Tag Archive for: #vancegranvillecommunitycollege

VGCC Student Receives Top Academic Honor

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has named student Hope Crute of Youngsville as its recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2019. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year.

Crute will be officially recognized at Commencement in May when she is scheduled to graduate from the college with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. Not long afterward, she is set to graduate from Franklin County Early College High School. That challenging five-year program, along with the guidance and support of teachers and peers, has helped her develop into the person she is today.

Hope Crute of Youngsville is the VGCC recipient of the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award for 2019. (VGCC Photo)

“Vance-Granville Community College is a school that successfully brings together ambitious, hard-working students who encourage one another and challenge each other to do better academically and professionally,” Crute said. “The magical thing I have found as a student at VGCC is that the school does not just teach academic lessons, but also life lessons.”

Crute has excelled in the classroom while also taking on numerous responsibilities at home to help her family as they dealt with her father’s serious health issues. She has served as a peer tutor in the VGCC Academic Skills Center and has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for community college students, as well as the National Honor Society at the high school level.

Crute plans to transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall to complete a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field.

“Hope’s determination and dedication to academic success have earned her recognition as one of North Carolina’s outstanding community college students,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, the president of VGCC.

“Thanks to her experience at Vance-Granville and at Franklin County Early College, Hope now enters the next stage of her education equipped with confidence, clarity, enhanced skills, and a thirst for further knowledge.”

Education Veteran to Address VGCC Basic Skills Grads

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College will hold commencement exercises dedicated exclusively to new graduates of Adult Basic Skills programs on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County. Those being honored will include students who have completed either the Adult High School Diploma program or the High School Equivalency program in the past year.

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 2, 2019. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Rev. Dannie T. Williams, a longtime leader in education, will deliver the principal commencement address. Williams is a Franklin County native and a GED High School Equivalency graduate himself. He went on to graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, along with a minor in Sociology and Public Administration, from Christian Bible College in Rocky Mount with a Master of Theology, and from North Carolina State University with both a Master’s in School Administration and an Ed.S. in School Supervision and Administration.

Most recently, he has completed all required coursework for his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) and is currently working on his dissertation.

Williams has had numerous experiences in the field of public education. He began his career as a teacher assistant/bus driver. After receiving his Lateral Entry teacher certification, he taught the subjects of Social Studies, Science, Mathematics and English, and served at times as a basketball coach and coordinator of character education. He has served as a member of the Board of Education in Franklin County.

In administration, he was an assistant principal, principal, executive director for human resources and auxiliary services and is currently the chief of human resources with the Franklin County Schools.

Rev. Roberta Egerton will speak on behalf of graduating students at VGCC’s Adult Basic Skills graduation. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

In addition, Williams is a Christian educator. He served as the Minister for Church Life and Education for the Southern Conference, United Church of Christ (UCC), and currently is the President of the Board of Directors of the Southern Conference, UCC. He has been the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the Melfield UCC in Haw River, N.C., for 23 years and has over 43 years of ministry experience.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students during the ceremony will be Rev. Roberta Egerton of Louisburg. She completed her High School Equivalency earlier this year after attending classes on VGCC’s Franklin County Campus. She is also a Monmouth Bible Institute graduate and an ordained Baptist minister.

Egerton has enrolled in curriculum classes at VGCC with plans to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

LaRocca, New Director of Communications, Encouraged by VGCC’s ‘Fresh Approach’

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Christopher LaRocca, director of communications for Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.

LaRocca, who joined the college in March after 15 years with Duke University, said his own experience as a graduate of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York made the possibility of working for VGCC appealing.

“Vance-Granville is giving me another opportunity to give back to the community college system that gave so much to me,” LaRocca said. “I gained valuable tools learning how to manage my time, learning how to focus academically, and then using those skills at a four-year college and in my career.”

In addition to Duke University, LaRocca’s career includes stints with the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

While LaRocca believes his educational path was the key to success in his career, he agrees that everyone must define success in their own terms – an opportunity readily offered by the community college system.

“I’m a big proponent of education. I’m a big advocate of getting a four-year degree and even going on to get a master’s degree; however, I’m also aware that college isn’t for everyone. Sometimes getting a two-year degree in a skill or trade is enough to be successful,” stated LaRocca.

While less than two months into his new position, LaRocca said he is encouraged by the positive growth he has already witnessed under the leadership of VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, joined VGCC as the institution’s seventh president in January.

“I love the new, fresh approach at the college. Dr. Desmarais has some wonderful ideas in terms of restructuring and her view on where the college could be in the next few years.”

In a recent Town Talk interview with WIZS, Desmarais explained her vision promoted economic turnaround by helping the four-county area transition “from tobacco and old-style manufacturing into healthcare and biotech innovation.”

Part of that vision, according to LaRocca, is promoting new programs at the college to ensure students have the skills needed to be eligible for emerging career opportunities in the local area.

Two of VGCC’s newest programs – Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security – will be offered as certificate and associate degree programs through the Information Technology Department beginning fall 2019.

“We are making strides to create new programs so there is something available for everyone. I encourage the community to check out our website frequently (www.vgcc.edu) for updates,” said LaRocca.

LaRocca also invites the community to attend upcoming events at VGCC, including:

To hear the Town Talk interview with LaRocca in its entirety, click here. LaRocca’s portion of the interview begins at the 10:00 mark.

VGCC Names 134 Students to Fall Semester Dean’s List

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 134 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

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” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS posted the list of VGCC fall President’s List recipients on Thursday, April 18 (click here).

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

Accounting & Finance:

Jason A. Murphy of Franklinton;

Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Ernest F. Hill, III, and Tyrell Terry, both of Henderson;

Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.

 

Associate in Arts:

Clay T. Boyd, Christyn M. Campbell, Sarah J. Jones and Brandi M. Umstead, all of Creedmoor;

Rebecca K. Middleton and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;

Viridiana Chavez, Emani’ D. Foster, Viviana Hernandez, Sarah E. Howarth, Henry Huynh, Kristyn M. Medlin, Josie M. Roberson, Daquan M. Southerland, William A. Strickland, Hannah D. Wells, Corey K. Williams, Jr., Haley L. Williams and Al-Leain I. Young, all of Henderson;

Tiffany M. Frank, Rebekah L. Varker and Gracey R. Vaught, all of Kittrell;

Robert J. Holovnia of Louisburg;

Christy L. Beasley, Sherman I. Booker, Savannah L. Brogden, Laci A. Davidson, U’lia K. Hargrove, Asmaa Kassim, Kristie Lumpkin, Erin P. Whitt and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;

Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;

Josiah A. Trotter of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Dakota M. Chabala of Franklinton;

Carly M. West of Littleton;

Vlada Balalova of Louisburg;

Kylie M. Blackwell of Timberlake;

Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.

 

Associate in Science:

Astrid Portillo-Granado of Creedmoor;

Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;

James Geary and Kayla D. Romig, both of Franklinton;

William Z. Egerton, Shawn A. Faulkner and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;

Maggie E. Dickerson and Brooklyn F. Fuller, both of Oxford;

Lindsay Fenlason of Wake Forest;

Quavion C. Basyden of Willard;

MacKenzie S. Clifford of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;

Justin T. Reavis of Henderson.

 

Business Administration:

Syreeta D. Scott-Jernigan of Franklinton;

Jennifer S. Crabtree of Kittrell;

Adero B. Bullock of Louisburg.

 

Cosmetology:

Megan L. Sandell of Creedmoor;

Hunter M. Boykin and Bridgett N. King, both of Franklinton;

Shelly C. Benson, Angel N. Bradford and Irina Z. Letts, all of Henderson;

Megan L. Twisdale of Kittrell;

Ashley J. Bennett of Louisburg;

Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;

Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;

Rachel A. Savage of Wake Forest;

Danielle K. Hargrove and Brittney Wray, both of Warrenton;

Sydney G. Sakoman of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Carly J. Minor of Butner;

Salvador I. Manjarrez Moli of Creedmoor;

Amali N. Elayah, Kalin D. Jackson, Keyla Lewis and Dylan Sanford, all of Henderson;

Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;

Sherese L. Hicks of Macon;

Abdon A. Silva and Matthew A. Smith, both of Oxford;

Addison U. Dinglasan of Youngsville.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Courtney Crute of Bullock;

Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;

Rochelle D. Williams of Henderson;

Melissa C. Ayscue and Ellen M. Young, both of Louisburg.

 

Electrical Systems Technology:

Jacob I. Mitchell of Oxford.

 

Electronics Engineering Technology:

Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Gloria J. Chavis of Butner;

Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton.

 

Information Technology:

Christian E. Colon and Cody R. Hassell, both of Creedmoor;

Koty R. Glover, Colin Hope and Andrew M. Watkins, all of Henderson;

Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;

Emily Durling of Oxford;

Courtney L. Faison of Wake Forest.

 

Medical Assisting:

Ashley R. Hill of Henderson;

Crystal C. Williams of Louisburg.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Caroline P. Williamson of Bullock;

Savannah N. Jones, Kaitlyn T. Pojman and Galesia E. Williams, all of Durham;

Margaret Avery, Anna D. Davis, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Maryjo M. Parks and Shirley B. Spivey, all of Henderson;

Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;

Lisha T. Harris and Keshonda A. McMannen, both of Oxford;

Amy C. Hildebran of Warrenton.

 

Paralegal Technology:

Emari N. Ragland of Henderson;

Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg.

 

Pharmacy Technology:

Jane M. Jones of Franklinton;

Fnu Monika of Roanoke Rapids.

 

Radiography:

Frantz Alexis of Chapel Hill;

Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Paige D. Snider, all of Creedmoor;

Brooklyn Rooker of Henderson;

Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal of Roxboro;

Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest;

Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.

 

Welding Technology:

Michael D. Perry of Bunn;

Edmund M. Goulet of Oxford.

VGCC Names 79 Students to Fall Semester President’s List

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 79 students earned President’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.

The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.

*WIZS will post the list of VGCC fall Dean’s List recipients on Friday, April 19.

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

 

Accounting & Finance:

Alicia D. Hinton of Castalia;

Abigail S. Pruitt of Oxford.

 

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:

Christian A. Dockum and Ethan D. Hughes, both of Creedmoor.

 

Associate in Arts:

Austin M. Councilman of Creedmoor;

Joshua I. Horton of Franklinton;

Kaitlyn M. Harris, Dylan T. Jackson, Jadyn M. Jones, Josiah Jones and Caroline A. Nutt, all of Henderson;

Wesley T. Beach and Matthew D. Varker, both of Kittrell;

Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton;

Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Calli S. Massey, all of Oxford;

Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;

Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;

Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.

 

Associate in General Education – General Science:

Victoria K. Swain of Durham;

Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.

 

Associate in Science:

Shadi M. Nagi of Henderson;

Rewees A. Ebrahim of Oxford;

Kayla M. Blue of Stem;

Heather L. Gwin and Heidy Labra-Franco, both of Warrenton;

Emily J. Bauer of Youngsville.

 

Automotive Systems Technology:

David D. Bragg of Franklinton;

Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;

Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;

Cesar L. Vazquez of Oxford;

Xavier Durham of Warrenton.

 

Business Administration:

Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor;

Holly R. Buchanan of Henderson.

 

Cosmetology:

Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;

Jennifer H. Bruner, Jamie L. Moody and Samantha B. Williamson, all of Franklinton;

MacKenzie D. Hutson, Chelsea L. Jones, Dasha S. Kearney and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;

Anna M. Wood of Louisburg;

Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;

Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;

Samantha J. Tackema of Wake Forest;

Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;

Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.

 

Criminal Justice:

Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;

Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;

Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;

Gricel Arroyo and Kimberly R. Smith, both of Louisburg;

Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.

 

Culinary Arts:

Dominique A. Winters of Creedmoor;

Sonya K. Jackson of Franklinton.

 

Early Childhood Education:

Brittaniana M. Channell and Stephanie L. Griffin, both of Creedmoor;

Lakee’ D. Steed of Henderson;

Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.

 

Histotechnology:

Melissa B. Anderson of Butner.

 

Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:

Allyson D. Dellea of Kittrell;

Kelly F. Yarborough of McLeansville;

Tiffiney Whitt of Roxboro.

 

Information Technology:

Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;

Joseph T. Hedgepeth of Henderson;

Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;

Brandon Vestweber of Wake Forest.

 

Mechatronics Engineering Technology:

Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.

 

Medical Office Administration:

Kimberly C. Cagney of Creedmoor;

Kelsey B. Ivey of Henderson;

Danielle N. Enright and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg.

 

Office Administration:

Mia N. Wireman of Creedmoor.

 

Practical Nursing:

Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary.

 

Radiography:

Kacie L. Gann of Durham.

 

Welding Technology:

Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;

Matthew K. Hamilton of Louisburg.

 

 

Altec Industries Sponsors VGCC Golf Tournament’s Afternoon Round

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Altec Industries of Creedmoor recently made a contribution to the Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Fund to serve as the afternoon round sponsor for the upcoming 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament.

The company is a longtime supporter of the golf tournament and partners with VGCC training programs related to advanced manufacturing, including Welding and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Altec is a leading provider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets.

The Golf Tournament is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club, and is among a series of events celebrating the community college’s 50th anniversary. Businesses and individuals can still take advantage of sponsorship opportunities at various levels. For golfers, the afternoon round is sold out, but there are openings to play in the morning round.

For more information, contact Kay Currin at currink@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3409.

Pictured, from left, are Altec Human Resources Manager Jeff Tingen and Patrick Wooten, General Manager for the Creedmoor location, symbolically presenting the sponsorship donation to VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

VGCC Alumnus: Acting in Dinner Theater ‘Feels Like Coming Home’

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College holds a special place in the heart of Spencer Nunn, who has returned to his alma mater as a member of the cast of the college’s upcoming Dinner Theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “Company.”

When the former Warrenton resident first enrolled at VGCC, he planned to complete an Associate in Science degree and transfer to a four-year university to study Marine Biology. As it turned out, his experience at the community college changed his career plans and, in fact, his life – dramatically.

“When I got to Vance-Granville, I was already into acting, since finding theater in my freshman year of high school,” Nunn recalled. “But I thought of theater as a hobby.”

Vance-Granville Community College holds a special place in the heart of Spencer Nunn, who has returned to his alma mater as a member of the cast of the college’s upcoming Dinner Theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “Company” on April 25 & 26. (Photo courtesy VGCC)

One semester, he considered auditioning for VGCC’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” but a Biology lab session conflicted with the audition time, so he missed it. “Fortunately, I knew one of the cast members and found out that somebody had dropped out of the play,” Nunn said. “I was just in the right place at the right time. I auditioned and got the part.”

Many more VGCC productions followed, including the first four Dinner Theaters. Nunn attended school part-time, while also working part-time. That meant he was enrolled for more semesters than some students, and he had more chances to appear in VGCC plays. “I might be the most prolific actor in Vance-Granville history,” he reflected with a laugh.

Along the way, after spending time studying with VGCC Theatre Arts instructor Betsy Henderson, something clicked for him. “I thought after a while, ‘this makes me happy,’ and I decided to pursue the theatre as a career,” Nunn said. His new plan was to transfer to a four-year university to complete a degree that would allow him to teach drama.

Nunn graduated from VGCC in 2016 and enrolled at William Peace University in Raleigh, where his professors marveled at the amount of college-level stage experience he had. He is set to graduate from WPU with his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education, and a minor in English, on May 4, not long after the VGCC Dinner Theater. “Later, I’d like to get my master’s and teach at the college level,” Nunn said. “I was not on that course when I started at VGCC.”

There is another significant aspect to Nunn’s experience at the community college: the lasting relationships he formed. In addition to making many friends and gaining a mentor in Betsy Henderson, Nunn started dating one of his fellow student actors, Rachel Pottern, after they appeared together in “Zara Spook and Other Lures.” He proposed marriage to her in front of an awe-struck VGCC Civic Center audience at the conclusion of a Dinner Theater production, “Smoke on the Mountain.” She said “yes,” and they eventually wed in 2016. “So that’s something else I owe to Betsy Henderson and the college,” Nunn remarked. They even had their wedding on the VGCC campus. Originally set to take place in the gazebo outside, the ceremony moved into the Civic Center because of Hurricane Matthew.

His wife is an accomplished thespian herself and graduated from William Peace University right before he enrolled there. Among the four plays in which Nunn has acted at WPU, one was directed by Rachel. He has submitted a proposal to direct a play at the university after he graduates, just as she did.

Appropriately enough, in the new production of “Company,” Nunn plays “Paul,” a young man who is about to get married to “Amy,” played by Rachel. Nunn describes Paul as “a young banker in New York City; he’s very optimistic and overly affectionate at times, but he’s genuine, kind-hearted and loving.”

Spencer and Rachel Nunn are the only cast members in this year’s seventh annual Dinner Theater who were also in VGCC’s first such production (“Our Town”) back in 2013. Their involvement in the show as alumni is in keeping with the celebration of the community college’s 50th anniversary.

“The cast of this show is a lot of fun,” Nunn said. “The music is really challenging. Sondheim is known for complex music. If the cast was not so determined and ego-free, it could be frustrating, but we are all so supportive of each other.” In addition to Betsy Henderson directing and co-starring, Nunn noted that the production benefits from “a fantastic music director, Joanna Li; I feel I understand musical theater so much better after working with her.”

“Coming back to do this show feels like coming home,” Nunn added. “I never regretted going the community college route. I am 100% positive I would not be in the position I am, mentally, emotionally or in terms of maturity if it wasn’t for Vance-Granville.”

His heart, he said, “is at peace knowing I am doing theater because I realized how much it meant to me at Vance-Granville, and now, I want to get on a career path to be able to give that back. Going to the college is one of the best things I ever chose to do, and so many blessings have come from it.”

The dinner theater is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. each evening in the Civic Center on the college’s Main Campus near Henderson. Tickets are available for $30 each through the VGCC website at www.vgcc.edu/dinnertheater.

VGCC Announces Changes to Public Cosmetology Services

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

The Main Campus (Henderson, NC) Vance-Granville Cosmetology Department will no longer offer services to the public effective April 11, 2019. 

Beginning May 21, 2019, services will be offered at our Franklin Campus, located at 8100 Hwy. 56, Louisburg, NC.

Services will resume at our South Campus, located in Creedmoor, NC on May 29, 2019, and Warren Campus, located in Warrenton, NC on August 15, 2019.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you for your continued support of the VGCC Cosmetology Department and we look forward to continuing to serve you.

Vance-Granville Selected as Inaugural Host of Teaching Seminars

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College announced today that it has been selected to host an inaugural credit-bearing regional seminar that supports faculty use of evidence-based teaching practices. This seminar, which will take place on Friday, November 15, 2019, is part of a major collaboration between the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to advance faculty and student success through quality instruction at community and technical colleges nationwide.

Vance-Granville is one of 10 colleges selected by NISOD and ACUE to host an inaugural seminar as part of this national initiative, following a competitive application and interview process. Faculty from Vance-Granville Community College and other institutions in the region will be invited to refine their instructional skills by engaging in two learning modules on core teaching competencies and implementing these strategies in their classes.

“Teaching and learning are at the heart of what we do every day. Our faculty are passionate about helping students succeed in the classroom. The credit-bearing seminar on active learning speaks volumes about how the college’s faculty and faculty in the region demonstrates the college’s commitment to excellence in teaching and student success,” said Levy Brown, vice president of Academic Affairs.

The members of the Faculty Planning Team noted that “As community college faculty, we are always interested in relevant professional development that provides opportunities to design, implement, and reflect on new instructional strategies for our courses and that enables us to provide positive learning experiences for our students. We strive to improve student learning outcomes, increase program completion rates, and encourage more students to pursue higher education and careers of their choice. Learning how to incorporate active learning strategies in our classroom will be a valuable tool to help achieve these goals.”

“We were impressed by the selected institutions’ commitment to teaching excellence and faculty professional development,” said Dr. Edward Leach, NISOD’s executive director. “The seminars will equip faculty from the host institutions, as well as their colleagues from neighboring colleges, with strategies proven to make a positive difference in student learning.”

Seminar participants will learn about and implement teaching practices aligned to ACUE’s Effective Practice Framework—a statement of the core instructional competencies every college educator should possess—which was independently validated and is endorsed by the American Council on Education. Faculty who satisfy the seminar requirements, which include implementing at least two evidence-based teaching practices and writing reflections about their experience, will earn credit toward a Certificate in Effective College Instruction, a highly sought-after credential co-endorsed by ACUE and the American Council on Education.

“We’re excited to offer these high-quality learning events, in collaboration with NISOD, that provide faculty with a glimpse into ACUE’s learning design and competencies from our comprehensive, 25-module courses,” Dr. Penny MacCormack, ACUE’s chief academic officer, said. “New and experienced instructors will have the opportunity to learn with and from one another as they prepare to implement evidence-based teaching strategies in their classes, keeping with our mission to impact student success through exemplary instruction.”

The following colleges have been selected to host inaugural credit-bearing regional seminars:

  • City Colleges of Chicago Harold Washington (IL)
  • City Colleges of Chicago Malcolm X (IL)
  • Hudson County Community College (NJ)
  • Lenoir Community College (NC)
  • Miami Dade College (FL)
  • Montgomery College (MD)
  • Prince George’s Community College (MD)
  • Vance-Granville Community College (NC)
  • Wake Technical Community College (NC)
  • Wayne County Community College District (MI)

Seminar dates will be announced in the coming weeks. All faculty are invited to register at www.nisod.org/scheduled-workshops.

VGCC to Launch Two New Information Technology Programs Fall Semester

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

This fall, the Information Technology department at Vance-Granville Community College will launch two new programs: Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security.

Healthcare Informatics is a program designed to provide students with a foundation in computer technology and information sciences as they apply to supporting decisions in the healthcare fields. Students will focus on computer software, networks and security, programming and operating systems, and database management, as well as healthcare topics in medical language, the health insurance industry, and healthcare laws. Classes will be offered online and in a day program on the main campus in Henderson, NC.

The Information Technology department offers a Healthcare Informatics Support Certificate consisting of 5 classes and 15 credit hours and an associate’s degree which requires the completion of 67 credits. The IT-Healthcare Informatics program is designed for computer professionals, nurses, and healthcare administration professionals as they prepare to work for healthcare providers, hospitals, and government entities.

Graduates will be eligible to prepare for industry certifications through CompTIA, Microsoft (Microsoft Technical Associate – Database Administration Fundamentals and Microsoft Office Specialists certifications) and the Health Information and Management Systems Society (CPHIM – Certified Professional in Health Information and Management Systems).

Cyber Security is the first-ever program at VGCC offered through the Information Technology department that provides students with training in securing information and defending data within computer systems, including hardware, software, and electronic data. The program places an emphasis on classes in network vulnerabilities, cyber-crime activity, and security risk management providing students with highly sought-after skills in ensuring confidentiality, maintaining integrity and availability of information, researching emerging security threats, and recognizing vulnerabilities. The curriculum is also aligned with exam material for many industry certifications for IT-security professionals.

The IT-Cyber Security program will be offered at the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, NC. The IT department will offer a 15-credit hour certificate in Cyber Security Support and an associate’s degree consisting of 67 credits. Classes will be offered online through distance education and on campus in a day program. The Cyber Security program is designed for individuals interested in technology, interacting with computers, and problem-solving and analyzing data and information.

Graduates of Cyber Security will be eligible for positions in information technology specializing in security for a variety of industries including healthcare and research, technology firms, banking and finance, and military and government agencies. To compete in this fast-growing industry, students will also be encouraged to obtain industry certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, ITF+, Net+, A+, and the *CySA+ Cyber Security Analyst.

*The CompTIA CySA+ certification is an IT workforce certification for IT professionals looking to gain the following security analyst skills: (https://certification.comptia.org)

  • Data analysis and interpretation of results to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and risks
  • Configure and use threat-detection tools
  • Secure and protect applications and systems within an organization.

For more information about these two new curriculum programs, please contact Faith Harris, program head for Information Technology at 252-738-3235

New students can find admissions information on our website: https://www.vgcc.edu/admissions