Tag Archive for: #warrencountynews

VGCC Department Chair McGrady Recognized for National Faculty Award

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College honored Steve McGrady, chair of the college’s Science Department and an instructor, for his recent receipt of the inaugural Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

In a session with the VGCC Board of Trustees on Monday, May 21, Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, recognized the long-time member of the college faculty for the honor.

“This great honor reflects your long-term commitment to academic excellence, teaching and learning, and student success at Vance-Granville Community College as a faculty member,” Dr. Williams said. “Your dedication has been recognized at the national level.”

McGrady, who is a resident of Durham, was named last fall as the VGCC Faculty Member of the Year for 2017-2018, one of three of the college’s Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards. Glen Raven Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC supporter and partner.

Above: Dr. Stelfanie Williams, VGCC president, left, presents a congratulatory letter to Steve McGrady, honoring the Science Department chair for his Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty recognition by the American Association of Community Colleges. (VGCC photo)

McGrady, a full-time VGCC instructor since 1990 and leader of the Science department since 1992, is a graduate of Wake Forest University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree, and of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his master’s degree in biology. He teaches courses in biology, chemistry and geology for Vance-Granville. Prior to joining the faculty at VGCC, he taught at Richmond Community College in Hamlet, N.C.

McGrady was the recipient of the VGCC President’s Leadership Award in 2006 after helping to lead a “Global Studies” initiative that took a group of faculty and students on an educational trip to Costa Rica.

McGrady and now-retired instructor Button Brady coordinated the VGCC Science Camp for middle school students from its inception in 2011, and he has overseen the camp on his own for the last two summers. This year’s camp is scheduled for June 11-15 on the Main Campus.

He served as co-chair of the VGCC Endowment Fund Faculty & Staff Drive from 2010 through 2012 and is a graduate of the VGCC Leadership Institute of 2005-06. McGrady has been involved in the college’s Male Mentoring program as a mentor and has served as chair of the college’s Academic Affairs Committee.

The AACC is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges, representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions and more than 12 million students. The award received by McGrady is named in honor of former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell. The designation was established to recognize individuals making a difference in the classroom. The AACC said recipients are chosen for demonstrating passion for students and the classroom; showing a willingness to support students, inside and outside of the classroom; participation in college committees; and going above and beyond what is required to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors.

VGCC Trustees Expand Pharmacy Tech Programs with Certificates

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Vance-Granville Community College’s Board of Trustees approved the addition of new certificates in the Pharmacy Technology curriculum program and the College and Career Promise (CCP) Pathways at the bimonthly meeting on the college’s Main Campus on Monday, May 21.

The Pharmacy Technology certificates, which will be available this fall, expand opportunities in a program that already offers an associate’s degree and a diploma providing qualified students with the skills and knowledge needed to practice in a variety of pharmacy settings. The suggested course sequence for the 13-hour certificate program, which can be completed in one semester, offers courses in Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacy Calculations (including a lab), and Trends in Pharmacy.

Certificate coursework applies towards completion of a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The CCP Pathway offers qualified high school students the opportunity to earn college credit for free while enrolled in high school.

Above: Trustee Board Chair Danny Wright, left, and VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams, right, present a plaque to Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor of Louisburg, honoring her for her service as Student Trustee for the Board of Trustees in 2017-2018. Taylor, who graduated this year from both the Franklin County Early College High School and VGCC, was president of the VGCC Student Government Association. She plans to continue her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall. (VGCC photo)

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technology curriculum are eligible for employment in hospitals, nursing homes, private and chain drug stores, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and pharmacy benefit management call centers. Graduates are also prepared to take the National Certification Examination developed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). VGCC’s program has also become an Advocate Educator through the PTCB Educator Program.

The action came after a recommendation from the trustees’ Curriculum Committee, chaired by Trustee Barbara Cates Harris. In other action from the committee, the trustees voted to close a curriculum certificate program in Sustainable Electrical Energies, effective in the fall, because current trends in the workforce no longer support the demand for the certificate. Upon committee recommendation, too, the board approved the offering of an Occupational Extension course in Food Service Management to Captive/Co-opted Groups at Polk Correctional Institution in Butner.

Capital Projects

In an update on the college’s Capital Projects, Trustee Donald C. Seifert, Sr., noted that the structural renovation and restoration of masonry at the Main Campus will be placed out for bid this summer after the competition of the final assessment fieldwork.

The bidding process for fire alarm replacement work on the Main Campus has been delayed up to two months by reviews in the State Construction Office, he said.

In addition, he noted that design development and construction documents are scheduled to be completed later this month for renovations to Building 10, with bids going out in June, and Welding Laboratory renovations at the Franklin Campus have been inspected and accepted after being completed earlier this spring.

Quality Enhancement Plan

Jeffrey Allen, dean of enrollment and outreach for VGCC, gave the board an update on the college’s Quality Enhancement Program, designed to streamline the college’s advising process with more emphasis on student success.

Labeled as “Advising in 3D — Dream, Design and Discover,” the QEP has three goals: (1) Students will develop a rapport/relationship with an advisor; (2) Students will know the steps to completion of their academic and career goals; and (3) Students will become responsible, independent and empowered for their education.

Among the various steps being taken to meet those goals, advising and orientation are now mandatory; academic and career planning courses require students to identify their programs of study, review courses completed, and plan semester-by-semester for completing course requirements for graduation; and an emphasis is being placed on career services, the Academic Skills Center, financial aid and other resources to help ensure student success.

“We are pleased with the progress we’ve made for our students through the QEP,” noted Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC, “and we see many opportunities for student success going forward.”

SGA President

The board recognized the Student Government Association president, Sovanny “Sophie” Taylor, who finished her term as a Student Trustee.

Taylor, who is a graduate of Franklin County Early College High School as well as Vance-Granville Community College, said that she found her academic experience at VGCC “refreshing” because of the support and care demonstrated by staff and faculty.

Taylor will enter Honors College at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a junior this fall, she told the board. She plans to study molecular genetics.

Other Action

In other action:

  • The trustees approved student, patron, child care and facility rental fees for the 2018-2019 academic year, recommended by the Budget Committee, chaired by Trustee Abdul Rasheed.
  • Trustee Sara Wester, chair of the Personnel Committee, reported on new employees, retirements and resignations.
  • The Investment Committee, chaired by Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., reported on growth in the college’s investments.
  • Board Chair Danny Wright appointed a nominating committee composed of Frazier, Wester and Harris to prepare a list of nominees for officers for the Board of Trustees for 2018-2019.

The next meeting of the VGCC Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, July 16, at the Main Campus.

Families Living Violence Free

Important Reminder from Families Living Violence Free

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-Information courtesy Peggy Roark, Coordinator for Families Living Violence Free

If someone you know or someone you suspect is a victim of domestic violence, please call

FAMILIES LIVING VIOLENCE FREE

24/7 Crisis line English 919-693-5700

24/7 Crisis line Hispanic 919-690-0888

There is always someone there to listen, to help! Everything is confidential.

Please…you could be saving a life….it could be your own.

Families Living Violence Free:

125 Oxford Outer Loop Road 

PO Box 1632

Oxford, NC 27565

Email: Proark@flvf.org

Office: 919-693-3579

Crisis: 919-693-5700

Hispanic Crisis 919-690-0888

Website: www.flvf.org

Like us on Facebook!

IT IS REAL. YOU ARE NOT CRAZY. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I BELIEVE YOU.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC President Williams Resigns To Take VP Position At Duke

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, announced today that she has accepted the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13, 2018.

“It has been an honor and joy to lead and serve at Vance-Granville Community College,” Dr. Williams said. “I am proud of the success over these years, and I am confident that, with the fine faculty and staff and community support, the best is yet to come for the college.”

The announcement came today after the VGCC Board of Trustees voted to accept the resignation. “Dr. Williams has provided outstanding leadership for Vance-Granville Community College,” said Danny W. Wright, board chair. “Her vision and intellect, passion for student success, and commitment to community engagement will be assets to Duke University, and she will be missed dearly at VGCC and the surrounding communities we serve. Stelfanie is very deserving of this opportunity, and we are heartened to know that she will continue her great work and contributions in higher education.”

In an e-mail to VGCC trustees, faculty and staff members, noting their contributions to the college’s success, Dr. Williams wrote, “You all are an amazing group of professionals! Thank you for your commitment and great achievements over these years.”

Dr. Williams succeeded Randy Parker as the sixth president in the history of the college on Feb. 1, 2012. She came to VGCC from Central Carolina Community College where she last served as the vice president of economic and community development. A graduate of Duke University, she began her community college career at CCCC as an instructor for Basic Skills and progressed through several positions on the faculty and in administration at community colleges in North Carolina.

Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of Vance-Granville Community College, announced that she has accepted the position of Vice President for Durham Affairs at Duke University, effective Aug. 13, 2018. Photo courtesy VGCC.

In her new position at her alma mater, Dr. Williams will lead and coordinate Duke’s diverse and innovative community efforts in areas such as economic development, affordable housing, early childhood, K-12 and workforce education, student engagement, neighborhood relations and community health, according to a press release from Duke. She will also continue building connections between Duke and Durham Public Schools, Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University. She succeeds Phail Wynn, former president of Durham Tech, who is leaving after 10 years in the position.

“Duke’s commitment to public service and the unique attributes of the Durham community excite me about the bright opportunities ahead for thoughtful collaboration,” Dr. Williams is quoted as saying in the Duke release.

Among local and regional boards and commissions, Dr. Williams currently serves on North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s Commission on Sound, Basic Education and the MyFutureNC commission created to get more North Carolinians better educated.

Dr. Williams was named “President of the Year” by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges earlier this year. In 2014, she received the I.E. Ready Distinguished Leadership Award, named for the first president of the North Carolina Community College System, by North Carolina State University.

She was born in New York City, raised in Sanford and attended The Asheville School in Asheville, N.C. She attended Duke University, where she received bachelor’s degrees in Public Policy and Spanish, and Western Carolina University, where she earned a master’s degree in Project Management. In 2011, Williams completed her doctorate, an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education, from NCSU.

For the selection process leading to Dr. Williams being named as VGCC’s president in December 2011, the college’s Board of Trustees appointed a Presidential Search Committee and a nationwide search was conducted. The board was assisted in that process by a search consultant from the North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees.

Trustees Chair Wright added, “We will miss Dr. Williams, but we wish her the very best as she moves on to another opportunity for educational leadership at Duke University…. Over the next several weeks, she will be working with the board, college personnel, and community partners to prepare the institution for future growth.”

Warren County Animal Ark FREE Rabies Shots

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

If you’re a Warren County Resident, then the Warren County Animal Ark is offering FREE Rabies Clinic on Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Lions Den Parking Lot at 429 W. Ridgeway Street in Warrenton.

You must show proof of residence.

Dogs and cats do not have to be current on rabies vaccinations but need to be over 3 months old. All dogs must be leashed and all cats in carriers.

This FREE rabies clinic is provided by the Warren County Animal Control and Shelter.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

American Red Cross Disaster Bootcamp

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Disaster Bootcamp Action Team

Franklin, Warren, Vance and Granville Counties

Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Attendance is required at both sessions)

LOCATION: Franklin County Emergency Services 8146 NC-56, Louisburg, NC 27549

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

  • Learn the Red Cross role and values for engaging with disaster clients, first responders, and the public
  • Understand functions of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), and expectations for DAT workers on a response
  • Discover roles a DAT member may perform on a large-scale disaster response
  • Learn casework and recovery planning processes and the system used
  • Learn how direct client assistance is issued and how referrals are made to community partners
  • Complete training through a simulation drill, practicing the skills learned during the classroom sessions
  • If desired, be assigned to a Disaster Action Team, and support the Red Cross in Franklin, Warren, Vance and Granville Counties

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! Call 919-774-6857 or email Jennifer.Vangundy@redcross.org or Gehrig.Haberstock3@redcross.org

(This is not a paid advertisement)

NC Coop Extension

Vance Co. Cooperative Extension – Weekly Parenting Tip

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-Weekly parenting tips provided courtesy of Jean Bell, Parenting Education Coordinator, Vance County Cooperative Extension

Parenting tip week of 5/21/18

Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping with kids can be fun. Involve your kids in your shopping trip by making shopping into a learning experience. Have your younger children find foods of different colors and shapes. Older children can look for letters in signs or read packages.

Write a shopping list together and have your older child check off the items as you purchase them. When your kids are busy shopping, it can be less stressful for you and kids can learn about healthy foods.

Announcing Warren County’s First Annual BBQ Cookoff!

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

On Saturday, June 2, 2018,  the Stone Square Lodge of Warrenton will host the first ever Warren County Cookoff on the Historic Courthouse Square in Warrenton. This family-friendly event will feature music, games and of course lots of great food.

Currently, they’re seeking vendors and sponsors. Judging will take place to determine the best beef, chicken, ribs, BBQ & specialty food. For more information contact Jonte Hawkins @ 252-767-4051 or via email at jontehawkins@gmail.com.

Here are the details from their website:

This competition is open to anyone who wants to see if they are the best. There will be five categories:

 Chicken

 Beef brisket

 Ribs (Pork and Beef)

 Barbecue (Pork)

 Specialty items

Also, there will be a People’s Choice award where people will vote for the best in each category. This event is still in the planning stages. Vendor and competition applications are available…

1. Go to the Contest Registration or Vendor Application link by clicking here

2. Print Registration

3. Applications may be mailed to the address listed on the form (but email is faster and ensures a better probability of securing a spot)

4. If you are submitting your application via email, send in your application then purchase a vendor space via Paypal link on each registration page.

To stay up-to-date on the latest details, visit the Warren County BBQ Cookoff website by clicking here.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Andrew Willis & Friends to Perform at Cherry Hill

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— courtesy The Chamber of Commerce of Warren County | Craig Hahn, Executive Director ~ 252-257-2657 ~ info@warren-chamber.org ~ Facebook

Andrew Willis, professor of music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, will return to Cherry Hill on Sunday, May 20, 2018. Dr. Willis has performed on the Steinway grand piano at the antebellum plantation concert site a number of times. Initially coming to Cherry Hill to preview his renowned “Focus On Piano” series, Dr. Willis in recent years has brought his finest graduate students to perform with him.

This year all five of the students are in the UNC-G Doctoral Program and were selected by Dr. Willis for their outstanding keyboard talent as well as their potential for professional success in the coming years.

The students are from several countries including the United States, and all have won awards from universities and competitions around the world. They will perform compositions by Chopin, Debussy, and three 20th century composers. Dr. Willis, assisted by one of the students, will play Robert Schumann’s “Introduction and Allegro appassionato, Op. 92.”

The performance will begin at 3 p.m., and admission will be taken at the door. The cost for adults will be $10, students $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted at no charge. A reception will follow the concert, and the entire 1858 house will be open for viewing.

For further information, visit the website www.cherryhillconcerts.com or telephone 252-257-5259.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

VGCC Plans Science Camp for Middle School Students

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

Registration ends on Friday, May 18, for the 2018 edition of Vance-Granville Community College’s Science Camp for local middle school students. The camp will be held Monday through Friday, June 11-15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.

Rising sixth, seventh and eighth-graders from Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties are invited to participate in the week-long camp, now in its eighth year.

Sessions will be taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science Department and other college programs.

Above: Middle School students who attended the 2017 Science Camp work with VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady to conduct an experiment using red cabbage during a session on chemistry. (VGCC photo)

“We encourage young people in our service area to take advantage of this great opportunity to explore the world of science,” said VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady. “We will have fun, hands-on activities that involve various sciences and allow campers to explore STEM career fields such as biotechnology, electronics and pharmacy. Our outstanding VGCC faculty members collaborate each year to make this a learning experience that is unlike anything available in our four-county area.”

The cost to attend the camp is $125, which includes lunch each day and a camp T-shirt.

Parents can now register their campers online at www.vgcc.edu/camps. For more information, contact Steve McGrady at (252) 738-3339 or mcgradys@vgcc.edu.