Tag Archive for: VGCC

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VGCC Students Recognized at Virtual Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College held a Pinning Ceremony for the Practical Nursing Class of 2020 using Zoom on July 29, 2020, at 6 p.m. Twenty-two students successfully completed the program in the summer semester.

Since an in-person ceremony could not be held, students chose to have a virtual ceremony. Family and friends were able to watch the ceremony live, and the recorded ceremony can be viewed on Youtube using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO9cFSz74sU

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC’s president, and Dr. Levy Brown, VGCC’s Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement, & Success, greeted the graduates and those who have supported them while they have been in the Nursing program. Both pointed out how needed nurses are in the healthcare field during the current pandemic. Jessica Price, Class President, congratulated her classmates and noted that 2020 is “the year of the nurse.”

Dr. Erica Jastrow, Department Chair of Nursing/PN Program Director (for SimLab Coordinator Mrs. Brande McILroy), recognized students graduating with honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher). This is an important accomplishment, as the PN program is a challenging program with class, lab, and clinical components.

Those recognized include Beverly Frierson and Garikayi Nyakudya. Beryl Ogachi was recognized as the graduate with the highest GPA in the class. Mrs. Patsy Pegram, Nursing Instructor, shared the story of the VGCC Nursing Pin, and graduates were then “virtually handed” their pins by Dr. Jastrow. As each graduate received their pin, they shared their appreciation to family, friends, and the faculty for their support during their time in school.

After receiving their pins, the graduates recited the Nursing Pledge (written by Beverly Hansen O’Malley, RN) with Mrs. Kathy Bray, Nursing Instructor. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Anna Seaman, ADN Program Head, presented the class as official graduates of the Practical Nursing Class of 2020.

Many of the graduates plan to return to VGCC for the LPN to ADN Transition program, which is a one-year program in which current LPNs can return to college to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing to become Registered Nurses. The program starts in the summer semester. Current LPNs interested in the Transition program can contact Ms. Seletha Pherribo at pherribos@vgcc.edu for more information.

The graduates recognized were Sade Hunt of Butner; Ronald Kurui and Cavine Otieno, both of Durham; Jessica Price of Franklinton; Jessica Faulkner, Milton Harper, Jessica Martin, and Lizeth Nieto Mata, all of Henderson; Doanita Williams of Louisburg; Angela Grissom of Oxford; Rahabu Fraser, Jennifer Laney, Patricia Makori, Garikayi Nyakudya, Beryl Ogachi, Zipporah Omambia, Ibrahmia Pouye, and Jonique Whitaker, all of Raleigh; Kelley Lynch of Roxboro; Cheyanne Riley of Stem; Ashely Bass and Beverly Frierson, both of Youngsville.

Faith Dove

Town Talk 08/20/20: Community Mourns Death of Ian Simmons, VGCC President’s Son

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

In a special edition of WIZS Town Talk aired live on Thursday at 11 a.m., community leaders expressed support and sympathy for Vance-Granville Community College President Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais’ oldest son Ian J. Simmons passed away as the result of a car accident on Tuesday.

In a joint statement released by VGCC Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright, Desmarais is fondly referred to as “an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College.”

The statement continues, “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family. As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our president and her loved ones.”

Click here to read the full statement.

Community leaders called-in to Town Talk to express their condolences and to reflect on Dr. Desmarais, her role in the community and her family.

Dr. Jerry Edmonds – vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at VGCC

“We, as a community college, are so saddened and devastated to learn of the passing of Ian. We appreciate all the outpouring of support. As a small community, this is really a testament to Dr. Desmarais and the fact that she is really engaged in our community.”

Edmonds said Ian was a student in VGCC’s Bioprocess Technology program, and that his younger brother Conall is a student at Vance County Early College High School, housed on VGCC’s campus.

“We have students on campus that are hurting because they sat side-by-side with Ian in classrooms and labs. We also have faculty and staff that taught Ian that are mourning over the loss of a student. We’ll get through it as a community and as a family.”

Eddie Ellington – mayor of Henderson

“I consider Dr. Desmarais a friend, a colleague and a community partner. Losing a child is the most tragic thing that can happen to any parent. Myself and the City of Henderson express our deepest sympathy to her family.

Dr. Desmarais, if you are listening, or if you listen to this later, please know you’re in our hearts, and we are here for you.”

Michele Burgess – president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

“On behalf of the Henderson-Vance Board of Directors and staff, I wanted to say how sorry we all are. We are all in shock; it’s just tragic news. We offer her our sympathy.”

On a personal note, Burgess said Desmarais, who is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, often spoke about her sons, a bond the two women share.

“She, in conversation, even from the very first day we met, loved to talk about her family and her children. It was a close-knit family, and she often shared fun things about her boys. I have a son also, so we connected on that level as well. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about it.”

Gordon Wilder – chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners

“On behalf of all the commissioners, I want to express our sadness and our shock at the passing of Dr. Desmarais’ son. We want to give the family our condolences and whatever support we can offer at this time.”

Nancy Wykle – publisher of The Daily Dispatch

“Dr. Desmarais has so quickly become such a fundamental part of our community fabric and has such a vision for where we can go. I think we, as her community family, grieve with her, and we want to wrap our arms around her and her family as they struggle through what no parent ever wants to imagine.

We want her to know that we are here in whatever way she needs us, and we are sending love, sympathy and prayers to her and her family.”

John Charles Rose – WIZS

“We just want Dr. Desmarais and her family to know how special they are here in this community. There are a lot of important partners here in this area. Dr. Desmarais and VGCC, in a lot of ways, are an umbrella that encases all of us because it is an institution of higher education that gives people opportunities to succeed in all areas. A lot of that would be true with any president of a community college, almost generically. Guess what? The word of the day for Dr. Desmarais is not ‘generic.’ The word of the day – in addition to ‘love’ and ‘support’ is ‘organic.’

Dr. Desmarais, the people that called [WIZS Town Talk] today care about you beyond your profession. Thank you for being here. On behalf of an entire community, we hurt for you today; we pray for you today; our love for you grows deeper today; we remember you today; we pray for your son and family today.”

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

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-20-20 Noon

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  • Dr. Rachel Desmarais, President of Vance-Granville Community College, Oldest Son Killed in Car Crash
  • David “DJ” Cooper on Serving as Transportation Director of Vance County Schools, The Same Schools He Himself Attended
  • McGregor Hall Continues Online

Click Play Below For Full Details…

 

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VGCC’s Statement of Support for President Rachel Desmarais

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance-Granville Community College Vice President Dr. Levy Brown and Board of Trustees Chair Danny Wright have released the following joint statement:

The college community is deeply saddened and heartbroken to share that President Rachel Desmarais’ oldest son, Ian J. Simmons passed away as a result of a car accident on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students at Vance-Granville Community College fully support President Desmarais and her family during this tragic time.

Furthermore, we send our prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement. And, we ask that you join us in offering up prayers and positive thoughts.

Dr. Desmarais is an outstanding leader, educator, community member, spouse, and mother who embodies both the mission and vision of Vance-Granville Community College. The members of our campus community are deeply committed to following the strategic leadership direction established by President Desmarais.

“My heart and the heart of the entire Board of Trustees goes out to the Desmarais family,” said VGCC Board Chair Danny Wright. “The Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are fully committed to ensuring that our students continue to receive an excellent education while our president takes the necessary time needed with her family.”

As her college family, we will get through this difficult time together while showing love and support for our President and her loved ones.

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 8-18-20 Noon WIZS

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  • Latest Vance county COVID-19 numbers
  • Lt. Gov. candidate Mark Robinson to speak locally Wednesday
  • Vance Co. Schools internet hot spot locations needed
  • Vance-Granville Community College recognized as a top 10 school

Click Play to Listen…

WIZS – Your Community Voice…Noon Local News 08-18-20

VGCC Dr. Levy Brown

VGCC Vice President Levy Brown Appointed to Serve on National Commission

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023).

“I am excited and humbled to have been appointed to AACC’s Commission on Student Success. It is a fantastic opportunity that provides a space for exchanging ideas, connecting, and learning with some of the brightest leaders who champion the success of students,” Brown said. “Community colleges such as Vance-Granville are continuing to positively impact the lives of our students. My goal is to partner with highly motivated professionals from across the country to eliminate barriers that keep our students from being successful. This includes those from underrepresented and marginalized populations. Finally, I am appreciative to work at an outstanding college, and with a supportive president who supports this type of work.”

Dr. Levy Brown, a vice president at Vance-Granville Community College, recently accepted an appointment to the Commission on Student Success of the American Association of Community Colleges. He will serve a three-year term (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy VGCC)

Dr. Brown serves as the Vice President of Learning, Student Engagement & Success (Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer) for VGCC. He is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with credit faculty and staffers in the areas of academic programs, student success, equity and inclusion, enrollment management, K-12 partnerships and other areas.

Prior to joining VGCC, Brown served as Dean of Arts & Sciences at Lenoir Community College and has been engaged in higher education work for nearly two decades. Brown is an active member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and other local boards. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas including, but not limited to, degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer programs. In addition, the commission focuses on AACC’s 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, to showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes and improve student success; and to provide affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success.

“At VGCC, Dr. Brown has been an active champion of changing institutional mindset, structures and supports to encourage all students to achieve their best success,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC. “I am proud that he will be representing our college successes on the AACC Commission and look forward to what he is able to glean from the collective wisdom of this national panel.”

Best Colleges 2020

VGCC Ranked Sixth-Best Community College in the Nation

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College was recently recognized as one of the top ten community colleges and trade schools in the nation for 2020. VGCC came in at number six on the rankings published by “Best Colleges” (www.bestcolleges.com), a leading provider of independent college rankings and higher education research. The college was also the third-highest-ranked school from North Carolina.

“We are pleased to see this national recognition for Vance-Granville, which we attribute to the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our faculty and staff every day,” Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of the college, said. “VGCC is committed to providing high-quality education and training that is affordable and accessible for the people of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties.”

Best Colleges noted that the college has extended its reach by providing career-oriented programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs include Supply Chain Management, Medical Office Administration, IT/Business Support, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Accounting, and Business Administration. Students can also complete the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science programs online, which prepares them for transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The college has transfer agreements with numerous four-year universities.

“VGCC boasts strong graduation rates and small class sizes,” the website also noted. “The school’s 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio allows students to receive plenty of individualized attention.”

Established in 1969, VGCC offers more than 40 credit programs, in which students work toward certificates, diplomas and degrees. Area residents and businesses can also take advantage of a variety of continuing education/job training opportunities, as well as the High School Equivalency and Adult High School Diploma programs.

Enrollment is currently ongoing for eight-week curriculum credit classes that begin on October 14, and for the spring semester that starts in January 2021. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.

VGCC Agritech

VGCC to Offer Sustainable Agri-Tech Program This Fall

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College continues to “cultivate” new programs for the fall semester. The Sustainable Agri-Tech program will grow one’s knowledge in the agricultural field and prepare students for occupations in a wide variety of jobs in agriculture (both production and value-added) with a range of skills and knowledge.

The program addresses agricultural concepts, skills, and techniques that are required by the agriculture industry. Upon completion, students will have explored sustainable and organic methods, plant, soil and animal science, field management, equipment maintenance and basic computer skills and marketing techniques.

The class begins on September 14, 2020, at 6 p.m. Kelly Dixon will be leading this hybrid class at VGCC’s Franklin Campus. The 96-hour program is made up of only 30 hours in the classroom and 66 hours online. The cost is $188.25.

Tuition assistance is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines. Space is limited.

For more information please visit: https://www.vgcc.edu/agritech/

VGCC Customer Service Excellence

VGCC to Offer New Customer Service Excellence Program

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a new, mostly-online program designed to equip area residents with the customer service skills that are critical to the success of all businesses and organizations. The “Customer Service Excellence” program is set to be offered four times this fall.

In each case, students will only attend the first class in person at one of VGCC’s campuses. The rest of the program (totaling 24 hours) will be completed online from the comfort and safety of students’ homes or offices.

The class that begins at the college’s Main Campus (near Henderson) will be held August 24 – September 13; at the Franklin County Campus (Louisburg), September 14 – October 4; at South Campus (Creedmoor/Butner), October 5-25; and at the Warren County Campus (Warrenton), October 26 – November 15. Students are reminded that masks or face coverings are now required for everyone while indoors on campus.

The first few classes within the program will introduce the basic concepts of customer service, including how to handle difficult customer interactions; enhance participants’ communication skills; and examine customer relationship management (CRM), which can lead to growing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Next, students will learn critical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as basic computer skills for the workplace. Then, participants will gain skills that can help them secure employment, including career/resume development, and job interview techniques. A section on financial literacy will help students learn strategies for managing money, budgeting and saving.

Finally, students will prepare for the National Career Readiness Certification exam.

“This program is designed to equip employees with the skills needed to provide outstanding customer service by building and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships,” said VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions Tanya Weary. “These classes teach participants how to achieve customer service excellence while building a robust, skilled workforce for our local employers in any number of sectors.”

The instructor for the program is Alex Madrigal.

The program costs $70 but will be free of charge to participants who qualify through a Human Resources Development (HRD) waiver.

For more information, contact Kyle Burwell, Director of Occupational Extension, at (252) 738-3276 or burwellk@vgcc.edu.

To register, visit https://www.vgcc.edu/coned/hrd/.

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Town Talk 08/03/20: VGCC Receives CARES Act Funding, Readies for Fall Semester

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

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

Desmarais announced that VGCC recently received $363,000 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law in March to assist American workers, families and businesses.

Funding of $500-$1,500 is available to VGCC students who were registered for in-person classes during the spring semester, received some form of financial aid and were adversely affected by COVID-19. If the pandemic negatively impacted a student’s work schedule, finances, childcare availability and/or personal health, among other areas, Desmarais said they are considered adversely affected.

The amount of funding an eligible VGCC student receives depends on the number of credit hours they were registered for in the spring. Desmarais reported the college has distributed $188,000 in federal CARES Act funding to date.

Desmarais also said that after “a high volume online summer semester that exceeded enrollment compared to last summer,” VGCC is turning its attention to the beginning of its fall semester on August 17.

For the fall, many courses will continue to be taught in an online format, with trade classes such as welding, carpentry and automotive returning for at least partial in-person instruction. “We are teaching what we can in an online format to reduce the number of people on campus at this time,” explained Desmarais.

Drive-up internet Wi-Fi hotspots will be available in VGCC’s parking lots, with access to college internet labs and devices available for registered students.

In addition to in-person tutoring by appointment, online tutoring and assistance with online learning will also be available.

As a safety precaution, the college will require the following measures:

  • Masks are required to be worn in buildings and outside when around other people.
  • A quick health screen will be required each day when arriving on campus.
  • While on campus, keep at least six feet away from others to comply with social distancing.
  • Please do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell, and let your advisor or faculty member know so you can stay caught up with assignments.

To learn more about VGCC, or to register for the fall semester, please visit the college’s official website at www.vgcc.edu.

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