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CCCC Employee of the Month!

April Full-Time Employee of the Month: Latoya Brower

Latoya has been open to collaboration with the BioWork program from day one. Her openness, willingness to help, and leadership are the reason our students are meeting their goals of employment in the Biopharma field. The resumé revisions and approval process takes time, attention to detail, and coordination with multiple team members. Our students have a high rate of employment from the virtual career fair because of her service and dedication to our students. Great things happen when we all work together and Latoya is an essential part of the CCCC family!

Latoya takes on extra student resumés during the revision process as needed. Sometimes we have a student who submits their document late or a student who needs additional attention. Latoya steps up without hesitation and provides exceptional customer service for the student. When Latoya says she's going to take care of something, I have confidence that it's done and people are taken care of.

Latoya is exceptionally responsive to the needs of students and communication with CCCC colleagues. I appreciate her responsiveness, initiative, and willingness to talk through the status of projects. Her communication skills are exceptional. Latoya is a colleague I can count on to launch new classes, support current efforts, and go the extra mile to ensure our students are taken care of. Her work specifically provides pathways to achievable dreams for our students.

Latoya offers a truly student centered approach to job-readiness and employability skills. She has been in her role approximately six months and has thrived. She is a dedicated employee with a collaborative spirit. She routinely engages with colleagues within and outside of her department. She is tenacious, dependable, knowledgeable and inspiring.

Latoya Brower

Director/Instructor, Essential Career & Employability Skills (ECES)

How long have you worked for CCCC?
I have been with CCCC a little over four years now. I began working here in April of 2017.

What brought you to CCCC?
I was working part-time at Durham Technical Community College and wanted to find a full-time position working in continuing education. I love everything about continuing education so I wanted a position that would allow me to contribute more to that area and, hopefully, be able to positively impact lives through helping them achieve access to education and work toward reaching their goals.

Describe what you do for CCCC.
In a nutshell, I am in charge of the Human Resources Development (HRD) programming for continuing education.

HRD programming traditionally includes courses in helping people learn how to craft resumes that will get them noticed by employers, in learning about and practicing interviewing, and learning critical soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and being independent problem solvers. Qualities and abilities that many employers need in top-quality employees. But, our program goes beyond the traditional to include professional development training. We are looking to expand what HRD means and is capable of offering to individuals, hence the rebranding to Essential Career & Employability Skills.

My work and the work of my team of instructors is about helping people to become well-rounded in the sense that they can add these important employability skills to their hands-on, practical career/job skills and go out and wow employers; showing them that they know how to take care of customers, treat co-workers, act with members of leadership within their organization, and contribute to their respective employers as well as their community.

In addition to my primary role as ECES Director, I also teach for the college. I have been teaching DDC-4 and Alive at 25 defensive driving courses since 2018, and will be teaching some courses for the ECES program.

Where were you born?
I am a NC native born in Pinehurst (Moore County).

Where did you grow up?
I grew up as country girl in a little rural town called Jackson Springs, also in Moore County.

Where do you live now?
I am currently living in Carrboro, NC.

Educational credentials?
I have two A.A.S. degrees, Medical Office Administration 2006 and Office Systems Technology 2007-Sandhills Community College, a Bachelor's in Business Administration (2018) and a Master's in Business Administration (2021)--both from the University of Mount Olive.

Tell us about your family!
I am the youngest of nine kids; four girls and five boys, and the second of only two to obtain a college education. My father had to leave school in the 8th grade to help support his family, and my mother was only able to complete 9th grade before she also had to take employment to help her family.

My father worked at Stanley Furniture Mill in West End, NC, for over 35 years. My mother worked in housekeeping for a private employer and then later became a custodial worker for an elementary school. My father passed away in 2000, and my mom passed in 2007. I have lost three of my siblings; a sister and two brothers. I am happily single and childless; married to my God, education, and my career. I do miss having a pet, though, but it cost so much at an apartment complex to keep a pet, and then there is the time they must spend without you while you are working that just won't justify my getting one. I have helped raise a few babies, though, despite not having my own. I have two nieces, four nephews, two great nieces, three great nephews, and a goddaughter.

What are some of your hobbies or other interests outside of CCCC?
I am addicted to music and so I have to have Pandora playing all day and all night. I am a wannabe techy so I do read articles, do some research and look at some shows about tech stuff. I take a few short courses to try my hand out at things like coding and programming, and web design. I am also a huge fan of anime and manga. I am always going to be learning something so anime and manga are my next personal and professional development goals.

What superhero power would you most like to have?
I don't want the job, but I would love the powers of God - to be able to do and control all things.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Perhaps, Rebel Wilson. I think she is crazy enough to pull it off.

What is your favorite meal?
One prepared by someone else's hands - Asian, Spanish, or Italian preferrably.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I love dragons, fairies, and unicorns and plan to move to Japan where I hope to be sipping Sake and watching festival fireworks in a beautiful kimono when I die.

I also want to let my CCCC family members know that I am truly grateful and so appreciative for being chosen for April Employee of the Month. It is encouraging and confirming that the work me, and my ECES instructors, are doing is having an impact on the college and our students. I cannot do this alone. The strong collaborative spirit of all of you and the college-wide focus on putting students and their needs at the forefront of what we do will forever be a key factor in any success that the ECES program achieves. Thank you.

Part-Time CCCC Employee of the Month!

April Part-Time Employee of the Month: James Pearson

Lt. Pearson is always approachable with any needs concerning security and access, whether during normal business hours or not. He's always very friendly and does whatever he can to accommodate a need.

Lt. Pearson once saw my vehicle on campus during off hours as he happened to drive past campus. He stopped and came in to check in on me.

He always works within the confines of his job, but does so in a way that shows care and compassion for those he is dealing with.

His character on the job is an extension of his character as a whole. He was involved in a food distribution ministry with his church during the COVID pandemic.

James Pearson
Security Officer

How long have you worked for CCCC?
19 years. 12 years at Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center and seven in security.

What brought you to CCCC?
Jim Felton

Describe what you do for CCCC.
I supervise all five sites in Harnett County in security for the College.

Where were you born?
Harnett County

Where did you grow up?
The big town of Broadway, NC.

Where do you live now?
The big town of Broadway.

What are some of your hobbies or other interest outside of CCCC?
Playing golf and helping the needs of people in the community as giving food, clothing, and other items.

What super power would you most like to have?
Just do the right things.

Which actor would portray you in a movie about your life?
Andy Griffith

What is your favorite meal?
Don't have choice.

Anything else you'd like to share with the CCCC family?
I served in the military for 13 years; eight years as a tanker and five years as a drill sergeant. Plus, I retired at J.T. Davenport as a supervisor in transportation.

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WOW! WHAT A TEAM!

Foundation Fridays in April

Thanks to all who participated in our "Foundation Friday" gaming challenge
on April 23rd as part of the 2021 Campus Fund Drive.

 

A wonderful time was had by all at the 2021 Campus Fund Drive Employee Golf Tournament at Sanford Golf Course on April 16th as part of the 2021 Campus Fund Drive. See more images below.

 

Thanks to our Cougars at the Cinema who enjoyed concessions and a movie for "Foundation Friday" on April 9th as part of the 2021 Campus Fund Drive!

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Cougar Reunion Events

We are so excited to welcome our faculty and staff back to campus. We have been waiting for a time when it is safe to gather our CCCC family in a "Cougar Reunion." That time is now!

Events will be as follows:

  • Chatham Main Campus on Tuesday, June 1, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
  • Harnett Main Campus on Wednesday, June 2, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
  • Lee Main Campus on Thursday, June 3, Noon - 1:30 p.m

These events will be outdoors and floating. You may pick up your food and visit with colleagues (socially-distanced and masked) as you feel comfortable. Each participant will receive a voucher for a FREE meal including a dessert. We look forward to seeing you there!

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CCCC's Job Corps Scholars Program

Exciting things are happening within CCCC's Job Corps Scholars Program! Please join us in welcoming our newest team member, Eric Davidson, a Job Corps Scholars Employment Counselor. Eric will be assisting our team as we work to provide opportunities to students ages 16 to 24 who are seeking to earn in-demand, industry recognized credentials in 12 months or less. Welcome Eric. We're happy you're here.

A few words from Eric:

Greetings!

I am excited to serve as the Employment Counselor for the Job Corps Scholars Program at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC).

For the last 23 years I have been a teacher, first as a high school teacher and then as an adjunct instructor at CCCC. Prior to that, I worked in sales and management for Lowes Home Improvement for 10 years.

I have been married to Debbie for 39 years, and we have two "millennial" adult children, a daughter-in-law, and six outdoor cats. Our son works for a Credit Union in Rockville, MD., and our daughter is a seventh-grade math teacher at SanLee Middle School in Sanford.

Fun facts about me:

I attended CCCC for four semesters before transferring to Campbell University to complete my B.A. While at CCCC I was elected the Treasurer for the Student Government Association for one year. And later on at CCCC, I was the Women's Basketball Coach for one season.

I love coaching sports, especially basketball and soccer, and I work with businesses and companies as an Executive Coach. I think of myself as a coach, assisting students in seeking employment and/or an apprenticeship, pursuing further education, or enlisting in the military, so feel free to call me "Coach" or "Coach Eric."

I enjoy learning and reading and spending time with my family, especially on vacations and weekend trips.

I also enjoy politics, so I ran for the Lee County Board of Commissioners in 2000, and for the Lee County Board of Education in 2020. I have served on several local non-profit organization boards since moving to Sanford in 1986.

I look forward to getting to know our Job Corps Scholars and the opportunity to assist them as they seek the next phase in their life's journey. If you would like to learn more about the JCS Program and/or my role in assisting students, please email me, edavidson@cccc.edu.

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Employee Golf Tournament 2021 Images

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

If you missed the original announcement, CCCC has a new internal leadership program, PROPEL (Providing Remarkable Opportunities for Promising Emerging Leaders)! For more information, check out the original announcement and guidelines. Applications are due Friday, May 28.

Please review the eligibility and guidelines for participating in the program or please use this application to complete the nomination.

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Campus Fund Drive Gift Card Winner

Our gift card drawing winner is Barbara Bera!
Thank you to all you participated in this year's Campus Fund Drive!

If you have not sent in your contribution, it is not too late!
Please send your packet to Abby Walker or go online and give at
cccc.edu/foundation/campus-fund-drive.

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Rats and Rabbits

We have exciting news! We currently have rats and rabbits up for adoption FREE OF CHARGE and no application required! If you're interested just send a message to our website cougarpets.org. They will available to go home the first or second week of 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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2021-2022 Employee Awards Nominations

This is a friendly reminder that you have less than one week left to submit your nominations for our 2021-2022 Employee Awards! Please see the official announcement, which includes instructions for nominating someone and guidelines for each award. Nominations are due by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1. Please let Erin Blakeley know if you have any questions.

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Summer Energy Savings

Please be advised that all air conditioning temperatures in all buildings will be set back on Fridays and weekends while we are working our summer schedule in order to capture savings on our utility bills. If you have specific needs for activities on Fridays or weekends, please submit a Work Order through School Dude no later than the Wednesday prior to the Friday or weekend activity. Please provide the specific times of day and the building location where the activities will take place. If you need assistance with the School Dude Work Order system, contact Nicole Crissman at ext. 7309. Thank you for your assistance in our pursuit of energy savings.

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Additional Degree Approval

Graduations encourage us all to pursue higher education. By way of reminder, be sure if you are interested in completing an additional degree, to have an additional degree approved on file prior to graduation.

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PTK Finishes Another Successful Year

CCCC's Beta Sigma Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor society wrapped up another successful year recently. Along with completing the requirements for recognition as one of PTK's 5-star chapters, one of our members, William Tucker, has been selected as a winner of the society's annual Honor's Case Study Challenge. William's project, "Empty Pedestals: Life After Monuments," analyzed recent controversies surrounding the place of Confederate monuments in our society.

Speaking about his project, William said, "I approached the monuments debate with the overarching questions: why is it even a debate; why is truth contentious; what is really being argued here? The goal was to move beyond historical (in)accuracy and into what I now consider to be the heart of it -- how do different historical narratives affect how we perceive ourselves, and our sense of (dis)comfort with our heritages?"

William's Honor's Case Study entry was recognized with a PTK Hallmark Award as well as a scholarship and framed certificate.

Pictured are William Tucker and his dog Franklin

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June Town Hall

The next Town Hall is scheduled as a BlackBoard Collaborate on Wednesday, June 2, at 3 p.m. Please click on Town Hall Discussion Topics to submit questions or topics you would like addressed during June's virtual meeting.

We need you to submit your suggestions by noon on Tuesday, June 1, to be included in the topics discussed. Thank you.

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Summer Views

Summer is here! thanks to Kelly Baird for the summer photo contributions!

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PERSONNEL NOTES

Welcome New Employees!

New employees as of April 30

    Nicely Jena, Admissions Specialist
    Roper Holly, Instructional Service Librarian

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2021 Pay Dates

MONTHDUE DATEPAY DATE
May May 10, 2021 May 28, 2021
June June 3, 2021 * June 30, 2021
July July 8, 2021 July 30, 2021
August Aug. 10, 2021 Aug. 31, 2021
September Sept. 10, 2021 Sept. 30, 2021
October Oct. 8, 2021 Oct. 29, 2021
November Nov. 10, 2021 Nov. 30, 2021
December Dec. 2, 2021** Dec. 21, 2021

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

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2021 Summer Schedule

The college will be closed on the following Friday's this summer:

May 21July 2 (July 5 is an observed Holiday)
May 28July 9
June 4July 16
June 11July 23
June 18July 30
June 25 

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Birthdays

Birthday list provided by Human Resources

5/27 Melissa Fogarty
5/27 Drew Goodson
5/27 Christa Mashburn
5/27 Victoria Morris
5/27 Lauren Weaver
5/30 Jonathon Lore
5/31 Thea Boyer
6/1 Alexander Kappus
6/4 Deanna Brown
6/4 Travis Perry
6/5 Joseph Farley
6/5 R.V. Hight
6/6 Beverly Diniz
6/7 Garrick Ewers
6/7 Anthony Farrior
6/9 Christopher Bailey
6/9 Amy Gustavson
6/10 Robin Kohanowich
6/10 Holly Schofield
6/10 Linda Scuiletti
6/11 Jerod Kirk
6/12 Dixie Holden
6/12 Christy Jones
6/13 Lisa Chapman
6/13 John Jackson
6/16 Amanda McLamb Collier
6/17 Sandra Bowen
6/18 Barbara Bera
6/18 Rhonda Goldston
6/18 David Myers
6/19 Megan Burgess
6/19 Alonzo Glover
6/20 Ryan Breeden
6/20 Carl Bryan
6/21 Sandra Thompson
6/22 Linda Bradford
6/23 Teresa Butler
6/24 Frank Bedoe
6/24 Doris Stone
6/25 Samantha Carroll
6/27 Christi Copes
6/28 Alyson Cochrane
6/29 Randy Baker
6/29 James Sizemore

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 sadly inform everyone of the passing of a former CCCC Trustee, Thomas "Tommy" Edwards, aged 75, on May 22. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chatham Arts Council, PO Box 418, Pittsboro, NC, 27312 and Pinecone, PO Box 28534, Raleigh, NC, 27611. A date, time, and location will be determined for a public celebration of Mr. Edward's life in June.

We sadly want to inform everyone that Vicky Wesner, Department Chair of the CCCC Dental Programs, lost her father, James Forrest Owens, aged 78, on May 8. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Christian Academy, a Christian school established by Stoney Point Baptist Church over 20 years ago. Mr. Owens was very passionate about the school and the purpose it serves. Donations may be sent to 6548 Rockfish Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28306 in memory of Mr. Owens.

Jane Strother, our former Distance Education Coordinator, recently lost her husband. Jane's address is 1308 Old Cox Road, Apt. 316, Asheboro, NC, 27205, should you wish to send your condolensces.

We sadly want to inform everyone of the passing of the Grandmother of Jon Spoon, Blanche Olive Goldston, aged 94, on April 25. A strong advocate for public education, she returned to college during her early fifties and earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from CCCC. Afterward, she worked as a teacher assistant at J.S. Waters School in Goldston. Online condolences may be made at pughfuneralhome.com.

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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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Summer 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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COUGAR PETS

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.

Meet Ember

Cougar Pets

Ember

My name is Ember! I am a 1-year-old female in search of my furever home.

I enjoy playing with other kitty friends and snuggling with human friends. I am a very playful kitty who can chase around cat toys all day long. I can't wait to meet my new best friend!

Meet Hobbes
Cougar Pets

Hobbes

My name is Hobbes. I am a 5-year-old Shepherd Mix.

My bio and pictures are coming soon to the Cougar Pets site, but don't wait, visit me now!

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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CCCC-BAY

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

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 June 22 for the June issue. Upcoming issues:

  • Thursday, June 24
  • Thursday, July 22
  • Friday, Aug 27
  • Friday, Sept 24
  • Friday, Oct 22
  • Friday, Nov 19
  • Friday, Dec 17

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The next issue of COUGAR BYTES will be published on Thursday, June 24, 2021.

Flashback to Cougar Bytes May 2013.