Tag Archive for: VGCC

VGCC schedules leadership series for nonprofits

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— courtesy VGCC

The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center is offering a new series of free seminars that provide essential management skills for leaders of nonprofit organizations. The “Packing Your Toolbox for a Strong Nonprofit” series is presented in partnership with the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, a regional grant-making organization that was established in 2011 as the successor to the Maria Parham Healthcare Foundation.

The six seminars include “Leadership Development for Nonprofit Organizations,” on February 8; “How to Write a Business Plan — The Most Important Part of Starting a Nonprofit,” on February 22; “Financial Management for the Nonprofit Organization” on March 8; “Developing Your Nonprofit Board” on March 22; “Fundraising 101 for Your Nonprofit” on April 5; and “Finding & Writing Grants” on April 19.

Each session will begin with lunch at 12:30 p.m. and will end by 3 p.m. The series will be held in room 7109 (Building 7) on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County. The Triangle North Healthcare Foundation will cover all costs of this series, including tuition, lunch and reading materials.

Melissa Driver Beard of Driving Force Relations, who has served as executive director for several nonprofit organizations, will be the instructor for four of the sessions. Ed Ormsby, former director of the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College, will teach “How to Write a Business Plan,” while Karen Kennedy, Community Development Manager for the City of Sanford, will teach the final session on grants.

Participants in the leadership program will be required to become clients of VGCC’s Small Business Center, which is free of charge.

Small Business Center Director Tanya Weary said that these seminars will be particularly helpful to new executive directors or new volunteer leaders for nonprofit organizations. Space is limited for each seminar. The deadline to register is Jan. 31.

For more information, contact Tanya Weary at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3240.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/small-business-center.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

Connect NC Bond renovation projects at VGCC planned for 2018

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College is gearing up to begin renovations that will improve masonry rooflines, walls and bridges at the Main Campus using the funds allocated by the Connect NC State Bond.

Renovations to restore, repair and waterproof masonry will be placed out for bids in April with work scheduled to begin in May, according to a report delivered to the VGCC Board of Trustees at its bimonthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 22.

Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., chair of the board’s Building Committee, reported that funding will come from $1 million of the funds allocated by the Connect NC Bond passed by North Carolina voters in March 2016. A remaining balance of $69,000 from county resources that has been used for structural renovations to roofs and masonry will also be available for the project.

Bids will be going out in March for the renovation of 3,200 square feet of space in the college’s newest building, Building 10, to accommodate a practical simulation lab for the Basic Law Enforcement Training, Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services programs housed there. Connect NC bond money will be combined with a private donation to complete the project. The renovation may provide an opportunity for the college to expand the training it offers for public services.

At the Franklin Campus in Louisburg, the Welding Technology lab is being renovated to add eight welding booths with plans to complete that project this month. A demonstration area in a Welding classroom, adjacent to the lab, will be renovated and ready for use this summer. This project is being funded with Connect NC bond money.

In a general discussion on the college’s services to the community, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC’s president, cited efforts to help area business and industry.

For example, she noted, the college met with leaders of a new industry, Mako Medical Laboratories, to address their educational needs.

The college will begin meeting the needs of the newly announced industry through its Histotechnology and Medical Assisting curriculum programs, she said, with plans to add a Medical Laboratory Technology curriculum.

Mako, a Wake County-based medical diagnostic testing company, announced in November a decision to expand with the location of a facility in Henderson and the eventual creation of more than 150 jobs. The company is locating in the former Harperprints building with an initial 30 to 50 jobs, according to the announcement last fall.

“Our Histotechnology and Medical Assisting programs will be a great start for them,” she added. “We’ve been able to sit down with them. We had about 10 of our employees with the college meet with their senior leaders and talk about how they are going to grow and how Vance-Granville can serve them.”

“It’s a great company,” she added. “I think we are very fortunate to have them.”

In other action:

• In her report to the board, Dr. Williams highlighted recent accomplishments and opportunities at the college, citing in particular recent efforts of VGCC’s Pharmacy Technology students leading service projects to provide relief to people in the Caribbean who were affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and a partnership with police and a pharmacy in Creedmoor for a drug collection event for people to dispose of outdated and unused prescription drugs. Similarly, Dr. Williams noted, college students collected school supplies and books for children affected by domestic violence, citing a service project by the Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

• The board gave approval to Mid-Year Amendments to the 2017-2018 Budget as presented by Trustee Abdul Rasheed, chair of the Budget Committee. The adjustments were made to account for $1,834,568 in carryover funds from the previous year and grant funding.

• In the reports of the Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris, approval was given to a course to be offered at correctional facilities in Butner, Bunn and Manson, and an Accountability and Integrity Plan for Workforce Continuing Education was approved by the board.

• Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., chair of the board’s Investment Committee, reported on continued growth of the college’s investments.

• An informational report on new employees, retirements, resignations and changes in positions was provided by Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the board’s Personnel Committee.

Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright presided over the meeting.

The Board of Trustees will hold its next regular meeting on March 19 at the Main Campus.

— VGCC —

VGCC hosts lecture series on the brain

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— courtesy VGCC

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

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

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

Dixon describes himself as being “passionate about the brain – everyone’s brain!” He spends much of his time reading the latest research about the neuroscience of the brain, and determining how that research can be translated into practical application in our daily lives. In particular, Dixon is deeply involved in the application of neuroscience to leadership and management issues such as Executive Coaching, Leadership and Management Development, Change Planning & Management, Culture Change, Recruitment and On-Boarding.

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

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

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

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

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

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

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

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— courtesy VGCC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

VGCC – All Campuses Closed Jan 19, 2018

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

Thank you.

Andrew Beal
Public Information Officer
Vance-Granville Community College

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

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

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

Andrew Beal
Public Information Officer
Vance-Granville Community College

UPDATE – All VGCC Campuses Closed Jan. 4, 2018

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UPDATE! All campuses of Vance-Granville Community College are closed today, Thursday, January 4, 2018, because of inclement weather.

Quilting classes start up again at VGCC in January

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— courtesy VGCC

As the cold winter weather brings to mind the original use for quilts, Vance-Granville Community College’s long-running Quilting program resumes in January, with three 14-week class schedules.

Peggy Stocks of Manson teaches the classes that will meet on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon, starting Jan. 10, and on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m., starting Jan. 11.

Velvet Boyd of Warrenton, a former student of Stocks, teaches the class that will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m., starting Jan. 24. All the classes are held in Building 5 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Students come to VGCC from near and far because a Quilting class, particularly one that lasts as long as 14 weeks, can be difficult to find. At a cost of $100, which comes out to less than $2.50 per hour of instruction, the class is also quite affordable.

Stocks has been teaching the art of Quilting for VGCC’s Continuing Education division since 1995. She has been a quilter since 1980. She credits the VGCC Quilting program’s longevity to the fact that many people come back again and again to take the class and continue learning, but adds that beginners are always welcome. “The students who are new get help and inspiration from those who have done it for a long while,” Stocks said. “I just love doing it. I’ve learned from many other people, and I use my experience to teach others. There’s a lot to learn. It’s not as simple as you might think.”

A student works on a quilt in a VGCC classroom.

VGCC Personal Enrichment Coordinator Gail Clark noted that Quilting students benefit from talented instructors. “Peggy focuses on hand-quilting, and many students are able to complete their quilt in a single semester, following her hands-on, personalized instruction,” Clark said. “Peggy’s students also get together to create and donate quilts. Some of her students have entered quilting contests and received ribbons and awards.” Both Boyd’s and Stocks’s quilts have represented VGCC in state community college system art exhibitions, as well. Boyd has been quilting for 20 years and went from taking VGCC Quilting classes to teaching them in the early 2000s. Her students work on a combination of hand quilting and machine stitching.

Stocks said the appeal of a quilting class goes beyond learning skills. “It’s all about taking some time out of your busy schedule to enjoy fellowship with the other students, to be creative and to do something worthwhile – something that doesn’t involve an electronic screen!” she said.

Clark said that men and women of all ages find the classes to be fun, thanks largely to their patient, helpful teachers.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/personal-enrichment or at any VGCC campus. For more information, contact Gail Clark at (252) 738-3385 or ped@vgcc.edu. VGCC will be closed from Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

VGCC Natural Hair Care, Manicuring classes start in January

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— courtesy VGCC

Vance-Granville Community College will offer a pair of continuing education courses that provide job training related to the cosmetology industry, starting in January. Both the Natural Hair Care and Manicure/Nail Technician courses are scheduled for Monday-Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Jan. 8 through June 5, both in Building 3 on VGCC’s Main Campus in Vance County.

In Natural Hair Care, students will learn about the general sciences and practices specific to infection control, bacteriology, client consultation, twisting the hair, wrapping, blow drying and thermal ironing, extending, locking, business management, and professional ethics in the workplace.

The Manicure/Nail Technician course covers techniques of nail technology, hand and arm, massage, and recognition of nail diseases and disorders. Topics include OSHA/safety, sanitation, bacteriology, product knowledge, salesmanship, manicures, artificial applications, pedicures, massage, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and competently perform nail care, including manicures, pedicures, massage, decorating, and artificial applications in a salon setting and even the best massage bangkok salons.

Students who successfully pass each course will be eligible to take the respective state licensure exam for Natural Hair Care or Manicurist.

The cost of each course is $201.25, plus the cost of the textbook and other applicable fees.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/occupational-extension-schedule or at any VGCC campus.

For more information, contact Director of Occupational Extension Kyle Burwell at 252-738-3300 or oex@vgcc.edu. VGCC will be closed from Dec. 21, 2017, through Jan. 2, 2018.

–VGCC–

(VGCC is an advertising client of WIZS.)

VGCC honor society students collect supplies, books for local kids

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— courtesy VGCC

(VGCC Photo)

The Vance-Granville Community College Alpha Sigma Chi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recently conducted a service project by collecting school supplies and books for children in grades K-12 who are affected by domestic violence. Children in such situations may be forced to relocate suddenly, leaving their school supplies at their former homes and putting them at an educational disadvantage. Donation boxes were placed at all four VGCC campuses. The donations were delivered to Infinite Possibilities, Inc., a domestic violence organization that serves Vance and Warren counties. Pictured above with some of the collected items are, from left, chapter advisor and VGCC English instructor Maureen Walters, chapter Vice President of Leadership Pamela Campbell of Littleton, advisor and art instructor Isaac Talley and chapter President Brenda Ellis of Durham. For more information on Phi Theta Kappa, contact Maureen Walters at 252-738-3406 or waltersm@vgcc.edu.

–VGCC–