Tag Archive for: @VanceGranville

VGCC forms new partnership with UNC Wilmington

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–press release courtesy of VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College continues to show its commitment to building partnerships that provide meaningful pathways for students seeking to transfer to a four-year university. Recently, VGCC solidified a partnership with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). The UNCW & VGCC “Pathways to Excellence” program will provide transfer students from the community college with guaranteed admission to UNCW.

VGCC is one of a host of community colleges from various regions across the state to sign on as a part of the Pathways to Excellence program with UNCW due to the quality of education that transfer students will receive at the institution. VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais and UNCW Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Sartarelli inked the partnership agreement, and expressed enthusiasm about how it will benefit students.

“The co-admission agreement between VGCC and UNCW is a fine example of innovation and collaboration,” said Dr. Desmarais, president of the community college. “We look forward to helping our Vanguards achieve their academic and career goals by continuing their education as UNCW Seahawks.”

Pathways to Excellence guarantees admission to UNCW for students completing an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in transferable, college-level coursework from VGCC. As a part of the agreement, VGCC students will have access to a Transfer Student Success Coordinator that will meet with students at Vance-Granville throughout each semester. Students will have the benefit of working with their VGCC advisor and the Transfer Student Success Coordinator from UNCW. VGCC students will have the opportunity to attend an open house event, as well as an application event in the spring on the community college campus, and will receive a university application fee waiver as a transfer student.

“We are elated to partner with UNCW on the Pathways to Excellence program,” said Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s vice president of learning, student engagement and success. “This is another example of our dedicated team seeking opportunities to provide multiple pathways to success for students. The goal is for our transfer students to receive an excellent experience at VGCC and move on to the University of their Choice. It is wonderful that this UNCW program is now an option for students in our communities!”

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this guaranteed admission partnership between VGCC and UNCW, please call VGCC at (252) 738-3234. If you are interested in enrolling at VGCC, please apply at www.vgcc.edu or call (252) 738-3234.

–vgcc–

(VGCC is a paying advertising client of WIZS and WIZS.com.  This is not a paid ad.)

VGCC receives high national rankings

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Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized by a national organization as one of the top ten community colleges in North Carolina, and by another organization as one of the top 20 two-year colleges in the state for online programs. In addition, three of the college’s degree programs have been spotlighted with high rankings, as well.

VGCC placed seventh on the list of the top community colleges in the state published by BestColleges.com. The website noted that VGCC offers more than 40 programs in the arts and sciences, business and applied technologies, and health sciences. “Though the institution has grown substantially since its founding in 1969,” the organization said, “VGCC still offers its students small classes and individual support from instructors.”
Texas-based BestColleges.com was founded in 2012 with the mission of helping prospective students find the college that best meets their needs. Visitors to BestColleges.com can find tools and resources to help them succeed throughout their higher education career. Those in the college planning stage can take advantage of college rankings, a searchable database of schools, and financial planning guides.

Meanwhile, the California-based Community for Accredited Online Schools (AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org) ranked VGCC 19th in its list of the “Best Online Schools in North Carolina for 2017.” CFAOS was founded in 2011 to provide students and parents with quality data and information about pursuing an affordable education that has been certified by an accrediting agency.

VGCC has expanded its online course offerings in recent years. In 2015, the college launched the VOLT (Vanguard Online Learning through Technology) initiative, primarily with working adults in mind. Through VOLT, six two-year degree programs are now offered 100-percent online — Associate in Arts and Associate in Science (both also known as “College Transfer”), Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Medical Office Administration – Coding Specialist, and Supply Chain Management. In addition, students can take online courses in combination with traditional face-to-face courses to complete any VGCC degree program.

“We wanted to highlight schools like Vance-Granville Community College, who are providing exceptional education programs online,” said Doug Jones, CEO and Founder of the Community for Accredited Online Schools. “These colleges offer an outstanding educational experience, upholding rigorous accreditation standards and show an overall commitment to maximizing student success.”

The organization went on to single out two programs as among not just the best in the state but in the entire nation. The VGCC Early Childhood Education program was ranked 13th among two-year college programs throughout the United States, while the Information Technology program was ranked 45th in the country.

The VGCC Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). VGCC offers not only the two-year associate degree in Early Childhood Education, but also a three-semester diploma program and three certificate options, as well as a certificate in Infant/Toddler Care.

VGCC offers a two-year degree in Information Technology, with “track” options to allow students to specialize in Business Support, Networking & Security Track, Simulation & Game Development, and Web Design & Support. In addition, a two-semester Information Technology diploma program and certificate programs in CISCO Networking, Simulation & Game Development Design Fundamentals and Software Specialist are offered not only to adult learners but also to eligible high school students as a Career and College Promise (CCP) Pathway.

Houston, Texas-based AffordableColleges.com recently ranked the VGCC Criminal Justice Technology program as one of the nation’s 40 most affordable online associate degrees in that field. VGCC’s program came in at number 22 on that list. “In a review of schools across the nation, VGCC’s program stood out in both quality and affordability,” according to Emily Reed of AffordableColleges.com. The mission of the organization is to help students find schools and programs that match their educational interests while still being affordable. “Designed to prepare graduates for myriad roles at the county, state, or federal government levels as well as roles at private companies, this all-encompassing degree is an excellent path into either a career or a four-year degree program,” the website stated in describing the VGCC Criminal Justice program. “Requiring the completion of 65 to 66 credits in total, this program emphasizes studies in criminology, criminal law, investigative principles, ethics, and the criminal justice system as a whole.”

Registration is going on now for the fall semester at VGCC, which begins Aug. 14. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–

VGCC mentoring program takes students to Greensboro, Charlotte

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The Male Mentoring Success Initiative (MMSI) at Vance-Granville Community College recently took a group of 18 students on a tour of sites in Greensboro and Charlotte that allowed them to explore careers, four-year universities and cultural activities.

Anthony Pope and Michael Farmer, co-coordinators of the initiative, accompanied the “mentees” on a trip that included touring five institutions of higher learning, visiting the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Charlotte Hornets organization and attending a game between the Hornets and the reigning NBA Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some of the students would soon be graduating, and the tour helped them to consider several options to continue their education at the four-year level.

The group first toured the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, before learning about the history of the civil rights movement at the museum in downtown Greensboro. The exhibits and artifacts allowed the mentees an opportunity see the original Woolworth lunch counters where the sit-in movement was initiated by four North Carolina A&T State University students in 1960. Mentee Kendrick Pettiford said that “the lessons I learned taught me how people had to struggle to survive as they held onto their beliefs and that there was a future where everyone could get along regardless of race.” Mentee Joseph Vodjogbe added, “I found the museum to be intriguing, historically educational and emotional. I got to see how bad segregation and racism was in the past.” Next, the students toured N.C. A&T, the largest historically black university in the country, and enjoyed a step show by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The trip continued for the next two days in Charlotte, where the group toured the campuses of Johnson C. Smith University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Johnson & Wales University. Finally, students enjoyed the Charlotte Hornets game at the Spectrum Center. Prior to the start of the game, the mentees received behind-the-scenes tour from an account executive for the Hornets organization, who explained to them various business management career opportunities in professional sports. “Although the Cavaliers won by a score of 112 to 105, it was still a good game, and seeing NBA All-Stars Kemba Walker, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, along with the legendary Patrick Ewing, was exciting,” Pope said. Mentee Christopher Pernell, a member of the VGCC Vanguards basketball team, stated that “this was my first NBA game, and it was a great experience.”

Supported by a grant from the North Carolina Community College System, the MMSI at VGCC works to help male students stay in school and on track to graduate or transfer to a four-year university. For more information on the mentoring initiative, contact Anthony Pope at popea@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3395.

–VGCC–

VGCC student nominated for Herring Award

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Jordan Williamson of Henderson, a student in the College Transfer program at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently the college’s nominee for the North Carolina Community College System’s Dallas Herring Achievement Award.

The award was established by the system in 2010 to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring, the longtime State Board of Education chairman and one of the state’s earliest advocates of community colleges. Each year, the award recognizes a current or former community college student who best embodies Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”

Williamson said that VGCC had helped him to overcome learning challenges and earn a college degree. “As a child, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is characterized by social awkwardness and difficulty communicating feelings,” he wrote in an essay for the award nomination. “My grade school education was normal, by all accounts, but I struggled to interact comfortably with other people. As I advanced through school and eventually entered the Vance County Early College High School, I withdrew socially. I was allowed certain accommodations in order to compensate for some of my challenges in class, but at times these seemed to separate me from my peers even more.  My instructors offered their support and understanding, which allowed me to continue my education without the need for remedial or special classes.” 

As a VGCC student, Williamson wrote, “the opportunities that I have been afforded have allowed me to excel in my education…. I was allowed to record notes during class, instead of having to write them down. I was allowed additional time during exams to help alleviate my anxiety during timed exams. I was allowed a separate, quiet area to take my tests in order to reduce distractions and allow me to focus more clearly. I have been allowed the opportunity to succeed or fail based on my own merits.”

Williamson describes himself as “a young man who has to use the tools that I have been given and try to achieve the best that I can with them.” He is graduating from VGCC this month with his Associate in Arts degree, as well as his diploma from Vance County Early College High School.

“I want to continue my education and work in the field of science,” Williamson added. “I aspire to use the gifts that I have been given to become the best person that I can. I do not know what my future holds, but my present has been shaped by the opportunities that I have been given. My goal is to become someone, that when I look back from a ripe old age, did his best with the tools he was given.”

“During Jordan’s tenure at Vance County Early College High School and Vance-Granville Community College, I have seen him grow and mature socially, physically and academically,” said Evangeline Mitchell, VGCC’s college liaison for the high school. “He is a daily reminder that with hard work, dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. I am so proud of Jordan and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

–VGCC–

VGCC nominates student for statewide leadership award

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Francis Scotland, Jr., of Oxford, a student in the College Transfer program at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently the college’s nominee for the North Carolina Community College System’s Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award for 2017.

The award was established in 2004 in honor of Scott, who served as Governor of North Carolina from 1969-1973, and as President of the N.C. Community College System from 1983-1995. Each year, the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents bestows the honor on one community college student in recognition of his or her academic and leadership achievements.

Scotland was recognized for his leadership as a student ambassador and as an officer in the VGCC Student Government Association (SGA). He recalled being “hesitant” the first time he was offered a position of leadership at the college. “I was offered the position during my first year at VGCC by my former Chemistry teacher, Steve McGrady,” Scotland said. “He pulled me aside after class one day and told me how good my grades were and asked if I wanted to be a counselor for the VGCC summer science camp. I was both nervous and humbled that I was offered such a position. I feared that I wouldn’t be able to handle such a position, that I couldn’t live up to the expectation he had set for me. I not only took the position, but I have helped with the science camp for the past two years.” That experience led him to take advantage of other opportunities to serve at VGCC.

After serving as a senator in the SGA in 2015-2016, Scotland had to run what he described as “a friendly political campaign” to be elected by the student body to the office of parliamentarian in the spring of 2016. “Through campaigning, I met a lot of my peers who I’ve never had the opportunity to meet before the campaign,” he recalled. “SGA is the voice of the students; we coordinate and plan events for the student body as well as addressing any concerns a student may have.”

Scotland said one of his favorite leadership roles has been as the lead student ambassador. “I was given the opportunity to become a student ambassador in the spring of 2014; then I got promoted to lead ambassador in the fall of 2015,” he said. “As a lead ambassador, I am required to assign other ambassadors to professional and recruitment events that VGCC hosts. This position not only helped me with my time management skills but it also helped me with my overall management skills. Learning how to schedule people to work events in addition to working in a professional environment are life skills I will always carry with me.”

He added, “I didn’t want people to think I’m an overachiever for taking on several leadership titles. Instead, I want to be somebody who can be a role model for my peers. Taking on these leadership positions has given me life skills that are embedded in my life forever and can never be changed.  Being a leader is more than telling people what to do. It’s about active listening and addressing the concerns of others. Even though many people would call me a leader, I am equal part a follower. I believe one can only lead by following others.”

“Francis is one of our most dependable, dedicated and helpful student leaders, and we appreciate his excellent service to the VGCC Vanguards,” said Jermiel Hargrove, the college’s coordinator of student activities and athletics, who advises both the SGA and the ambassadors.

Scotland has excelled academically, as well. He was recently inducted into the college’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. He has already completed the requirements for both the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and will march at VGCC’s commencement exercises on May 12. Scotland will continue his higher education at a four-year university in the fall to study electrical engineering.

–VGCC–

VGCC Summer Bridge program accepting applicants

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Vance-Granville Community College is now accepting applications from incoming first-year students for the “Summer Bridge” program.

Summer Bridge is a three-week program designed to enhance a student’s transition from high school to college and prepare them to be successful during their freshman year at VGCC. The program is scheduled for Monday through Friday, July 10-July 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.

The program is completely free of charge, including lunch each day, and is conducted at VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. All incoming first-year students who will be attending the college in the fall 2017 semester (which starts in August) and who are North Carolina residents are eligible to participate.

During the program, students will be enrolled in the Success & Study Skills (ACA 115) course, participate in an academic enrichment class and learn about campus support resources in a fun and engaging environment.

The ACA 115 course provides an orientation to campus resources and the academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting and critical thinking.

“Summer Bridge is an excellent opportunity for students to get a head start by gaining the tools and the preparation that will help them succeed during that critical first year of college,” said Jeffrey Allen, VGCC’s dean of enrollment and outreach.

Participants must first apply to VGCC and take the North Carolina Diagnostic and Placement (NC DAP) test prior to enrolling in the Summer Bridge program.

Students are encouraged to register for the program online at www.vgcc.edu/summer-bridge-form.

For more information, contact Allen at allenjl@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3405.

–VGCC–

VGCC, Warren Library partner for discussion of Tennessee Williams & “The Glass Menagerie”

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Vance-Granville Community College is partnering with the Warren County Memorial Library to present a program on playwright Tennessee Williams and his classic drama, “The Glass Menagerie,” which the college is preparing to stage as a dinner theater event.

The educational program is scheduled for Monday, April 17, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the library on South Front Street in Warrenton. The event is free and open to the public. Betsy Henderson, VGCC’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, will make a presentation and lead a discussion on Williams (1911–1983) and the play, including its poetic elements, in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.

Henderson will also talk about VGCC’s upcoming production of “The Glass Menagerie,” which she is directing. The college’s fifth annual Dinner Theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

First staged in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” is based in part on Tennessee Williams’s own memories of his family. In 1945, the play premiered on Broadway, won the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for the best American play of the year, and launched Williams to fame.

Henderson has an MFA in Acting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was VGCC’s 2005 Instructor of the Year. As an actress, Henderson has worked professionally with Raleigh Ensemble Players (REP), Deep Dish Theatre Company, Burning Coal Theatre Company, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Theatre of the American South, Hot Summer Nights @ the Kennedy, Temple Theatre, and Justice Theatre Project. Henderson has toured nationally with productions of “Miracle Worker,” portraying Annie Sullivan, and “Diary of Anne Frank,” portraying Mrs. Frank. Her performance in REP’s “Distracted” in 2011 was recognized by the Independent Weekly as one of the Best Lead Performances of the year. Henderson has served on local theatre boards of directors, and as a faculty member for Cary’s Applause Youth Theatre. She is currently vice-chair of the board of directors of Granville Little Theatre, as well as the chair of the GLT education committee. She has also been the Creative Director for the Broadway and Beyond/TeenWorks summer camps for 10 years.

For more information, contact Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu or David Spence at davidspence@warrencountync.gov.

–VGCC–

Cast, crew announced for VGCC Dinner Theater production of “The Glass Menagerie”

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Vance-Granville Community College has announced an upcoming production of “The Glass Menagerie,” the Tennessee Williams classic, for the college’s fifth annual Dinner Theater.

The cast and crew have also been named for the dinner theater, which is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, in the Civic Center on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. each evening.

The cast is set to feature Brittney Patterson of Henderson as Amanda Wingfield; Ben Taylor of Franklinton as Tom Wingfield, her son; Samantha Hines of Henderson as Laura Wingfield, her daughter; and Jordan Bunting of Rocky Mount as Jim O’Conner, the “gentleman caller.”

Members of the crew include Chadstity Copeland of Henderson (Assistant to the Director/Stage Manager), Allison Hines of Henderson (Assistant Stage Manager/Props), Jamie McGinn of Wake Forest (Costumes/Assistant for Props), Camden Jones of Henderson (Lighting/Sound operator), Lauren Elliott of Oxford (Head of Props) and Mya Hargrove and Evan O’Geary, both of Henderson (Hair and Make-up).

All are current students at the college, except for Elliott, an alumna and VGCC staff member.

Betsy Henderson, VGCC’s Department Chair/Instructor of Humanities and Fine Arts, is the director of the play.

First staged in 1944, “The Glass Menagerie” is a “memory play” (narrated by one of the characters, recalling his experiences) and is based in part on Tennessee Williams’s own memories of his family. In 1945, the play premiered on Broadway, won the prestigious New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for the best American play of the year, and launched Williams to fame. “The Glass Menagerie” has been adapted for television twice and as a Hollywood feature film twice. It has been revived for the Broadway stage numerous times, including a new production starring Sally Field that is currently in previews. A drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty, “The Glass Menagerie” has become one of the most famous plays of the modern theatre.

The story focuses on Amanda, a “faded Southern belle” who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura. The crux of the action comes when Tom invites a young man of his acquaintance to eat dinner with the family. Jim, the caller, is at once pounced upon by Amanda as a possible husband for Laura.

Tickets are $30 and are scheduled to go on sale on March 22. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater.

–VGCC–

VGCC Raking Up Awards: Business Administration program ranked among nation’s 25 best values

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The Business Administration program at Vance-Granville Community College recently received recognition as one of the top 25 best values in its field across the United States. VGCC came in at number 22 on the list of the nation’s most affordable online business administration associate degrees published by Texas-based AffordableColleges.com.

The organization, which also recently recognized the VGCC Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education degree programs, ranked community college programs based on how they combined quality with affordability. VGCC was praised not only for its affordable tuition and financial aid options but also for its low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

At VGCC, students can complete the entire Business Administration degree online through the VOLT (Vanguard Online Learning through Technology) initiative, which is designed primarily with working adults in mind. The college also offers Business Administration courses in the traditional face-to-face format and in hybrid formats that combine online and on-campus instruction.

“We are honored to be recognized as an affordable, accessible, high-quality program that prepares students to be leaders in business,” said Carl Hann, who heads the Business Administration and Accounting programs at VGCC. “Our success is due to our outstanding faculty members who use educational technology in innovative ways.”

The Business Administration curriculum is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the free enterprise system. Students are provided with a fundamental knowledge of business functions, processes, and an understanding of business organizations in today’s global economy. Course work includes business concepts such as accounting, business law, economics, management and marketing.  Skills related to the application of these concepts are developed through the study of computer applications, communication, team building, and decision making.

In addition to the two-year degree in Business Administration, VGCC offers certificate programs in Business Management and Front Line Management. Eligible high school students can complete the Business Management certificate tuition-free through the “Career & College Promise” program.

Registration is going on now for the spring 2017 semester at VGCC, which begins Jan. 9. For more information about Business Administration, contact Carl Hann at hannc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3295.

VGCC Early Childhood program ranked in top 10 nationwide

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The Early Childhood Education program at Vance-Granville Community College recently received recognition as one of the top ten best values in its field across the United States. VGCC came in at number eight on the list of the nation’s most affordable online early childhood degrees published by Texas-based AffordableColleges.com.

The organization, which also recently recognized the VGCC Criminal Justice program, ranked community college programs based on how they combined quality with affordability. VGCC was praised not only for its affordable tuition and financial aid options but also for its low student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and its technology resources. The organization’s stated mission is “to help students find a path to a rewarding, quality education that won’t leave them crippled by student debt.”

All of VGCC’s Early Childhood Education courses are offered either fully-online and/or in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with traditional face-to-face instruction. “After the spring 2017 semester, the only course that will not be offered fully-online will be our practicum course, in which our students apply what they’ve learned by working in an early learning or child care center under the supervision of qualified teachers,” explained Tracey Bennett Carter, who chairs the Education department at VGCC.

“We are excited that our program has been nationally recognized, which we attribute to our outstanding faculty, who maintain high academic standards to prepare students for the important work of nurturing and teaching young children,” Carter added.

The VGCC Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares students to work with children from birth through age eight in diverse learning environments. Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs; preschools; public and private schools; recreational centers; Head Start Programs; and school-age programs.

VGCC offers not only the two-year associate degree in Early Childhood Education, but also a three-semester diploma program and three certificate options, as well as a certificate in Infant/Toddler Care.

Registration is going on now for the spring 2017 semester at VGCC, which begins Jan. 9. For more information on Early Childhood Education, contact Tracey Bennett Carter at (252) 738-3471 or bennettt@vgcc.edu.