Tag Archive for: #vancegranvillecommunitycollege

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VGCC Franklin Campus Site Of Training Hub Designed To Bridge ‘Digital Divide’

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-Information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Residents of Franklin County and other surrounding communities will soon have a new resource to help them succeed in an increasingly digital world.

DigitalBridge, a digital workforce development initiative of Wake Forest-based Wireless Research Center, has partnered with Vance-Granville Community College to launch a new training hub at the college’s Louisburg campus. Together, the institutions will bridge the digital divide for underserved local communities through accessible technology and training.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Vance-Granville Community College to support our communities,” said Erica Hixon, DigitalBridge executive director. “We are proud to join the community of resources to assist students and employers.”

DigitalBridge’s model is designed to deliver fast-track certifications and connect people directly to job opportunities. The initiative offers more than 130 courses and certifications for digital-skills training and certifications, provided at no cost to residents. Participants receive digital training, coaching, and job pairing matched to individual goals; in-person or remote learning at their own pace; and assistance from a career coach to guide their efforts.

Partnering with DigitalBridge is a natural extension of the college’s commitment to support residents of its four-county service area. While a degree or similar credential can open doors of career opportunity for many people, others might be better served through different forms of education, such as those provided by DigitalBridge.

“VGCC actively seeks out new ways and new partners to reduce the opportunity gap in our communities,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC president. “Digital literacy and technology skills are still areas where we see those opportunity gaps. We are excited to partner with DigitalBridge to support opportunity to better jobs in our service area.”

Starting mid-July, DigitalBridge representatives will be available at the Franklin Campus open computer lab each week Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The new partnership will officially launch Thursday, July 13 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at VGCC’s Franklin Campus, located at 8100 NC 56 Highway in Louisburg. In addition to representatives from the college and DigitalBridge, local leaders and government officials are invited to attend.

 

WRC is an independent nonprofit founded in 2010 to serve as a catalyst for collaborative innovation and technology-led economic development to improve communities. Today, WRC’s core initiatives are designed to improve wireless technologies, accelerate technology startups, support entrepreneurs and spur economic development through education programs and digital job skills training. For more information, visit www.wrc-us.org and www.mydigitalbridge.org.

For more information about VGCC and its programs, visit www.vgcc.edu.

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TownTalk: VGCC Hosts Off-Campus Enrollment Event

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Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled an Enrollment Day

Enrollment Day is set for Thursday, June 22 in Henderson and rather than having prospective students come to the college’s Main Campus, staff from Main Campus will be set up at Perry Memorial Library to assist individuals with registering for Fall 2023 classes, according to VGCC Director of Admissions Sherry Alston.

Taking the enrollment show on the road is just one way that VGCC officials are thinking outside the box to get the information out about the various programs and services that VGCC offers.

“Knowing that transportation can sometimes be a barrier, we wanted to go where the people are,” Alston said on Tuesday’s TownTalk.

VGCC representatives will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide information on the enrollment process, as well as the academic programs and student support services available – including financial aid. Advisors will be ready to help with registration for the fall semester, which begins Monday, Aug. 14.

Both 8-week and the traditional 16-week classes will be available.

Unsure about whether this Enrollment Day is for you? No matter how far along in the enrollment and registration process you are, Alston said there will be VGCC staff on hand at the library to help. Linda Fletcher with Career Services has an interest assessment for prospective students who may not have a career path in mind.

The interest assessment helps individuals learn more about their likes and dislikes, and helps to match them with possible career paths.

“We interact with individuals who may not know or understand what their next step is – they know they want to go to school, but not much more,” Alston said.

An orientation for new students will be held at 10 a.m. on June 22 as part of Enrollment Day. Orientations can be completed online on June 22 or students can arrange for an in-person orientation at a later date.

Alston said participants will get a chance to learn more about all the academic programs available at VGCC, whether that’s a certificate or degree program or a college-transfer program.

“We want to make it a productive day,” Alston said.

For more information about Enrollment Day, or to sign up for orientation, visit www.vgcc.edu/enrollment-day.

 

 

 

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VGCC Announces President’s List, Dean’s List For Spring 2023 Semester

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-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC public information officer

Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 117 students earned President’s List academic honors and another 162 earned Dean’s List academic honors for the Spring 2023 semester, which ended in May.

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.

Spring Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence. The Dean’s List follows the President’s List.  

Accounting & Finance: 

Calvin T. Davis of Creedmoor;

Shannon M. Currin-Wilkerson of Henderson;

Brooke Avila-Romero and Tamara D. Currie, both of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Logan R. Lloyd of Creedmoor;

Madeline M. Akers, Helen E. Carter, Yadiel R. Cruz, Christopher T. Grainger, and Landon M. Marrow, all of Franklinton;

Maya M. Aleshmaly, Danielle S. Anderson, Jiya C. Davis, Christina A. Dobbs, Edgar A. Duran Ortiz, Waseem W. Hadi, Saniya S. Hargrove, Ivy Huynh, Elizabeth A. Lopez Gonzalez, and Briannah D. Royster, all of Henderson;

Dallas M. Thomas of Hurdle Mills;

Jayla M. Gregory of Kittrell;

Makayla R. Wright of Louisburg;

Faith L. Hunt, Emily E. Milton, and Olivia L. Watkins, all of Oxford;

Mark E. Miller of Sneads Ferry;

Sophia I. Remangwow and Charlie R. Vestal, both of Wake Forest;

Cintia Z. Rojas of Youngsville;

Samantha E. Bennett of Zebulon.

Associate in Science: 

Kacey E. Katz of Butner;

Abigail Y. Meader of Creedmoor;

Timothy D. Snead of Franklinton;

Marie P. O’Donoghue of Henderson;

Arturo De Jesu D. Martinez and Nakisha L. Satterfield, both of Oxford.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Briar H. Pollard of Creedmoor.

Business Administration: 

Destini L. Foster of Butner;

Maryulit P. Tamayo of Franklinton;

Josalyn D. Brandon and Victoria A. Burwell, both of Oxford;

Julienne Bakita of Raleigh;

Lucas H. Breedlove of Stem;

Logan Kurth of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Elizabeth R. Ellis, Sydney A. Sinnema, and Kelsey B. Williamson, all of Bullock;

Trinity C. Alston and Delaney M. Lowery, both of Franklinton;

Chevy Chiem and Jillian L. Stone, both of Henderson;

Lila E. Issa and Antonious G. Makram, both of Louisburg;

Soha A. Algathi, Camden J. Boone, Chance M. Gresham, Hunter T. Onley, and Peyton B. Pernell, all of Oxford; Gracie A. Bullock of Stem;

Carly Stone and Niles Tuttle, both of Wake Forest;

Devon E. Taranto of Warrenton.

Cosmetology: 

Briana L. Sulyans and Kelaiah Williams, both of Henderson;

Abigail R. Draper of Louisburg;

Ashley N. Hobgood of Norlina;

Raina M. Hershberger of Oxford.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Tayler L. Hope and Michael C. Lane, both of Creedmoor;

Brandon M. Schultek of Louisburg.

Early Childhood Education: 

Tokie Barrie of Creedmoor.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Deborah C. Joyce of Franklinton;

Blanche P. Davis, Taylor A. Whitlow, and Sherina N. Wiggins, all of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Kimberly C. Ezzell of Durham;

Anthony J. Cujas of Oxford.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Samuel H. Dickerson of Henderson;

Devin J. Hogan of Youngsville.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Valarie M. Ingutia of Franklinton;

Kyle M. Roberson of Henderson;

Dalfine K Sagini of Knightdale;

Jasmine C. Boswell and Darion Brodie, both of Oxford.

Histotechnology: 

Jennifer Lomas of Durham;

Euice T. Duque of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: Christina M. Chiappette of Zebulon.

Information Technology: 

Lukusa M. Nganga of Clayton;

Shane B. Hope of Creedmoor;

Christian T. Oakley and Nathan T. Preddy, both of Franklinton;

Dorothy B. Greene and John Francis Linge, both of Henderson;

Andrew Nanfro of Louisburg;

Owen C. Pienkosz and Hector L. Riosboth, both of Oxford;

Tyson W. Carpenter of Stem.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Larry P. Card of Franklinton;

David A. Scoggins of Louisburg;

William J. Currin of Oxford.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Felicia M. Douglas of Creedmoor.

Medical Office Administration: 

Jamie Wayman of Knightdale;

Nina M. Johnson of Whitsett;

Ashley M. Rogers of Youngsville.

Office Administration Diploma: 

Brenda I. Hernandez Malpica of Butner.

Public Safety Administration: 

Jeffrey T. Cannady of Durham;

Raymond D. Finch of Franklinton;

Jeffrey W. Turner of Henderson;

Julian S. Todd of Louisburg;

Olivia P. Harrell of Oxford;

Christopher W. Bentley of Timberlake.

Radiography: 

Shayde O. Lake of Wake Forest.

Welding Technology: 

Townes A Keithley of Butner;

Ethan C. Shearon of Louisburg;

Aaron D. Royster of Oxford;

Dylan M Kirk of Wake Forest.

 

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

Accounting & Finance: 

Zachary Vick and Marc Neil S. Yacapin, both of Oxford.

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology: 

Randy M. Palacios of Henderson;

Bryan A. Lugo of Oxford.

Associate in Arts: 

Kristopher J. Arias of Butner;

Brenda Avendano-Lopez and Luke R. Wagoner, both of Creedmoor;

Alaija N. Alexander, Havilyn L. Holland, and Micah Jones, all of Franklinton;

Amari J. Anderson, Nia L. Branch, Jackson R. Edwards, Fernando G. Facundo, Yahir Florentino, George T. Grissom, Brendan C. Juengling, Timyra D. Nicholson, Fatima M. Ramirez, and Cristian Trejo, all of Henderson;

Shyenne L. Richardson of Hollister;

Juelz S. Holden and Bryce L. Tilghman, both of Kittrell;

Hailey N. Murphy, Kaleb B. Turrentine, and Jakayla A. Woodard, all of Louisburg;

Diamond K. Alexander and Mariah S. Krupa, both of Manson;

Yelitza Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Norlina;

Kirsten S. Eakes, Jason S. Elliott, Na’ziyah T. Fields, LaShawnti E. Howard, Abigail F. Ramsey, and Melanie Hernandez-Campos, all of Oxford;

Hannah J. Bowling of Stem;

Olivia R. Kuttles of Wake Forest;

Alexandra C. Phelps, Kayla A. Puca, and Mia K. Reavis, all of Youngsville;

Kaleb L. Harris of Zebulon.

Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts: 

Jasmine K. Yancey of Henderson;

Suzanne S. Alsayde of Oxford.

Associate in Science: 

Brianna N. Kirkland of Creedmoor;

Trenton W. Pendleton, Jasmin J. Perez, and Stephanie Carlos Sias, all of Franklinton;

Matthew M. Lamey, Christopher B. Moore, Rosa G. Perez Sandoval, Katia M. Portillo, and Katlyn N. Singleton, all  of Henderson;

Kristina R. Ratliff and Tyler D. Vowell, both of Louisburg;

Alexis M. Broge of Oxford;

Beatrice N. Chavis of Raleigh;

Caleb S. Ferrell of Timberlake;

Ashley E. Davis and Olivia G. Fuller, both of Youngsville.

Automotive Systems Technology: 

Christopher C. Brantley of Creedmoor.

Bioprocess Technology:

Lucas S. Clayton of Henderson.

Business Administration: 

Shiquita S. Evans of Bullock;

Lisa K. Ferguson and Avery G. Pearce, both of Franklinton;

Haley L. Williams of Henderson;

Christie C. Parker and Kayla D. Stancil, both of Oxford;

Cain Stewart of Raleigh;

Mackenzie R. Bell of Roxboro;

Bryson B. Lynn of Youngsville.

College Transfer Pathway: 

Reese E. Newton of Bullock;

Katherine R. Pyle of Creedmoor;

Dorothy J. Cascino of Durham;

Kristen M. Laney, Margaret G. McIlroy, and Carter E. Scott, all of Franklinton; Reem M. Alashmaly, Elijah M. Alston, Harlie A. Culbreth, and Andrea Villa Gallardo, all of Henderson;  Gavin L. Owens of Kittrell;

Karla O. Flores-Reyes of Louisburg;

Ace W. Currin, John B. Hunt, Kylena D. Jones, all of Oxford;

Adam T. Sultan of Rolesville;

Aaron M. Comer of Rougemont;

Luannie Arreola of Stem;

Jeremiah J. Benfer of Wake Forest.

Cosmetology: 

Cordeja J. Thomas of Franklinton;

Eboni S. Turner of Henderson;

Kaitlyn A. Driver and Kelly D. Griffin, both of Louisburg;

Neftali Santamaria-Palacios of Oxford;

Molly S. Osteen of Rolesville;

Ayanna C. Rivera of Wake Forest;

Jazsmin L. Kearney of Warrenton.

Criminal Justice Technology: 

Victoria A. Markham of Henderson.

Early Childhood Education: 

Latoyria R. Bullock of Henderson;

Roneka A. McGee of Enfield.

Early Childhood Education, Local: 

Thaydra M. Baskerville of Henderson.

Electrical Systems Technology: 

Ryan T. Hall of Creedmoor;

Ayden J. Callahan, James L. Hunt, and James W. Matthews, all of Henderson.

Electronics Engineering Technology: 

Tyler Hill of Creedmoor;

Terrance J. Gowan of Franklinton.

General Science AGE Degree: 

Jaice A. Roberts and Christopher B. Wilson, both of Oxford; Marcie N. Brumfield of Rougemont.

Histotechnology: 

Yarelic T. Amaya and Da-John P. Henderson, both of Henderson; Ruth T. Kahsai of Holly Springs;

Laila R. Daniel of Oxford;

Natasha Staley of Snow Camp.

Human Services Technology: 

Delois Hart and Heather O. Lopez, both of Henderson.

Human Services Technology, Gerontology: 

Smya Z. Daniel of Oxford.

Human Services Technology, Substance Abuse: 

Netitia C. Jones of Durham;

Gwendolyn Clayton of Stem;

Mary W. Mills of Youngsville.

Information Technology: 

Michael A. Martinez Rivera of Creedmoor;

Christopher S. Lopez of Durham;

Jakayla R. Henderson of Henderson;

Daneka B. Bigelow of Louisburg;

Keithia S. Rainey and Grace A. Wright, both of Oxford; Bryan T. Fuller of Warrenton.

Mechatronics Engineering Technology: 

Ethan P. Jones of Bullock;

Andrew D. Alston of Wake Forest.

Medical Assisting: 

Thurman A. Gardner of Louisburg;

Gissell E. Espinosa Rosas of Oxford;

Cinthya Avila-Romero of Stem.

Medical Assisting Diploma: 

Erin E. Womble of Butner;

Emily Valenzuela Valdiolivar of Henderson;

Toshiba S. Valentine of Norlina.

Medical Office Administration: 

Candice Brooks of Cary;

Haley R. Briggs of Creedmoor;

Madison N. Yorks of Durham;

Sasha I. Lacy and Shelby E. Mikels, both of Franklinton.

Paralegal Technology: 

Rossy G. Contreras-Baez of Durham;

Sharon C. Chavis of Raleigh;

Doris D. Youmans of Winston-Salem.

Public Safety Administration: 

Christopher L. Blackwell and John D. Cottrell, both of Oxford.

Radiography: 

Adtler S. Lake of Creedmoor;

Camden J. Spain of Henderson;

Ellen J. Newton of Oxford;

Anna Nie of Raleigh;

Kailey G. Mangum of Rougemont;

Madison E. Dunkley of Roxboro;

Jenna M. Curry of Stem.

Technical Special Student: 

Zachary D. Dickerson of Oxford;

Amanda G. Murray of Youngsville.

Welding Technology: 

William F. Elliott and Andrew L. Tinsley, both of Bullock; Jaden M. Griffin of Creedmoor;

Brian M. Griffin and Ravon M. Nichols, both of Henderson; Nolan A Dickerson of Oxford;

Jay X. Bright of Wake Forest.

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Perry Memorial Library To Host VGCC Enrollment Day June 22

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– information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College is taking the show on the road – the enrollment show, that is.

Enrollment Day is set for Thursday, June 22 in Henderson and rather than having prospective students come to the college’s Main Campus, staff from Main Campus will be set up at Perry Memorial Library to assist individuals with registering for Fall 2023 classes, according to Courtney Cissel, VGCC’s public information officer.

VGCC representatives will be at the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide information on the enrollment process, as well as the academic programs and student support services available – including financial aid. Advisors will be ready to help with registration for the fall semester, which begins Monday Aug. 14.

Both 8-week and the traditional 16-week classes will be available.

An orientation for new students will be held at 10 a.m. on June 22 as part of Enrollment Day. Orientations can be completed online on June 22 or students can arrange for an in-person orientation at a later date.

For more information about Enrollment Day, or to sign up for orientation, visit www.vgcc.edu/enrollment-day.

VGCC Graduates 45 From Nursing Program

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Vance-Granville Community College presented pins to 45 graduates who earned their associate degree in nursing recently.

The May 10 event was held in the Civic Center on the Main Campus, with friends and family of the graduates in attendance.

The pinning ceremony was opened by ADN Program Head Dr. Anna R. Seaman, followed by welcoming reflections from Dr. Kim Sepich, vice president of Learning, Student Engagement, & Success, CAO. Cortney Ragan, 2021 ADN graduate and former class president, offered remarks from the perspective of a recent graduate of the program.

Nursing instructor Jamie Davis presented cords to students who participated in the VGCC Student Nurses Association. Davis also recognized students graduating with honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher): Ashley Allen, Mariama Boye, Eunice Mwicigi, and Henry Nkenchor. Sierra Lewter was recognized as the graduate with the highest program-specific GPA.

Nursing instructor Kassie Felts shared the story of the VGCC nursing pin to the graduates and guests.  Following the story, Davis announced each graduate, including their future plans related to job acceptance as a Registered Nurse and career/educational goals. As each name was announced, Seaman presented each recipient with his or her pin. After Brande McIlroy read the story of the nursing lamp origins, the graduates joined her to recite the Nursing Pledge (written by Beverly Hansen  O’Malley, RN) by candlelight. Finally, Seaman presented the class as official graduates of VGCC’s ADN Class of 2023.

Most often associated with the nursing profession, pinning ceremonies serve to welcome Health Sciences students into their new professional community. The tradition of getting a token like a pin when starting a medical career can be traced back to the Middle Ages; the modern ceremony is modeled after one honoring Florence Nightingale in the 1860s.

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VGCC Foundation Scholarship Priority Deadline May 31

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Scholarships offered through the Vance-Granville Community College Foundation for the 2023 Fall Academic Year are open for applicants. The priority deadline for full scholarship consideration for Fall 2023 is May 31, according to VGCC officials.

“We know our students are often already working, raising families, and going to college in their spare time,” VGCCF Executive Director Tanya Weary stated. “At VGCC, we work to help them graduate with as little debt as possible.”

The VGCC Foundation has more than 300 endowed scholarships based on a variety of factors – merit, financial need, degree choice and more. Scholarships are awarded individually to curriculum students based on criteria outlined for each award. Selection will be based on an overall assessment of academic performance, leadership skills, character and community service, according to a press statement from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.

Scholarship funding is limited, and completion of the application does not guarantee an award. All applicants must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA to be considered for a VGCC Foundation scholarship; many scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by a scholarship selection committee unless otherwise stipulated in the criteria of the scholarship.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of private citizens, organizations and businesses. To apply for VGCCF scholarships, visit www.vgcc.edu/fao/scholarships. For additional questions, contact foundation@vgcc.edu.

 

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VGCC Adds NC Wesleyan As Transfer Option To Complete 4-Year Degree

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-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel

Students who complete their two-year degree have another option when choosing where to continue on the path to a four-year university degree: North Carolina Wesleyan University. The two schools recently entered into an agreement that will allow VGCC students to participate in Wesley Works, a transfer program that offers benefits to students who want to obtain a college diploma.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais shared optimism about the partnership. “By this new agreement with NC Wesleyan University, I am pleased that VGCC graduates will have more options than ever to continue their path to a four-year degree,” Demarais stated in a press release.

The agreement will enhance and expand the educational opportunities of Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science graduates by offering VGCC graduates access to the benefits of the Wesleyan Works program, pre-admission advising, generous transfer credit, and a clear definition of the transfer of courses from VGCC to NC Wesleyan. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allows VGCC Associate in Applied Science students to transfer an additional 15 hours of general education credits for a total of 75 transfer credits.

“We’re proud to add Vance-Granville Community College to our array of partners we have transfer agreements with. They join over 40 other colleges and community colleges with seamless transfer pathways to NC Wesleyan University following completion of a two-year degree,” stated NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “Through our Wesleyan Works program, all AA/AS/AAS community college graduates gain automatic acceptance to NCWU with no application fee and the ability to transfer in up to 75 credit hours. This smooth transfer process allows community college graduates a simple path to making their education attainable in order to accomplish their goals in life.”

Students who graduate from VGCC and transfer under this agreement may select any of NC Wesleyan’s programs of study or may transfer to the college’s Adult and Professional Studies program, taking advantage of the Wesleyan Works program. Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing. The agreement brings NC Wesleyan within the reach of VGCC students who may not have otherwise been able to attend the college.

Wesleyan Works is a transfer program designed for community college students who plan to continue their education at NC Wesleyan. Students who participate in Wesleyan Works will have access to academic advising and financial aid counseling through NC Wesleyan, as well as access to events on the college’s main campus. The program is ideal for students who would like to attend NC Wesleyan’s evening or online programs.

North Carolina Wesleyan University, a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NC Wesleyan University provides a highly personalized education in a dynamic and challenging environment. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, NC Wesleyan is a small college with a big taste for cultural diversity. To learn more about either school, visit www.vgcc.edu or www.ncwc.edu.

TownTalk: Resource Fair At VGCC April 27

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Organizers for an upcoming community resource fair are pleased with how planning is going so far, and they are predicting a win-win situation for all involved – for those who provide resources and for those who are seeking information.

Huff Consulting of Oxford, along with partners Vance-Granville Community College and the Henderson-Vance and Granville County Chambers of Commerce have been planning for months.

Michele Walker, Huff Consulting’s sales and account manager, said there are 65 vendors – nonprofits, for-profit companies, churches and more – lined up to participate in the April 27 event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the VGCC Civic Center on the Main Campus in Henderson.

“We’re very fortunate to have the community coming together for this,” Walker said on TownTalk.

Huff Consulting is a recruiting firm that works with a wide range of employees – from day laborers to corporate executives, Walker said, adding that her company has recognized the struggles that face many in the community. “Everybody has a need,” she said. And this resource festival is a way to bridge the gap between available resources and the folks who are looking for them.

Sandra Wilkerson, president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber, said this coordinated effort across county lines fits perfectly with the local Chamber’s 2023 theme “Year of Collaboration.”

The resource fair participants not only will be able to provide information to attendees, but they’ll also have the chance to build collaborations among themselves.

Having so many different segments of the community and region under one roof for the day is sure to create connections, said Lauren Roberson, director of the Granville County Chamber.

“We’re super excited to be a part of it and help in any way we can,” Roberson said.

In addition to sharing information with the community, Roberson said another goal is to shine a light on all the opportunities within the whole Kerr-Tar region, which includes Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties.

“You’re going to get way more done collaborating than working against each other,” she said. “We’re going to succeed by all working together.”

If people can live and work in the same area, that means there’s a greater chance that they’ll spend more time – and dollars – in that same area.

“We want to keep people in the Kerr-Tar region,” Roberson noted.

Don’t fret if you’re interested in coming out to the festival but have young children in tow – VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel said you’re in luck: VGCC’s Science Department is having an event that day as part of the NC Science Festival. There will be a Kid’s Corner where children can “come in and have fun with science,” Cissel noted.

CLICK PLAY!

 

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TownTalk: Continuing Education At Vance Granville Community College

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Vance-Granville Community College is offering several Open House opportunities for students to learn more about a variety of program opportunities available, especially for those non-traditional students who work during the day and need to take classes in the evening or online.

Stephanie Tolbert is VGCC’s dean of Business, Applied Tech and Public Services, was a guest on TownTalk and shared just a few of the programs and classes that are available.

“We know life is busy,” Tolbert said, but especially in this post-COVID world, “people are juggling things in their personal lives. By creating night programs and online programs, student can learn at their own pace or when they have the time, whether that’s early in the morning or late into the evening.

Nighttime welding classes are available at the Main Campus in Henderson, and a new evening welding class has opened up on the Franklin Campus. South Campus in Butner has revived its HVAC class as well, Tolbert noted.

These classes typically meet in the evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which gives students a bit of time to finish their jobs, grab a bite of supper and then head to class. They fall under the category of Applied Technology, which means they are held in person and involve a lot of hands-on learning.

But there also are a wide variety of classes that are 100 percent online, she said. Students can learn medical coding and supply chain management, among others, at “any time that fits their schedule.”

The Open House offers students and prospective students an “all-access pass ” to VGCC campuses, Tolbert said.

The upcoming schedule is as follows:

  • Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon – Main Campus, Henderson
  • April 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Franklin Campus, Louisburg
  • Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon – South Campus, Butner

 

During these open houses, school representatives will be available to speak with attendees about anything from admission requirements to particular degree programs and financial aid.

Unsure about a career path or need to change course? Then Linda Fletcher, director of Career Services, may be the person to speak with.

Whether you’re interested in taking a single class to learn about, say, small engine repair, or are interested in a certificate program or an associate’s degree, VGCC is a good resource for the community.

“As life changes, our needs, interest levels, goals change,” Tolbert said. VGCC can help students who may begin taking a single class develop a program that could ultimately become that career path or completion of a higher degree.

“We’re dedicated to meeting students where they are and helping them get to where they want to go,” she said.

Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more and to register to attend one of the upcoming Open House events.

 

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VGCC’s Nursing Program Head Elected To State Nursing Board

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-information courtesy of Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer

Dr. Anna Seaman, program head and nursing instructor at Vance-Granville Community College has been elected to the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Seaman, who was sworn in on Feb. 21, is a career nurse with decades of experience, according to a press statement from VGCC’s Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, one of the highest degrees a nurse can achieve. In her new role with the state board, she brings her unique perspective as an ADN/diploma nurse educator.

“As North Carolina continues to face a dire nursing shortage, it will be my mission to protect the public, support nurses in the state, and focus on nursing education as N.C. programs experience a dire shortage of qualified nursing educational professionals,” Seaman stated. “I am very interested in creative strategies to assist with this nursing shortage.”

Seaman is a graduate of the ADN program at VGCC and in 2004 took the position of lead instructor and course coordinator for the program, actively working with students to improve retention and NCLEX exam scores. After more than a decade in that role, she became VGCC’s program head in fall 2016. Her new position with NCBON gives her the opportunity to serve nursing students and professionals across the state.

“My experience in nursing and nursing education will greatly assist me in serving N.C.’s public as it relates to safe and effective nursing practice, as well as being an advocate for N.C. nurses and nurse educators throughout the state,” she said.

Each spring, qualifying licensed nurses are nominated by their peers to serve on NCBON.  After nominees have been validated and approved, NCBON conducts a statewide election in the summer so that licensed nurses may select the board members that influence their daily nursing practice. Once elected, new board members begin their four-year term of service the following January.