;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Tyneshia M. Brackett of Creedmoor;

Danielle N. Enright of Louisburg;

Ethel C. Fogg of Warrenton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Jessica R. Bolton, Lakee’ D. Steed and Makala West, all of Henderson;

Charlie K. Vaughn of Oxford;

Deborah E. Burns of Youngsville.

 

Entrepreneurship:

Heather A. Henkel of Sanford.

 

Human Services Technology:

Fredesvinda C. Euceda-Colindres of Creedmoor;

Wendy Y. Boncek of Hollister;

Sarah H. Borden of Oxford.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton.

 

Information Technology:

Mitchell L. Greene and Robert C. Hurt, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon J. Carver of Durham;

Andrew B. Benedict and Andrew M. Watkins, both of Henderson;

Cody R. Parrott and Ebony Thomas, both of Kittrell;

Michael A. Gokee of Louisburg;

Cameron P. Curtis of Manson;

Kassidy L. Holtzman of Norlina.

 

Medical Assisting:

Michelle D. Beckwith of Kittrell.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Lori M. Lorenzo of Burnsville;

Jessica C. Allgood, Tranita N. Brown, Samantha S. Hernandez, Tracy L. Spain and Jerri L. Wilson, all of Henderson;

Robin E. Dorsett, Holly R. Heston and Shalinda L. White, all of Louisburg;

Keshonda A. McMannen of Oxford.

 

Office Administration:

Courtney Crute of Littleton;

Betsy M. Mason of Macon.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Gabrielle J. Gilley of Creedmoor;

Katie L. Granger of Henderson;

Kelly D. Persinger and Barbara E. Sirucek, both of Louisburg;

Melissa J. Padgett of Stem;

Anne D. Genest and Monica N. Woodlief, both of Wake Forest.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Tamika Everett of Creedmoor;

Malissa S. Chandler of Durham;

Tommy L. Hicks and Jane M. Jones, both of Franklinton.

 

Radiography:

Katie A. Weary of Bullock;

Mark J. Meinhart of Louisburg;

Ashley M. Rhew of Timberlake.

 

Simulation and Game Development:

Richard F. Reynolds of Stem.

 

Welding Technology:

Kaylee Gleason and Carrie E. Johnson, both of Henderson;

Andrew Lynam of Youngsville.

 

Fall Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.

 

Accounting:

Ciara S. Lynch of Franklinton;

Jennifer M. Burton of Norlina.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Cyrus Czar Jover of Henderson.

 

Associate Degree Nursing:

Valerie J. Strange of Bullock;

Guadalupe F. Duran and Christine M. Kingsley, both of Louisburg;

Jodie D. Carroll, Laura L. Murray and Crystal M. Satterfield, all of Oxford;

Halie C. Brooks and Shayne D. Gravitt, both of Raleigh;

Omar R. O’Brien of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in Arts:

Ryan V. Makueyi of Butner;

Andres M. Espino, Samantha J. Shannon and Davina L. Williams, all of Creedmoor;

Tyler B. Woods of Durham;

Destiny M. Quesenberry of Franklinton;

Ke’Moni M. Champion, Matthew S. Denton, Shaneisha L. Eaton, Lehman R. Ford, Zurisadai Guzman-Vazquez, Kaitlyn M. Harris, Brandon J. Hughes, Tim Jiang, Chase A. Parrish, Alexis M. Watson, Lauryn E. Williams, and Kianna A. Wills, all of Henderson;

Lillian D. Kanouff of Kittrell;

Nicholas E. Shearin of Louisburg;

Dana E. Brannock, Caleb R. Brauer and Matthew White, all of Norlina;

Kimberly M. Spence and Hanna L. Williams, both of Oxford;

Nicholas Henry and Toby Hoyle, both of Wake Forest;

Raina A. Mills of Warrenton;

Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham;

Katherine R. Harris, Jerry L. Tawney and Brittany N. Trivette, all of Oxford.

 

Associate in Science:

Shadi M. Nagi and Lindsey R. Perry, both of Henderson;

Monica A. Botros, Aivy B. Derry and Isaac A. Saleh, all of Oxford;

Tiffany N. Dalton and Taylor N. Williams, both of Warrenton.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;

Christopher R. Hernandez of Henderson;

Daniel Shaw of Wake Forest.

 

Business Administration:

Griselle M. Garcia of Franklinton;

Christie G. Ellington of Henderson;

Chance S. Hayes of Louisburg;

Jason D. Hester, Stacy T. Hicks and Latosha C. Hunt, all of Oxford;

Addie L. Brewer of Stovall;

Jacobi L. Affinnih of Zebulon.

 

Cosmetology:

Bridgett N. King and Samantha B. Williamson, both of Franklinton;

Nitianndra G. Boyd, MacKenzie D. Hutson and Chelsea L. Jones, all of Henderson;

Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;

Kadejah M. Bass of Oxford;

Alexa J. Clayton of Rougemont;

Megan L. Twisdale of Townsville;

Nicole Brueck of Wake Forest;

Danielle Seward, Gracie M. Turnbull and Donnicia A. Williams, all of Warrenton.

 

Criminal Justice:

Abdon A. Silva of Butner;

Tiffany R. Wilson of Durham;

Rebecka R. Paul of Henderson;

Cassie R. Gill of Norlina;

Azonte D. Hicks and Stephen B. Long, both of Oxford.

Culinary Arts:

Cassidy A. Young of Franklinton;

Niamani F. Dantzler-Sneed of Henderson.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Jacquella S. Jones of Henderson;

Hayley A. Fox of Kittrell;

Jennifer M. Russell of Louisburg.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Daniel C. Ohrt of Creedmoor.

 

Human Services Technology:

Delois Hart of Henderson.

 

Human Services Technology/Gerontology:

Caitlyn M. Rudd of Franklinton.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton;

Tara E. Brame of Henderson;

Rachel H. Allen of Stem.

 

Information Technology:

Monica T. Greenwood and Steven T. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Dustin L. Starnes and Darius T. Talley, both of Henderson;

Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;

Allen P. Jay and Austin H. Smith, both of Oxford;

Nathan L. Garrard of Stem;

Courtney L. Faison and Austin D. Pearce, both of Wake Forest;

Cody Brandenburg of Youngsville.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Christopher E. Long of Norlina.

 

Medical Assisting:

Melissa C. Bridges of Creedmoor;

Jessica N. Ruffin of Kittrell.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Cynthia M. Black of Bunn;

Valerie A. Robinson of Butner;

Asha M. Grant and Kaitlyn T. Pojman, both of Durham;

Margaret Avery, Tamara F. Glover, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Roy A. Satterwhite, Melissa O. Simmons and Timmara D. Smith, all of Henderson;

Angela P. Pearson of Kings Mountain;

Kristy R. Lyon of Oxford;

Kaitlyn F. Wilson of Roxboro;

Thomas M. King of Wise;

Jessica M. Noll of Youngsville.

 

Office Administration:

Lastacey D. Burwell of Kittrell;

Tina M. Kreidler of Oxford.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Amali N. Hauter and Bratanya K. Simmons, both of Henderson;

Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg;

Lauren E. Cash of Oxford.

 

Radiography:

Corinna Hutton of Durham;

James D. Bolton, Crystal C. Gill and Laurie A. Newton, all of Henderson;

Jan C. Maniace of Hillsborough;

Brittany N. Harmon of Norlina;

Marco A. Carmen-Vazquez, Gloria M. Hudnall and Aaron J. McNeill, all of Oxford;

Terrance M. Wesley of Raleigh;

Bethany Murphy of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Jordan Wynne of Creedmoor;

Galen D. Wilds of Stem;

Jonathan T. Gardner of Youngsville.

 

–VGCC–

VGCC Honors Retired Faculty and Staff

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC honors retired faculty and staff

Vance-Granville Community College celebrated employees who had retired from the college — and particularly those nine who retired in 2017 — during a holiday social for faculty and staff, held in December in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus.

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of VGCC, thanked all employees, past and present, for their dedicated service to students and the community. “Our employees make VGCC such a special place,” Dr. Williams said, adding that this year’s retirees included a “super scientist,” a “duo of dynamic directors,” a “talented techie,” an “awesome administrative assistant,” a “creative cosmetologist,” a “champion child care specialist” and the “greatest of all time groundskeepers.” She noted that these nine retirees served VGCC for a combined 136 years.

She called upon various college leaders to make presentations to their departments’ newest retirees.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Cynthia Grissom-Young recognized Dr. Gail Ruby, who, as part of a long career in education, taught Physics, Math and other courses at Main Campus, South Campus and online for four years.

Director of Plant Operations Jack Puckett honored John Allen for his seven years of service as the Groundskeeper on VGCC’s Main Campus.

Puckett likewise praised Dennis Hodge, who was retiring after 12 years. Hodge joined VGCC as a Groundskeeper and eventually became Coordinator of Grounds Maintenance. Puckett recognized both Allen and Hodge for their commitment to excellence that kept the campus grounds beautiful.

Vice President of Institutional Research and Technology Dr. Ken Lewis recognized Chuck Tulloch, Senior Computer Technician/Telecom Administrator in the Information Technology department, who retired with 10 years of service. He also graduated from VGCC with an associate degree in Networking Technology.

Myra Poole, interim dean of continuing education and basic skills, praised Jean Blaine, another 10-year veteran, who retired as director of Occupational Extension and was previously an administrator in VGCC’s Prison Programs. She was VGCC’s Staff Member of the Year in 2010.

Vice President of Finance & Operations Steve Graham recognized Jack Puckett, who, he said, wore “a number of hats” in his 16 years of service at VGCC. Puckett retired as Director of Plant Operations.

Registrar Kathy Ktul lauded Deborah Sullivan, a longtime administrative assistant in Student Services, as organized and a “workhorse” who took on numerous vital tasks. She retired after 18 years, many of those years in the Career Center.

Cosmetology Program Head Tomeka Moss saluted Iris Richardson, a Cosmetology instructor who taught at three VGCC campuses during her 18 years. She graduated from VGCC with an associate degree, a diploma and a Cosmetology Instructor certificate.

Finally, Dean Grissom-Young paid tribute to Deborah Harris, Child Care Specialist in the Child Care Center on Main Campus, and, with 41 years of service, VGCC’s longest-serving full-time employee upon her retirement. Harris was also surprised at the social when Dr. Williams presented her with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper.

–VGCC–

VGCC names Farmer to lead programs

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— press release courtesy VGCC

VGCC names educator to lead programs

Vance-Granville Community College recently named Delton Farmer of Durham to head three academic programs: Accounting, Business Administration and Supply Chain Management. Farmer has been a VGCC faculty member since 2007.

Farmer is a veteran of the U.S. Army, in which he served as a logistical specialist. He earned an associate degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, a bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Wesleyan College, and master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Health Administration at Pfeiffer University.

After completing six years of military service, Farmer entered the business world, working as an accountant, financial analyst and manager, primarily in the health-care and clinical research industries in the Research Triangle area. In his more than a decade at VGCC, he has taught a variety of Business Administration and Supply Chain (formerly known as Global Logistics) courses at multiple campuses and online. Farmer is also the pastor for Covenant Presbyterian Church in Durham, and he has completed his Master of Divinity degree from Shaw University.

The three curriculum degree programs that Farmer will oversee prepare students for a variety of careers in business, accounting and logistics industries. Students may complete the Business Administration and Supply Chain Management programs completely online if they choose. Supply Chain Management has two degree track options: Global Logistics Technology and Trucking Operations Management.

The VGCC Accounting program, meanwhile, was recognized as one of the ten best associate degree programs in its field across the United States by Accounting.com in 2017.

“Delton brings a wealth of real-world experience from the military and the private sector to his position, along with his many years in the classroom, educating, inspiring and supporting VGCC students,” said Angela Gardner-Ragland, VGCC’s Dean of Business and Applied Technologies. “We look forward to his leadership in continuing to grow our programs in these exciting fields that offer numerous employment opportunities for our graduates.”

For more information on the Accounting, Business Administration or Supply Chain Management programs, contact Farmer at (252) 738-3295 or farmerd@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

Two VGCC students are first apprentices in new HVAC partnership

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— courtesy VGCC

Two VGCC students are first apprentices in new HVAC partnership

Jared Akers of Franklinton and Cyrus Jover of Henderson, both students in the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program at Vance-Granville Community College, recently became the first participants in the college’s new apprenticeship partnership with Youngsville-based Frigi-Temp.

The apprenticeship model involves a combination of formal education with on-the-job training at Frigi-Temp, a commercial HVAC and refrigeration service provider and licensed mechanical contractor that has been serving central North Carolina since 2001. The program takes approximately four years for an apprentice to complete. Not only are apprentices paid, but their college tuition is free.

Akers and Jover were already enrolled in the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program when Frigi-Temp CEO Cory Thornton spoke to VGCC students about the new opportunity to become apprentices. Akers, a South Granville High School graduate, said that the program appealed to him “because it meant I could go to school and get experience in the field at the exact same time.” He had looked for apprenticeships before and was thrilled that VGCC had started the program.

“I went into the HVAC field because I researched, on websites like austinductcleaning.us, and found out that it’s a growing field with a large shortage of technicians, so the opportunities are really wide-open for younger technicians,” Akers added. “Frigi-Temp is a quality company, outstanding in customer service and awesome with their employees, so I’m very glad that this is the first company I get to work for. The experience so far has been amazing.” He said that in just one month, he has learned a great deal through hands-on experience.

Jover had already worked in the HVAC field for almost four years before he became an apprentice, but he had only worked in residential installation. He jumped at the chance to gain a new type of experience. “Commercial HVAC is fun and opens me up to a whole new world of possibilities,” Jover said. “It’s something new every day. Frigi-Temp lets their apprentices become immersed in many different specialties, not just one type of service.” Jover is originally from the Philippines, where he earned a college degree in Biology before coming to the United States seven years ago, at age 20. Here, he found that the HVAC field had numerous job openings. He enrolled at VGCC, first as a part-time and then a full-time student. Now, he is done with almost all of his classwork and spends most of his time working at Frigi-Temp.

Both apprentices sometimes work a full 40 hours per week at the company while continuing their studies.

Students interested in enrolling in the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program can contact program head Wesley Smith at smithw@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3214. Employers interested in partnering with VGCC on apprenticeships are encouraged to contact Ken Wilson at wilsonk@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3259 for more information.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is a press release from VGCC.  It is not a paid advertisement.)

Legacy of Martin Luther King discussed at VGCC

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College hosted a program to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Jan. 24, after being postponed due to winter weather. The discussion was sponsored by the college’s Minority Male Success Initiative and was held in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus.

VGCC Counselor Cathy Davis made remarks about the purpose of the event and the King holiday. She quoted the King Center, which said the observance commemorates Dr. King’s actions and words that “answered our collective longing to become a country that truly lived by its noblest principles.” Davis added, “The Minority Male Success Initiative invites you to commemorate this holiday by making your personal commitment to serve humanity, promote Dr. King’s teachings and carry forward his legacy.”

The program then featured VGCC student Angelica Bridges of Oxford presenting a powerful rendition of the song, “Rise Up.”

The featured speaker for the event was Roberta Scott, a longtime public school teacher and retired Adult High School coordinator for VGCC. Scott is currently a member of the Warren County Board of Education, an officer of the N.C. School Boards Association, and an advisor to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In 1963, she participated in the March on Washington, at which Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

First, Scott described growing up in Washington, D.C, in an era when the nation’s capital was racially segregated, recalling the practices that restricted her access to certain restaurants, playgrounds, schools and even seats on trains. She then put the 1963 march in its political and historical context.

“Dr. King met with President John F. Kennedy, and he told the president about the severity of the injustices in the country,” Scott recalled. “Dr. King said we needed a civil rights bill. President Kennedy told him, ‘I understand, but we have so other many things going on’ and said it couldn’t get done right now.”

Scott said that, after that somewhat disappointing conversation with the president, King’s next move was “to organize a nonviolent march in Washington, the march to the Lincoln memorial, which Dr. King felt would be a fitting place.”

She remembered, “There were 250,000 people who marched that August 28 — people marching cheerfully, having conversations, and there was no violence whatsoever. You saw whole families, children marching with their parents. My husband and I were there, and our four-year-old daughter marched right along with us. It was a sight that you will never forget.”

“I don’t think President Kennedy expected Dr. King to really go back and organize such a march,” Scott noted. With many national civil rights groups working together to organize the massive demonstration, the event was effective in galvanizing public support for a federal civil rights bill, which ultimately was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson after Kennedy’s assassination.

Scott said that young people today typically cannot imagine what the era of segregation was like, because of the work that was done by King and other leaders to make change happen. “You can go anywhere to eat, you can sit where you want to on the bus or the train, go to the college you want to go to, you can do all of these things without even having to think about it,” Scott said. “But there was a day when you couldn’t do that. It’s hard for you to realize.”

She emphasized the importance of rejecting hatred and of voting. “We need to become passionate in a nonviolent way, and we need to encourage everyone 18 years or older to vote,” Scott said. “Do whatever you can in your community to help, to make a difference, and to keep Dr. King’s dream alive, the dream of equality and freedom.”

The program was one of two organized by the VGCC Minority Male Success Initiative in honor of the King holiday. The other was a trip for students to the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro.

–VGCC–