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–

VGCC guest speaker starts series on the brain

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— courtesy VGCC

Phil Dixon is passionate about the human brain, and he communicated his passion in a fascinating Jan. 30 discussion that kicked off a series of three lectures hosted by Vance-Granville Community College, entitled “Using Your Brain for a Change.”

Originally from England, Dixon has lived in Oxford, N.C., for less than a year. His work history has spanned many different industries and parts of the world, including a stint at Apple.

Today, though, Dixon spends much of his time reading the latest research about neuroscience and determining how that research can be translated into practical application in our daily lives. In particular, Dixon is deeply involved in the application of neuroscience to leadership and management issues.

He said the reason that he and others focus on the brain is simple. “Everything we think, do and dream starts right between your ears, so I think it’s pretty important to take a look at what’s going on there,” Dixon said. Beyond that, he recalled that, years ago, he noticed the abundance of books and articles being published by supposed experts on the subject of leadership. “And yet, with all that available, we didn’t seem to be producing any better leaders,” Dixon said. “In fact, we seemed to be producing leaders who were getting worse. I wondered why. I studied and realized that if we can better understand the brain, maybe we can be better leaders.”

Dixon began his interactive presentation by giving the audience an outline of the brain’s structure, which can be divided not only into two halves but also into three “layers.”

“The first layer, going from bottom to top, is what is sometimes called the ‘lizard brain,’ which is the activator for the fight-or-flight response,” Dixon explained. “It’s pretty much on autopilot. It keeps you breathing.” Second is the “mammalian brain” or the “limbic system.” “This layer is responsible for managing your emotions, memories, biases and habits, and is the activator of decision-making,” he said. “Finally there is the neocortex, which is responsible for those things we typically describe as what make us human: language, imagination, consciousness and reasoning.”

Dixon said that each of the brain’s approximately 86 billion neurons is connected to thousands of other neurons. “We used to think the brain looked like a computer, but now we think it looks more like the Internet, with everything connected to everything else,” he said. “Your brain continues to change, and make new connections, throughout your life. Its ‘neuroplasticity,’ its ability to change, is huge.”

The human brain is constantly “scanning” the environment, Dixon explained, picking up on cues that indicate potential threats and potential rewards. “Of all the ‘circuitry’ in the brain, we have five times as many circuits in the brain to pick up threats as we do to pick up rewards,” he said.

He described the brain’s reactions with the “Five P’s”: Protection, Participation, Prediction, Purpose and Pleasure. “What people want is to feel physically and emotionally safe, we want to feel part of the group, and to be able to predict or have control over our environment,” Dixon said. “If those are taken care of, we feel safe. Then, we are able to find out what our purpose is in life, and we can enjoy the pleasures of life.”

Dixon said he was “blown away” when he learned that researchers discovered that the brain treats an emotional threat in the exact same way as a physical threat. “If I diss or reject someone or shout at them, to the brain, it’s exactly the same as if I slapped them around,” he noted.

Chemically, Dixon said, when a human feels threatened, the brain releases cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone.” The bad news is that the cortisol “hangs around” in the brain for between two and five hours after the threat. “So in most work or learning environments, you really don’t want to put someone’s brain into a threat state if you can possibly avoid it, because cortisol practically shuts down someone’s ability to plan and organize, initiate and learn,” Dixon argued.

One thing that puts the brain into a “threat state,” he explained, is change. “We are in a “VUCA” environment today: volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” he said. “The brain likes to be able to predict things.”

Dixon’s series continues on Tuesday, Feb. 27, with “Your Brain on its Own,” focusing on how the brain operates when people are alone, including how they focus, make decisions and manage stress and time. The lecture is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to noon, in the small auditorium in Building 2 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. The public is invited.

The series concludes with “Your Brain with Another Person” on Tuesday, March 27. Dixon’s lectures are presented by VGCC’s Office of the Endowment. For more information, call Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson at (252) 738-3264.

–VGCC–

N.C. Department of Labor Safety Award Submission Deadline Feb 16, 2018

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— press release from N.C. Department of Labor

The N.C. Department of Labor has begun accepting applications from businesses that qualify for a workplace safety award. Safety awards are presented to companies throughout the year that have demonstrated above-average worker safety and health programs.

“Our safety awards program recognizes employers and employees that are committed to promoting safe work environments in their communities,” state Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “It is always a great honor to recognize those businesses and organizations that go beyond the standard, for a good safety record is something they can be quite proud of.”

Businesses that qualify for the award must meet two requirements. They must be free of fatalities at the site for which they are applying. The site’s injury and illness rate also must be at least 50 percent below that of their industry’s average rate.

Award recipients will be honored in their communities throughout the state at safety awards banquets co-sponsored by the N.C. Department of Labor, local chambers of commerce and other organizations.

For more information on the Safety Awards Program or to download an application, visit www.labor.nc.gov/safety-and-health/recognition-programs/safety-awards-program. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 16.

Franklin County Logo

New Park in Franklin County to Open in 2018

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PRESS RELEASE

September Opening Set for Franklin County’s Newest Park
Groundbreaking for the V.E. and Lydia Owens Recreational Park expected in May, 2018

Franklin County, January 26, 2018: The countdown is on for the opening of the V.E. and Lydia Owens Recreational Park in Franklin County. Representatives from the McAdams Company offered an update to commissioners January 16, 2018 noting groundbreaking for Phase I improvements are planned for May, 2018 with an anticipated grand opening planned for September, 2018.

Phase I of the park will include a playground, a half-mile running/walking trail and fishing pier. It will also include an open lawn/event space, demonstration garden as well as road and parking.

In August, 2014 the county purchased 167 acres at the intersection of Massenburg-Baker Road and Wheless Road, northeast of Louisburg, formerly known as Bull Creek Golf and Country Club. The site was purchased with funds bequeathed to the County by the late Edgar H. Owens who wished to create a park and fishing pond for all county residents to enjoy. A master plan for the park was completed in March, 2016 based upon robust citizen input and additional funding was secured on August 1, 2017 to complete improvements identified within Phase 1.

Full detail about the park and the planning process is included within the master plan facilitated by the McAdams Company and can be viewed at https://files.www.franklincountync.us/parks/2016-03-18_VE_Lydia_Owens_MasterPlan_-_Final.pdf.

For additional information, please contact Angela L. Harris, Franklin County Manager, at (919) 496-5994.

Franklin County Government is committed to effective and innovative public services for all Franklin County citizens and businesses.

Connect NC Bond renovation projects at VGCC planned for 2018

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College is gearing up to begin renovations that will improve masonry rooflines, walls and bridges at the Main Campus using the funds allocated by the Connect NC State Bond.

Renovations to restore, repair and waterproof masonry will be placed out for bids in April with work scheduled to begin in May, according to a report delivered to the VGCC Board of Trustees at its bimonthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 22.

Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., chair of the board’s Building Committee, reported that funding will come from $1 million of the funds allocated by the Connect NC Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016. A remaining balance of $69,000 from county resources that has been used for structural renovations to roofs and masonry will also be available for the project.

Bids will be going out in March for the renovation of 3,200 square feet of space in the college’s newest building, Building 10, to accommodate a practical simulation lab for the Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs housed there. Connect NC bond money will be combined with a private donation to complete the project. The renovation may provide an opportunity for the college to expand the training it offers for public services.

At the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, the Welding Technology lab is being renovated to add eight welding booths with plans to complete that project this month. A demonstration area in a Welding classroom, adjacent to the lab, will be renovated and ready for use this summer. This project is being funded with Connect NC bond money.

In a general discussion on the college’s services to the community, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president, cited efforts to help area business and industry.

For example, she noted, the college met with leaders of a new industry, Mako Medical Laboratories, to address their educational needs.

The college will begin meeting the needs of the newly announced industry through its Histotechnology and Medical Assisting curriculum programs, she said, with plans to add a Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum.

Mako, a Wake County-based medical diagnostic testing company, announced in November a decision to expand with the location of a facility in Henderson and the eventual creation of more than 150 jobs. The company is locating in the former Harperprints building with an initial 30 to 50 jobs, according to the announcement last fall.

“Our Histotechnology and Medical Assisting programs will be a great start for them,” she added. “We’ve been able to sit down with them. We had about 10 of our employees with the college meet with their senior leaders and talk about how they are going to grow and how Vance-Granville can serve them.”

“It’s a great company,” she added. “I think we are very fortunate to have them.”

In other action:

• In her report to the board, Dr. Williams highlighted recent accomplishments and opportunities at the college, citing in particular recent efforts of VGCC’s Pharmacy Technology students leading service projects to provide relief to people in the Caribbean who were affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and a partnership with police and a pharmacy in Creedmoor for a drug collection event for people to dispose of outdated and unused prescription drugs. Similarly, Dr. Williams noted, college students collected school supplies and books for children affected by domestic violence, citing a service project by the Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

• The board gave approval to Mid-Year Amendments to the 2017-2018 Budget as presented by Trustee Abdul Rasheed, chair of the Budget Committee. The adjustments were made to account for $1,834,568 in carryover funds from the previous year and grant funding.

• In the reports of the Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris, approval was given to a course to be offered at correctional facilities in Butner, Bunn and Manson, and an Accountability and Integrity Plan for Workforce Continuing Education was approved by the board.

• Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., chair of the board’s Investment Committee, reported on continued growth of the college’s investments.

• An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was provided by Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the board’s Personnel Committee.

Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright presided over the meeting.

The Board of Trustees will hold its next regular meeting on March 19 at the Main Campus.

— VGCC —