March Full-Time Employee of the Month: Kelly Baird

As Human Resources Coordinator, Kelly Baird does an exceptional job in her current role at the college. She assists with hiring part-time employees, posting job openings, and countless other tasks on a daily basis. In all that she does, Kelly embodies the meaning of being a team player and consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist in a way that is needed. Prior to being a part of the Human Resources team, Kelly worked directly with several other departments at the college. In those roles, she made valuable and lasting contributions.

Kelly is a dedicated employee that enjoys working on a variety of projects. For instance, Kelly has worked with departments across the college on planning and implementing special events. Often, departments reach out to see if Kelly is available to assist with these special activities because she is a hard worker, detail-oriented, and brings a positive energy when interacting with employees.

Kelly exhibits a customer service-oriented approach in her role at the college. Her approachable and warm personality, alongside her commitment to the improvement of processes, makes her an outstanding employee at CCCC. In recent weeks, Kelly oversaw the development of informational materials and a mailing for the college's Financial Wellness program for employees. As part of this project, Kelly completed the IPMA-HR Public Sector HR Essentials and the National Wellness Institute Certified Facilitator for Financial Wellness courses to better serve our employees.

Kelly is an employee that goes above and beyond in service to the college. Recently, Kelly assisted with helping to register Lee County-based employees that were interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Kelly's organizational skills and development/management of numerous forms and spreadsheets helped to better accommodate the schedules of employees wanting to be vaccinated. She also personally followed up with many employees, and as a result, the process was more efficient.

Kelly Baird

Human Resources Coordinator

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I started at CCCC in January 2017 as an administrative assistant for the Continuing Education Department. When restructuring occurred, I transitioned into the role of being split between the Marketing Department and IER. I started my position in the Human Resources Department as HR Coordinator just two short weeks before COVID-19 last year.

What brought you to CCCC?
I had such a great experience when I was a student at CCCC, I always viewed the college as a positive place. When I was working at a law firm in Carthage, a few co-workers actually left the law firm and started their employment at CCCC. I followed and it was the best decision I ever made!

Where were you born?
Sanford

Where did you grow up?
Sanford

Where do you live now?
Carthage

Educational credentials?
I graduated from CCCC in 2012 with my A.A.S. Degree in Paralegal Technology. In January, I began taking classes at Western Carolina University and am working toward a Bachelor's in Business Administration and Law.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I love spending time with my seven fur babies (five dogs and two cats), planting flowers, and binge watching tv shows (yes, I am a Hulu and Netflix addict). I also enjoy going on vacations to either Gatlinburg, TN (my favorite) or Surf City, NC.

What superhero power would you most like to have?
To be able to visit with loved ones who have passed away.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Farrah Fawcett. When I was younger, I used to wear my hair like Farrah Fawcett. She was an incredible actress.

What is your favorite meal?
So fun fact, I actually hate onions but I love a bloomin' onion from Outback!! I could eat one every day!

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I absolutely love my job and am so fortunate to be part of the CCCC team! Due to me working in various departments of the college, I have had the pleasure to interact and build relationships with so many colleagues, which I am very grateful for. I have many co-workers that I truly feel like are family, and I would be lost without them.

March Part-Time Employee of the Month: Cris Oliver

Cris Oliver, Web Technician, is one of the unsung heroes of our college. She works quietly in the background to make sure the college webpages are updated. I've worked with Cris for 7.5 years on webpage projects for the library, IER, and MAP/QEP. In that time, she has always made the edits in a timely and accurate manner. If she has questions, she's always willing to ask. What really stands out to me is that Cris is consistently dependable and does her job cheerfully. It's always a joy to work with her! Her supervisor Morgan Steele said, "Cris is an exceptional employee that I can always trust to take a project to completion, stopping to ask informed questions as needed along the way. She is a self-motivator and self-starter and a priceless addition to our team!"

According to her supervisor, Morgan Steele said, "At college-wide gatherings Cris insists on not sitting with the department. She is more interested in sitting with new people to learn their stories and experiences of the college and to put faces and stories with the emails and online conversations she has. This initiative and earnestness in a part-time employee is not only amazing, but speaks to the character and type of inquisitive person she is."

Cris Oliver consistently provides high quality work. She goes above and beyond to make sure the webpage updates are correct. After the edits are completed, she always checks in to make sure that the changes match my vision. She also makes sure the formatting of Cougar Bytes articles and QEP/MAP newsletter are really well done. Recently, Cris reached out to make sure that some style changes made by Marketing for a Cougar Bytes article I wrote were okay. They were definitely okay! But I appreciate her willingness to ask for feedback before the changes were finalized.

Recently, I needed to update the MAP webpage. I had the content together, but I had no idea how it should be formatted. I asked Cris to format the content using her professional judgement. The result was better than I could have imagined! I greatly appreciate her work on this project and many other projects over the years!

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It's Game Time!

Please join "Foundation Friday" on April 23 at 10 a.m. for Game Time! You are guaranteed to have a great time as we battle to see who will reign as the college's gaming challenge champ! Prizes awarded! Sign up now!

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Campus Fund Drive Employee Golf Tournament

A wonderful time was had by all at the 2021 Campus Fund Drive Employee Golf Tournament on April 16th at Sanford Golf Course! A total of eight teams comprised of college employees and their guests played in the tournament, combining fun, fellowship, and a little golf on a beautiful day on the greens!

The winners from the tournament were:

• 1st Place Team (with a score of 55) Shaw Cameron, Davis Harris, Trent Harris, Carson Lanier
• Men's Longest Drive: Chris Maples
• Women's Longest Drive: Erin Blakeley
• Closest to the Pin#2: Mike Parnell
• Closest to the Pin #6: Leon Musselwhite
• Closest to the Pin #11: Chris Maples
• Closest to the Pin #14: Shaw Cameron

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PROPEL Leadership Program

The Center for Academic Excellence is excited to announce our new CCCC Leadership Program: PROPEL (Providing Remarkable Opportunities for Promising Emerging Leaders)! The program will begin in August 2021 and will include monthly sessions covering college-specific information and various leadership topics brought to you by both CCCC employees and other members of the NC Community College System. The program will conclude with a team capstone project to be presented at the final meeting in April 2022. This program will be offered biennially and will be limited to a small cohort of 8-12 employees.

The application period opens today and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 28. Please review the eligibility and guidelines for participating in the program. If you are interested in participating or know of a colleague who you think would be an excellent candidate for this program, please use this application to complete the nomination.

The PROPEL Committee will review applicants and select the cohort by July 1, 2021. Participants will be notified of acceptance the first week of July and will need to confirm their participation within one week of notification.

We look forward to beginning this new program this fall and hope that you will apply! If you have any questions regarding the program or application process, please contact Erin Blakeley.

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TRiO SSS Mentor Program: Tell Us About a Time when You Displayed Leadership?

The TRiO SSS Mentor Program connects participants with experienced professionals to enhance participants' educational experience and assist them in preparing for employment and/or transferring to a four-year college or university. TRiO Student Support Services and Student Support Services STEM & Health Sciences Mentor Program hosted a Discover Your Leadership Style and Behavioral Interviewing Tactics event on Thursday, March 25.

Participants who joined us for the virtual workshop reviewed different types of leadership styles and how their leadership styles can change depending on their roles within their organizations and/or groups. Participants explored how to market themselves in professional interviews by describing their specific leadership styles and qualifications. They learned how to use the S.T.A.R. Method to answer behavioral questions and nail their next professional interview with the knowledge of how they plan to enact leadership once they get the job.

TRiO Student Support Services & Students Support Services STEM and Health Sciences are two Department of Education funded grant programs that provide specialized services for students who are low-income, first-generation, or have a disability. If you know of a student that could benefit from our program's services, please refer them to us by e-mailing sss@cccc.edu or calling (919) 718-7567.

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Rats and Rabbits

Vet Med will have rats and rabbits available for adoption in June. Keep an eye on the Cougarpets Facebook page or send us a message at Cougarpets.org if you are interested in having one as a pet or want more details!

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College Success Center Updates

Welcome CCCC Brothers of Excellence!

CCCC Brothers of Excellence is the newly rebranded name for the Minority Male Success Initiative here at CCCC. The Minority Male Success Initiative (MMSI) launched in 2016 and has supported continued student success through the implementation of a successful CCCC Coaching Model. The purpose of MMSI is to address and increase the progression and completion rates of minoritized male students (click here to learn more). The CCCC Brothers of Excellence will continue the legacy of supporting and engaging our minoritized male student body here at CCCC. Our vision is to continue fostering an environment of inclusion that increases awareness of the challenges facing minoritized males and to provide increased exposure to academic, personal, and career-based opportunities for minoritized male students, in order to enhance student outcomes.

For more information, contact Candice Solis, Director of Student Success, at csoli934@cccc.edu.

College Success Center Workshops

Please share the following workshop and RSVP form with CCCC students.

Destined For Greatness: Purpose, Passion, & Persistence- New!
Tuesday, May 4, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Are you preparing for the next steps? Are you graduating soon? Are you ready for greatness? With graduation and the summer semester just around the corner, CCCC Brothers of Excellence is presenting a special workshop for students to help prepare them for the next steps along their pathway to success. Whether you are graduating this semester or not, it is never too early to start preparing for greatness! We will discuss practical tools and skills to aid in your success, as you are planning for your future. If you cannot make the live session please indicate it in the RSVP. We will send you the recording and some additional resources. Please RSVP at Workshop_5.4.2021_RSVP.

We Are Ready to Serve!

As we come down to the wire and close out the semester, please continue to encourage students to meet with a success coach. We are standing by ready to assist with academic resources and support to help meet student needs. The full listing of coaches by program is found at cccc.edu/csc/coaches.

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I.D.E.A.L. Committee Updates

About I.D.E.A.L.

I.D.E.A.L. stands for Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity Advocates for Learning. This committee discusses issues of interest and concern related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion.

President's Council Presentation

The outgoing and incoming co-chairs for I.D.E.A.L. presented updates to the President's Council on April 19. The co-chairs shared I.D.E.A.L.'s work, alignment with the college's vision and strategic plan, and enjoyed the opportunity to offer some ideas and updates for PC consideration.

Leadership Transition

We would like to thank Jairo McMican and Samantha O'Connor for their leadership of the I.D.E.A.L. committee since 2019. They laid groundwork for this committee to operate as a learning space aimed at helping our college be more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Amanda Carter and Alex Kappus have shadowed Jairo and Samantha throughout the spring, and will begin their role as co-chairs of the committee on May 3. Jairo and Samantha will still serve the committee, just not in an official capacity.

Join Our Next Meeting

The next meeting for I.D.E.A.L. is Tuesday, April 27, at 3 p.m.

If you are interested in joining the I.D.E.A.L. committee, consult your supervisor and then fill out this form.

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TRiO SSS & SSS STEM Visit NC State University

TRiO Student Support Services & Students Support Services STEM and Health Sciences invited CCCC students across campus to join them for a virtual visit to North Carolina State University on April 1.

Students met with the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Transfer Student Coordinator, Taylor Holland, to learn about the University, the transfer process, and how NC State supports its transfer students. Participants then had the opportunity to meet with student mentors from the TRiO SSS program at NC State, who provided insight into their experiences transferring to and studying at the University.

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Foundation: Why I Give

CCCC Foundation

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QEP Corner: My Academic Pathway

by Amy Gustavson, Assistant Director of Institutional Effectiveness & QEP

Spring 2021 MAP Newsletter!

The Spring 2021 MAP: My Academic Pathway Newsletter is now available! MAP: My Academic Pathway is CCCC's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The purpose of MAP is to provide a personalized approach that enables new students to make efficient, effective, and timely choices in order to complete their educational and career goals.

Learn more about My Academic Pathway by visiting our website!

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Notes from Institutional Effectiveness & Research

by Amy Gustavson, Assistant Director of Institutional Effectiveness & QEP

College Services Survey - Now live!

The 2020-21 College Services Survey gathers feedback from employees for areas across the college. Our new Qualtrics survey software helped streamline the process. Responses are accepted until April 30th. Look for it in your email or on Staff Announcements.

Professional Development: 2020-21 Outcomes & Assessment Reporting

Join us on Wednesday, April 28, from 2-3 p.m., to review the requirements for 2020-21 Outcomes & Assessment reporting. This session is for all levels of outcomes and assessment reporters. A pre-survey will go out to attendees in order to identify specific concerns. Register via this link.

Summer and Fall 2021 Data Dashboards

The Summer and Fall 2020 data dashboards are now available on the CCCC Dashboards website! Dashboards are updated daily mid-morning. New data dashboards include:

1. 2021SU Enrollment
2. 2021SU Course Fill
3. 2021FA Enrollment
4. 2021FA Admissions
5. 2021FA Course Fill
6. 2021FA Retention
7. 2021-22 FTE

Institutional Effectiveness & Research is your home for accreditation, strategic planning, outcomes & assessment, and institutional research!

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Professional Development

by Erin Blakeley, Coordinator of Professional Development

2020-21 Outcomes & Assessment Reporting

Check out Amy Gustavson's session this month to learn how to complete your 2020-21 Outcomes and Assessment reports. Divisional due dates range from May - July and are determined by your Vice President. The session is from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28. Click here to sign up.

How to Create a Newsletter for Today's Audience

Are you looking to start a newsletter in your department, revamp your current newsletter, or explore new ways to engage today's student? This webinar will provide an overview of everything you will need to get started. We will dive into audience consideration, helpful technology, layout and design tips and tricks, accessibility considerations, and more! The session is from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4. Click here to sign up.

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News From The Library

Personnel News

The Lee Library welcomes Holly Roper to our family! She will be joining us as our new Instructional Services Librarian at the Lee Main Campus and will be assisting with library instruction initiatives, as well as working to curate a collection of Open Educational Resources (OERs) for faculty and students and providing general reference services.

Holly grew up in Rutherfordton, NC, and moved to the Triangle when she attended UNC-Chapel Hill for her B.A. in History. She went on to receive a Masters' in Teaching and taught at Northwood High School for three years as a social studies teacher. She returned to UNC for her Masters' of Science in Library Science and she is currently living in Carrboro with her lively calico cat, Calpurnia. Holly enjoys reading romance novels, baking, and trying new things.

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Red Clay Review

Read and download the complete issue of the Red Clay Review.

Joanne Kennedy Frazer is a retired peace and justice director/educator for faithbased organizations. Her poetry has appeared in several publications. Penning life's passions into poetry is the delight of her silvering years, as is meeting and writing with gifted poets in Durham.

Invocation by Joanne Kennedy Frazer

The lone Carolina wren
warbles an invitation
to silent disciples.

Awaiting an answer,
she repeats the call,
hears a reply,
offers a response.

Each songster
intones her hymn,
lingers, welcomes
antiphonal greetings.

The song is familiar,
the dialect unknown.

Are they embracing
only each other?

Or are they environing
the wild wider world?

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Spring at Biltmore!

Take advantage of this wonderful savings opportunity for CCCC employees! Beginning April 1 through Sept. 30, Biltmore is offering CCCC employees the Biltmore Enhanced Experience. This experience provides a more immersive opportunity for guests to learn about the lives of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and the employees who worked in the home, as well as a closer look at the architectural marvels of Biltmore House and the collection of antiques, fine art, and elegant furnishings throughout America's Largest Home(R).

Save when you purchase your tickets at biltmore.com/corporateperk using our promo code: cccc (case sensitive)

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Welcome New Employees!

New employees as of March 31

Suzannah Palumbo, Academic Coach, TRIO Student Support Services

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Birth Announcement

Jess and James Thomas welcomed Lucia Diane Thomas into the world on April 9th at 2:38 p.m.. She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. Mom, dad, and Lucy are doing well!

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2021 Pay Dates

* Payroll is due EARLIER due to fiscal year end
** Payroll is due EARLIER due to early pay date in December

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

If you would prefer not to be listed or if your name does not appear as you'd like, please email marketing@cccc.edu and let us know!

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News From The CCCC Family

Please read the full obituary in the College's staff announcements.

We wanted to let everyone know that one of our pottery instructors, Raymond Eugene Edwards, Jr., age 60, of Ramseur, died on April 14, at his residence. Raymond was a native of Randolph County and a continuing education teacher at the College. Condolences may be made online at www.loflinfuneralservice.com. Please keep Raymond's family and friends in your prayers.

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Cougar Kudos

We love recognizing our peers in our college family! In addition to our Annual Awards and Employee of the Month program, don't forget about Cougar Kudos.

Cougar Kudos is a quick and anonymous way to send a note of appreciation or a pat on the back directly to a colleague. You can find the link on the CAE homepage. A little note of appreciation goes a long way!

*Your name and email address will be kept confidential and not sent with your message.

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Join the Activity on Social Media!

 FACEBOOK

Veterans Upward Bound
COVID-19 Employee Support
Chatham Community Library
Center for Academic Excellence
Dental Programs
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
CC Culinary Institute
CCCC Distance Education
Triangle South Enterprise Center
Early Childhood Education
TRIO Student Support Services
NCWorks Career Center - Chatham
CCCC Student Outreach
The CCW Career & College Promise
Triangle South WDB
Howard-James Innovation Center
Library
I am CCCC
Cougar Pets
CCCC Foundation

 TWITTER

CCCC Library
CCCC Advising
Triangle South WDB

 YOUTUBE

CCCC Library
Central Carolina CC YouTube

 BLOGS

Triangle South WDB
ESL at CCCC

 Digital NC

Central Carolina Community College, Images and Yearbooks

Do you write a blog, have a Twitter account, or Facebook page for your department or classroom? Share your link! Send to marketing@cccc.edu.

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Cougar Pets News

Cougar Pets is a local animal rescue group housed on the Lee Main Campus. As part of the Veterinary Medical Technology program, our animals help teach veterinary technician students essential skills that will help future animals. All of the animals are rescued from shelters, and all are adoptable. Click on the cat or dog below to see more.

Meet Sabrina

Sabrina

Sabrina is a 3-year-old domestic medium hair black and white. Sabrina is available for adoption!

Meet King Leonidas

King Leonida

My name is King Leonidas, and I am 2-years-old! I am a tri-color Foxhound and weight just 37 lbs. King Leonidas is currently available for adoption!

All adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. They have had regular dental cleanings, blood work, and physical exams. We pride ourselves on the care that our cats and dogs receive during their stay. Contact us at www.cougarpets.org for more information on our colony dogs and available cats.

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Things Wanted, For Sale, or For Free!

CCCC-Bay is happy to post your unneeded, unwanted, or unused items in Cougar Bytes! Send an email (photos would be great) to Marketing at marketing@cccc.edu and we will feature in next month's publication.

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Contribute to Cougar Bytes

Send along your Cougar Bytes contributions!

Our monthly Cougar Bytes newsletter focuses on staff and faculty. We welcome your images of the campuses, staff and faculty successes, events, and shout-outs in each issue. Please submit your contributions to marketing@cccc.edu with any questions or suggestions.

The deadline for contributions is May 25 for the May issue. Upcoming issues:

May 27
June 24
July 22
Aug 27

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