Town Talk 02/04/20: Jobs, Removing Barriers Focus of Desmarais’ First Year

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance-Granville Community College, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Desmarais, who celebrated her one-year anniversary with the college in January, said she is pleased with the recent strides the college has made in workforce development, marketing and removing “barriers” to education.

Making it her mission from day one to “find the programs that could get people into jobs more quickly,” Desmarais and VGCC staff have worked with EMSI, Inc., a national firm that reviews job data, to provide information on the most needed types of employment in the local area.

“The number one and number two jobs of availability in this area were truck drivers and heavy equipment operators,” Desmarais explained of EMSI’s findings.

In response to the community’s need for truck drivers, VGCC, in partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, now offers a truck driving program that gives students the training required to operate tractor-trailer rigs, obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) and become professional truck drivers.

Orientation for the first nine-week program was completed last week with classes to begin Wednesday, February 12, 2020. Students will participate in a combination of classroom instruction, range driving and road driving.

According to Desmarais, 17 students are currently participating in the program and a waitlist has been started for others who are interested. “Local companies that need truck drivers are very excited about the opportunity to have local folks who can take those jobs.”

For more information on the truck driving program, please click here.

By changing the way the college approaches marketing, including getting back to basics with “going out, talking and listening to the people in the community,” Desmarais said the college is learning what local organizations and residents need while strengthening existing partnerships and creating new alliances.

“We are going back to some of the things we use to do such as offering classes out in the community,” said Desmarais. “We have started a new partnership and are offering classes at the Mary Potter School in Oxford, for example.”

Desmarais said VGCC staff are also focused on removing what is frequently considered “barriers” to education, with the recent announcement of the college’s partnership with public and rural transportation service KARTS being a prime example of this commitment.

“This program removes one of the larger barriers of education – students getting to and from college,” Desmarais said.

Thanks to a combination of grant funds and VGCC Endowment Fund donations, the KARTS service is provided free-of-charge to students attending all four VGCC campus locations – Henderson (Main), Louisburg (Franklin), Creedmoor (South) and Warrenton (Warren).

Students can make appointments for KARTS by calling (252) 438-2573 and then dialing “0.” Appointments can be made up to two weeks in advance. For more information on the KARTS program, please click here.

VGCC is currently piloting and tracking the success of another program aimed at reducing perhaps the largest barrier in education – the financial barrier.

“We know that students who get Pell Grants have a lot going on in their lives,” Desmarais stated. “They have a lot of challenges in terms of working and going to school, transportation, living arrangements, and sometimes they aren’t as successful at the school part as they’d like because life gets in the way.”

Explaining that students have to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) to keep their financial aid, Desmarais said the college is offering a “Second Chance Scholarship” to those that may have fallen below the required GPA.

“We [VGCC] help connect them with other agencies to help them solve non-school problems that are getting in the way of them being successful here. Once we do that, we provide what we call a second chance scholarship for them to improve their GPA so that they can get back on financial aid.”

With all of this, Desmarais said the college is writing its narrative as a student-ready college. “We are going to be here for the students that we have. We are not a selective institution, but we are a quality-proud institution.”

To learn more about VGCC, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu or visit its YouTube channel by clicking here.

To hear the interview with Desmarais in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

 

 

 

‘ABBAMANIA’ Taking Over McGregor Hall This Valentine’s Day

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at McGregor Hall with a night of “ABBAMANIA: An ABBA Tribute” on Friday, February 14, 2020. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Come enjoy a rock musical which takes you back to the disco era with one of the best pop bands in history, ABBA. “ABBAMANIA” features nine incredible musicians and singers performing 21 of ABBA’s hits, with all the costume changes, choreography, live band, backup singers and the big studio sound.

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Set Stage for Graduate to Succeed in Nursing Career

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Brittni Griffin had a career goal in mind from a young age. “In the fifth grade, I decided what my purpose in life was,” Griffin said. “I was determined to become a registered nurse.”

Brittni Griffin graduated in May of 2015 with her Associate Degree in Nursing from Vance-Granville Community College. Today, she is employed as a clinical team lead for a unit at Duke University Hospital. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

She eventually learned that her local community college could help make that dream a reality. In her senior year of high school, Griffin was accepted to Vance-Granville Community College and soon began taking the prerequisite courses that she would need before entering the selective Associate Degree Nursing program.

“In the spring of 2012, I had completed all the required courses that were needed for the ADN program, and I applied for entry into the program,” she recalled. “I was one person away from being able to enter the program, which meant I had to wait until the following year to try again.” Despite her disappointment, Griffin persisted and was accepted into the college’s ADN program the following year.

“I graduated in May of 2015 with my Associate Degree in Nursing,” she said. Griffin also served as president of her graduating class. Now, she could finally achieve her longtime goal of becoming a registered nurse. Griffin had accepted a job offer in nursing from Duke University Hospital even before she graduated.

“I started my career at Duke in August 2015,” she said. “In January of 2016, I jumped into taking one course at a time to start my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.” The additional degree would allow Griffin to advance in her career and actually brought her back to VGCC to take courses that would transfer to the four-year university level. She was accepted into the University of North Carolina at Charlotte BSN program in 2017 and graduated in May of 2018.

“In October 2018, I accepted a job offer as the clinical team lead of another unit at Duke University Hospital,” Griffin said. “As the clinical team lead, I act as the assistant nurse manager. I complete payroll, conduct counseling with employees, develop educational material for staff, and much more. Thanks to Vance-Granville Community College’s outstanding Nursing program, I was set up for success upon graduation. I am proud to tell people that I graduated from VGCC’s ADN program and refer people to apply often.”

Coop. Extension Announces 2020 Small Farms Week; Scholarships Available

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-Information courtesy Warren Co. Cooperative Extension Office

The 34th Annual Small Farms Week hosted by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is March 22-28, 2020. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Farmers, Sustaining Farms.” The kickoff event is March 20 in Cherokee County, home of the 2019 Small Farmer of the Year.

The Small Farmers’ Appreciation Luncheon is Wednesday, March 25, and will be on A&T’s campus at the Alumni-Foundations Events Center. During this event, the 2020 Small Farmer of the Year will be named.

Registration is $30; however, this fee is waived for NC small farmers. To register, click here.

A limited number of scholarships will be provided for small farmers from selected counties interested in attending the activities to be held on campus as part of Small Farms Week, March 22-27, 2020. Small Farms Week events are designed to provide educational opportunities as well as celebrate and recognize the contributions that small farmers make to this state. The scholarship will cover registration fees and two-nights lodging (double occupancy).

To apply for a scholarship, please complete and submit the application by March 2, 2020. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that your application submission for a scholarship is not a guarantee for approval.

Individuals awarded scholarships will be notified in writing by March 13, 2020. Please note that scholarship recipients must be at least 18 years of age. Children are ineligible for a scholarship and should not apply.

NCCU-VGCC Agreement Supports Growing Life Sciences Industry

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Vance-Granville Community College leaders signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences.

The memorandum of understanding is part of North Carolina’s Pathways to Success program and sets up a streamlined process for graduates of Vance-Granville’s two-year bioprocess technology associate of applied sciences degree to transfer those credit hours to NCCU’s baccalaureate program, entering as juniors.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye and Vance-Granville Community College president Dr. Rachel Desmarais signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences. (VGCC photo)

“Training scientists for the pharmaceutical industry is vitally important for the region’s economy and a strong priority at the university’s Biomanufacturing Research and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),” said NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye.

“By partnering with Vance-Granville Community College, we have increased the pipeline of top students entering NCCU who will complete their Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences. We hope that many stay on, as well, to earn a master’s or a doctorate in integrated biosciences.”

As part of the two-campus agreement, Vance-Granville students can get ahead by taking NCCU coursework prior to officially entering the university. Options include a summer lab-skills workshop, externships at BRITE, and Stackable Credentials to Strengthen the Pathway to Biopharma, an online certificate program offering instruction in regulatory sciences, project management and other knowledge specific to the biopharma industry.

Akinleye and Desmarais shake hands after signing an agreement furthering the partnership between NCCU and VGCC. (VGCC photo)

“We are delighted to enhance our current partnerships with NCCU by providing a new pathway for VGCC bioprocessing graduates to obtain a four-year degree in pharmaceutical science,” said Vance-Granville President Rachel Desmarais. “NCCU is a valuable partner in creating pathways to success for our students.”

The Stackable Credentials program, which has a number of components, receives funding from NIIMBL, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, which contributed more than $400,000 in 2018 to boost the university’s ability to train researchers, technicians and others for the life sciences field.

Biotechnology and life-sciences are among North Carolina’s fastest-growing industry segments, employing more than 75,000 workers with average annual salaries of $90,000, twice the state average. Since 2008, life-sciences employment has increased by more than 19% statewide and is expected to continue to grow as more biological products are used in drug research, development and production processes. A 2018 survey by Deloitte projects that as many as 60% of jobs in pharmaceutical manufacturing will be lacking qualified candidates to fill them by 2025.

“There are a number of career opportunities that our VGCC bioprocessing graduates will be exposed to while completing the degree in pharmaceutical science at NCCU,” said Levy Brown, vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success at Vance-Granville.

BRITE Director Hernan Navarro said the institute’s workforce-development approach to education is part of its mission.

“Today’s agreement gives BRITE the opportunity to expand its student base and gives Vance-Granville Community College students a way to advance their careers, so it’s great for both,” he added.

Faculty and staff thanked for their work on the project were Vance-Granville’s Bioprocesses Program Director Stewart Lyon and Dean of Arts and Sciences Cecilia Wheeler, along with NCCU Pharmaceutical Science professors Kevin Williams and Andy Li, and BRITE academic recruiter Natacha Janvier-Derilus.

I Voted Sticker

Early Voting for March Primary Begins Feb. 13

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Early voting for the March primary will open on February 13, 2020, and close on February 29, 2020. Operational hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Warren County Board of Elections will be open on Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on the last Saturday, February 29, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After the close of early voting, voters must report to their precinct on Election Day (March 3, 2020); the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

The last day to make party changes is February 7, 2020.

The March primary is a party primary; voters will only be issued the ballot of the party for which they are registered. Contact the Warren County Board of Elections at 252-257-2114 or visit the NC State Board of Elections website to view your voter information.

ABEL Leashing Ceremony to be Held at Warren Correctional Thurs.

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-Press Release, NC Dept. of Public Safety

After 18 months of training dogs to become service dogs, a “leash” ceremony where the dogs will go to new owners will take place as part of an “At Both Ends of the Leash” (ABEL) Program at Warren Correctional Institution. The program will be held on Thursday,  January 30, 2020, at 1 p.m. in Warren Correctional’s visitation area.

The program, a partnership with nonprofit Eyes Ears Nose & Paws (EENP) of Carrboro, allows offenders to train service dogs, working with EENP to develop the training regimen. The program’s end goal is to place the dog in the home of an EENP client with assistance needs.

The ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments and skills of not only these amazing animals but their offender trainers as well. Demonstrations will show the dogs’ skills in life activities geared to assisting their new owners. Speakers will include EENP Program Director Deb Cunningham, as well as officials and dog trainers from Warren Correctional Institution.

Filming Opportunity Available for Warren County’s Small Businesses 

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Warren County Economic Development will be filming local businesses in Warren County on Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The footage will be used to market the companies within Warren County and to attract new businesses.

If you would like your business included, please email StacyWoodhouse@WarrenCountyNC.gov and put “filming” in the subject line. Please provide the name and address of your business and a phone number where you can be reached. If you do not hear from the EDC office within two business days, please call 252-257-3114 to confirm we have received your email.

For more information, contact Stacy Woodhouse, Director of Warren County Economic Development, at 252-257-3114 or at StacyWoodhouse@warrencountync.gov.

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LIFT Adult Fitness Program to Begin Jan. 31

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-Press Release, Warren County Government

Lifelong Improvements Through Fitness Together (LIFT) is an evidence-based program that can help adults of all ages. The Expanded Foods and Nutritional Education Program (EFNEP) will sponsor LIFT sessions at the Healthy You Building located at 201 South Main Street, Warrenton on the last Friday of every month beginning at 2 p.m. The first session will be held on January 31, 2020.

In order to register for these classes, please call Nitasha Kearney at (252) 257-3640. The LIFT program can help develop relationships, improve functional fitness, and improve emotional health.

LIFT began with the members of the Physical Activity Leadership Team of Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a program developed for adults of all ages to use everyday activities in different exercises. These exercises allow busy adults to continue their daily routines while engaging in vigorous activities to keep the heart pumping freely and burn unwanted calories at the same time.

This program is free to all adults in the community. Please contact the Warren County Cooperative Extension office at (252) 257-3640 or email Nitasha Kearney, EFNEP.

Fairytale Characters to Take Over McGregor Hall!

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-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center is gearing up for its presentation of “Into the Woods,” a fully staged Broadway-style musical presented with a live, professional orchestra.

Evening performances include Sat., February 1, Fri., February 7 and Sat., February 8 at 8 p.m. Matinee performances will be offered at 2 p.m. on Sun., February 2 and Sun., February 9, 2020.

Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece “Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, entwining the classic stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood with an original story about a baker and his wife wishing to start a family and live a more wonderful life. The moral of this story? Be careful what you wish for!

Tickets for this event may be purchased by:

DROP-IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m

CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org  (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)

(This is not a paid advertisement)