New Heavy Equipment Course Scheduled at VGCC Warren Campus

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— courtesy VGCC

New Heavy Equipment Course Scheduled at VGCC Warren Campus

WARRENTON — Vance-Granville Community College is planning to offer a nine-week course to train Heavy Equipment Operators, beginning Monday, April 16, at the college’s Warren County Campus.

A Short-Term Workforce Training Grant from the N.C. Community College System will be available to cover the cost of tuition and books for qualified students, said Kyle Burwell, VGCC’s director of occupational extension.

“Students will have the opportunity to learn the techniques and safety aspects of operating heavy equipment while exploring the various types and functions of the equipment,” said Burwell.

“This is a new career opportunity that Vance-Granville began offering just a few years ago with training that previously had not been available in our service area,” Burwell added. “Students completing this course will have the general understanding to secure a job for a company preparing a site for the construction of buildings, roadways and other structures.”

The college has worked with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to help course completers find jobs with companies that contract with the State.

Student Maurice Thorpe trains on a motor grader simulator in a classroom on the college’s Warren County Campus during a previous Heavy Equipment Operator course. (VGCC photo)

Classes will be held on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays, April 16 through June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.

Steve Buus will be teaching the course. Buus, who earned his diploma in Heavy Equipment Operation from Wake Technical Community College, has held various positions with Caterpillar and similar companies as an operator and manager of heavy equipment. He holds his 30-Hour OSHA Certification in Construction Training from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The Heavy Equipment Operator training program, based at the college’s Warren County Campus, has three computerized training simulators, offering a safe and efficient way to train new operators in a risk-free environment. Highly detailed and realistic lessons teach proper operator technique, machine controls, and safe operation. The simulators feature real-world situations, jobsite hazards, safety violations, hand signals, equipment damage, budget-based scoring, and replica machine controls.

Each simulator allows students to virtually train on a different type of equipment: a motor grader, a four-wheel drive loader and a backhoe. Students use foot pedals, joysticks and steering wheels that mimic those found in actual heavy equipment, while large computer monitors in front of them display a virtual jobsite in the first-person style of a video game.

VGCC students use the equipment not only for practice and experience but also for testing that is required to pass the course.

To register for the course, students may visit www.vgcc.edu/schedules/occupational-extension-schedule.

Students interested in applying for the grant should contact Kyle Burwell at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

– VGCC –

(This is not a paid advertisement.)

VGCC to hold event aimed at homeschoolers

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— courtesy VGCC

VGCC to hold event aimed at homeschoolers

Vance-Granville Community College, in partnership with The College at Southeastern, will soon hold an information session specifically designed for high school-aged homeschoolers and homeschooling parents. The event, called “Generation Connect,” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, 2018, from 1-3:30 p.m., in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Attendees will learn about the educational opportunities available at both institutions, and the unique partnership that VGCC and The College at Southeastern have recently formed. The colleges will be helping students (at any age) who want to enroll at both institutions at the same time, in order to maximize their career options.

Vance-Granville offers more than 40 degree, diploma, and certificate programs to prepare students for further education or to enter a career directly after graduation. Students will find opportunities through programs in business, computer science, construction, education, engineering, health sciences, human services, industrial technologies, law and public safety, public services and transportation technologies. The college operates four campuses, one each in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, while also providing unique online opportunities, with six degrees available totally online.

The College at Southeastern began in 1994 as an undergraduate school of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Wake Forest. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at Southeastern consist of a core curriculum which includes vital training in biblical studies, Christian worldview, world history, theology and English. In addition to their selected Bachelor of Arts major, all students complete a minor in Christian studies with the option of adding a second minor in their area of interest. For students on a Bachelor of Science track, all students have the option of transferring in credits from an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree, dual-enrolling in a vocational program at another institution like VGCC, or completing the business minor.

For more information and to RSVP for the information session, contact VGCC TechHire Project Manager Ken Wilson at wilsonk@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3259.

–VGCC–

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC scholarship endowed by Ardagh

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— courtesy VGCC

Ardagh Group, a global leader in packaging solutions with a facility in Henderson, has established a new scholarship at Vance-Granville Community College. Once fully endowed, the Ardagh Academic Achievement Scholarship will be awarded to a VGCC student each year.

Ardagh Group manufactures packaging for some of the world’s biggest brands. The company operates 109 glass and metal manufacturing facilities in 22 countries, employing approximately 23,500 people. Ardagh has won over 100 international awards related to innovation and has been granted over 50 worldwide patents. The company, which was once known locally as Saint-Gobain Containers, has collaborated with VGCC for many years, utilizing the college’s industry services, including customized training. Ardagh also partners with the college on Work-Based Learning opportunities and programs related to advanced manufacturing.

Pictured, from left, at the Ardagh plant in Henderson are VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams, Ardagh Operations Manager Todd Concienne, Plant Manager Stephane Jean, Human Resources Manager Todd Glawe, VGCC Endowment Specialist Kay Currin and VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. (VGCC photo)

The manufacturer has supported the VGCC Endowment Fund Golf Tournament for several years and was one of the premier sponsors for the record-breaking 33rd annual Golf Tournament in 2017.

“We send our employees to various VGCC programs, and it’s been a seamless process for us,” said Todd Glawe, human resources manager for the facility in Henderson. “The manufacturing world is changing, with much more sophisticated equipment, so we need the training provided by technical programs at the college in order to help us be efficient and successful.”

Ardagh’s Henderson plant manufactures glass bottles and jars, and counts North Carolina’s own Mt. Olive Pickle Company among its longstanding customers. That company holds a special place in the history of Vance-Granville Community College, as college Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson noted, because the largest single gift in VGCC history came from the estate of Robert B. “Bob” Butler of Warrenton, a retired executive with Mt. Olive.

“We have been pleased to be able to assist Ardagh for many years by meeting their needs for training, and we are delighted by their generous support in the form of a scholarship that will help local students achieve career success while also enhancing workforce development,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC.

Ferguson added, “Ardagh is not only a leading manufacturer on the international level, but is also one of our great local employers and partners, so we are honored by their investment in the future of our college and our community.”

Through the Endowment Fund, VGCC has awarded more than 9,100 scholarships to students since 1982. Scholarships have been endowed by numerous individuals, industries, businesses, civic groups, churches and the college’s faculty and staff. Tax-deductible donations to the VGCC Endowment Fund have often been used to honor or remember a person, group, business or industry with a lasting gift to education. For more information about the Endowment Fund, call (252) 738-3409.

–VGCC–

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 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 hosts lecture series on the brain

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College will offer a series of free, engaging lectures on the human brain, and the community is invited to attend.

Phil Dixon, a resident of Oxford, will present the series, entitled “Using Your Brain for a Change,” starting with the first session on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in the small auditorium in Building 2 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. In this introductory lecture, Dixon will take a look at how the brain works generally and what it is made of.

In his later talks, Dixon will focus on “Your Brain on its Own” on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and “Your Brain with Another Person” on Tuesday, March 27. These sessions will also begin at 10:30 a.m. in the small auditorium.

Dixon describes himself as being “passionate about the brain – everyone’s brain!” He spends much of his time reading the latest research about the neuroscience of the brain, 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 such as Executive Coaching, Leadership and Management Development, Change Planning & Management, Culture Change, Recruitment and On-Boarding.

Before he began studying and teaching others about the brain in 2002, Dixon worked in the information technology field – including a stint at Apple – worked in organization development and management consulting, and was the CEO of a commercial real estate firm. He has worked in the private and public sectors, has established and grown a number of consulting firms and has lived, worked and/or taught in over 20 countries.

In 2009, he had the opportunity to study for a master’s degree in Consulting and Coaching for Change in England at a program run jointly by HEC Paris and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. He has published several articles about the brain, and is a frequent and international speaker on the topic of brain-based leadership.

The series of three sessions is presented by VGCC’s Office of the Endowment. “We were excited to be introduced to this gentleman who has this expertise and vast experience and to discover that he is now living in the local area,” explained VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. “Our Endowment Office sees this as another great opportunity for the college to be a valuable resource to the community we serve. We invite our students, our faculty and the community at large to join us for Phil’s fun, informative presentations.”

In the past, the Endowment Office has sponsored two series with Bill Barker portraying Thomas Jefferson.

For more information on this series, call Eddie Ferguson at (252) 738-3264.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

N.C. Community College President of the Year Dr. Stelfanie Williams

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— courtesy VGCC

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, has been named President of the Year for 2018 by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. She is the first leader in VGCC history to receive the honor.

The President of the Year Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo, was established by the State Board in 2001. This award encourages, identifies, and rewards outstanding leadership and commitment to the community college mission among the presidents of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System.

“My fellow trustees and I are delighted that the State Board of Community Colleges has recognized Dr. Williams for her visionary leadership,” said Danny Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees. “Our entire region has been blessed to have Dr. Williams lead Vance-Granville Community College to new heights of excellence by embracing innovation and fostering strong partnerships. She serves our institution, our community and the state of North Carolina with warmth, humility and a passion for student success. This award is a well-deserved honor for Dr. Williams and reflects positively on the entire Vance-Granville team.”

College leaders nominated Williams as part of a competitive selection process in which an eight-page narrative is submitted and candidates are interviewed by an awards committee. The awards process emphasizes accomplishments that presidents have led in the past three years at their institutions – demonstrating broad community partnerships, improving services through technology, workforce education, economic development, advocacy at the local and state levels, long-range planning, innovation in program development and supporting professional development for college employees, among other criteria.

Williams became the sixth president of VGCC in 2012. Since then, she has focused the college on a “Vanguard Vision” strategic plan that addresses educational excellence, continuous improvement, employee and student engagement in college life, and institutional stewardship. Under her leadership, the college has added seven curriculum degree programs, including Mechatronics Engineering Technology, which provides training for advanced manufacturing careers. That program has been supported by some of the largest grants in the college’s history — part of the $40 million in grant funding (including a record-setting, in-kind donation from Siemens PLM Software) secured since 2013. Williams also helped initiate the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance (AMSTA) with the Career & Technical Education high school programs from the four public school systems in the college’s service area.

Her tenure has seen the second-largest private donor gift in VGCC history, as well as six consecutive highest-yielding annual golf tournaments for scholarships. With a focus on student success, the institution has improved completion rates, graduating the largest classes ever in 2015 and 2016. The most recent graduating class (2017) featured the largest number of associate’s degrees awarded in the history of the college.

She collaborated with North Carolina Central University to establish the “Eagle Voyage” partnership that now allows students with associate degrees to complete one of three bachelor’s degree programs without having to leave the VGCC campus. Meanwhile, the college has also partnered with North Carolina A&T State University through a program called “Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses” (RIBN), in which students simultaneously enroll at VGCC and the university to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

In addition, Williams introduced a private donor-funded college promise program called the “VanGuarantee” in an effort to make college more accessible for students with the greatest financial need. The scholarship program has garnered national attention and was highlighted by the White House in 2016.

Williams has championed Vance-Granville’s embrace of technology to provide greater academic offerings and support to students. The “Vanguard Online Learning through Technology” (VOLT) initiative has made six degree programs available completely online.

Prior to leading VGCC, Williams served as faculty and in several administrative capacities at other North Carolina community colleges. She also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the North Carolina State University College of Education.

Williams earned baccalaureate degrees in public policy and Spanish at Duke University, a master’s degree in project management from Western Carolina University, and her doctorate in adult and higher education from N.C. State University.

Williams has served on a number of boards and is the current secretary of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents. In 2014, she was awarded the I.E. Ready Distinguished Leadership Award by North Carolina State University. In late 2017, Williams was appointed to a pair of statewide panels that are focused on education issues: the “My Future NC” Commission and the Governor’s Commission on Access to Sound, Basic Education.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

VGCC – All Campuses Closed Jan 19, 2018

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All campuses of Vance-Granville Community College will be closed on Friday, January 19, 2018, due to inclement weather.

Thank you.

Andrew Beal
Public Information Officer
Vance-Granville Community College

VGCC Opening at 10 a.m. Fri, Jan 5, 2018

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Vance-Granville Community College will open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, because of the inclement weather.

Also, registration for Spring Semester has been extended until 4 p.m. on Friday. The Business Office has also extended the deadline for accepting tuition payments for Spring Semester until 4 p.m., and students are able to pay in full and/or set up a payment plan through WebAdvisor until 4 p.m.

Andrew Beal
Public Information Officer
Vance-Granville Community College